San Francisco...panhandling troubling to tourists! Union Square top attraction!

 



Obviously, tourists holidaying in the picturesque city by the Bay are leaving a piece of their hearts behind when they jet home after a brief stint catching the local sights.

According to a recent poll, a whopping 98.3 % of the visitors surveyed were enthusiastic about repeat vacations to tony San Francisco down-the-road.

Not surprisingly, the top tourist attractions in the bustling European-style metropolis turned out to be Union Square (65.2 percent), Fisherman's Wharf (56 percent), Chinatown (38.4 percent), the Embarcadero Center and Ferry Building (37.9 percent), and last - but not least - North Beach (31.7 percent).

Obviously, savvy world travellers are not that keen on patronizing the local strip joints, or retracing the footsteps of cult heroes like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg who once frequented character-driven haunts in the North Beach neighborhood.

Unfortunately, a couple of troubling problems running rampant in the streets have sent up red flags.

Top annoyances?

Aggressive panhandling and noticeable homelessness in garbage-strewn streets - were not only a turn-off to the jaded few - but triggered worries over unwanted advances and potential threats to their overall well-being and safety while hunkered down in the West Coast enclave.

Recently, the city passed a tough ordinance in a deliberate effort to curb loitering in high-traffic tourist areas, but the jury is not in yet on how effective the measures have been in alleviating those glaring social dilemmas.

According to one columnist in a local daily, until San Franciscans find long-term solutions to the problems, the West Coast destination may not realize its full economic potential.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz



Cable Cars still a big draw!

(even while being overhauled)



San Francisco...hail greets tourists at the crack-of-dawn!

Tourists trotting out early to take in the local sights were greeted with gusts of wind - and pelted with hail - when they hit the bustling city streets in the Bay area early this morning.

Shortly after, the sun shone through, and a rainbow graced the morning sky.

Beautiful!

God, it's great to be alive, isn't it?

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San Francisco...the accidental tourist! Fisherman's wharf relaxing day-trip!

Today, I dashed into 711 to snatch up the daily newspaper - and for some inexplicable reason - I got turned around.

Shortly after I was comfortably ensconced in a comfy seat on a streetcar - and a few column inches into an amusing news bite on Gavin Newsom and his wager with the Mayor of Philadelphia - I was forced to switch gears.

Because I wasn’t paying attention, I ended up on the wrong train heading towards Pier 39, in the opposite direction of my original destination (the Castro District).

Ooops!

Instead of panicking, though, I reflected on the mishap for a moment or two.

Then, I said to myself - as Bette Midler is often want to do - in times of crisis.

“Self, take the day off.”

So, I did!

Soon, I was mingling with a posse of out-of-towers on the boardwalk, taking in all the scintillating sights and sounds picturesque San Francisco has to offer.

An accidental tourist?

You bet!

And what - pray tell - was the biggest draw at the Pier?

Supping on fresh catch of the day - at one of the trendy seafood restaurants hugging the rugged coast - was a leisure activity at the top of the list (according to a few out-of-towners I crossed paths with).

A main entree, washed down with a thirst-quenching beer or carafe of chilled wine, may run ‘ya about twenty five bucks a head (not including tax) at a minimum.

But, worth every deteriorating penny!

Of course, for those on a budget, In-N-Out Burger is still capable of satiating a hungry gut for a fraction of the cost when a visitor is "on the go".

Next up on the “to do” list?

A brisk cruise in the historic harbor - off Alcatraz - of course!

In spite of the fact a handful of the lightweight boats were a bit dilapidated - and in dire need of a fresh coat of paint - a short stint on the waterfront will make a dent in anyone's well-worn alligator-skin wallet to the tune of about $18.00 (for starters).

If you hanker to stay in shape while on holiday in the city by the Bay, consider renting a bike and burning off a few calories, as you take in the sweeping vistas at a snail’s pace.

An  outgoing tour guide at - “Blazing Saddles” - enlightened me about the joys of day-tripping on two wheels instead of a boring four.

“There are bike trails along the coast - from the wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge - and beyond to Sausalito. At the other end, if you’re tired, just hop on the ferry and head back to the mainland that route. No problem.”

$8.00 an hour for pedal power!

Contact:

Telephone
415.202.8888

Web Site
www.blazingsaddles.com

For the truly lazy - and those who pine for a breeze to whiz through their hair on intense muggy days - a motorized bike is also available.

In addition to the above delights - there are souvenir shops, a coin museum, and open-air bus tours - to round out the day’s activities.

When you head back to the Hotel district, try to shoot for a ride on public transport provided courtesy of the city.

Eager tourists crave a thrill ride - that twists and turns - from the wharf to the downtown core along Powell on a cable car.

Unfortunately, the conductor’s helper packs ‘em in so tight, it’s difficult to catch the romantic images of turn-of-the-century houses - with their ubiquitous eye-catching gingerbread trim and inviting bay windows - lining the quaint little streets without craning a neck (and possibly suffering injury).

On the other side of the steep hill, past Nob Hill, I jumped off the trolley in a popular section of town just off Union Square.

Nike's "Marathon for Women" was camped there, by the way, causing a little more street traffic than usual!

