The Standard Staff

Wild weather didn&#8217;t deter thousands of St. Nick lookalikes — and a few Grinches — from descending on downtown San Francisco for the city&#8217;s booziest holiday street party.

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Wild weather didn't deter thousands of St. Nick lookalikes — and a few Grinches — from descending on downtown San Francisco for the city's booziest holiday street party.

Wild weather didn&#8217;t deter thousands of St. Nick lookalikes — and a few Grinches — from descending on downtown San Francisco for the city&#8217;s booziest holiday street party.

SantaCon capped off a Saturday in the city that began with a tornado warning and ended with revelers knocking back drinks for the yearly Santa-themed bar crawl.

SantaCon capped off a Saturday in the city that began with a tornado warning and ended with revelers knocking back drinks for the yearly Santa-themed bar crawl.

While the chill may have prompted more people to bundle up and duck inside, 24-year-old Los Angeles native Aly Vitticks jumped at the chance to ring in the holidays with friends.

While the chill may have prompted more people to bundle up and duck inside, 24-year-old Los Angeles native Aly Vitticks jumped at the chance to ring in the holidays with friends.

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&#8220;I hate that it&#8217;s been raining and cold, because you can&#8217;t wear your cute outfits and stuff,&#8221; she said.

"I hate that it's been raining and cold, because you can't wear your cute outfits and stuff," she said.

&#8220;I hate that it&#8217;s been raining and cold, because you can&#8217;t wear your cute outfits and stuff,&#8221; she said.

&#8220;So far, I love that it starts so early,&#8221; she said. &#8220;You just wake up and you get dressed in your Santa outfit and start drinking.&#8221;

"So far, I love that it starts so early," she said. "You just wake up and you get dressed in your Santa outfit and start drinking."

&#8220;So far, I love that it starts so early,&#8221; she said. &#8220;You just wake up and you get dressed in your Santa outfit and start drinking.&#8221;

For Brenda Cavalero, a native of Lima, Peru, who joined her family for the festivities, a highlight was taking public transit to the event along with a host of other people in red, white, and green.

For Brenda Cavalero, a native of Lima, Peru, who joined her family for the festivities, a highlight was taking public transit to the event along with a host of other people in red, white, and green.

&#8220;It&#8217;s a good experience for my family to take the Muni and all that,&#8221; the 34-year-old said. &#8220;I love that.&#8221;

"It's a good experience for my family to take the Muni and all that," the 34-year-old said. "I love that."

&#8220;It&#8217;s a good experience for my family to take the Muni and all that,&#8221; the 34-year-old said. &#8220;I love that.&#8221;

Longtime SantaConners and longer-time friends Mike Mueller, 65, and Tomm Heath, 68 (&#8220;the only Tomm you&#8217;ll meet with two M&#8217;s&#8221;), have fond memories of being part of the spectacle over the years.

Longtime SantaConners and longer-time friends Mike Mueller, 65, and Tomm Heath, 68 ("the only Tomm you'll meet with two M's"), have fond memories of being part of the spectacle over the years.

Longtime SantaConners and longer-time friends Mike Mueller, 65, and Tomm Heath, 68 (&#8220;the only Tomm you&#8217;ll meet with two M&#8217;s&#8221;), have fond memories of being part of the spectacle over the years.

&#8220;We generally go down to North Beach, and we used to go to a place called Calzone&#8217;s, and watch the tour buses come by, and they would all get excited on the top of the tour bus,&#8221; Heath recounted. &#8220;So that was a lot of fun.&#8221;

"We generally go down to North Beach, and we used to go to a place called Calzone's, and watch the tour buses come by, and they would all get excited on the top of the tour bus," Heath recounted. "So that was a lot of fun."

&#8220;We generally go down to North Beach, and we used to go to a place called Calzone&#8217;s, and watch the tour buses come by, and they would all get excited on the top of the tour bus,&#8221; Heath recounted. &#8220;So that was a lot of fun.&#8221;

&#8220;There is urination in the alley and all that,&#8221; Heath acknowledged.

"There is urination in the alley and all that," Heath acknowledged.

&#8220;There is urination in the alley and all that,&#8221; Heath acknowledged.

&#8220;But this,&#8221; he said of the tamer daytime portion of the event, &#8220;this is the purest part.&#8221;

"But this," he said of the tamer daytime portion of the event, "this is the purest part."

&#8220;But this,&#8221; he said of the tamer daytime portion of the event, &#8220;this is the purest part.&#8221;

People greet friends in Santa Claus suits at Golden Gate Tap Room during Santa Con in San Francisco on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2023.

