“The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco.”
—Mark Twain

Yes, it’s that time of year when visiting the “city by the bay” means packing some winter wear for those foggy summer mornings and evenings. Highs in the mid-to upper-60s and lows in the mid-50s tends to be the daily forecast for San Francisco when nature’s air conditioner arrives.

But there’s nothing like watching the fog roll in—it’s a spectacular display that Mother Nature puts on. Here’s some insider information, courtesy of San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, on planning and actually enjoying the misty days.

Fog Watching Tips
Summer fog is common, but not an everyday event, so a bit of spontaneity works in favor of those in pursuit of a fog adventure. Morning and evening fog rolls into San Francisco Bay from June to August, pushing its way through the Golden Gate Bridge towers, drifting and swirling up and over the Marin Headlands, and nestling up against shoreline piers. Then, more often than not, it magically stops before consuming the city itself. It’s a picturesque show of nature that changes each day as the elements of the sea, sun and wind interact.

Timing is essential. By mid-day the sun has burned off the white wispy stuff so people shed their jackets and sweaters to bask in the sun before the fog rolls in again by late afternoon.

Fog-Free Areas for Fog Viewing Picnics
Whether one is beside it, above it or in the thick of it, fog is a mystical and magical drama of nature to behold. Here are a few suggestions on where to find fog viewing spots:

Just below the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge and Vista Point lies East Fort Baker. This secluded recreation area with views of the bay is often sunny when the western park areas are fogged in. Walk from the nearby Golden Gate Transit bus stop or drive down Bunker Road to East Fort Baker to find this treasure complete with a fishing pier, the innovative Bay Area Discovery Museum, the luxury lodge Cavallo Point, historical brick fortifications of Battery Cavallo and concrete gun emplacements of Battery Yates.

Eye-level views of cargo ships, tankers, luxury liners, yachts and sailboats passing are accented with blasts of a traditional air fog horn from the Golden Gate Bridge which looms almost overhead. The grassy parade grounds and coastal bluffs of East Fort Baker combine to make a protected picnic spot that is out of the wind, but still offers pristine fog bank views. Note: Motorists may encounter delays and detours through September 2010 as road improvements are made to the area; for updates visit www.projectheadlands.gov.

Above It All
For a peak experience, rise above the mist atop a Bay Area hill and look down upon the shroud of fog as it penetrates the entrance of the bay. First as wispy tendrils, then as a blanket of fleece, fog sometimes covers even the tips of the Golden Gate Bridge towers and stretches itself out into the Bay. In the same glance take in the city skyline with the unmistakable silhouettes of Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid reaching upward. Breathtaking is an understatement. Just 15 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands, Mt. Tamalpais’ summit is less than a half-mile high. But, the mountain rises almost straight up from sea level and offers 360-degree views of the entire Bay Area and west to the Pacific Ocean. On foggy days, the meadows, grasslands, forests and creeks at lower elevations are sometimes enveloped in a dreamlike fog, yet other peaks are visible just above. The park has numerous parking areas, trailheads, scenic overlooks and two drive-in picnic areas with day-use facilities. The 20-minute descent on West Ridgecrest Boulevard on the northern flank of “Mt. Tam” affords a great road for a sunset drive when the fog is in.

Across the bay and atop the Berkeley-Oakland hills lies Tilden Regional Park. Magnificent views are the reward for ascending the Sea View Trail. Eucalyptus and Monterey pine trees line the trail that runs south from Inspiration Point off Wildcat Canyon Road and can be reached by car or AC Transit from the Berkeley BART station. The weather at Angel Island, Sausalito and Alcatraz isn’t as predictable for fog fans; they can be terrific view spots or be totally socked in. However, bay cruise companies offer a choice of destinations and can usually give sure-fire suggestions for getting into or out of a fog bank.

In The Thick of It
When the tide of fog is in, a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge is for the hearty and adventurous. The Marin Headlands are equally fog-friendly. Along Crissy Field, the Golden Gate Promenade, Marina Green and Fisherman’s Wharf, the wetness and wind may be a bit less chilling, but bundle up and bring the hot chocolate.

