Totally responsive upon initial request. Came and looked at job, very quick with quote. Very fair…read moreprice. Work is quite outstanding, down to minutest detail. Very agreeable to work with, had 5-6 exchanges of ideas, with John the customer is the driver, John delivers what he says he will in the time he says it will take. HIGHLY RECOMMEND for mural work, small scale (mine 250 sq ft), or large.

Very creative, professional, easy to work with, and the work is very widely appealing.read more

What to do after brunch on Sunday in Palo Alto? Head to the Foster! Parking is a breeze, the…read moreadmission is free, and the experience works for all ages! As a dabbler in watercolors, I was transfixed--some of these paintings are huge--and he does not use photographs! As an educator, my mind was brimming with opportunities to integrate his work into humanities and human geography classes. The Foster website has excellent resources. This is a must see if you are in the area!

This turned out to be one of my favorite stops, especially when I'm in between appointments in Palo…read moreAlto. I knew in advance that on Thursdays (2nd & 4th weeks only), the public street parking in front of the building was off limits for street sweeping/no parking between 7am-11am, so I got very lucky pulling up in front at 11am sharp. Nice. Easy walk. The Foster Museum was very simple, decent, positive, and relaxing environment filled with gorgeous nature views/sketches/watercolor artworks by the U.K. artist, Tony Foster. Good feeling here. Free admissions and good customer service staffs. You can just walk in or register online. There's a tiny gift area not far from the public restrooms. I signed the guestbook at the end of my walk. Good place to hang around/includes unlimited paper, paper/pencils/samples/etc. If you like to sketch and get some creative inspirations, all the nature artworks in the gallery is definitely a good place to start. Not huge, but perfectly quite and calm for art lovers. You can request for an orientation and/or tour as desired. Great first impression during first visit. It's the positive feeling I get from observing the energy and various colorful artworks. Simple and stress-free. Good value/free admissions is totally worth the 1-2 hours here. They also host art classes too, but I will need to take time to browse around online. Good vibes. Staffs are friendly inside. Hidden place. Love it.

Recently had my daughters wedding reception here. The grounds are BEAUTIFUL but working with the…read moreclub manager Jim Gorman was a complete nightmare. They have very strict rules on the volume of the music which is fine, but instead of dealing with it in a professional manner he ran around during the reception making a HUGE scene. VERY VERY UNPROFESSIONAL! Being in the event world myself along with both my daughters in the event and hospitality professions, we have never seen someone act like this during a celebration. Also, be prepared that he will charge you to the MINUTE for anything over the EXACT time that he writes on the contract. We had a few guests go about 20 minutes early to make sure that the everything was set up and bring a few last minute things I needed to get there and he counted how many were there and charged me to the exact minute. After the reception, there was a limo timing miscommunication and the limo was late to pick up the wedding party so we stood outside to wait, again he went around and counted the number of people and charged me to the EXACT minute. Had I know this we would have stood across the street to wait for the limo If you are considering this place for any kind of party with music....think again. I would not recommend having a celebration at this place to anyone!