SantaCon SF, is an annual pub crawl where people dressed in Santa Claus costumes or as other Christmas characters and walk around San Francisco together as a collective event of fun and holiday
cheer. The event, which is global, can sometime involving drunken behavior by the participants creating some concern from locals and neighbors close to the public event.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-5239_36a97b-edited.jpg" alt="People in Santa hats and festive attire are joyfully gathered around a table with drinks and condiments, smiling and interacting in a lively atmosphere." class="wp-image-344262"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The winter chill brought larger-than-usual crowds into downtown bars.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-5239_36a97b-edited.jpg" alt="People in Santa hats and festive attire are joyfully gathered around a table with drinks and condiments, smiling and interacting in a lively atmosphere." class="wp-image-344262"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The winter chill brought larger-than-usual crowds into downtown bars.</figcaption></figure>

The Grinch attends Santa Con at Union Square in San Francisco on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2023.SantaCon SF, is an annual pub crawl where people dressed in Santa Claus costumes or as other Christmas characters and walk around San Francisco together as a collective event of fun and holidaycheer. The event, which is global, can sometime involving drunken behavior by the participants creating some concern from locals and neighbors close to the public event.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-4717-edited.jpeg" alt="A person is dressed as the Grinch, wearing a green mask and a red Santa suit with white trim, standing on a city street." class="wp-image-344273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Grinch gets ID&#8217;d at the Golden Gate Tap Room.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-4717-edited.jpeg" alt="A person is dressed as the Grinch, wearing a green mask and a red Santa suit with white trim, standing on a city street." class="wp-image-344273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Grinch gets ID'd at the Golden Gate Tap Room.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-4717-edited.jpeg" alt="A person is dressed as the Grinch, wearing a green mask and a red Santa suit with white trim, standing on a city street." class="wp-image-344273"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Grinch gets ID&#8217;d at the Golden Gate Tap Room.</figcaption></figure>

A man dressed in Santa Claus suit is frisked before entering the Golden Gate Tap Room during Santa Con in San Francisco on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2023.

SantaCon SF, is an annual pub crawl where people dressed in Santa Claus costumes or as other Christmas characters and walk around San Francisco together as a collective event of fun and holiday
cheer. The event, which is global, can sometime involving drunken behavior by the participants creating some concern from locals and neighbors close to the public event.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-5280_4844da-edited-1.jpg" alt="A security guard is frisking a person dressed as Santa Claus, while another person in a red outfit stands nearby. They're outside a building, with onlookers around." class="wp-image-344260"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">St. Nick gets frisked on his way into a pub. </figcaption></figure>

People attending Santa Con at Union Square in San Francisco on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2023.

SantaCon SF, is an annual pub crawl where people dressed in Santa Claus costumes or as other Christmas characters and walk around San Francisco together as a collective event of fun and holiday
cheer. The event, which is global, can sometime involving drunken behavior by the participants creating some concern from locals and neighbors close to the public event.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-4450_7637fa-edited.jpg" alt="A person in a colorful, patterned Santa suit holds a vibrant rainbow umbrella and carries a tie-dye bag, walking on a wet, downtown city sidewalk." class="wp-image-344269"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Psychedelic St. Nick takes a stroll through the city&#8217;s famed holiday shopping district.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-4450_7637fa-edited.jpg" alt="A person in a colorful, patterned Santa suit holds a vibrant rainbow umbrella and carries a tie-dye bag, walking on a wet, downtown city sidewalk." class="wp-image-344269"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Psychedelic St. Nick takes a stroll through the city's famed holiday shopping district.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-4450_7637fa-edited.jpg" alt="A person in a colorful, patterned Santa suit holds a vibrant rainbow umbrella and carries a tie-dye bag, walking on a wet, downtown city sidewalk." class="wp-image-344269"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Psychedelic St. Nick takes a stroll through the city&#8217;s famed holiday shopping district.</figcaption></figure>

Shae Bryant and Mike Perdomo at Golden Gate Tap Room during Santa Con in San Francisco on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2023.

SantaCon SF, is an annual pub crawl where people dressed in Santa Claus costumes or as other Christmas characters and walk around San Francisco together as a collective event of fun and holiday
cheer. The event, which is global, can sometime involving drunken behavior by the participants creating some concern from locals and neighbors close to the public event.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-5210_b4ca82-edited-1.jpg" alt="A festive scene shows people in a lively, crowded room. A woman in a Christmas outfit and a man dressed as an elf are smiling and leaning towards each other." class="wp-image-344259"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shae Bryant and Mike Perdomo share a laugh.</figcaption></figure>

A man dressed in a Santa Claus suit rides a unicycle during Santa Con at Union Square in San Francisco on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2023.

SantaCon SF, is an annual pub crawl where people dressed in Santa Claus costumes or as other Christmas characters and walk around San Francisco together as a collective event of fun and holiday
cheer. The event, which is global, can sometime involving drunken behavior by the participants creating some concern from locals and neighbors close to the public event.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-5398_f58f4b-edited.jpg" alt="A person dressed as Santa rides a unicycle on a city street, smiling and waving. There are cars, pedestrians, and tall buildings in the background." class="wp-image-344265"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A sleigh-less Santa lets the good times roll. </figcaption></figure>

Laurie Li poses at Santa Con at Union Square in San Francisco on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2023.