FUN FOG FACTS
How Does It Happen?
Though fog can occur sporadically year-round, it mainly blankets the coastal Bay Area in the summer when hot inland temperatures create a low-pressure zone over Northern California’s Central Valley. The hot inland air rises and the heavier cold ocean air rushes in to replace it. This flow from the high to the low pressure zone pulls the fog through the Golden Gate passage and into the Bay.

San Francisco Loves a Blast from the Past
In 1992 when the Coast Guard replaced their last Bay Area air fog horn with a high-pitched and high-tech electronic gizmo that goes “beep,” the general public was outraged. Local politicians, traditionalists and San Francisco-lore enthusiasts took up the cause until the Coast Guard promised to reinstall one of the old-fashioned blasters on Alcatraz Island. The occasional sound of the baritone “BEEE-ohhhh” has been saved, despite its lack of usefulness in the modern-day marine world of radar, radio beacons and satellites in space.

Gluten intolerance seems to be increasing, and as a result more gluten-free alternatives to popular, wheat-based foods are becoming available. Many restaurants in San Francisco will cater to dietary needs, including gluten-free diets. When making a reservation, simply ask the host if they can accommodate you, and chances are the answer will be yes.

However, most places will creatively avoid gluten ingredients, but few stock alternative products, such as breads and other baked goods. If you have a craving for brownies or a roll, you will likely have to stock up at a specialty shop.

Mariposa Bakery, headquartered in Oakland, offers an impressive assortment of gluten-free baked goods including cupcakes, french bread, bagels and even ravioli. If you’re in Oakland, you can grab a hot slice of pizza and a brownie in the bakery shop (5427 Telegraph Ave) for a quick and satisfying lunch. You can also pick up some sandwich bread or cinnamon rolls to take with you while you’re there. If you won’t make it across the bay, Mariposa also has a small kiosk in the San Francisco Ferry Building. You can buy a variety of baked good there, including brownies, cupcakes, rolls, bagels and loaves of bread.

Another great spot to pick up gluten-free treats is Rainbow Grocery (1745 Folsom St), a worker-owned cooperative located in the Mission District of San Francisco. Rainbow offers a wide selection of healthy, sustainable foods including products from Mariposa and other gluten-free bakeries. You can buy cheesecakes, crackers, pretzels and even beer.

Another grocery store with a surprising number of gluten-free treats is Trader Joe’s. If you aren’t familiar with the chain, Trader Joe’s offers specialty food at bargain prices. Ask for a list of gluten-free foods at the customer service counter, and go exploring. A few of the highlights include chocolate walnut cookies, flourless chocolate cake, and sliced rice bread. They also have a selection of sliced meat, cheeses, prepared salads, and trail mix, making it the perfect spot to stock up before an expedition to Muir Woods or Big Sur.

Mariposa Bakery
5427 Telegraph Ave (55th & Telegraph), Oakland
Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM
Sat-Sun 10AM-4PM

Mariposa’s SF Kiosk:
One Ferry Building
San Francisco
Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM, Sat 8AM-6PM, Sun 10AM-5PM

Rainbow Grocery
1745 Folsom Street (cross street 13th Street)
415-863-0620
Daily 9AM-9PM

Trader Joe’s—North Beach
401 Bay Street, San Francisco
415-351-1013
9AM-9PM

After a full day of sightseeing, the Castro is a terrific place for a relaxing, romantic evening.

Take the Muni to the Castro Street exit, and walk down to Nirvana, 544 Castro Street, for tantalizing, modern Asian fusion cuisine. Ask for a table in the heated patio, where tropical plants surround tasteful wrought-iron patio furniture. Browse the menu while sipping one of their creative signature cocktails. The Purple Rain is a safe and satisfying choice. Order anything on the menu; everything we’ve tried has been delightful. If you are feeling indecisive, try the popular Thai-style chicken, or my personal favorite, the zesty seafood with udon noodles.

