Chapter 5, The North American Manufacturing Core

Although San Francisco is not in a region where there is a manufacturing core, the area still does manufacture some things.  Up until 2010 there used to be an automobile manufacturing plant in Fremont, CA (45 miles from SF).  New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) was built by General Motors and used to manufacture cars such as the Chevy Nova, Geo Prism, and Toyota Corolla.  The plant operated from 1984 to 2010.  When the plant closed more than 4,700 employees were out of a job.     

    http://www.lemonlaws.com/

California has produced many of the nations industrial minerals.  According to a report by the United States Geological Survey, in 1998 CA was the only state to produce boron, rare-earth concentrates, and asbestos.  In the San Francisco-Bay Area  industrial minerals are produced at several dozen sites.  For example, stone and rock sites can be found in almost all counties in the bay area, except for San Francisco.  There are other sites that produce sand/gravel, silica, and clay. 

Let us not forget about thoses delicious treats from San Francisco's own Ghiradelli, or Berkeley's Guittard, and Boudin's Bakery.  There is also Mother's Cookies, founded in Oakland, and Del Monte Foods in San Francisco.
Boudin breadbowl, http://www.flickr.com/

Levi Strauss Denim also started in San Francisco.  During the gold mining era, Levi Strauss thought he could take the burlap sacks used for grain and tailor them into clothing that would be more durable to wear for the miners.  The business was a gold mine for him. 
Train workers wearing denim, http://www.nytimes.com/

The location of San Francisco means that there should be an easily flow with the means of transportation and communication.  The railway system is the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) which helps people commute in and out of the City without having to sit in their cars during traffic.  The central part of BART is San Francisco of course because of all of the office space that dominate the financial districts.  BART also makes stops at the Oakland Coliseum, SF Downtown shopping areas, and AT&T Park.  Many people also use the ferry system to commute to and from the City.  People who live on the east and north side of the bay frequent this mode of transportation.
  Eastbound train with SF in background, www.railforthevalley.wordpress.com