George Kelly

A Fairfield man was arrested in a killing at a Sonoma County home hours after deputies released him Saturday following a disturbance at a five-star hotel.

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<p>A Fairfield man was arrested in a killing at a Sonoma County home hours after deputies released him Saturday following a disturbance at a five-star hotel.</p>

Adrian Yanez, 44, is being held without bail in a county jail on murder and burglary charges for allegedly breaking into a Valley Ford home and killing an occupant with a baseball bat while a relative of the victim hid in the house.

<p>Adrian Yanez, 44, is being held without bail in a county jail on murder and burglary charges for allegedly breaking into a Valley Ford home and killing an occupant with a baseball bat while a relative of the victim hid in the house.</p>

The killing took place on rural Carroll Road, where law enforcement officers had gone to investigate calls from a relative of the victim that a man was screaming outside their home.

<p>The killing took place on rural Carroll Road, where law enforcement officers had gone to investigate calls from a relative of the victim that a man was screaming outside their home.</p>

According to a Sonoma County Sheriff&#8217;s Office <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sonomasheriff/posts/pfbid02w9adXVqctMRqnAeu8VUPjnDm77DCZYmKogaDMmuY63mGeykkPKZgPSSzj6XoLvsfl">statement</a> first posted Sunday, Yanez allegedly broke down the door and killed one person with the bat while another safely hid.

<p>According to a Sonoma County Sheriff's Office <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sonomasheriff/posts/pfbid02w9adXVqctMRqnAeu8VUPjnDm77DCZYmKogaDMmuY63mGeykkPKZgPSSzj6XoLvsfl">statement</a> first posted Sunday, Yanez allegedly broke down the door and killed one person with the bat while another safely hid.</p>

<p>According to a Sonoma County Sheriff&#8217;s Office <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sonomasheriff/posts/pfbid02w9adXVqctMRqnAeu8VUPjnDm77DCZYmKogaDMmuY63mGeykkPKZgPSSzj6XoLvsfl">statement</a> first posted Sunday, Yanez allegedly broke down the door and killed one person with the bat while another safely hid.</p>

The victim was identified as Michael Molland, who was at least 70 years old, the <a href="https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/valley-ford-homicide-fairfield-man/">Press Democrat reported</a>.

<p>The victim was identified as Michael Molland, who was at least 70 years old, the <a href="https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/valley-ford-homicide-fairfield-man/">Press Democrat reported</a>.</p>

Pregnant woman shot twice in stomach after domestic dispute

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Deputies arrested Yanez and recovered the baseball bat. Detectives are investigating the motive for the attack.

<p>Deputies arrested Yanez and recovered the baseball bat. Detectives are investigating the motive for the attack. </p>

&#8220;We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the victim’s family during this extremely difficult time,&#8221; the sheriff&#8217;s office said in a statement.

<p>"We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the victim’s family during this extremely difficult time," the sheriff's office said in a statement.</p>

<p>&#8220;We would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the victim’s family during this extremely difficult time,&#8221; the sheriff&#8217;s office said in a statement.</p>

The sheriff&#8217;s office updated its account Tuesday to reveal that Yanez had been investigated and released for a disturbance he caused in Forestville hours before the slaying.

<p>The sheriff's office updated its account Tuesday to reveal that Yanez had been investigated and released for a disturbance he caused in Forestville hours before the slaying.</p>

<p>The sheriff&#8217;s office updated its account Tuesday to reveal that Yanez had been investigated and released for a disturbance he caused in Forestville hours before the slaying.</p>

Deputies first encountered Yanez around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, when a caller said he had made them uncomfortable at a property in Forestville, about 15 miles from Valley Ford. According to the <a href="https://www.sebastopoltimes.com/p/valley-ford-murder-suspect-temporarily">Sebastopol Times</a>, the call came from the five-star Farmhouse Inn, where Yanez allegedly sexually harassed a hotel employee.

<p>Deputies first encountered Yanez around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, when a caller said he had made them uncomfortable at a property in Forestville, about 15 miles from Valley Ford. According to the <a href="https://www.sebastopoltimes.com/p/valley-ford-murder-suspect-temporarily">Sebastopol Times</a>, the call came from the five-star Farmhouse Inn, where Yanez allegedly sexually harassed a hotel employee.</p>

An anonymous source told the Times that Yanez had been a guest at the hotel Friday night and stood out by wearing a construction worker’s vest and dirty boots and noisily dancing and pacing.

<p>An anonymous source told the Times that Yanez had been a guest at the hotel Friday night and stood out by wearing a construction worker’s vest and dirty boots and noisily dancing and pacing.</p>

Yanez also exhibited bizarre and antisocial behavior on multiple occasions during his stay before he allegedly carried out the murder, the Times reported Wednesday, citing anonymous sources.