After dinner, stroll back toward Market Street. If you have a sweet tooth, indulge it at Naia, with fresh gelato. Try one of their special blends utilizing fine local ingredients. As an alternative, walk up to Hot Cookie, where the large, chewy cookies taste as though they were just pulled from the oven.

Once your cravings have been satisfied, head to the Castro Theatre and grab tickets for whatever happens to be playing. Any movie becomes magic in this dazzling, historic theater. If you’re staying in a downtown hotel, the trip home will be a breeze, as the Castro Muni station is just across the street from the theater exit.

After your relaxing but memorable night you can get up rested and ready for another full day exploring the sights of San Francisco.

Nirvana: 544 Castro Street, 415-861-2226. Mon-Wed 4:30pm-10pm, Thur-Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 10:30am-10pm. nirvanarestaurant.net.
Naia: 451 Castro Street,between Market and 18th, two doors down from the Castro Theatre. 415-864-6670. Sun-Thur 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am. gelaterianaia.com.
Hot Cookie: 407 Castro Street. 415-621-2350. Mon-Sat 9am-6pm.
Castro Theatre: 429 Castro Street. 415-621-6120. castrotheatre.com.

This year marks the 400th anniversary of when Galileo Galilei, the Italian astronomer, trained his crude telescope on the sky and saw four moons revolving around the planet Jupiter. His discovery provided proof that the Earth revolves around the sun, not the other way around as was common belief at that time. This weekend Bay Area astronomers and stargazers celebrate with public star parties, outdoor lectures, and other events. In the Bay Area, clear skies are forecast for the Bay Area this weekend. Public events begin tonight, October 23, when the UC Berkeley Astronomy Department holds a special free evening. Other planned events include:
* At UC Berkeley’ s Campbell Hall on the east side of campus, graduate students will demonstrate how to assemble “Galileoscope” kits that will be on sale for $10. Visitors can set up their own telescopes outside the building to stargaze. 7-8:30pm
* At Foothill College Observatory, the observatory’s 16-inch telescope will be open to the public, and visitors can set up their own telescopes for viewing. 8-11pm.
* San Francisco Amateur Astronomers will hold two events, one at San Francisco’s Lands End – also known as Point Lobos – and the other on Mount Tamalpais, both at 6:20pm Saturday. Amateur astronomers can set up their telescopes so visitors can peer at the sky and focus on Jupiter. The Mount Tamalpais event will begin with a free public lecture in the Mountain Theater, followed by viewing through a cluster of telescopes in the park’s Rock Springs parking area.
* San Francisco’s Sidewalk Astronomers will set up telescopes so anyone passing by can take a look at Jupiter. Tonight at 24th Avenue and Irving Street starting at 6:15pm; and Saturday at Ninth Avenue and Irving Street starting at 6:15pm.
* Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland will be open this weekend at regular admission prices, and viewing through the center’s three powerful telescopes will be free tonight and Saturday from 7:30-10:30pm.

