log in

We take RSVPs to events very seriously, because we want everyone in the group to have confidence in each other, and to be able to plan events based on this confidence.

After all, don't you want people to show up if they say they'll show up, and don't you prefer people you can truly count on?

Please feel free to drop any of them a note about anything concerning Bay Area Linkup. Each one of our "buddies" has a lot of experience, and would like to help you feel as comfortable and confident as possible.

You can also find the Bay Area Linkup "buddies" listed in events and searches. Just look for the green B next to someone's name. That's the "green light" to go ahead and contact them with questions.

Aditya B - Palo Alto - picture - joined June 8, 2010

Profession: sales exec Interests: endurance running, hiking, theater, food and wine, camping, writing (wannabe author!), books - fiction of all sorts, art exhibitions

"Welcome to a really pleasant community!"

Amy N B - San Francisco - picture - joined June 23, 2008

Profession: senior media strategist Interests: slugging percentage, hiking along the Pacific, conversation, dogs, frolicking, sports, film, reading

"Welcome to Bay Area Linkup, a very enjoyable social network which you will enjoy."

April C B - San Mateo - picture - joined June 27, 2006

Profession: health care/educator Interests: Fellow community activists, favorite charity? Shin Buddhism is mine. I tried Shao Lin martial arts once. Enjoy most things outdoors, Cal football, sailing, runs/hike, a good red wine, savor the senses, steadiness, reading [NY Times] ballet, dance partner

"Aloha! BAL is the greatest thing since...I don't know what! If you're the shy type, I suggest your first event be a small outing and introduce yourself. Most people I've met take months or a year before they venture out...so, no worries. Mahalo"

Benjamin B - San Francisco - picture - joined July 27, 2005

Profession: Not Minimum-Wage-Earning State Employee (for now) Interests: Hiking, international travel, fuzzy wool socks, sharing favorite activities with friends, reading, restoring my 1921 Craftsman style home, theatre, tweaking the establishment, wine tours, exploring GG Park, Giants games, beach walks.

"I joined in July 2005, and since then I've hosted over 100 events. I've had great experiences with BAL, and I'd more more than willing to help anyone with questions. :-)"

Blaine B - Oakland - picture - joined June 16, 2006

Profession: Reference/Film Librarian Interests: Science fiction and fantasy novels, international relations, birding, travel, history and politics, shortwave and Internet radio, folk music of Asia and Eastern Europe, documentary film

"As a librarian I LOVE to answer questions. Try me!"

Bonnie B - San Francisco - picture - joined March 21, 2004

Profession: QuickBooks ProAdvisor Interests: swimming, movies, scrabble, camping, rafting, entrepreneurism, Sharks hockey, travel, board & card games.

"Hey, little buddy."

Brenda B B - San Mateo - picture - joined July 14, 2006

Profession: Healthcare Interests: Music (especially piano, which I play moderately), reading (fiction mostly but prefer something edgy), conversations on varied topics, nature walks, movies. New interests: raw foods and wii.

"I've been a member for over a year and almost all of my experiences have been extremely positive. A great way to get out of the house and enjoy the company of great people - RELIABLY! Feel free to ask any questions."

Carol S B - Berkeley - picture - joined March 13, 2007

Profession: Medicine Interests: World travel, photography, anthropology, cooking (especially Thai), ethnic restaurants, independent and foreign films, other types of performances, reading fiction, walking and a bit of hiking, and gardening. And meeting new people!

"Welcome to BAL! Please let me know if you have any questions about how to use BAL, or if I can help in any way :)"

Chet B - Fremont - picture - joined October 24, 2006

Profession: Business Development Manager Interests: Cinema (foreign, indie, action), Music (rock, reggae, jazz, world), Discussion (current affairs, world affairs, philolosophy), hiking, camping, day trips, reading, meditation, international travel, entrepreneurship, technology, micro brews, wine tasting

"Hello & Welcome to BAL If you have questions/ concerns about Bay Area Linkup, or simply want to hear about my experiences, drop me an e-mail through the system and I will be in touch. Meanwhile go ahead and browse for events that intrest you. Good Luck."