SantaCon SF, is an annual pub crawl where people dressed in Santa Claus costumes or as other Christmas characters and walk around San Francisco together as a collective event of fun and holiday
cheer. The event, which is global, can sometime involving drunken behavior by the participants creating some concern from locals and neighbors close to the public event.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-6128-edited.jpg" alt="A person dressed as a Christmas tree with a star on top poses playfully, surrounded by greenery and buildings, with two people in the background." class="wp-image-344266"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Laurie Li switched things up by dressing as a Christmas tree in a sea of Santas.</figcaption></figure>

Ryan Morrow and Lauren Roberts of the Burlesque Band of San Francisco leaps while playing trombones at Union Square in San Francisco on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2023.

SantaCon SF, is an annual pub crawl where people dressed in Santa Claus costumes or as other Christmas characters and walk around San Francisco together as a collective event of fun and holiday
cheer. The event, which is global, can sometime involving drunken behavior by the participants creating some concern from locals and neighbors close to the public event.

<figure class="wp-block-image alignfull size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241214-santaconsf-6022-edited.jpg" alt="People in festive outfits, including Santa hats, play instruments near a large Christmas tree. One person jumps energetically, while others watch and smile." class="wp-image-344267"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ryan Morrow and Lauren Roberts, of the Burlesque Band of San Francisco, leap with their trombones while performing in Union Square. </figcaption></figure>

Photos: The SantaCon mob gets jolly — and a little bit naughty

Garrett Leahy

Stephanie K. Baer

Yosemite National Park will close at midnight, park officials announced Thursday afternoon as a dangerous storm moved into the Sierra Nevada.

Yosemite National Park will close at midnight, park officials announced Thursday afternoon as a dangerous storm moved into the Sierra Nevada.

The National Park Service said Yosemite will remain closed through at least noon on Sunday, saying that visitors who are currently at the park should leave &#8220;as soon as possible.&#8221;

The National Park Service said Yosemite will remain closed through at least noon on Sunday, saying that visitors who are currently at the park should leave "as soon as possible."

The National Park Service said Yosemite will remain closed through at least noon on Sunday, saying that visitors who are currently at the park should leave &#8220;as soon as possible.&#8221;

Tahoe travelers have been warned not to take a trip to the mountains this weekend as the massive winter storm bears down on the California mountain range. The National Weather Service said the storm will likely dump 12 feet of snow along parts of Interstates 80 and 50 that are above 5,000 feet in elevation—potentially closing the roads—and blasting peaks with winds up to 135 mph.

Tahoe travelers have been warned not to take a trip to the mountains this weekend as the massive winter storm bears down on the California mountain range. The National Weather Service said the storm will likely dump 12 feet of snow along parts of Interstates 80 and 50 that are above 5,000 feet in elevation—potentially closing the roads—and blasting peaks with winds up to 135 mph.

The NWS further warned of <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento/status/1762991071964045632">&#8220;extremely dangerous&#8221; conditions</a> with the risk of fallen trees and poor visibility, which is expected to dip below a quarter mile during the storm.

The NWS further warned of <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento/status/1762991071964045632">"extremely dangerous" conditions</a> with the risk of fallen trees and poor visibility, which is expected to dip below a quarter mile during the storm.

The NWS further warned of <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSSacramento/status/1762991071964045632">&#8220;extremely dangerous&#8221; conditions</a> with the risk of fallen trees and poor visibility, which is expected to dip below a quarter mile during the storm.

&#8220;We strongly advise against travel,&#8221; Reno NWS Meteorologist Wendell Hohmann said. &#8220;It can be life-threatening. Even if you&#8217;re prepared, you could get stuck for hours or days.&#8221;

"We strongly advise against travel," Reno NWS Meteorologist Wendell Hohmann said. "It can be life-threatening. Even if you're prepared, you could get stuck for hours or days."

&#8220;We strongly advise against travel,&#8221; Reno NWS Meteorologist Wendell Hohmann said. &#8220;It can be life-threatening. Even if you&#8217;re prepared, you could get stuck for hours or days.&#8221;

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https://twitter.com/US_Stormwatch/status/1763358114672484441?s=20
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Conditions deteriorating on Donner Pass Road, CA with gusts up to 50 mph as the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LeapDayBlizzard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LeapDayBlizzard</a> moves in. <a href="https://t.co/VxfP2LWlF2">pic.twitter.com/VxfP2LWlF2</a>&mdash; Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/US_Stormwatch/status/1763358114672484441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

By Wednesday evening, the storm was forecast to be in full swing, with 6 to 12 inches of snow likely, while areas above 7,000 feet were expected to see between 9 to 17 inches.