What’s your Halloween tradition? Looking for things that go bump in the night, getting lost in a maze of maize, or celebrating the night in scary style? It’s the season of fun and whether you’re looking for kid friendly or grown up approved, we can certainly point you in the right direction for events near you in Wine Country!
NAPA VALLEY
October 31 — Downtown Calistoga Halloween Parade
This year the Lion’s Club is putting on the Downtown Calistoga Halloween Parade! It will start by Pacifico’s on Lincoln Avenue. After the parade there will be a costume contest for the children at the fairgrounds.
Location: Downtown Calistoga
Fee: Free; Time: 6pm; Phone: 707-942-9384
SONOMA
October 27-November 1–Dr. Hooper’s House of Horror
The best haunted house in Sonoma County takes place in the former Hunter’s Steakhouse restaurant north of town. Opening at dusk, visitors walk through rooms full of scary creatures and noises designed to make your hair stand on end. There is also a ride that simulates being in a coffin.
Location: 3785 Cleveland Avenue, Santa Rosa
Fee: $6; Time: 6-10pm; Phone: 707-239-5272
October 24–Canine Costume Contest
Kids in costume are cute, but dogs in costume, so cute! Winners of the contest will take home doggy bags full of treats and prizes.
Location: 2200 Petaluma Boulevard North, Petaluma
Fee: Free; Time: 3pm; Phone: 707-778-9300
October 24–Fall Harvest Festival
Celebrate the fall harvest at this annual event featuring food booths, autumn-inspired arts and crafts, scarecrow building and pie-eating contests; plus tractor rides and a pumpkin patch.
Location: 19990 East Seventh Street, Sonoma
Fee: Free; Time: 11am-5pm; Phone: 707-815-4871
October 30–Halloween Spooktacular Concert
This spook-themed concert will feature Sonoma State University’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble playing J. S. Bach’s Fantasia in G Major and the hauntingly beautiful “Allerseelen” by Richard Strauss. Also on the program: Daniel Bukvich’s “Voodoo” and selections from the Harry Potter film scores. Costumes encouraged.
Location: 1801 E. Cotati Avenue, Rohnert Park
Fee: $8-$12; Time: 7:30pm
October 31 — Petaluma Downtown Trick or Treat Trail
Parents, be sure to gather your little ghosts & goblins, and join the participating downtown merchants for the annual “Trick or Treat Trail” (follow the orange & black balloons) Merchants will be handing out candy to costumed children. Call for more information.
Location: Downtown Petaluma
Fee: Free; Time: 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Phone: 707-762-9348
SANTA CRUZ
October 23-24 — Halloween Ghost Train
Ride the train through a redwood forest as the Legend of Sleepy Hollow is narrated. Designed for children and young-at-heart, this event is a light and lively adaptation of the famous tale. Reservations required. This is a family and children’s Halloween event. Location: Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton
Fee: $27 per ticket; Time: 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. Phone: (831) 335.4484
October 30 — Halloween Party at Vino Tabi Winery
Come if you dare on our Spooky Friday night celebration! Live music, wine raffle, Best Costume award and great fun!Location: Vino Tabi Winery, 334 Ingalls Street, Santa Cruz
Fee: Free; Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Phone: (408) 813.8384
MONTEREY
October 31 — 6th Annual Pumpkin Pandemonium & Community Trick-or-Treat
This celebration combines family, friends and the community trick-or-treating in a safe environment. Farmer Mike, a true “Picasso of Pumpkin Carvers,” will reveal the 3-dimensional face “hidden” in the side of a magnificent Heavy Weight Champion Pumpkin weighing over 700 pounds. Costumed children are invited to have their photo taken with the Giant Pumpkin, and parents should be sure to bring their cameras.
Location: Del Monte Center, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey
Fee: Free; Time: 1-6pm; Phone: 831-373-2705

The City will begin a 6-week pilot program on Market Street on September 29. The City is testing ways to improve public transit reliability, to provide safe and improved experiences for pedestrians, and to create better connections between north and south districts and neighborhoods. Beginning Tuesday, September 29, private vehicles on eastbound Market Street will be required to turn right at 8th and 6th Streets. The purpose of the trial is to determine if discouraging through traffic on Market Street can improve transit and pedestrian conditions along the corridor. Signs will be installed along eastbound Market Street starting at Van Ness Avenue encouraging drivers to turn off of Market on 10th Street in advance of reaching 8th Street, where the right turn will be required. This trial, which may become permanent if judged successful, will be effective all day, seven days a week. Pedestrians, cyclists, public transit vehicles, taxis, emergency vehicles and delivery vehicles will still have full access to Market Street. This pilot program is the first of several pilot projects designed to determine how best to improve transportation conditions on the Market Street corridor. The City will closely monitor the changes to determine its impacts and will be refined as needed.