I slipped into the chic St. Francis Hotel to take a gander at some of the historical memorabilia showcased in the staid front lobby crafted in teak-panelled walls, elegant  designer fixtures, and plush carpet underfoot.

A tony crowd lounged around  sipping on mint Julips, fizzy sodas, and what-have-you.

Pricey!

Down the hectic busy street, for a mere 3 bucks - I purchased a glass of  chilled white Chablis - and proceeded to plunk myself down  alfresco at a cafe (and people-watched to my heart’s content).

Life in the romantic slow lane.

Loved it!

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Balmoral Hotel...San Francisco Inn guilty of false advertising! Deceptive Business Practices!

According to recent reports, the Hotel business is down thirty percent in San Francisco.

For good reason, rates have therefore been slashed, to lure economically-minded travelers and keep the cash flow healthy.

Unfortunately, a handful of Hotel owners are offering perks, which later turn out to be all smoke and mirror maneuvers to entice innocent victims in the door.

One such establishment is the Balmoral Hotel on Clay Street in the business district in downtown San Francisco.

In an advertisement in the daily newspaper the management boasts free WiFi service.

For businessmen on the go, or tourists who use laptops to map their way on their holiday route, that perk is a big draw.

Who wants to pay through the nose daily for sporadic access at Hotels where they charge an arm and a leg?

Dashing around an unfamiliar neighbourhood to locate WiFi service at more reasonable cost is also somewhat frustrating when the focus should be on seeing the sights and relaxing into a vacation without such worries.

Subsequently, guests at the Balmoral Hotel were slightly shocked when they attempted to log on to the “free” WiFi  and were denied access.

A trip down to the manager’s office turned out be a rude awakening.

“Oh, you’ve used up your quota,” the desk clerk mumbled without reservation (no pun intended).

“Go to Starbucks. They’ll give you a couple of hour,"  he shrugged.

In that scenario, laptop users are required to make a purchase, be mindful of the need for a potential battery charge, and be forced to handle personal affairs in a café in front of a posse of strangers jostling at their elbows.

It should be noted that when the guests check in at the Balmoral, they are not informed that there is a quota, either.

So, essentially, the false information in the newspaper ad - and failure to disclose - amount to fraud and false advertising.

But, the dishonesty does not end there.

After - checking in, paying for the lodging, and collecting their room keys - guests are then informed that maid service (once included in the Hotel fees) is no longer provided!

Talk about dishonest business practices.

Hotel management should disclose that vital information before the Hotel guest checks in, so that they have the option to book at another Hotel in the event they prefer fluffed pillows, light cleaning, and fresh sheets daily.

More grievous perhaps, is a potential hazard that exists at the Hotel, which warrants investigation.

On a few occasions, guests were taken aback when their mini-fridges, microwaves, and TV sets shut-down without warning.

It appears that the older Hotel has a problem with circuit-breakers and electric wiring!

The Balmoral may be a potential fire hazard - just maybe a deathtrap - waiting to happen.

Therefore, I'm posting this article on the Consumer Alert page at the Tattler blog site.

It may be wise to avoid this establishment (and bug infestations which spring up now & then without warning ) like the plague.

 
 

http://www.thetattler.biz

 

San Francisco...art in Union Square today! Hand-picked fruit @ market a great treat...

Out for a morning stroll, I stumbled across an art show in full swing at Union Square.

While the bulk of the creative renderings on stretched canvas tended to focus on familiar local terrain - such as bird's eye views of the quaint cable cars on Nob Hill and breath-taking panoramas of picturesque San Francisco Bay - a few artists had gone their own way.

One painter I struck up a conversation with was exhibiting striking highly-stylized landscapes of quaint Chinese villages for instance.

Another gentleman's canvases of stick figures were quite light and whimsical - well-crafted - too.

Included in the mix, was an eye-catching array of slick black & white photographs, elegant examples of sculpture in-the-round portable enough to tow around, and one-of-a-kind original works of art that may be investment-worthy for the astute collector.

I spied one couple scouring the exhibition for just the right piece for their new digs.

"I'd like to go with natural colors," I overhead the petite art-lover whisper to her mate nearby.

Just betcha, they'll find what they're looking for here.

After a quick gander at the remainder of the paintings, I headed off down the street to an open market off Grant Street in the heart of Chinatown.

Fortunately, the comfortable (out-of-the-way) economical Hotel I am firmly ensconced in, has provided a microwave and mini-fridge.

So, I intend to take a cue from Kirstie Alley (star of "The Big Life") this week, and stock up on delicious nutritious fruits and fresh vegetables - which I can prepare myself - with the ultimate aim of slimming down a pound or two.

The three flights of stairs I have to climb up daily may help!

And, since there is unlimited Wifi access in my Hotel suite, I'll be able to hunker down  - and pen a few posts - as I channel surf and catch up on the scuttlebutt on TMZ, Inside Edition, 360, and so forth and so on.

What a charmed life I lead, eh?

Lively Union Square uplifts spirits!

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Cable Cars...torrential rains cause brake malfunction, near fatality with pedestrian. San Francisco!