<p>Yanez also exhibited bizarre and antisocial behavior on multiple occasions during his stay before he allegedly carried out the murder, the Times reported Wednesday, citing anonymous sources.</p>

Early Friday, Yanez allegedly told a hotel spa therapist after booking a massage, &#8220;I just need to get undressed and get your womanly hands on my lower back,&#8221; which made her uncomfortable, the source said. Right before, when spa staff had asked him his gender preference for a massage therapist, Yanez allegedly said, &#8220;woman obviously, and the one with the softest hands.&#8221;

<p>Early Friday, Yanez allegedly told a hotel spa therapist after booking a massage, "I just need to get undressed and get your womanly hands on my lower back," which made her uncomfortable, the source said. Right before, when spa staff had asked him his gender preference for a massage therapist, Yanez allegedly said, "woman obviously, and the one with the softest hands."</p>

<p>Early Friday, Yanez allegedly told a hotel spa therapist after booking a massage, &#8220;I just need to get undressed and get your womanly hands on my lower back,&#8221; which made her uncomfortable, the source said. Right before, when spa staff had asked him his gender preference for a massage therapist, Yanez allegedly said, &#8220;woman obviously, and the one with the softest hands.&#8221;</p>

At 2 p.m. Friday, after Yanez was supposed to have checked out, a staffer knocked on his door, and Yanez answered, covered in sweat and completely naked, although he hid his body behind the door, the source said. After a brief, awkward exchange, Yanez wordlessly dropped two soiled rags and closed the door.

<p>At 2 p.m. Friday, after Yanez was supposed to have checked out, a staffer knocked on his door, and Yanez answered, covered in sweat and completely naked, although he hid his body behind the door, the source said. After a brief, awkward exchange, Yanez wordlessly dropped two soiled rags and closed the door.</p>

On Saturday, Yanez allegedly told a hotel waitress to sit next to him as he waited for breakfast. When she did, Yanez began scratching her back and she stood up, a source told the Times. When the waitress got up, Yanez allegedly grabbed her wrist and forced her to sit back down. The waitress informed other hotel staff, who then contacted law enforcement.

<p>On Saturday, Yanez allegedly told a hotel waitress to sit next to him as he waited for breakfast. When she did, Yanez began scratching her back and she stood up, a source told the Times. When the waitress got up, Yanez allegedly grabbed her wrist and forced her to sit back down. The waitress informed other hotel staff, who then contacted law enforcement.</p>

&#8220;Yanez was acting strangely but not violently. Yanez was released when deputies no longer had the legal authority to detain him,&#8221; the sheriff&#8217;s office said, adding that he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and did not meet the criteria to be held for a mental health evaluation. &#8220;Yanez was told he was no longer welcome on the property and would be arrested if he returned.&#8221;

<p>"Yanez was acting strangely but not violently. Yanez was released when deputies no longer had the legal authority to detain him," the sheriff's office said, adding that he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and did not meet the criteria to be held for a mental health evaluation. "Yanez was told he was no longer welcome on the property and would be arrested if he returned."</p>

<p>&#8220;Yanez was acting strangely but not violently. Yanez was released when deputies no longer had the legal authority to detain him,&#8221; the sheriff&#8217;s office said, adding that he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs and did not meet the criteria to be held for a mental health evaluation. &#8220;Yanez was told he was no longer welcome on the property and would be arrested if he returned.&#8221;</p>

Yanez was released from custody at 1:28 p.m. and allegedly committed the murder less than two hours later.

<p>Yanez was released from custody at 1:28 p.m. and allegedly committed the murder less than two hours later.</p>

Yanez is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 25, the Press Democrat said.

<p>Yanez is scheduled to be arraigned Nov. 25, the Press Democrat said.</p>

Killer was kicked out of posh hotel hours before home invasion, cops say

Maryann Jones Thompson

If you love to “u-pick” apricots, cherries and peaches, you know the season is heartbreakingly short. By the time you get your head around the fact that it is actually June, the orchards that offer DIY harvesting are often already bare.

<p>If you love to “u-pick” apricots, cherries and peaches, you know the season is heartbreakingly short. By the time you get your head around the fact that it is actually June, the orchards that offer DIY harvesting are often already bare.</p>

But this year’s extraordinary weather brings good news for Bay Area stone fruit fans: The extra-rainy spring has delayed harvest time for the region’s farms. In fact, many growers that often wrap up their u-pick seasons in mid-June are only now opening their fields to city pickers.

<p>But this year’s extraordinary weather brings good news for Bay Area stone fruit fans: The extra-rainy spring has delayed harvest time for the region’s farms. In fact, many growers that often wrap up their u-pick seasons in mid-June are only now opening their fields to city pickers.</p>

And while the Bay Area continues to suffer through gloomy skies, the orchards of the far East Bay now bask in sunshine and make a perfect destination to escape June’s coastal gloom.