*Caveat: at the time of this review, Ladera Oaks is undergoing renovations, so the grounds may end…read moreup looking different than what we enjoyed at our June 2008 wedding. However, as long as the staff and ground rules don't change substantially, future couples should have just as nice an experience as we did, because the people (and their easy-going and can-do attitudes) were what helped make our event a success.* Our initial visits and phone consults were with Jim Gorman (manager) and various members of his club staff. Upon our first visit, we felt the location, settings and conditions of use all fit very well with our style - basically, no fuss, with a well-choreographed timeline and set-up taken care of by Jim who knows his venue inside and out. This was important, given Ladera Oaks functions primarily as a country club for residents of Portola Valley, so facilities are shared with people playing tennis, kids taking swimming lessons, etc. But the garden is quite clearly separated from the pool area, and for weddings the ballroom, bar/lounge and kitchen are off-limits to all except Ladera Oaks staff, the wedding vendors and guests. The garden is very well maintained, lush and colorful, with a fountain that Jim switches off during the ceremony. There is covered brick patio, and lots of floor-to-ceiling glass windows and doors that allow guests to enjoy the garden view from the ballroom and bar area. We did our ceremony on the upper lawn, further away from the garden perimeter and the traffic noise on the other side of the fence. We had a total of 80 guests including about 10 kids, and everyone found a way to enjoy the late afternoon garden setting. The ballroom felt like it was just the right size with our 9 round tables, DJ setup in one corner and dance floor area up front. All in all, it's a really intimate and beautiful atmosphere, perfectly suited for a summer wedding. There is no dedicated bridal changing room, and we just ended up doing the dress changes and touch-ups in the small bathroom (3 stalls and a two-sink counter), sharing the space with guests and even a few club members. Brides who must have the private and classy dressing room experience replete with velvet curtains, loveseat and vanity set will not that find that here... unless this is included in Ladera Oaks' current renovation plans. As for storing wedding party accessories and my two additional dresses while they were not in use, we opted to make use of the ample closet space built into the back wall of the ballroom, which we could discreetly access while guests were up front on the dance floor. Finally, ground rules: this venue is about as relaxed as they come. The only issue on which they kept very close tabs was the sound level. This is due to the club's location - Portola Valley is a rather exclusive town, probably with a powerful and vocal neighborhood association, and these people LIKE their quiet and rural setting. So before sunset, only non-amplified, non-vocal music (think string quartets) are allowed outdoors. After sunset, all music moves into the ballroom, and any time someone tries to open the patio doors, a switch is tripped to immediately cut the power supplying the DJ's audio setup. Other than that, we thought the base rental cost was low ($2K for 8 hrs, with $50 here and there for overnight storage of reception items, use of a piano, etc.), there were no corkage or cake cutting fees, you can bring whatever alcohol you'd like and also choose your own vendors (caterers, musicians, etc.), although Jim does offer recommendations. Lucky for us, the excellent caterer we chose (Frank Schumann of Schumann's Four Seasons Catering) turned out to be a long-time partner with Ladera Oaks. Watching Jim and Frank converse and decide on the wedding day logistics in their own lingo was impressive, and put us totally at ease that here we have two highly competent vendors who actually work well together and like each other! I cannot over-emphasize how important this factor is to the success of your big day.

Great work- talented artist and super hard working. Pleasure to work with…read more Looking forward to much more work ahead. Happy to talk if need be for recommendations

"In working with Morgan, there is nothing that didn't go the way that I thought it would. I…read moreappreciated is how efficient she is - she guided me through the process pretty quickly, and all our communication was spot on. It was such a great connection, so natural. Everything about it was easy, and the whole team was amazing. I start every morning by looking at the murals. I take a breath, look at it for 5 minutes, and then I can go into my office and work. The kids are still hanging out by them at every recess, they enjoy them as a part of their life every day. I didn't expect that parents would walk up to me constantly to thank me. That was a great surprise. One lady cried in my office, 'it is so beautiful!' The school just became instantly better! I would recommend Morgan for every reason -- for the process, experience, the result. She goes above and beyond."