From well-known brands to small, hidden treasures, Northern California offers self-guided and guided factory tours, some perfect for family outings and others better for adults.  Many tours are free and available without reservations – perfect ways to explore the region without taxing your wallet. Here are some factory tours located in within 90 miles of San Francisco:

Anchor Brewing
1705 Mariposa St., San Francisco, CA 94107
Brewed in San Francisco since 1896, Anchor Brewing has played a significant role in San Francisco’s rich history. Anchor Brewing produces seven unique beers. Each brew is virtually handmade from an all-malt mash in a handcrafted copper brew house, a veritable museum of the — simple, traditional of breweries of old. The tour guide gives a brief history of the brewery and groups walk through three floors of the building. The complimentary tour and tasting last approximately two hours, and tastings are only available to those who take the tour. Book a month in advance. Hours: The walking tour of the brewery lasts about 40-45 minutes. For more information, contact 415-863-8350 or visit www.anchorbrewing.com.   
 
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tours
3101 Busch Dr., Fairfield, CA 94534
Northern California Fairfield Brewery’s tours cover a blend of brewing heritage and state-of-the-art technology. Guests can sample a variety of brews including both seasonal brands and new products. At the beginning of the tour, guests learn about the Anheuser-Busch’s natural brewing process and enjoy beer tastings. They will visit the beech wood aging cellar and the production floor, where high-speed packaging lines fill thousands of cans and bottles every minute. The gift shop offers an extensive selection of fun, logo merchandise. Price: Free. Hours: Sept-May: Tues.-Sat. 10am–4pm; June-Aug: Mon-Sat 10am– 4pm. Closed on select holidays. In addition to their complimentary tours, the Beermaster Tour is a unique opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing of Budweiser. The Beermaster Tour includes a visit to the Brew House, Finishing Cellar, including sampling directly from a Finishing Tank, Lager Cellar, and Packaging Facility, plus a variety of gifts are provided for each guest. Tour prices $25 Per Person (21 years of age and older), $10 Per Person (13-20 years of age). Make reservations on their website. The Gift shop closes one hour after the last tour. Hours subject to change. For more information, contact 707-429-7595 or visit www.budweisertours.com/toursFAIR.htm.

Boudin Sourdough Bread Bakery
160 Jefferson St., San Francisco, CA 94133
Learn about the rich history of Boudin and San Francisco. Boudin’s Museum & Bakery Tour invites guests to witness “history in the baking” by strolling  through a collection of historic and interactive exhibits as they observe the bakery in action from the museum’s floor-to-ceiling window walls and glass-walled catwalk. Price: $3 per person over 12 years old. Summer 2009 hours: noon– 7pm. For more information, contact 415-928-1849 or visit www.boudinbakery.com/Museum/Bakery_Tour.

Federal Reserve Bank
101 Market St., San Francisco CA 94105
Exploring our Nation’s Central Bank exhibit — a permanent installation at the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank – is designed to teach the public about the functions of the U.S. central bank through a series of guided hands-on and visually engaging experiences. Whimsical and thought-provoking elements in the exhibit include giant iconic representations of financial concepts, such as a free-floating sphere, a suspended safe, and a 14-foot tilting chair. Also featured is a newly designed Currency Collection. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. Personal finance training lasts approximately 60 minutes. Price: Free. Hours: Group tours are by appointment only, Monday through Thursday at 9:30am or 1:30pm. Sixty-minute public tours are available on Friday at noon, on a drop-in basis. For more information, contact 415-974-3252 or visit www.frbsf.org/federalreserve/visit/tours/tours.html.

Intel Museum
2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95052
The Intel Museum, located in Santa Clara, showcases Intel’s history through unique, educational exhibits designed to let visitors explore Intel’s advanced technology and manufacturing first hand. The museum is 10,000 square feet of fun and interactive learning for children and adults. Located within Intel Corporation’s headquarters, the museum offers a unique Silicon Valley experience for visitors from around the world. Guided tour group size is a minimum of eight people, maximum of 25 adults or 35 students. Guided tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Price: Free. Hours: Monday through Friday 10am–4pm. Closed on USA holidays. For more information, contact 408-765-0503 or visit www.intel.com/museum/visit.htm.

