By Lisa Herendeen | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: June 20, 2019 at 6:00 am | UPDATED: July 3, 2019 at 6:10 am The U.S. turns 243 years old July 4, and let’s just say she’s not one to observe the birthday with quiet restraint, especially here in the Bay Area. Communities all over the region are ready to let loose with parades, fireworks, concerts, fun runs, costumed events, watermelon eating contests, pancake breakfasts and all manner of quintessential American fun. Here’s a rundown of community celebrations, fireworks displays and more throughout the Bay Area. Communities are listed alphabetically. All events listed here take place on July 4 unless otherwise noted. Alameda Mayor’s Fourth of July Parade: 10 a.m. Park Street and Lincoln Avenue. Featuring equestrians, dance troupes, floats, antique cars and a large variety of bands. Prior to parade, 5K race, 9:45 a.m. 1420 Park St. Prizes. Coast Guard Festival following parade, … [Read more...] about July 4th 2019: Bay Area fireworks, parades and more fun
Camping near half moon bay
July 4th 2019: SF Bay Area fireworks, parades and more fun
By Lisa Herendeen | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: June 20, 2019 at 6:00 am | UPDATED: July 2, 2019 at 6:11 pm The U.S. turns 243 years old July 4, and let’s just say she’s not one to observe the birthday with quiet restraint, especially here in the Bay Area. Communities all over the region are ready to let loose with parades, fireworks, concerts, fun runs, costumed events, watermelon eating contests, pancake breakfasts and all manner of quintessential American fun. Here’s a rundown of community celebrations, fireworks displays and more throughout the Bay Area. Communities are listed alphabetically. All events listed here take place on July 4 unless otherwise noted. Go to www.mercurynews.com/entertainment for a longer list of July 4th events, as well as a separate roundup of Bay Area fairs and festivals through the summer. Alameda Mayor’s Fourth of July Parade: 10 a.m. Park Street and Lincoln Avenue. Featuring equestrians, … [Read more...] about July 4th 2019: SF Bay Area fireworks, parades and more fun
Bay Briefing: Why record voter turnout may make 2020 ballot initiatives a ‘playground of billionaires’
By Taylor Kate Brown Published 4:00 am PST, Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Photo: Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle 2018 Richard Briggs (left) votes alongside in Oakland in November. Richard Briggs (left) votes alongside in Oakland in November. Record turnout in California’s 2018 gubernatorial election — 12.8 million votes — driven by red-hot congressional races on the same ballot, may have sent more California Democrats to Washington. It will also make getting an initiative on the ballot in the next election far more expensive. “The initiative process already has turned into a playground of millionaires,” Jamie Court, president of Consumer Watchdog, tells reporter John Wildermuth. “Now it becomes the playground of billionaires.” Why? Under California law, would-be initiatives need signatures from the equivalent of 5 percent of the total votes cast for governor in the most … [Read more...] about Bay Briefing: Why record voter turnout may make 2020 ballot initiatives a ‘playground of billionaires’
Bay Area’s winter hiking wonderland: 7 great trails and places to refuel
A great blue heron takes flight at Tennessee Valley Beach this week in what has been a cold start to the new year. Low temperatures dropped into the low 30s in the Bay Area, and the cold snap was expected to continue through the weekend with a freeze warning in effect in the early-morning hours. (IJ photo/Frankie Frost) The Depot Bookstore & Cafe in Mill Valley, Calif. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017. (Robert Tong/Marin Independent Journal) BLT sandwich, a featured item at the Depot Bookstore & Cafe on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, in Mill Valley, Calif. (Robert Tong/Marin Independent Journal) The Dipsea Cafe in Mill Valley, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal) – – DATE TAKEN: 11/28/2003— Laura Whitten serves up entreees at the Dipsea Cafe in San Rafael, which is now open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. — Jeff Vendsel — Marin IJ – Restaurants Lured by a minus tide, visitors flock to the … [Read more...] about Bay Area’s winter hiking wonderland: 7 great trails and places to refuel
Paradise lost: Before-and-after photos show a town devoured by a raging wildfire
By Amy Graff, SFGATE Updated 2:51 pm PST, Friday, November 9, 2018 McDonald's in Paradise, Calif., as the Camp Fire devours the town, 15 miles east of Chico. The top photo shows the fast-food restaurant before it was engulfed in flames. McDonald's in Paradise, Calif., as the Camp Fire devours the town, 15 miles east of Chico. The top photo shows the fast-food restaurant before it was engulfed in flames. Photo: Oakland Fire Department BEFORE: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Paradise Located at 1275 Bille Rd. BEFORE: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Paradise Located at 1275 Bille Rd. Photo: Google Maps AFTER: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Paradise The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints burns during Camp Fire in Paradise, Calif. on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. AFTER: Church of Jesus … [Read more...] about Paradise lost: Before-and-after photos show a town devoured by a raging wildfire