<p>And while the Bay Area continues to suffer through gloomy skies, the orchards of the far East Bay now bask in sunshine and make a perfect destination to escape June’s coastal gloom.</p>

Blenheim apricots are just one of the fruits available at the Farmer’s Daughter Produce u-pick orchard in Brentwood. | Courtesy Hailey Nunn for Farmer’s Daughter Produce


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Farmers-Daughter-Picnic-Area.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169001"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Blenheim apricots are just one of the fruits available at the Farmer’s Daughter Produce u-pick orchard in Brentwood. | Courtesy Hailey Nunn for Farmer’s Daughter Produce</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Farmers-Daughter-Picnic-Area.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-169001"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Blenheim apricots are just one of the fruits available at the Farmer’s Daughter Produce u-pick orchard in Brentwood. | Courtesy Hailey Nunn for Farmer’s Daughter Produce</figcaption></figure>

About an hour east of Downtown San Francisco, Brentwood is the historic favorite u-pick destination for stone fruit—aka fruits with a pit, like cherries and peaches. Sitting at the edge of Contra Costa County near the Sacramento River Delta and the San Joaquin Valley, this agricultural area is known for the heat and space needed to ripen cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and, later in the summer, corn and other crops. (<a href="https://harvestforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022_Harvest-Time-Farm-Map.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here for a map</a> to the area’s farms—though only a handful offer u-pick harvesting.)

<p>About an hour east of Downtown San Francisco, Brentwood is the historic favorite u-pick destination for stone fruit—aka fruits with a pit, like cherries and peaches. Sitting at the edge of Contra Costa County near the Sacramento River Delta and the San Joaquin Valley, this agricultural area is known for the heat and space needed to ripen cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and, later in the summer, corn and other crops. (<a href="https://harvestforyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022_Harvest-Time-Farm-Map.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here for a map</a> to the area’s farms—though only a handful offer u-pick harvesting.)</p>

Cherries ripen in a Brentwood orchard. | Barbara Rich/Getty Images


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/brentwood-cherries.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-168945"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cherries ripen in a Brentwood orchard. | Barbara Rich/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>


&#8220;To us, the farm has become a labor of love for sure,” said Kevin Vornhagen, who, together with his wife, Deneen, runs Brentwood’s <a href="https://vornhagenfarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vornhagen Farm</a>, which is now open for u-pick white Rainier cherries.&nbsp; “We do everything ourselves except pruning, which would be impossible with almost 4,000 trees!&#8221;&nbsp;

<p>"To us, the farm has become a labor of love for sure,” said Kevin Vornhagen, who, together with his wife, Deneen, runs Brentwood’s <a href="https://vornhagenfarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vornhagen Farm</a>, which is now open for u-pick white Rainier cherries.&nbsp; “We do everything ourselves except pruning, which would be impossible with almost 4,000 trees!"&nbsp;</p>

<p>&#8220;To us, the farm has become a labor of love for sure,” said Kevin Vornhagen, who, together with his wife, Deneen, runs Brentwood’s <a href="https://vornhagenfarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vornhagen Farm</a>, which is now open for u-pick white Rainier cherries.&nbsp; “We do everything ourselves except pruning, which would be impossible with almost 4,000 trees!&#8221;&nbsp;</p>

Kevin and Deneen Vornhagen offer u-pick cherries at their farm in Brentwood. | Courtesy Vornhagen Farm


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Photo-of-Kevin-and-Deneen-Vornhagen-owners-taken-in-front-of-a-few-of-the-4000-cherry-trees-on-their-farm..jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-168951"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kevin and Deneen Vornhagen offer u-pick cherries at their farm in Brentwood. | Courtesy Vornhagen Farm</figcaption></figure>


But you don’t have to drive an hour to pick your own fruit—or limit your picking to summer. <a href="https://www.cloverfieldfarm.us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cloverfield Organic Farm</a> is nestled in the hills of El Sobrante, within minutes of the bay just north of Richmond.&nbsp;

<p>But you don’t have to drive an hour to pick your own fruit—or limit your picking to summer. <a href="https://www.cloverfieldfarm.us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cloverfield Organic Farm</a> is nestled in the hills of El Sobrante, within minutes of the bay just north of Richmond.&nbsp;</p>

Farmer Susan Truscott said she expects her farm’s harvest to be reduced this year because the stone fruit trees were blooming when it was too cold and rainy for the bees to pollinate the flowers. But she has a variety of <a href="https://www.cloverfieldfarm.us/post/cloverfield-farm-fruit-ripening-calendar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">u-pick produce available all year long</a>, as well as raw honey, dried herbs and seeds. The website reads, “If the ‘open’ sign is out, please drive on down and we will give you a tour and tell you what is ready for &#8216;the pickin’.”&nbsp;

<p>Farmer Susan Truscott said she expects her farm’s harvest to be reduced this year because the stone fruit trees were blooming when it was too cold and rainy for the bees to pollinate the flowers. But she has a variety of <a href="https://www.cloverfieldfarm.us/post/cloverfield-farm-fruit-ripening-calendar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">u-pick produce available all year long</a>, as well as raw honey, dried herbs and seeds. The website reads, “If the ‘open’ sign is out, please drive on down and we will give you a tour and tell you what is ready for 'the pickin’.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Farmer Susan Truscott said she expects her farm’s harvest to be reduced this year because the stone fruit trees were blooming when it was too cold and rainy for the bees to pollinate the flowers. But she has a variety of <a href="https://www.cloverfieldfarm.us/post/cloverfield-farm-fruit-ripening-calendar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">u-pick produce available all year long</a>, as well as raw honey, dried herbs and seeds. The website reads, “If the ‘open’ sign is out, please drive on down and we will give you a tour and tell you what is ready for &#8216;the pickin’.”&nbsp;</p>

