Want to learn about UX? Here are some resources and articles that will get you started:
Here is the one for the Bay Area:
http://www.meetup.com/Bay-Area-Usability-Experience-Professionals-Assoc-BA-UXPA/
Nielson Norman Group:
http://www.nngroup.com/articles/ux-career-advice/
Project Guide to UX (excellent and practical book):
http://www.amazon.com/Project-Guide-Design-Experience-Designers/dp/0321607376
Classic book for usability, well known guy:
http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Me-Think-Usability/dp/0321344758/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y
Another classic book that appeals to us design geeks. Lots of jokes in the industry about how poorly doors are designed because of Don Normans insights:
http://www.amazon.com/Design-Everyday-Things-Donald-Norman/dp/0465067107/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0BCD07H5Q035BFBKCDYQ
Jared Spool
UX Booth
UX Matters
Adaptive Path