By Wednesday evening, the storm was forecast to be in full swing, with 6 to 12 inches of snow likely, while areas above 7,000 feet were expected to see between 9 to 17 inches.

The Sierra will see fairly light snowfall until around 4 p.m. Thursday, when the storm will start to ramp up, dumping between 14 and 30 inches of snow at lower elevations before Friday evening, while wind speeds will consistently stay between 20 and 35 mph until at least Saturday.

The Sierra will see fairly light snowfall until around 4 p.m. Thursday, when the storm will start to ramp up, dumping between 14 and 30 inches of snow at lower elevations before Friday evening, while wind speeds will consistently stay between 20 and 35 mph until at least Saturday.

Higher elevations could see even higher snowfall amounts, ranging between 18 and 38 inches before Friday evening. Ridge gusts could reach 115 mph before peaking at 135 mph beginning Friday night and into Saturday afternoon.

Higher elevations could see even higher snowfall amounts, ranging between 18 and 38 inches before Friday evening. Ridge gusts could reach 115 mph before peaking at 135 mph beginning Friday night and into Saturday afternoon.

A snowboarder makes his way out of the North Star California Resort after a day of snowboarding on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Truckee, Calif. The most powerful Pacific storm of the season started barreling into the Sierra Nevada on Thursday, packing multiple feet of snow and dangerous winds that forecasters say will create blizzard conditions likely to close major highways and trigger power outages into the weekend.(AP Photo/Andy Barron)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ap24061014405268.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person carrying a snowboard walks down a path as snow falls" class="wp-image-254314"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A snowboarder makes their way out of the North Star California Resort after a day of snowboarding on Thursday.</figcaption></figure>

The greater Tahoe area will see 3 to 7 inches of snow in the daytime on Thursday, with 3 to 9 inches above 7,000 feet and winds between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph.

The greater Tahoe area will see 3 to 7 inches of snow in the daytime on Thursday, with 3 to 9 inches above 7,000 feet and winds between 20 and 30 mph, with gusts up to 55 mph.

More heavy snow is expected Friday, with 5 to 11 inches of snow expected in the Tahoe area and elevations above 7,000 feet likely to see 6 to 12 inches. The NWS hasn&#8217;t forecasted snow totals for the weekend, but heavy snow is expected, with visibility at a quarter mile or less at times on Saturday.

More heavy snow is expected Friday, with 5 to 11 inches of snow expected in the Tahoe area and elevations above 7,000 feet likely to see 6 to 12 inches. The NWS hasn't forecasted snow totals for the weekend, but heavy snow is expected, with visibility at a quarter mile or less at times on Saturday.

More heavy snow is expected Friday, with 5 to 11 inches of snow expected in the Tahoe area and elevations above 7,000 feet likely to see 6 to 12 inches. The NWS hasn&#8217;t forecasted snow totals for the weekend, but heavy snow is expected, with visibility at a quarter mile or less at times on Saturday.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bay-area-weather-forecast">Bay Area weather forecast</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bay-area-weather-forecast">Bay Area weather forecast</h2>

While the Sierra will get the brunt of the storm, the Bay Area will see light rain, with San Francisco likely to see anywhere from three-quarters of an inch to 1.75 inches between around 11 a.m. Friday and into Saturday night. Breezy conditions for the city are expected Friday and Saturday, ranging between 11 and 21 mph, peaking at 25 mph Friday night.

While the Sierra will get the brunt of the storm, the Bay Area will see light rain, with San Francisco likely to see anywhere from three-quarters of an inch to 1.75 inches between around 11 a.m. Friday and into Saturday night. Breezy conditions for the city are expected Friday and Saturday, ranging between 11 and 21 mph, peaking at 25 mph Friday night.

The Bay Area is expected to see several inches of rain Thursday through Sunday, according to Monterey NWS Meteorologist Rachel Kennedy.

The Bay Area is expected to see several inches of rain Thursday through Sunday, according to Monterey NWS Meteorologist Rachel Kennedy.

Stunning video of snowy path from man’s Tahoe door to driveway

The North Bay will likely see 1.5 to 3 inches of rain, while the East Bay could get between 1 and 2 inches.

The North Bay will likely see 1.5 to 3 inches of rain, while the East Bay could get between 1 and 2 inches.

The Oakland Hills will likely see slightly higher rainfall, between 1.5 and 2 inches. and Oakland itself is predicted to get 1.25 inches.

The Oakland Hills will likely see slightly higher rainfall, between 1.5 and 2 inches. and Oakland itself is predicted to get 1.25 inches.

