Starting August 7, 2010, AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit, Greyhound, Muni, SamTrans and WestCAT Lynx will be relocating from the Transbay Terminal to the new Temporary Terminal at Howard and Main Streets in downtown San Francisco. The completion date for the Transbay Transit Center is 2017.

Just one and a half blocks away from the existing terminal, the Transbay Temporary Terminal will house these transit operations while the new Transbay Transit Center is being built.

SPECIAL OPEN HOUSE
A special Open House will be held on Tuesday, August 3 from 4pm-7pm to learn how the Temporary Terminal will operate. There will be tours of the open air facility, refreshments, and giveaways. For more info on the Temporary Terminal, visit temporaryterminal.org.

History buffs read this great post from Market Street Railway about the beginning and ending of the Transbay Terminal: “Last Tour at Transbay”.

“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.

Check out the Guide’s recommendations for enjoying the holiday weekend:

ALCATRAZ EXCURSIONS
For the best possible view of The City’s 4th of July fireworks extravaganza, enjoy a special evening on the San Francisco Bay aboard Alcatraz Excursions. From 7:15 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on July 4th, the price is $50 for an adult, $40 for children 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and under. On board, snacks, cocktails, wine and beer will be available for purchase.

For more information, call 415-438-8365 or to purchase tickets go to alcatrazexcursions.com

PIER 39 WATERFRONT CELEBRATION
Starting at 3pm on the 4th of July, a star-spangled day lineup of free live band performances in the PIER 39 Entrance Plaza. Mustache Harbor will play from 3-5 pm and Tainted Love will take over from 6-9:30 p.m. Throughout the day, there will be street performers on the ALPINE SPRING WATER stage. Stay at PIER 39 for the City of San Francisco’s annual fireworks display starting around 9:30. Free admission.

For more information visit, pier39.com.

AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS HORNET
Spend an exciting patriotic holiday on a ship that affected the course of history – the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet. The annual 4th of July celebration starts at 11AM-10PM. The USS Hornet is a registered State and National Historic Landmark and participated in WWII and the Apollo 11 moon mission.

This family event will feature live music on the flight deck, interactive games for all ages, and a bounce house for kids. Tours of the famous aircraft are available throughout the day until 8 p.m. There will be live concerts on the Flight Deck starting at 2 p.m. Food, beer and wine will be available for purchase during the event.

Admission is $25 for adults ($20 in advance) and $10 for children ages 5-17. To purchase tickets or obtain more information, call 510-521-8448 ext. 282 or visit usshornet.com.

The USS Hornet is permanently berthed at 707 W. Hornet Avenue, Pier 3, Alameda. Parking is free.

20TH ANNUAL FILLMORE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2010
Celebrate July 3rd and July 4th weekend at the largest free jazz festival on the west coast—the FILLMORE JAZZ FESTIVAL. Music takes center stage – or rather – 3 stages located on California Street, Sutter Street and Eddy Street. There are two entertainment areas on Jackson Street and O’Farrell Street. All celebrations and festivities start at 10AM and end at 6PM, both days.

For more information, directions, vendor and parking information, go to fillmorejazzfestival.com or call 800-310-6563.

4th of JULY at THE BERKELEY MARINA
The biggest 4th of July party is on the South Shore of the Berkeley Marina from noon-10PM. There’s music, dancers, jugglers—all for free! Adventure Playground, always a favorite, is open 11AM-8PM. Get your face painted, try the giant slide, or splash in the water at the beach! There’s live entertainment from noon until 9:30PM on the main stage including Troupe Tangiers & Sharifa’s Habibis, The Allman Step Brothers Band, Sadza Marimba, and Incendio plus entertainers in smaller venues around the marina. There’s art & craft booths, massages, free sailboat rides from 1-4PM, dragon boat rides from 2-6PM (bring a set of dry clothes), and much more including the grand fireworks off the end of the Berkeley Pier at 9:30PM. Let’s hear it for the red, white, and blue…but keep it green, too. The party shouldn’t leave the environment trashed. If you can, bring your own dishes—Frisbees double as plates! A bandana is your cloth napkin to use at all of the international food booths.

For more information go to anotherbullwinkelshow.com or call 510-548-5335. Free Admission. Berkeley Marina, 201 University Avenue.

CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY AT THE CANNERY’S FAMILY FESTIVAL
Come and celebrate Independence Day, July 4th, at THE CANNERY’s Family Festival. There will be face painting to entertain the children, live musical performances featuring local artists playing classic American hits plus delectable food offerings by THE CANNERY’s fine selection of restaurants and cafes.

The festivities begin at 11AM at the Courtyard Stage at THE CANNERY. Face painting will be available from 11AM-3PM. Show your red, white and blue spirit by letting Janelle the Clown paint your cheeks with your favorite Independence Day symbol! Live music entertainment begins at 12NOON and runs through 7PM, and starts again after the fireworks.

THE CANNERY is located at 2801 Leavenworth Street, at the foot of Columbus Street, overlooking the San Francisco Bay.
For more information, call 415-546-0800.

Happy Birthday USA!