Susan Truscott harvests a fennel bulb at her Cloverfield Organic Farm in El Sobrante. | Courtesy Cloverfield Organic Farm


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/susan-truscott-cloverfield-farm.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-168939"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Susan Truscott harvests a fennel bulb at her Cloverfield Organic Farm in El Sobrante. | Courtesy Cloverfield Organic Farm</figcaption></figure>


“The best part about offering u-pick fruit here is that we get to interact with customers and show them how an organic farm can be bountiful in our temperate Bay Area microclimate,” said Truscott. Her customers can put whatever fruit and veggies they like in a basket as they tour the farm and learn about organic farming methods along the way.

<p>“The best part about offering u-pick fruit here is that we get to interact with customers and show them how an organic farm can be bountiful in our temperate Bay Area microclimate,” said Truscott. Her customers can put whatever fruit and veggies they like in a basket as they tour the farm and learn about organic farming methods along the way.</p>

In the map and table below, The Standard pulled together a guide to the u-pick farms that make for a perfect summer day trip from the Bay Area, offering a variety of fruits from raspberries in Sebastopol to apricots in Brentwood to strawberries in Portola Valley.

<p>In the map and table below, The Standard pulled together a guide to the u-pick farms that make for a perfect summer day trip from the Bay Area, offering a variety of fruits from raspberries in Sebastopol to apricots in Brentwood to strawberries in Portola Valley.</p>

Pick your own raspberries at Sebastopol’s Boring Farm and stay for a pond-side picnic around its ponds afterwards. | Courtesy Boring Farm


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/boring-raspberries.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-168995"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pick your own raspberries at Sebastopol’s Boring Farm and stay for a pond-side picnic around its ponds afterward. | Courtesy Boring Farm</figcaption></figure>


If it’s your first time, don’t forget to check the farm’s website or social media before starting your drive. Most farms charge a per-person entry fee plus $4 or $6 per pound for fruit. Some require reservations. Some are BYO bucket. But all provide a dirty-hands, sticky-face experience that’s pure California summer—and one that makes you appreciate the farmers’ markets that pop up in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/food/san-francisco-bay-area-marin-farmers-market-spring-produce-recipes/">San Francisco</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/food/best-farmers-markets-san-francisco-bay-area-spring/">Bay Area</a> neighborhoods the rest of the year.

<p>If it’s your first time, don’t forget to check the farm’s website or social media before starting your drive. Most farms charge a per-person entry fee plus $4 or $6 per pound for fruit. Some require reservations. Some are BYO bucket. But all provide a dirty-hands, sticky-face experience that’s pure California summer—and one that makes you appreciate the farmers’ markets that pop up in <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/food/san-francisco-bay-area-marin-farmers-market-spring-produce-recipes/">San Francisco</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/food/best-farmers-markets-san-francisco-bay-area-spring/">Bay Area</a> neighborhoods the rest of the year.</p>

Day Trip to a U-Pick Fruit Farm Near San Francisco


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-day-trip-to-a-u-pick-fruit-farm-near-san-francisco">Day Trip to a U-Pick Fruit Farm Near San Francisco</h2>


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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-day-trip-to-a-u-pick-fruit-farm-near-san-francisco">Day Trip to a U-Pick Fruit Farm Near San Francisco</h2>

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‘U-pick’ fruit near the Bay Area is ripe for the picking

Flood advisories were in effect across the Bay Area on Wednesday morning as heavy rain pummeled the area and its airports. Travelers at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/sfo-flight-delays-2024-runway-construction-project/">San Francisco International Airport</a> were facing dozens of delays and cancellations, according to data from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flightaware.com/live/cancelled/today/KSFO" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FlightAware</a>.

SFO flight delays coming in 2024 due to construction project

<p>Flood advisories were in effect across the Bay Area on Wednesday morning as heavy rain pummeled the area and its airports. Travelers at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/18/sfo-flight-delays-2024-runway-construction-project/">San Francisco International Airport</a> were facing dozens of delays and cancellations, according to data from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.flightaware.com/live/cancelled/today/KSFO" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">FlightAware</a>.</p>

As of 7:30 a.m., 71 flights were delayed, and two—one from United Airlines and one from SkyWest—had been canceled. By 10:30 a.m., that number had risen to 165 flights.

<p>As of 7:30 a.m., 71 flights were delayed, and two—one from United Airlines and one from SkyWest—had been canceled. By 10:30 a.m., that number had risen to 165 flights.</p>

Early tallies found United Airlines had the most delays with 19, followed by Southwest with 17, SkyWest with eight, Delta with five and British Airways with four. More than 15 flights coming into SFO were late, while more than 50 leaving the airport were behind schedule. By mid-morning, United and SkyWest saw 57 and 33 delayed flights respectively, while the airport had 81 delayed arrivals and 84 delayed departures.

