What I have to offer is a four-bedroom, two-bath apt in a secure building, with a private yard. It's a very nice apartment. You can also use my car if you really do know how to drive and are willing to take out insurance for a week. My house is a block away from a bus that can take you to BART/San Francisco/Berkeley etc. My place is well situated for forays into San Francisco or Berkeley. It's in Oakland, just a few blocks from a nice lake/park. Hailing distance from the hood, but not the hood.
December is pretty nice in the Bay area. Temperature is usually high sixties, clear skies, etc.
A place to flop down in exchange is fine. I will be travelling with my daughter -- ten years old but very civilized. I totally understand that apts in NYC are going to be small. I'm also perfectly happy using public transportation.
Thank you,
Joanna