Christine Y B - San Francisco - joined July 7, 2004

Profession: RN Interests: outdoor activities, art, music, dancing, film, technology, ballet, travel, food, trying new recipes, anything intriguing/interesting/unique/humorous/creative/quirky

"I have met diverse individuals and enjoyed many activities via BAL, both in the SF Bay area, as well as Manhattan, NY. "

David Michael B - Palo Alto - picture - joined September 11, 2005

Profession: computers, software, databases Interests: I'm into most sports and outdoor activities including volleyball, hiking, backpacking, skiing, wakeboarding, rollerblading, scuba. And I have a definite love for dancing and living life passionately. Although I'm somewhat shy and rarely razz people =P

"If you need help with anything... just ask. I got the lowdown."

Debra G B - San Mateo - picture - joined January 5, 2004

Profession: Product Manager - Biotech Instrumentation Interests: exploring the bay area and beyond, hiking, kayaking, reading, night life, traveling, skiing, cooking and baking, good food, wine, and beer, making new friends, lots of laughter and good conversation!

"Welcome to BAL! I moved to CA a little over 4 years ago, and immediately found BAL. This group has been instrumental both in introducing me to wonderful new friendships and to new activities and places. I look forward to meeting you soon!"

Diana D B - Walnut Creek - picture - joined November 7, 2006

Profession: Client Services Manager Interests: I love the water - scuba, sailing, kayaking. Also like to hike, golf, camp, ski, bike. Combine my other love - travel - with any of those (+ good food) and I'm a happy girl! I'm a "Survivor" cast wannabe. Reading, writing, movies, beer/wine festivals.

"Hello, and welcome! Bay Area Linkup is a great way to expand your social networking. See an event you'd love to join? Do! Don't see an event you'd love to see? Host it yourself! It's that easy. Have fun!"

Eji B - San Jose - picture - joined April 27, 2006

Profession: Purchasing Agent Interests: Spontaneity, Simple living, spending time outdoors. Frisbee, music from around the world. Dancing, African drumming, live music, cooking with friends, listening to community & non-commercial radio

"Welcome to BAL, a great tool/medium to network, explore new places, and meet new people. Let me know if you have any questions about signing up for events, or in general how BAL works."

Ginny G B - San Mateo - picture - joined November 21, 2005

Profession: Product Manager Interests: music (preferably live!), squash (the sport as well as the vegetable), gardening, aqua aerobics, kayaking, cooking and entertaining, reading (fiction, scifi, fantasy), wine tasting, travel

"Welcome! I hope that you'll find BAL events as much fun and varied as I have - it is a great way to meet people with similar interest and to explore new areas. Looking forward to possibly meeting you at one of the events!"

Gordon B - Oakland - picture - joined May 20, 2005

Profession: child psychiatrist Interests: road biking, reading, movies, poetry, buddhism/taoism, hearts & sudoko, watching tennis, golf & table tennis, shootin' pool, & swimming

"Welcome. You may wish to participate in events of interest before your first hosting event, but don't be intimidated. Find an activity that you find interesting, compelling and enjoyable, then start adding people to that activity by hosting."

Harry B - Palo Alto - picture - joined September 11, 2005

Profession: Product Line Marketing Manager Interests: Camping, hiking, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, roadtrips, exploring new restaurants and skiing. I am new to the area and would love to meet more people in the area.

"Seems like an exciting group! Looking forward to get more involved."

JD B - Oakland - picture - joined August 8, 2006

Profession: Software Engineer Interests: Improv, monster movies, backpacking, surfing, Iyengar, cooking/entertaining, beginning salsa, hiking, woof, motorcycles, Eustace Tilley, board games, mycology.

"Drop me a line!"

Katrina V B - Oakland - picture - joined May 7, 2004

Profession: Realtor. . . realist. . . fun-raiser Interests: The propagation of laughter and merriment, people, places around me NOW, dance, laughter, good company, real people, peace, jazz, outdoor events, fireworks over Lake Tahoe, striving to be the change I want to see in the world.

"Hello, Sunshine! Though it may be foggy in SF, there's much to be cheery about. This includes one of the best social sites in the SF Bay Area."