Jelly Belly Candy Factory
One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, CA   94533
Guests who step into Jelly Belly’s factory can smell the aroma of chocolate, apricot, cinnamon or pineapple, or whatever is being cooked up that day. During the 40-minute walking tour, Jelly Belly guides show a real working factory where more than 150 different sweet treats are created. Guests learn the secrets of how Jelly Belly creates the legendary Jelly Belly bean, and discover why it takes more than a week to make a single bean. The complimentary tour includes taffy, chocolates, and wild gummy critters in the making, too. Hours: 9am–4pm, 7 days a week. On weekends, the company still conducts its full 40-minute factory tours, but since candy makers are at home with their families, candy-making machines are given a rest. Please call to verify dates and hours of operation before planning your visit. For more information, call 800-953-5592 or visit www.jellybelly.com/.   
 
McEvoy Ranch
5935 Red Hill Rd., Petaluma, CA 94952
Once a jumble of dilapidated dairy barns and outbuildings, McEvoy Ranch today is a peaceful, beautiful compound of ranch houses, ponds and working barns that blend into the California landscape. The McEvoy Ranch Frantoio (olive mill) houses what has been called “the Maserati of olive oil mills;” the revolutionary Rapanelli mill from Italy. In addition to milling its own fruit, McEvoy Ranch also does custom milling for other olive growers. Price: Free. Hours: Ranch visits are by appointment only. For more information, contact 866-617-6779 or tours@mcevoyranch.com; or visit www.mcevoyranch.com/html/index.php.

Mee Mee Bakery (Fortune Cookie Factory Tour)
1328 Stockton St., San Francisco, CA 94133
Since 1950, Mee Mee Bakery, located in San Francisco’s Chinatown, has been making fresh fortune cookies daily from its bakery for individuals, restaurants, and special events. It produces the Shangri-La Brand and besides making great tasting fortune cookies, it also makes fresh breads, almond and sesame cookies, and Chinese pastries. Price: Free. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am–4pm. Reservations are not needed. For more information, contact 415-362-3204 or visit www.meemeebakery.com/visitus.html.

From now until the end of October, a variety of film and concert series offer the opportunity to listen to the San Francisco Symphony, hum along to a libretto with the San Francisco Opera, watch movies under the stars, or enjoy Shakespeare in the park — all for free. Hundreds of free events take place this summer including:

Del Monte Square Film Festival features free movies made in and about San Francisco through the decades. Films will be screened Sunday evenings, Aug. 2-23, under the stars in the courtyard of The Cannery at Del Monte Square, 2801 Leavenworth St. Open seating begins at 7:30pm. and show time is 8pm. Hot beverages, dessert treats and more will be available for purchase from The Cannery’s restaurants, cafes and ice cream parlor. If the weather is inclement, movie night will be postponed. For more information, telephone 415-771-3112 or visit www.delmontesquare.com.
 
Film Night in the Park draws more than 15,000 filmgoers to parks throughout San Francisco every summer. Films are presented free of charge on a giant outdoor screen. Attendees are encouraged to picnic before screenings and discouraged from blocking views with chairs. All screenings begin at dusk or 8pm. This year’s flick picks run through Oct. 3 and include Goldfinger, Dolores Park (June 20); Manhattan, Union Square (July 11); Pretty in Pink, Dolores Park (Aug. 1); On the Waterfront, Union Square (Aug. 22); The Dark Knight, Dolores Park (Sept. 19), and Slumdog Millionaire, Washington Square (Oct. 3). Full details are posted on www.sfneighborhoodtheater.org or telephone 415-465-FILM (3456).
 
The Golden Gate Park Band has been staging band concerts in Golden Gate Park since 1882. The Golden Gate Park Band performs every Sunday and the occasional holiday at 1pm in the Spreckles Bandshell, Music Concourse, Golden Gate Park. History comes alive at the many performances that feature music from specific nationalities and cultures; on these occasions there are dancers, singers, speakers in attendance who “enlighten and entertain,” according to the band’s Web site. For information telephone 510-530-0814 or visit www.goldengateparkband.org.
 