<p>Early tallies found United Airlines had the most delays with 19, followed by Southwest with 17, SkyWest with eight, Delta with five and British Airways with four. More than 15 flights coming into SFO were late, while more than 50 leaving the airport were behind schedule. By mid-morning, United and SkyWest saw 57 and 33 delayed flights respectively, while the airport had 81 delayed arrivals and 84 delayed departures.</p>

Travelers saw long lines for security at San Francisco International Airport's Terminal 2 on Wednesday morning.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_4337.jpg?w=2500" alt="A line of people in dark clothing with suitcases stands under fluorescent lights in a high ceilinged room." class="wp-image-234197"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Travelers faced long lines for security at San Francisco International Airport&#8217;s Terminal 2 on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_4337.jpg?w=2500" alt="A line of people in dark clothing with suitcases stands under fluorescent lights in a high ceilinged room." class="wp-image-234197"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Travelers faced long lines for security at San Francisco International Airport's Terminal 2 on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img_4337.jpg?w=2500" alt="A line of people in dark clothing with suitcases stands under fluorescent lights in a high ceilinged room." class="wp-image-234197"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Travelers faced long lines for security at San Francisco International Airport&#8217;s Terminal 2 on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

The other two major San Francisco Bay Area airports were also dealing with delayed arrivals and departures for flights Wednesday.

<p>The other two major San Francisco Bay Area airports were also dealing with delayed arrivals and departures for flights Wednesday.</p>

At Oakland International Airport, eight flights were delayed from Southwest, and one flight from SkyWest had been canceled. By mid-morning, a total of 42 flights were delayed, with two additional Southwest flights canceled. At San Jose&#8217;s Mineta International Airport, five flights had been delayed by 7:35 a.m., increasing by mid-morning to 28 flights.

<p>At Oakland International Airport, eight flights were delayed from Southwest, and one flight from SkyWest had been canceled. By mid-morning, a total of 42 flights were delayed, with two additional Southwest flights canceled. At San Jose's Mineta International Airport, five flights had been delayed by 7:35 a.m., increasing by mid-morning to 28 flights.</p>

<p>At Oakland International Airport, eight flights were delayed from Southwest, and one flight from SkyWest had been canceled. By mid-morning, a total of 42 flights were delayed, with two additional Southwest flights canceled. At San Jose&#8217;s Mineta International Airport, five flights had been delayed by 7:35 a.m., increasing by mid-morning to 28 flights.</p>

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a traffic management program early Wednesday for SFO, saying some arriving flights would see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/flyfaaindex.jsp?ARPT=SFO&amp;p=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delays</a>&nbsp;averaging around 59 minutes due to low ceilings and wind. A similar program on Tuesday saw delays averaging 55 minutes.

<p>The Federal Aviation Administration issued a traffic management program early Wednesday for SFO, saying some arriving flights would see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/flyfaaindex.jsp?ARPT=SFO&amp;p=0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delays</a>&nbsp;averaging around 59 minutes due to low ceilings and wind. A similar program on Tuesday saw delays averaging 55 minutes.</p>

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https://twitter.com/NWSBayArea/status/1737496293696827442?s=20
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A social media post from the National Weather Service Wednesday morning.</figcaption></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Urban and Small Stream Flooding Caused By Excessive Rainfall Is Expected.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CAwx?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CAwx</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ann3CdViHQ">pic.twitter.com/Ann3CdViHQ</a></p>&mdash; NWS Bay Area 🌉 (@NWSBayArea) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSBayArea/status/1737496293696827442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The National Weather Service issued an urban and small-streaming flood advisory for the city of San Francisco on Wednesday morning. Downtown San Francisco recorded 0.42 inches of rain between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.

<p>The National Weather Service issued an urban and small-streaming flood advisory for the city of San Francisco on Wednesday morning. Downtown San Francisco recorded 0.42 inches of rain between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m., according to the National Weather Service.</p>

Flood advisories were also in effect Wednesday morning for Marin and Sonoma counties, where between 0.5 and 1.25 inches of rain had fallen by daybreak. Areas that were expected to see flooding included Santa Rosa, Petaluma, San Rafael, Novato, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Cloverdale, Fairfax, Sebastopol, Cotati, Sausalito, Tomales and Roseland.

<p>Flood advisories were also in effect Wednesday morning for Marin and Sonoma counties, where between 0.5 and 1.25 inches of rain had fallen by daybreak. Areas that were expected to see flooding included Santa Rosa, Petaluma, San Rafael, Novato, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Larkspur, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Cloverdale, Fairfax, Sebastopol, Cotati, Sausalito, Tomales and Roseland.</p>

Flood advisories were also in effect for Alameda, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Contra Costa and Monterey counties. Some locations that were expected to experience flooding according to the weather service were San Jose, Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Berkeley, Richmond, San Leandro, Alameda, Union City, Milpitas, Newark, San Pablo, El Cerrito, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, Albany, Pinole and Orinda.