This morning - amid wild storms slamming the Bay area - I was waiting for a Cable Car in the Financial District, when I spied a utility truck towing one of the little darlings down the street to the repair yard, I guess.

As the torrential rains persisted, I stood under a stoop to shield myself from the wintry blast that descended upon San Francisco in the wee hours of dawn this morning.

In about five minutes, a second trolley approached, and I jumped on.

The car was packed with tourists and there was a lot of excited chit-chat about the inclement weather. And, of course, bearing witness to the broken-down cable car was cause for a few to tense up a little about the possibility of a second mishap.

As we approached Powell Street - the operator suddenly pulled on the brake - but it malfunctioned, causing the car to jerk unexpectedly and lurch forward.

To our great shock, the vehicle came to an abrupt, shaky halt, within inches of striking an elderly woman crossing the street!

The exasperated driver proceeded to struggle with the gears, to get us going, but to no avail.

As one passenger noted, "Rain and wood brakes on steel track, that's the problem."

At this juncture, it was obvious the trolley was disabled, so the driver was forced to radio in for assistance.

Meanwhile, the upset passengers exited the car in a state of disarray, and sought other avenues of travel.

Ironically, it was an accident many years ago which brought about the conception of the cable system, as we've come to know it.

The driving force behind the San Francisco cable car system was attributed to a man who witnessed a horrible accident on a damp summer day in 1869.

Andrew Smith Hallidie saw the toll slippery grades caused when the then, horse-drawn streetcars, slid backwards under their heavy load. On at least one occasion, the steep slope with wet cobblestones and a heavily weighted vehicle combined to drag five horses to their deaths. The incident triggered an idea.

Hallidie and his partners not only had the know-how to do something about the problem, but the wherewithal to meet the challenge.

You see, Hallidie's father held the first patent in Great Britain for the manufacture of wire-rope.

So, as a young man, Hallidie experimented and found uses for the technology in California's Gold Country. He used the wire-rope in a design for a suspension bridge across Sacramento's American River, for instance. He also facilitated the wire-rope to pull heavy ore cars out of the underground mines on tracks.

Clearly, the technology was in place for cable car use.

So, Hallidie acted on his vision, and developed it into a full-blown cable car railway system to deal with San Francisco's fearsome hills and unpredictable weather.

Now, if only some clever person could fathom a way to overcome the difficulties with the brakes in stormy weather, before some innocent bystander gets killed.

San Francisco...romantic's heaven! Chinatown, Top of the Mark, cable cars...

The last time I flew into San Francisco, the memories flooded in; after all, it was not my first trip to the Bay area.

In the early seventies, a group of Vancouver (B.C.) artists - myself included - were invited to exhibit paintings at the annual San Francisco Arts Festival.

So, I made my first trek to Frisco, when the liberated seventies were in joyous full swing.

On the evening of the unveiling, I was strolling idly through the displays of the colorful textured works of art, when I struck up a conversation with an elegant man in a business suit who was taking a quick gander at the paintings while he was on an intermission break from a celebrated Opera being staged next door.

When I let it slip I'd never attended a lavish stage production like the one underway at the Opera House - he urged me to return to the theatre with him to take in the closing act of the sold-out musical extravaganza.



"But, I don't have a ticket," I lamented.


That little hitch didn't deter the charming fellow one bit.

Here, take my program and my opera glasses. Walk in with me at curtain call, and they'll assume you were already a guest at the performance, out on a smoke break."


So, off we dashed, at the ready to launch our little scheme.

Shameful, I didn't feel guilty at all about trying to pull off the charade.

Besides, it was also an opportunity to test my acting skills.

When we approached the elaborate doors of the Opera House (my heart pounding madly in my chest) the usher gave a curt little nod - and we strode in confidently, he - none the wiser.

Ah, we slipped through with flying colors!

Joan Sutherland was magnificent, and her remarkable performance will be indelibly etched on my mind forever, along with other fond memories.

I'll wistfully recall the quaint old Victorian walk-up on California Street, for instance, where I bunked with good buddies on that occasion.

And, a romance which sprang up out-of-the-blue as I rode a noisy cable car up Nob Hill by the seat of my pants - was particularly memorable.

Shortly after catching the eye of a beautiful stranger that balmy evening, I embarked on a clandestine love affair, that would last three adventurous years.

As I jaunted around the city over the next few weeks, there was much to report on - the grandeur of Grace Cathedral, the peaceful Noe Valley in the shadow of the Maiden's Breast, intriguing Chinatown, and a smattering of other romantic out-of-the-way sights sprinkled about here and there in a city brimming chock full of history.


I half expected Mary Ann or Michael - Mrs.Madrigal, even - to saunter by on a quiet side-street, as I was swept up into the rhythm of the magical city.

After all, the Armistead Maupin characters (Tales of the City) are so vividly etched in my mind.

But now, I have a few of my own exciting tales to weave!


No wonder.

As I gobbled down the last morsel of tasty cuisine at a scrumptious Chinese dinner on Washington Street, my fortune cookie promised there would be romance and intriguing scenarios on the horizon.


William Saroyan's thoughts on the subject were well-taken.

"No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does."



Old World charm of the Palace of Fine Arts,,,