Rainfall totals in the South Bay will range across elevations, with the Santa Clara Valley seeing between 1 and 1.5 inches and the Santa Cruz Mountains seeing between 1.5 and 3 inches.

Rainfall totals in the South Bay will range across elevations, with the Santa Clara Valley seeing between 1 and 1.5 inches and the Santa Cruz Mountains seeing between 1.5 and 3 inches.

Yosemite tells visitors to leave the park as ‘extremely dangerous’ storm hits Sierra

Alejandro Lazo

In a step toward building the first massive wind farms off California’s coast, three assemblymembers have proposed a <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB2208" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$1 billion bond act</a> to help pay for the expansion of ports.

In a step toward building the first massive wind farms off California’s coast, three assemblymembers have proposed a <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB2208" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$1 billion bond act</a> to help pay for the expansion of ports.

The bill, if approved, would place a bond before voters aimed at helping ports build capacity to assemble, construct and transport wind turbines and other large equipment. Long Beach and Humboldt County have plans to build such expansion projects.

The bill, if approved, would place a bond before voters aimed at helping ports build capacity to assemble, construct and transport wind turbines and other large equipment. Long Beach and Humboldt County have plans to build such expansion projects.

Port expansion is considered critical to the viability of&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/10/california-offshore-wind-humboldt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offshore wind projects,</a>&nbsp;which are a key component of the state’s ambitious goal to switch to 100% clean energy. The California Energy Commission&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.ca.gov/filebrowser/download/4361" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">projects</a>&nbsp;that offshore wind farms will supply 25 gigawatts of electricity by 2045, powering 25 million homes and providing about 13% of the power supply.

Port expansion is considered critical to the viability of&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/10/california-offshore-wind-humboldt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">offshore wind projects,</a>&nbsp;which are a key component of the state’s ambitious goal to switch to 100% clean energy. The California Energy Commission&nbsp;<a href="https://www.energy.ca.gov/filebrowser/download/4361" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">projects</a>&nbsp;that offshore wind farms will supply 25 gigawatts of electricity by 2045, powering 25 million homes and providing about 13% of the power supply.

The first step to building these giant floating platforms has already been taken: The federal government has leased&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2022/12/california-offshore-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">583 square miles of ocean waters</a>&nbsp;about 20 miles off Humboldt Bay and the Central Coast’s Morro Bay to five energy companies. The proposed wind farms would hold hundreds of giant turbines, each as tall as a skyscraper, about 900 feet high. The technology for floating wind farms has never been used in such deep waters, far off the coast.

The first step to building these giant floating platforms has already been taken: The federal government has leased&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2022/12/california-offshore-wind/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">583 square miles of ocean waters</a>&nbsp;about 20 miles off Humboldt Bay and the Central Coast’s Morro Bay to five energy companies. The proposed wind farms would hold hundreds of giant turbines, each as tall as a skyscraper, about 900 feet high. The technology for floating wind farms has never been used in such deep waters, far off the coast.

An extensive network of offshore and onshore development would be necessary. Costly upgrades to ports will be critical, along with undersea transmission lines, new electrical distribution networks and more.

An extensive network of offshore and onshore development would be necessary. Costly upgrades to ports will be critical, along with undersea transmission lines, new electrical distribution networks and more.

The Port of Long Beach, for instance, is planning Pier Wind, a $4.7 billion, 400-acre offshore wind turbine assembly&nbsp;<a href="https://polb.com/port-info/news-and-press/public-input-sought-for-pier-wind-project-at-port-12-04-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terminal</a>. One of the largest and busiest ports in the nation, it is the only location in California close to being able to assemble and deploy turbines,&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/10/california-offshore-wind-humboldt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to previous CalMatters reporting</a>.

The Port of Long Beach, for instance, is planning Pier Wind, a $4.7 billion, 400-acre offshore wind turbine assembly&nbsp;<a href="https://polb.com/port-info/news-and-press/public-input-sought-for-pier-wind-project-at-port-12-04-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">terminal</a>. One of the largest and busiest ports in the nation, it is the only location in California close to being able to assemble and deploy turbines,&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/10/california-offshore-wind-humboldt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to previous CalMatters reporting</a>.

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In Humboldt County, some federal grants have been awarded to develop its small port for wind farms. The federal Department of Transportation last month&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2024-01/INFRA%20Fact%20Sheets%20FY%202023-2024_Final_0.pdf#page=5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">awarded the Humboldt Bay harbor district&nbsp; $426.7 million</a>&nbsp;to build a new marine terminal where turbines can be assembled and transported.

In Humboldt County, some federal grants have been awarded to develop its small port for wind farms. The federal Department of Transportation last month&nbsp;<a href="https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2024-01/INFRA%20Fact%20Sheets%20FY%202023-2024_Final_0.pdf#page=5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">awarded the Humboldt Bay harbor district&nbsp; $426.7 million</a>&nbsp;to build a new marine terminal where turbines can be assembled and transported.