Laura L B - Marin - picture - joined November 26, 2003

Profession: Marriage & Family Therapist/legal assistant Interests: Hiking, camping, kayaking, learning Spanish, live music, singing, theater, film, dancing (swing and cajun/zydeco esp.), cooking, tennis, yoga, spiritual exploration, belly laughs.

"Welcome to BAL, a wonderful way to meet new friends and broaden your horizons on numerous levels. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or want support around hosting your first event, etc. Have fun!"

Lynn S B - Oakland - picture - joined April 6, 2007

Profession: Program Specialist Interests: Still new to Bay Area and looking for its best kept secrets. I love independent films, outdoor markets, hiking, casual bike riding, spectator sports, theatre, live music, a nice glass of wine and lively conversation with new friends.

"Bay Area Linkup has been a great asset to me as a new resident to the area. It has allowed me to meet people and do things I would not have known to do and I am so glad I found it! Welcome to BAL and if I can help in any way, contact me!!"

Mark B - Walnut Creek - picture - joined October 17, 2005

Profession: Sales Marketing Interests: I was born in Michigan, but have lived in California most of my life. Cannot get enough of life, travel, nature and the outdoors. Love to go on road trips, beach combing, cave exploring, camping, hiking, biking, or just checking out a late matinee.

"Welcome! Please don't be a stranger. Let's get out and have some fun!"

Maura B - Berkeley - picture - joined September 24, 2005

Profession: Writer, investor/broker/business owner Interests: Writing, reading, art, design, organic farms & markets, wine, music, dancing, hiking, travel, environmental issues, green building, coastal adventures, dance, sculpture, ecology, orienteering, Originally from Britain & Ireland. Love Europe.

"Welcome to Linkup! Looking forward to meeting you."

Michael H B - San Francisco - picture - joined February 22, 2004

Profession: Electricial and Refrigeration Engineering Electrician Interests: snowboarding, hiking, traveling, movies, whitewater rafting, kayaking, camping, people watching, running

"Welcome to Bay Area Linkup! Feel free to contact me about one of my events or outdoor events in general as I have participated in many since I joined."

Michelle A B - Marin - picture - joined February 15, 2005

Profession: Social Worker - LCSW Interests: hanging out with relaxed & friendly folks, getting back into cycling & fitness, films, tech gadgets, books, camping, cooking & wine, the open road, hiking, learning Spanish, new places and activities, the outdoors, c25k.

"Feel free to ask me anything. I've hosted a number of events and would be happy to give you tips and encouragement to begin hosting."

Paula M B - Walnut Creek - joined May 22, 2004

Profession: Full-time editor; part-time iconoclast and volunteer gelato taster Interests: Jazz, burlesque, world music, art, books, independent film/theater, modern ballet, the offbeat (fire shows) and live performances in general. After many yrs in SF, I'm now in Walnut Creek and am exploring still more events on both sides of the Bay.

"Welcome to Linkup! There are some great folks in this group. I'm not as active as some, but I've organized lots of events, so if I can help answer your questions along with other Buddies, let me know. Have fun getting out & and meeting your co-members!"

Sabrina R B - San Jose - picture - joined August 14, 2007

Profession: teacher (3rd grade) Interests: Tennis, dancing, hiking, rock climbing, water sports, boating, reading, traveling, cultural foods, clubbing, theatre and all outdoor sports.

"If you have any questions about Linkup, perhaps I can help."

Sam L B - Oakland - picture - joined October 21, 2006

Profession: Professor (Social Science) Interests: dialogue, writing, art (especially abstract sculpture), social justice, non-human animals, free-form dancing, music (all kinds), philosophy, running, hiking, swimming, learning, travel (especially urban)

"Welcome! I look forward to seeing you at events and enjoying the wonders of the Bay Area with you. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Welcome, again."

Stephen Y B - Berkeley - picture - joined October 23, 2007

Profession: EFL Student Interests: classical opera, ballet + music, pre-contemporary Western painting, tribal sculpture, Chinese antiques, science, environmentalism, evolutionary psychology, Campbell's view of religion as metaphor for psychology and life, sailing as passenger, etymology

"If you'll be my buddy, I can be your long lost pal."