Jewels in the Square presents entertainment on the main stage of Union Square ranging from Manring Kassin Darter, performing “chamber music for the new millennium,” to Axis Dance Company, one of the world’s most acclaimed and innovative ensembles of performers with and without disabilities. Dance series include Tango in the Square (June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 4 and Oct. 4); Salsa in the Square (June 17, July 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16 and Oct. 21); Lindy in the Square (June 24, July 22, Aug. 26 and Sept. 23). The season ends Oct. 31 with the third annual Halloween ShadowLight Theatre show. For performance times and more information visit www.unionsquarepark.us or call 415-477-2600.
 
Music on Mint Plaza, a continuing series at Mint Plaza, Fifth Street between Market and Mission streets, is every Friday from July 3 through Sept. 25 from noon to 1pm. For more information on special events, visit www.mintplazasf.org.
People in Plazas – The perfect pick-me-up at lunchtime, the series presents 150 free concerts featuring all local performers, July 1-Sept. 30, 2009. Locations are in 16 downtown plazas on or near San Francisco’s main stem, Market: 101 California St.; 333 Market St.; 425 Market St.; 525 Market St.; Boeddeker Park (Jones and Eddy streets); Crocker Galleria, 50 Post St.; Two Embarcadero Center; One Bush Plaza; 50 Fremont St.; Mint Plaza (Jessie Street off Fifth Street between Market and Mission); Rincon Center; 17th and Castro streets; 83 McAllister; Hibernia Bank, 1 Jones St.; 555 Mission St., and 1275 Market St. Performances begin at noon. For a complete schedule visit www.peopleinplazas.org.
 
SFJAZZ Summerfest annual series of free outdoor concerts runs through Oct. 14, 2009. The series launches in June at the Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto and arrives in San Francisco on Aug. 13. On Aug. 13 and 20 in Union Square enjoy live jazz from 6-7:30 p.m. From Sept. 9-Oct. 14, Levi’s Plaza, 160 Battery St., reverberates with jazz riffs and Latin rhythms every Wednesday from noon-1:30pm. Among those performing are the California Honeydrops and the Gail Dobson Latin Jazz Septet. For performance details and other locations, telephone 415-398-5655 or visit www.sfjazz.org.
 
Shakespeare in the Park will present A Comedy of Errors, Aug. 29-Sept. 20, 2009 on Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays and Labor Day at 2:30pm at the parade grounds at the Presidio of San Francisco. Shakespeare’s comedic tale of mistaken identity will employ a circus-inspired mixture of juggling, slapstick, visual and verbal puns. One of the major free Shakespeare programs in the U.S., Free Shakespeare in the Park began in 1983 and is in its 27th season. For information telephone 415-558-0888 or 800-978-PLAY (7529) outside 415 area code or visit www.sfshakes.org.
 
Stern Grove Festival is now in its 72nd season of world-class, admission-free outdoor performances, a San Francisco tradition that began in 1938. From June 21-Aug. 23 for 10 consecutive Sundays at 2pm, a wide range of artists including the San Francisco Symphony (July 5), San Francisco Ballet (Aug. 16) and San Francisco Opera (Aug. 23) will perform. The season opens on June 21 with an afternoon of R&B featuring Roberta Flack and Davell Crawford, the “Prince of New Orleans.” Also appearing this season are Les Nubians and Rupa and the April Fishes (June 28); Joan Baez and Blame Sally (July 12); Sergeant Garcia and Curumin (July 19); The Lyrics Born Revue, The Mighty Underdogs and special guests (July 26); Kailash Kher’s Kaillasa and Delhi 2 Dublin (Aug. 2); Toto La Momposina y Sus Tambores and Nation Beat (Aug. 9). Weekday Kids’ Days program at Stern Grove in association with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department invite children to explore music and more; pre-registration is required for these free programs. Hands-on art programs also precede every concert in the KidStage in the West Meadow from noon-1 p.m. Informative pre-concert “Troc Talks” begin at noon in the Grove’s Trocadero Clubhouse. For the complete schedule telephone 415-252-6252 or visit www.sterngrove.org.
 