<p>Flood advisories were also in effect for Alameda, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Contra Costa and Monterey counties. Some locations that were expected to experience flooding according to the weather service were San Jose, Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Berkeley, Richmond, San Leandro, Alameda, Union City, Milpitas, Newark, San Pablo, El Cerrito, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, Albany, Pinole and Orinda.</p>

A person stands over a cloud of steam rising from a manhole at Polk and Grove Streets in San Francisco on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. A large storm is passing through the Bay Area bringing rain and wet weather prompting flood advisories and flight delays.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a50941-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person crosses a wet street with steam rising from a manhole. It's a gloomy, overcast day." class="wp-image-234284"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person stands over a cloud of steam rising from a manhole at Polk and Grove Streets in San Francisco on Wednesday</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="234281" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a5033-1.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A car drives through a puddle, creating a large splash on a wet urban street." class="wp-image-234281"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A vehicle makes its was through a large puddle at Grove and Octavia Streets on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="234301" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-01.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Cars drive through moderate flooding in an intersection." class="wp-image-234301"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cars drive through moderate flooding at an intersection at 21st and Harrison Streets near Lake Merritt in Oakland on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="234304" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-04.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A person holding an umbrella walks around Lake Merritt." class="wp-image-234304"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person walks around Lake Merritt in the rain in Oakland on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="234303" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Raindrops cover the windshield of a car at a stoplight." class="wp-image-234303"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Raindrops cover the windshield of a car on Broadway in downtown Oakland on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="234350" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a5210.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A person sets up an orange tent on a wet city sidewalk, while others with umbrellas pass by a colorful mural wall." class="wp-image-234350"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Travis Lambert, who’s currently staying at the Navigation Center on South Van Ness, helps others set up a tent on Market Street on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="234348" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a51501.jpg" alt="A rainy street in Chinatown with pedestrians holding umbrellas, lined with parked cars and red lanterns overhead." class="wp-image-234348"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrian walk through Chinatown in the rain.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="234345" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a51051.jpg" alt="A person under an umbrella sits on a bench in the rain, surrounded by belongings covered with a tarp." class="wp-image-234345"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person experiencing homelessness holds an umbrella along the Embarcadero.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img data-id="234302" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-02.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A person holding an umbrella waits for oncoming cars to pass before walking through a crosswalk." class="wp-image-234302"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person holding an umbrella waits for oncoming cars at Harrison and 21st Streets near Lake Merritt in Oakland.</figcaption></figure>
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A vehicle makes its was through a large puddle at Grove and Octavia Streets in San Francisco on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. A large storm is passing through the Bay Area bringing rain and wet weather prompting flood advisories and flight delays.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a5033-1.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A car drives through a puddle, creating a large splash on a wet urban street." class="wp-image-234281"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A vehicle makes its was through a large puddle at Grove and Octavia Streets on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>


Cars drive through moderate flooding in an intersection at 21st and Harrison Streets near Lake Merritt in Oakland on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. A large storm is passing through the Bay Area bringing rain and wet weather prompting flood advisories and flight delays.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-01.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Cars drive through moderate flooding in an intersection." class="wp-image-234301"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cars drive through moderate flooding at an intersection at 21st and Harrison Streets near Lake Merritt in Oakland on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>


A person holding an umbrella walks around Lake Merritt in the rain in Oakland on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. A large storm is passing through the Bay Area bringing rain and wet weather prompting flood advisories and flight delays.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-04.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A person holding an umbrella walks around Lake Merritt." class="wp-image-234304"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person walks around Lake Merritt in the rain in Oakland on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>


Raindrops cover the windshield of a car at a stoplight on Broadway in downtown Oakland on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. A large storm is passing through the Bay Area bringing rain and wet weather prompting flood advisories and flight delays.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Raindrops cover the windshield of a car at a stoplight." class="wp-image-234303"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Raindrops cover the windshield of a car on Broadway in downtown Oakland on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>


Travis Lambert, who is currently staying at the Navigation Center on South Van Ness, helps others set up a tent on Market Street in San Francisco on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. A large storm is passing through the Bay Area bringing rain and wet weather prompting flood advisories and flight delays.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a5210.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A person sets up an orange tent on a wet city sidewalk, while others with umbrellas pass by a colorful mural wall." class="wp-image-234350"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Travis Lambert, who’s currently staying at the Navigation Center on South Van Ness, helps others set up a tent on Market Street on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>


Pedestrians holding umbrellas walk in the rain in Chinatown in San Francisco on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. A large storm is passing through the Bay Area bringing rain and wet weather prompting flood advisories and flight delays.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a51501.jpg" alt="A rainy street in Chinatown with pedestrians holding umbrellas, lined with parked cars and red lanterns overhead." class="wp-image-234348"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrian walk through Chinatown in the rain.</figcaption></figure>


A person experiencing homelessness holds an umbrella as its rains near the Embacadero in San Francisco on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. A large storm is passing through the Bay Area bringing rain and wet weather prompting flood advisories and flight delays.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a51051.jpg" alt="A person under an umbrella sits on a bench in the rain, surrounded by belongings covered with a tarp." class="wp-image-234345"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person experiencing homelessness holds an umbrella along the Embarcadero.</figcaption></figure>