The proposed bond measure was announced Thursday by <a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/rick-chavez-zbur-1957/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rick Chavez Zbur</a>, a Democrat from Los Angeles, as well as other members of the Assembly. <a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/jim-wood-1960/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jim Wood</a>, a Democrat from Ukiah, and <a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/josh-lowenthal-1970/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josh Lowenthal</a>, a Democrat from Long Beach, are co-authors.

The proposed bond measure was announced Thursday by <a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/rick-chavez-zbur-1957/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rick Chavez Zbur</a>, a Democrat from Los Angeles, as well as other members of the Assembly. <a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/jim-wood-1960/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jim Wood</a>, a Democrat from Ukiah, and <a href="https://calmatters.org/legislator-tracker/josh-lowenthal-1970/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Josh Lowenthal</a>, a Democrat from Long Beach, are co-authors.

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB867">Two</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1567">separate</a>&nbsp;climate bond bills also aim to pay for climate-related projects, such as shoring up vulnerable communities and wildfire prevention efforts. Each house has passed its own version of a bond. Negotiations over whether they will appear on the November ballot remain open.

<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB867">Two</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1567">separate</a>&nbsp;climate bond bills also aim to pay for climate-related projects, such as shoring up vulnerable communities and wildfire prevention efforts. Each house has passed its own version of a bond. Negotiations over whether they will appear on the November ballot remain open.

The debate over adding debt comes as California faces a projected $38 billion deficit, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s estimate last month.

The debate over adding debt comes as California faces a projected $38 billion deficit, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s estimate last month.

Zbur, the lead author of AB 2208, the offshore wind bond bill, said at a press conference Thursday that he is in talks with legislators who authored&nbsp;the climate bonds about earmarking funds for offshore wind in lieu of moving ahead with his proposed bond measure.

Zbur, the lead author of AB 2208, the offshore wind bond bill, said at a press conference Thursday that he is in talks with legislators who authored&nbsp;the climate bonds about earmarking funds for offshore wind in lieu of moving ahead with his proposed bond measure.

“We are engaged with discussions with them on that, and that would be another alternative to moving forward,” Zbur said. “Our goal today is really to make sure that this $1 billion is included in the range of bonds.”

“We are engaged with discussions with them on that, and that would be another alternative to moving forward,” Zbur said. “Our goal today is really to make sure that this $1 billion is included in the range of bonds.”

CalMatters has reported that offshore wind&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/10/california-offshore-wind-central-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has raised many issues</a>&nbsp;for California, because it is experimental technology on a fast track off Humboldt County and Morro Bay. Humboldt officials hope the projects will boost the county&#8217;s struggling economy, while some Central Coast residents are fighting the wind farms because they say they would industrialize the coastline.

CalMatters has reported that offshore wind&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/10/california-offshore-wind-central-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has raised many issues</a>&nbsp;for California, because it is experimental technology on a fast track off Humboldt County and Morro Bay. Humboldt officials hope the projects will boost the county's struggling economy, while some Central Coast residents are fighting the wind farms because they say they would industrialize the coastline.

CalMatters has reported that offshore wind&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2023/10/california-offshore-wind-central-coast/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">has raised many issues</a>&nbsp;for California, because it is experimental technology on a fast track off Humboldt County and Morro Bay. Humboldt officials hope the projects will boost the county&#8217;s struggling economy, while some Central Coast residents are fighting the wind farms because they say they would industrialize the coastline.

California lawmakers to ask voters for $1B to pay for offshore wind farms 

Alex Mullaney

Karla Hernandez Oviedo, Yorman Roa, and their school-age girls finally have a place of their own.

Karla Hernandez Oviedo, Yorman Roa, and their school-age girls finally have a place of their own.

Late Monday, after eight months of living in a recreational vehicle on San Francisco streets, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/14/zoo-road-vehicle-encampment-housing-vouchers/">the Venezuelan asylum seekers</a> signed a lease for a third-floor apartment in one of the Parkmerced neighborhood’s pastel-colored towers. The couple, both 30, used a city-provided housing subsidy voucher that covers the first two months of rent, then requires them to pay 40% of the $2,500 lease.

&#8216;I’m tired of living like this&#8217;: Residents of RV encampment pray for an off-ramp

Late Monday, after eight months of living in a recreational vehicle on San Francisco streets, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/14/zoo-road-vehicle-encampment-housing-vouchers/">the Venezuelan asylum seekers</a> signed a lease for a third-floor apartment in one of the Parkmerced neighborhood’s pastel-colored towers. The couple, both 30, used a city-provided housing subsidy voucher that covers the first two months of rent, then requires them to pay 40% of the $2,500 lease.

“Yarmon’s anxiety has calmed down because he knows the girls will be safe,” Hernandez Oviedo said. “He’s glad to know they will have a home to go to after school.