Stonestown Galleria is presenting monthly summer family movie nights in their Center Court, at 7pm. Catch a screening of Wall-e on July 21 and Monsters, Inc. on Aug. 18.  Stonestown Galleria has partnered with the Stonestown Family YMCA who will provide children with a free bag of popcorn (while supplies last) during each movie session. In addition, free activities begin at 6pm and include face painting sponsored by Pumpkin Patch (6-7pm), food and beverage sampling from various retailers such as Hot Dog on a Stick and Trader Joe’s and live entertainment (6:30-7pm). Stonestown Galleria is located at 19th Avenue and Winston.  For information visit www.stonestowngalleria.com.
 
Woman’s Will, all-female Shakespeare company, often turns the tables on the male-only casts of Shakespeare’s time with their versions of the Bard’s best. This season they do “The Taming of the Shrew.” For their schedule of performances in San Francisco’s Dolores Park in August, call 510-420-0813 or visit www.womanswill.org.
 
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival encompasses a splendid array of over 100 events between May 2-Oct. 31 in Yerba Buena Gardens, Fourth and Mission streets. Opera, performance art, international music concerts, dance performances, children’s programs, theatre, visual arts, puppet shows, cultural festivals, special events, classical and jazz concerts — hardly a day passes without something scheduled. A new series, Let’s Go Dance@Jessie! is a monthly open-air dance party in Jessie Square in front of the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., on the first Thursday of every month from 6-7:30pm. This hothouse of culture also includes the San Francisco Theater Festival (www.sftheaterfestival.org) July 26 as more than 100 professional theater groups perform on 17 stages from 11am to 5pm; and there is also a special children’s theater festival throughout the day. For information, telephone 415-543-1718 or visit www.ybgf.org.

San Francisco is a walking city, and with forty-two hills shaping our city’s topography, urban hikes takes you from level to level. Some hills take on more ambiance because of built-in stairways, some 300-odd staircases encompassed into our scenic streets. Stairways range from small flights of steps hidden in gardens to dramatic stairs with incredible views near famous landmarks. Two of the most popular stairway walks are the Greenwich Street Steps and the Lyon Street stairs.
The Greenwich Street Steps at the base of Coit Tower wind through hillside gardens and provide amazing views of the Bay. Take a deep breathe and take the steps up to Coit Tower, then descend the nearby Filbert Street steps, which run in three sections from Telegraph Hill to Montgomery Street, across the Montgomery Street median, and down the hills over Sansome Street.
On the other side of the City, the Lyon Street stairs, overlook the Palace of Fine Arts. From the top of Broadway Street, hike or jog down ten flights of stone steps surrounded by lovely landscaping and wonderful views of the Bay and Marin Headlands.
For more ideas about San Francisco’s beautiful stairways, look for “Stairway Walks in San Francisco” by Adah Bakalinsky.

Most Muni fares will go up on July 1. Under the current plan, adult cash fares will increase from $1.50 to $2. Discounted fares for seniors, the disabled and youth will increase by a quarter, to 75 cents. Also, on July 1, the cost of a monthly Fast Pass will increase $10 to $55 and another $5 on January 1, 2010. Discounted Fast Passes will rise from $10 to $15 on July 1 and $5 more next May. As of this report, Muni Visitor Passports, which are good for unlimited rides on Muni, including cable cars, are not schedule for price increase. 1,day ($11), 3-day ($18)and 7-day ($24) Passports are good for one full day or three or seven consecutive days. Passports may be purchased in advance. Visit sfmuni for information.
In addition to the fare increases, Muni plans to eliminate or scale back some bus lines and enhance service on others to mitigate those cuts. Check back for more updates.