While my experience does not represent every student's experience in PAU's Masters in Clinical…read moreMental Health Counseling program, I have no doubt it will resonate with many current students and graduates. I chose PAU because it was an accredited program that offered a hybrid format with a cohort model. Unfortunately, for the high tuition it charges, PAU fell short in many important areas, particularly administrative, professor quality, advisor guidance, practicum and internship support, and post-graduate services. It has been a year since I graduated, and I am still angry and deeply disappointed by the treatment I experienced from my advisor, as well as my negative experiences with my practicum instructor and internship site. I left feeling traumatized--not only by my own experiences but also by hearing what many other students had gone through. I had to seek counseling for a whole year afterwards. I had a handful of instructors whom I genuinely believe were strong counseling educators. However, the majority were not supportive, lacked organization, and often brought their own unresolved trauma and countertransference into the classroom. The administrative side of the program was equally frustrating. I found the workload to be unreasonable, and the lack of coordination only made it more difficult. Because the department heads created the syllabus for each course, instructors had little or no authority to modify it. Unfortunately, there were times when the syllabus contained errors, yet neither the instructors nor the department made any effort to notify students or correct them. For example, in one of our group counseling classes, we were assigned a group presentation. The syllabus stated that the presentation should be approximately 80 minutes long. However, on the day the first group was scheduled to present, the instructor informed the class that the presentations were actually supposed to be only 40 minutes. The first group had no opportunity to adjust, despite having followed the written requirements. Even more frustrating, the following quarter the syllabus still listed the same incorrect 80-minute requirement. This type of disorganization occurred repeatedly throughout the program. At the same time, students were constantly reminded of the importance of being accurate, organized, punctual, and accountable in our work. It was difficult not to see the irony. Near the end of the program, one of the things that concerned me most about PAU was what I perceived to be a lack of integrity. One of the reasons I chose the program was its tuition guarantee, which promised that a student's tuition rate would remain the same throughout the program. At one point, however, PAU attempted to increase tuition despite that guarantee. An entire cohort challenged the decision. It was not until students organized, sought legal counsel, and raised concerns about the potential implications for PAU's CACREP accreditation that the university ultimately reversed its decision. For me, this experience reinforced the impression that protecting the school's image and financial interests took priority over honoring its commitments to students. It significantly eroded my trust in the institution and left me questioning its commitment to the ethical values it teaches future mental health professionals. Overall, I believe the foundation of the program needs to be reassessed. There seems to be a great deal of politics at play, and when students raise legitimate concerns, the responsibility often gets shifted back onto them rather than being addressed by the school. Ultimately, I found the program to lack the student-centered approach I was looking for--something I believe every mental health training program should naturally embody. If you are considering a master's program, I strongly encourage you to choose a school that prioritizes its character over its image. Look for a truly student-centered program--one that genuinely cares about its students and is invested in their success. Make sure the professors and advisors have a thorough understanding of California licensing requirements and clinical practice. When faculty and advisors are based in other states, as was the case in my program, they may not be familiar with California laws and regulations, which can lead to inaccurate or misleading guidance. Finally, make sure the program has a competent, supportive, and resourceful career services department that continues to support students after graduation. In my experience, the director of career services always appeared overwhelmed & frazzled. And once I graduated, there was essentially no meaningful career support. I was simply directed to an alumni Facebook group that had very little activity or value. I share this not out of bitterness, but in the hope that prospective students will ask the right questions before investing significant time, money, and energy into a graduate program.

I just recently graduated from Palo Alto University's M.S. in Psychology Program and all I can say…read moreare good things about this university. Programs are rigorous and focused solely on Counseling and Psychology, with bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees being offered. Yes, it is a private school and the tuition is quite high, but it is worth it, especially since it is an institution closely affiliated with Stanford University, and it is one of a few universities that offers fully online programs tailored for working professionals. In my cohort, there were students who had graduated from UCLA, UC Berkeley, and USC, so getting into the graduate programs is not easy. The quality of education and supportive faculty are comparable to none. All faculty are experts in their fields and have clinical experience, so you are not only learning about theory in your courses, but you also learn to apply those theories in a clinical setting. All professors that I had were not only clinicians, but they also conducted their own research to advance their respective areas of focus. PAU is truly a hidden gem that not many people know about. It is more on the smaller side of a typical university in the Bay Area, but this comes as a great advantage in the form of smaller class sizes, supportive and accessible faculty, a collaborative and intimate classroom experience with peers, and professors knowing each student by name. Administration and staff always seemed approachable and went out of their way to help, so I always felt supported during my studies. The campus in Palo Alto is small but beautiful and very peaceful. If you're serious about becoming a competent, compassionate mental health professional, PAU offers the foundation you need. It certainly is not easy, but it is absolutely worth it. I left feeling prepared, confident, and grateful for the experience. Thank you, PAU.

Easy booking, great communication and wonderful host. Would absolutely recommend for a party or…read moreevent.

Such a fun idea for a girls night! The artist was a sweet heart but she hinted to us that she had…read morenever painted the painting we chose for the event before so the teaching period was rocky but everyone was in good spirits so they didn't mind.

Stayed here for two nights for a work related conference, compliments of the sponsoring…read morevendor...for 48 hours I honestly could not make sense of why this exists...rooms here run $1100ish to $2800ish per a night...sweet geezus! I'm fortunate to be a 6 six figure earner(on the low end), but no way for me! Someone with this kind of money to blow per a night for hotel would likely rather be in Paris, Venice, Tahiti, London, Bermuda, Vegas or anywhere else but Menlo Park. I think this place survives solely on business travel for the all the Tech and Venture Capital companies in Silicon Valley, which is a very boring place as a tourist destination. Just as my Finance related conference yuppy colleagues were exiting, another mob of blue/black sport coat BioTech conference type yuppy men were entering the property. PROS: -Large, luxurious, modern, and clean rooms. -Modern immaculate furniture. -Glorious, gorgeous, marble tile, and welcoming bathroom with dual head shower and deep bath tub...deep enough that I took my first bath in 10+ years. -Amazing soft yet supportive king sized bed. -Nice pool area -Coffee, Tea, Minibar that I was too afraid to find out how much it all costs -Free water bottles(I would hope for $1000+/night) -They did not charge me $25/day for self parking. -Well staffed with very friendly folks. CONS: -Ridiculously expensive! -Everything else is expensive as well such food and drink, but again most folks are here on business accounts -No fridge, but I did toss some water bottles on top of the minibar's booze. -It's a campus style property with multiple buildings "cottages", so if you're in cottage 17 like I was its a bit of walk with stairs to get to the conference areas. If it was raining, this would've been gawd awful. In conclusion, I would happily come here again on someone else's invite and dime....but if I'm taking vacation it'll be in Hawaii. At least. Did you stay on your own money for mini vacation? Why? And it is your income? I really don't understand, lol!