“Yarmon’s anxiety has calmed down because he knows the girls will be safe,” Hernandez Oviedo said. “He’s glad to know they will have a home to go to after school.

“It gives me peace and calm too. I’m grateful,” she added.

“It gives me peace and calm too. I’m grateful,” she added.

Karla Hernandez sees this new opportunity as a motivation for her family to start a new, less stressful chapter in their life in San Francisco. Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. After a mayor's office effort to remove an RV community that relocated from a street near Stonestown Mall to one beside a Recreation Center, at least 22 housing vouchers were handed out for housing at Parkmerced, following an overturned local injunction that allowed the city to be more aggressive in its sweeps of encampments as a result of the Supreme Court's ruling in June.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240819rvfamilyfolo-part2-10_7f2daa.jpg?w=2500" alt="A woman in a white sweater and black pants stands in a kitchen doorway. The kitchen has white cabinets, a stove with pans, and a countertop with a watermelon." class="wp-image-303728"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hernandez Oviedo sees this opportunity as a motivation for her family to start a less stressful chapter in their lives in San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

With the paperwork signed, they can unpack their belongings, furnish the one-bedroom apartment, and begin their new lives. Victoria, 14, can invite classmates over after school. Samantha, 8, is happy to be able to take hot showers.

With the paperwork signed, they can unpack their belongings, furnish the one-bedroom apartment, and begin their new lives. Victoria, 14, can invite classmates over after school. Samantha, 8, is happy to be able to take hot showers.

According to the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the family is one of about 21 that had moved into Parkmerced as of Tuesday. The road to bringing them indoors was&nbsp;long and winding — and a demonstration of the city’s power to marshal resources when political pressure is applied.

According to the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the family is one of about 21 that had moved into Parkmerced as of Tuesday. The road to bringing them indoors was&nbsp;long and winding — and a demonstration of the city’s power to marshal resources when political pressure is applied.

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“I appeared at public meetings to provide information about how complicated it is to raise children without a place,” Hernandez Oviedo said. “If we hadn’t done that, they wouldn’t have paid attention to us.”

“I appeared at public meetings to provide information about how complicated it is to raise children without a place,” Hernandez Oviedo said. “If we hadn’t done that, they wouldn’t have paid attention to us.”

Hernandez Oviedo joined others in advocating for their needs: housing or, barring that, a safe parking site for people living in vehicles. The city has for years allocated millions of dollars for setting up such sites but has failed to do so.

Hernandez Oviedo joined others in advocating for their needs: housing or, barring that, a safe parking site for people living in vehicles. The city has for years allocated millions of dollars for setting up such sites but has failed to do so.

All the voucher recipients had lived in vehicles on Winston Drive — a leafy street between Stonestown Galleria and Lake Merced with loose parking restrictions — as part of a longstanding group of about 50 families, most from South and Central America. City departments and nonprofit service providers offered assistance as though the encampment were a de facto shelter.

All the voucher recipients had lived in vehicles on Winston Drive — a leafy street between Stonestown Galleria and Lake Merced with loose parking restrictions — as part of a longstanding group of about 50 families, most from South and Central America. City departments and nonprofit service providers offered assistance as though the encampment were a de facto shelter.

Karla Hernandez interacts with Wendy Zuniga and her daughter Wendy, who she met while living in an RV, at the Parkmerced resident offices on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. After a mayor's office effort to remove an RV community that relocated from a street near Stonestown Mall to one beside a Recreation Center, at least 22 housing vouchers were handed out for housing at Parkmerced, following an overturned local injunction that allowed the city to be more aggressive in its sweeps of encampments as a result of the Supreme Court's ruling in June.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240819rvfamilyfolo-part2-22_0f8baa.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three people are in a waiting room. A woman stands near a window, while a child in a red dress and a woman with purple hair sit in chairs. A table with a plant and pamphlet is nearby." class="wp-image-303732"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hernandez Oviedo talks with Wendy Zuniga and her daughter Wendy at the Parkmerced resident offices. They all met while living in a vehicle community.</figcaption></figure>

Hernandez Oviedo was spurred to political action with the help of the Coalition on Homelessness, which has worked with the Winston Drive RV community over the years to ask City Hall for a safe parking site and protest parking restrictions that would have forced them out. Lukas Illa, the coalition’s spokesperson, described the housing of 21 families as a partial victory.

Hernandez Oviedo was spurred to political action with the help of the Coalition on Homelessness, which has worked with the Winston Drive RV community over the years to ask City Hall for a safe parking site and protest parking restrictions that would have forced them out. Lukas Illa, the coalition’s spokesperson, described the housing of 21 families as a partial victory.

