Chapter 1, Regions and Themes

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), San Franciscco, CA is in the region of the Pacific Southwest of the United States.  Located approximately 390 miles north of Los Angeles, San Francisco has 10 districts and 27 different neighborhoods.  The City is a melting pot for individuals and families looking to live in one of the most progressive cities in America.  With a population of 777,000 (US Census 2000) the housing structures tend to go vertical with little room.  Real estate is one of the most expensive in the United States.  Though there are a few neighborhoods that have houses, complete with a garage and a big yard, very seldom do you find them in the City.   
                                  Image via Mike G. K. on Flickr.com, http://www.treehugger.com/

The land area of San Francsico is 47 square miles; its highest altitude is 925ft. (Mount Davidson) and its lowest is at sea level. 
          view of San Francisco from Mount Davidson, foundsf.org
Mark Twain once said that the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.  The average daily temperature is 51 degrees in January and 59 degrees in July.
Because the city is surrounded by water on 3 of its 4 sides, the San Francisco Port covers about 7.5 miles of waterfront which is used for commercial, maritime, and public use.  Shipping lines from around the world use the port.  Also, Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 are great spots along the water for tourists to enjoy the city.  

county map, solarpowerrocks.com

When we look to the Bay Area we find 9 counties (including San Francisco) that make up a diverse, yet cohesive area.  You could find the wine country in Napa County and Silicon Valley in Santa Clara County; oil refineries in Contra Costa County and watch the maverick waves in San Mateo County.  I hope to discuss more about the Bay Area in future blogs.