A person holding an umbrella waits for oncoming cars to pass before walking through a crosswalk at Harrison and 21st Streets near Lake Merritt in Oakland on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. A large storm is passing through the Bay Area bringing rain and wet weather prompting flood advisories and flight delays.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-02.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A person holding an umbrella waits for oncoming cars to pass before walking through a crosswalk." class="wp-image-234302"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person holding an umbrella waits for oncoming cars at Harrison and 21st Streets near Lake Merritt in Oakland.</figcaption></figure>


core/gallery

<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a5033-1.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A car drives through a puddle, creating a large splash on a wet urban street." class="wp-image-234281"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A vehicle makes its was through a large puddle at Grove and Octavia Streets on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-01.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Cars drive through moderate flooding in an intersection." class="wp-image-234301"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cars drive through moderate flooding at an intersection at 21st and Harrison Streets near Lake Merritt in Oakland on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-04.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A person holding an umbrella walks around Lake Merritt." class="wp-image-234304"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person walks around Lake Merritt in the rain in Oakland on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-03.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Raindrops cover the windshield of a car at a stoplight." class="wp-image-234303"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Raindrops cover the windshield of a car on Broadway in downtown Oakland on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a5210.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A person sets up an orange tent on a wet city sidewalk, while others with umbrellas pass by a colorful mural wall." class="wp-image-234350"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Travis Lambert, who’s currently staying at the Navigation Center on South Van Ness, helps others set up a tent on Market Street on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a51501.jpg" alt="A rainy street in Chinatown with pedestrians holding umbrellas, lined with parked cars and red lanterns overhead." class="wp-image-234348"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrian walk through Chinatown in the rain.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/9p3a51051.jpg" alt="A person under an umbrella sits on a bench in the rain, surrounded by belongings covered with a tarp." class="wp-image-234345"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person experiencing homelessness holds an umbrella along the Embarcadero.</figcaption></figure><figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/rain-wet-weather-san-francisco-02.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A person holding an umbrella waits for oncoming cars to pass before walking through a crosswalk." class="wp-image-234302"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person holding an umbrella waits for oncoming cars at Harrison and 21st Streets near Lake Merritt in Oakland.</figcaption></figure></figure>

National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock told The Standard that rains were still slightly behind pace for the rain year-to-date totals. <br><br>&#8220;The fact that we didn&#8217;t get a big October atmospheric river is why we&#8217;re seeing such a difference in numbers,&#8221; Murdock said Wednesday. &#8220;To say that we&#8217;re too far from average, I mean, that&#8217;s not completely fair.&#8221;

<p>National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock told The Standard that rains were still slightly behind pace for the rain year-to-date totals. <br><br>"The fact that we didn't get a big October atmospheric river is why we're seeing such a difference in numbers," Murdock said Wednesday. "To say that we're too far from average, I mean, that's not completely fair."</p>

<p>National Weather Service meteorologist Brayden Murdock told The Standard that rains were still slightly behind pace for the rain year-to-date totals. <br><br>&#8220;The fact that we didn&#8217;t get a big October atmospheric river is why we&#8217;re seeing such a difference in numbers,&#8221; Murdock said Wednesday. &#8220;To say that we&#8217;re too far from average, I mean, that&#8217;s not completely fair.&#8221;</p>

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://twitter.com/UCB_CSSL/status/1737513333467869680?s=20
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A social media post from UC Berkeley's Central Sierra Snow Lab shares word of light snow readings after recent storm systems.</figcaption></figure>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We received 2.4&quot; (6 cm) of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/snow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#snow</a> yesterday when the rain transitioned to snow in late morning. That brings our season total to 29&quot; (73.5 cm), which is 37% of normal for this date. We now have relatively warm and calm conditions at the lab. 1/3 <a href="https://t.co/KYcyurpTjP">pic.twitter.com/KYcyurpTjP</a></p>&mdash; UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab (@UCB_CSSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCB_CSSL/status/1737513333467869680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In the weather service&#8217;s Sacramento office, meteorologist Scott Rowe told The Standard that the storm system&#8217;s warmth meant only minor amounts of snow at or above 7,000 to 8,000 feet. <br><br>&#8220;For interior northern California, it is largely a rain event, including in the mountains,&#8221; Rowe said Wednesday. &#8220;Most of the precipitation has wrapped up, with more significant accumulations of snowfall from Yosemite National Park southward in the High Sierra elevations.&#8221;<br><br>Rowe said he expected relatively quiet weather over the Christmas weekend, but added that a cooler system due around the middle of next week could bode well for snow prospects.