“This is a win. These subsidies did not exist a month ago,” Illa said. “We&#8217;ve been lobbying for these, and we&#8217;re continuously told by the city that they don&#8217;t have the ability to create them.”

“This is a win. These subsidies did not exist a month ago,” Illa said. “We've been lobbying for these, and we're continuously told by the city that they don't have the ability to create them.”

“This is a win. These subsidies did not exist a month ago,” Illa said. “We&#8217;ve been lobbying for these, and we&#8217;re continuously told by the city that they don&#8217;t have the ability to create them.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-housing-conundrum">Housing conundrum</h2>

This summer, the members of the RV community made themselves heard. Aside from attending public meetings to give testimony, a group from the community <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/11/rv-protest-stonestown-mall/">blocked Winston Drive</a> when newly instated four-hour parking restrictions would have displaced them.

Stonestown mall: RV dwellers&#8217; protest blocks traffic into shopping center for hours

This summer, the members of the RV community made themselves heard. Aside from attending public meetings to give testimony, a group from the community <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/11/rv-protest-stonestown-mall/">blocked Winston Drive</a> when newly instated four-hour parking restrictions would have displaced them.

When the city set a deadline this month for clearing the encampment, Hernandez Oviedo and Roa joined a caravan of about 30 RVs that broke into a San Francisco Zoo parking lot — a location once under consideration for a safe parking site. Police and park rangers quickly dispersed them; <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/06/pomeroy-center-vehicle-encampment/">most ended up parked on Zoo Road</a>, the L-shaped street around the Pomeroy Recreation &amp; Rehabilitation Center.

When the city set a deadline this month for clearing the encampment, Hernandez Oviedo and Roa joined a caravan of about 30 RVs that broke into a San Francisco Zoo parking lot — a location once under consideration for a safe parking site. Police and park rangers quickly dispersed them; <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/06/pomeroy-center-vehicle-encampment/">most ended up parked on Zoo Road</a>, the L-shaped street around the Pomeroy Recreation &amp; Rehabilitation Center.

The rec center had encountered vehicle and tent encampments before. Its leadership immediately called on Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who represents the city’s southwest side, to find a solution.

The rec center had encountered vehicle and tent encampments before. Its leadership immediately called on Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who represents the city’s southwest side, to find a solution.

That solution was to reevaluate the families on Zoo Road for housing. All but two accepted offers. Two families are awaiting placement in permanent supportive housing. A number of voucher recipients told The Standard they had never been offered housing before, only shelter.

That solution was to reevaluate the families on Zoo Road for housing. All but two accepted offers. Two families are awaiting placement in permanent supportive housing. A number of voucher recipients told The Standard they had never been offered housing before, only shelter.

The Roa family’s view from the kitchen of their new apartment in Parkmerced on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. After a mayor's office effort to remove an RV community that relocated from a street near Stonestown Mall to one beside a Recreation Center, at least 22 housing vouchers were handed out for housing at Parkmerced, following an overturned local injunction that allowed the city to be more aggressive in its sweeps of encampments as a result of the Supreme Court's ruling in June.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240819rvfamilyfolo-part2-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a view through a high window of a sunlit building, with a large tree, a small green utility box, and a parking lot with several cars below." class="wp-image-303738"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The view from the kitchen of Hernandez Oviedo&#8217;s new apartment in Parkmerced.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240819rvfamilyfolo-part2-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a view through a high window of a sunlit building, with a large tree, a small green utility box, and a parking lot with several cars below." class="wp-image-303738"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The view from the kitchen of Hernandez Oviedo's new apartment in Parkmerced.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240819rvfamilyfolo-part2-9.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a view through a high window of a sunlit building, with a large tree, a small green utility box, and a parking lot with several cars below." class="wp-image-303738"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The view from the kitchen of Hernandez Oviedo&#8217;s new apartment in Parkmerced.</figcaption></figure>

Illa notes that fewer than half of the families from the Winston Drive community have received housing subsidy referrals. The others remain on the streets.

Illa notes that fewer than half of the families from the Winston Drive community have received housing subsidy referrals. The others remain on the streets.

“We should build as a city the diverse infrastructure to support all different types of folks who are exiting homelessness, transitioning into permanent, supportive housing or longer term, self-sufficient housing — and that does include safe parking sites,” Illa said.

“We should build as a city the diverse infrastructure to support all different types of folks who are exiting homelessness, transitioning into permanent, supportive housing or longer term, self-sufficient housing — and that does include safe parking sites,” Illa said.

About 1,400 San Franciscans live in 700 vehicles, city data show, and the numbers have grown over the last two years. Most are located in the industrial section of the Bayview, the outskirts of Showplace Square, and around Lake Merced.

About 1,400 San Franciscans live in 700 vehicles, city data show, and the numbers have grown over the last two years. Most are located in the industrial section of the Bayview, the outskirts of Showplace Square, and around Lake Merced.

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