This review is for the dining areas at Rosewood Sand Hill, including Madera Restaurant, Madera Bar,…read moreand Bici Coffee. The hotel is located right by SLAC, tucked into a hillside setting in Menlo Park. The property feels peaceful, elegant, and very well maintained. Madera Restaurant offers a full upscale dining menu and is a great choice for lunch, dinner, a business meal, date night, or a special occasion. Madera Bar is perfect for cocktails, wine, and light bites in a more relaxed but still refined atmosphere. Bici Coffee is a nice option for coffee, pastries, or a casual stop for bikers if you do not want a full sit-down meal. Rosewood Sand Hill is also a nice place for a tea party or an afternoon gathering with friends. One of the best parts is the view from the hill. I like how you can partially see the highway from the restaurant, but you cannot really hear it, so the setting feels very calm and secluded. Occasionally, you can see some movement in the distance, but if you were not looking in that direction, you probably would not even notice it. Because of that, the whole place feels very private and relaxing. Visiting Rosewood Sand Hill feels like you have been transported somewhere away from Silicon Valley, even though you are actually right in the middle of it, just a walking distance from SLAC, the particle accelerator, and Zoox's autonomous vehicles. That contrast makes the experience even more interesting: you are surrounded by the Silicon Valley's technology and innovation, but the atmosphere feels secluded, quiet, luxurious, and almost like a retreat.

My husband and I grew up as alt, pop punk kids, and knew we wanted to bring that energy into a dive…read morebar celebration of us getting married. Not only are The Last Decade extremely talented musicians, but they know how to work a crowd, cultivate the best party vibes, and generally facilitate the best time. Their set was hands down one of the best things about our special day, and the day after, they were all anyone could talk about. Seriously, thank you all for the best time.

The band played at my birthday in our front yard and it was amazing. Great vocals, killer band, and…read moreawesome vibe. The 90s and early 2000s alternative play list brought us all back. Even the kids were rocking out. Highly recommend if you want a live band to bring some energy and great music to your gathering.

The container store did a great job in adding organization to 3 of our closets, and 2 restrooms…read morewith Preston. We are also getting our Garage organized with their Elfa collection. I'll add more pictures. Truly, I'm so happy with the end result. It took 4 days of construction and one day for delivery of items. They did forget to order the shelves for the Elfa portion of our order so that is why the garage is not done yet. I also ordered and paid for jewelry storage that came in the wrong size so that is something that was delayed. We original had some work for our laundry room but they would have had to move our washer and dryer and that would have been too troublesome. Overall, I liked the result. I love all the organization especially to my main closet.

I ordered the deep shoe boxes and bins. The person working there handed me the wrong amount of…read moreboxes and lids! The drive was far and had to go all the way back to get the lids. Only buy in store!

Lots of details about this interesting corner of the Bay Area provided by our guide Dan G. He was a…read morewealth of information, pretty funny and as a local was able to share a lot of perspective on the islands changes. Great day trip and I wish we had more time to poke around.

Wonderful tour led by Jim. History + nature! A great morning spent on the island…read more For people who are looking to visit the Naval Museum on the island, it is no longer open, but this tour is operative and you get to see the naval chapel and walk around the area. I was originally looking for information about the museum and arrived at this page: https://www.mihpf.org/tours. I hope this will help you find their tour options and dates! All digitalized, no fuss. And it turns out I was the only who signed up for today's tour, and they did not cancel on me because of that. I really really appreciated it. One last thing, the money you spend on the tour goes into helping this foundation : ) Yay!