<p>In the weather service's Sacramento office, meteorologist Scott Rowe told The Standard that the storm system's warmth meant only minor amounts of snow at or above 7,000 to 8,000 feet. <br><br>"For interior northern California, it is largely a rain event, including in the mountains," Rowe said Wednesday. "Most of the precipitation has wrapped up, with more significant accumulations of snowfall from Yosemite National Park southward in the High Sierra elevations."<br><br>Rowe said he expected relatively quiet weather over the Christmas weekend, but added that a cooler system due around the middle of next week could bode well for snow prospects.</p>

<p>In the weather service&#8217;s Sacramento office, meteorologist Scott Rowe told The Standard that the storm system&#8217;s warmth meant only minor amounts of snow at or above 7,000 to 8,000 feet. <br><br>&#8220;For interior northern California, it is largely a rain event, including in the mountains,&#8221; Rowe said Wednesday. &#8220;Most of the precipitation has wrapped up, with more significant accumulations of snowfall from Yosemite National Park southward in the High Sierra elevations.&#8221;<br><br>Rowe said he expected relatively quiet weather over the Christmas weekend, but added that a cooler system due around the middle of next week could bode well for snow prospects.</p>

In San Francisco, Muni said due to track flooding on the Embarcadero,&nbsp;F Market streetcars would switchback at the Ferry Building and bus shuttles would provide service along the Embarcadero in both directions between Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf and the Ferry Building.

<p>In San Francisco, Muni said due to track flooding on the Embarcadero,&nbsp;F Market streetcars would switchback at the Ferry Building and bus shuttles would provide service along the Embarcadero in both directions between Fisherman's Wharf and the Ferry Building.</p>

<p>In San Francisco, Muni said due to track flooding on the Embarcadero,&nbsp;F Market streetcars would switchback at the Ferry Building and bus shuttles would provide service along the Embarcadero in both directions between Fisherman&#8217;s Wharf and the Ferry Building.</p>

BART trains were running on a slower schedule due to wet tracks.

<p>BART trains were running on a slower schedule due to wet tracks.</p>

Rachel Gordon, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works, told The Standard that crews had responded Tuesday to about 150 blocked catch basins, as well as a tree down on a car, 14 downed small branches and about a dozen rain-related potholes. <br><br>Gordon added that workers have also handed out close to 800 sandbags to city residents since last weekend, and had not encountered significant flooding Tuesday in the wake of about a dozen instances Monday of minor localized flooding due to clogged catch basins. No property damage was reported in those incidents, she said.

<p>Rachel Gordon, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works, told The Standard that crews had responded Tuesday to about 150 blocked catch basins, as well as a tree down on a car, 14 downed small branches and about a dozen rain-related potholes. <br><br>Gordon added that workers have also handed out close to 800 sandbags to city residents since last weekend, and had not encountered significant flooding Tuesday in the wake of about a dozen instances Monday of minor localized flooding due to clogged catch basins. No property damage was reported in those incidents, she said.</p>

Flood advisories in effect across Bay Area; rains slow travelers at SFO, OAK, SJC

Shelley D. Fargo

You don’t have to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/all-this-rain-means-another-superbloom-is-likely-bbut-experts-fear-the-trampling-hordes/">drive to Southern California</a> to see the ground bursting with flowers. The agricultural fields of the Bay Area are bursting with their own “superbloom” right now.

<p>You don’t have to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/all-this-rain-means-another-superbloom-is-likely-bbut-experts-fear-the-trampling-hordes/">drive to Southern California</a> to see the ground bursting with flowers. The agricultural fields of the Bay Area are bursting with their own “superbloom” right now.</p>

Wild mustard season happens every January through March. And the more winter rain, the more flowers pop up—and that means this year is a big one.

<p>Wild mustard season happens every January through March. And the more winter rain, the more flowers pop up—and that means this year is a big one.</p>

“It’s really an embarrassment of riches,” said Chris Vomvolakis of Sonoma County Tourism. “Because of the January storms and the abundance of water, there has been an earlier explosion of wildflowers throughout the county.”

<p>“It’s really an embarrassment of riches,” said Chris Vomvolakis of Sonoma County Tourism. “Because of the January storms and the abundance of water, there has been an earlier explosion of wildflowers throughout the county.”</p>

While crops are dormant, mustard flowers burst to life in the fields protecting and replenishing the soil while signaling the coming of spring. Farmers later till the mustard into the soil, providing mulch, nutrients and phosphorus.

<p>While crops are dormant, mustard flowers burst to life in the fields protecting and replenishing the soil while signaling the coming of spring. Farmers later till the mustard into the soil, providing mulch, nutrients and phosphorus.</p>

<strong>READ MORE</strong>: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/all-this-rain-means-another-superbloom-is-likely-bbut-experts-fear-the-trampling-hordes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">All This Rain Means Another Superbloom Is Likely, but Experts Fear the Trampling Hordes</a>

<p><strong>READ MORE</strong>: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/all-this-rain-means-another-superbloom-is-likely-bbut-experts-fear-the-trampling-hordes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">All This Rain Means Another Superbloom Is Likely, but Experts Fear the Trampling Hordes</a></p>

“If I had to pick the best, most picturesque, most Instagrammable location in Sonoma County, I would say it would be in the fields on the south side of Highway 12 between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol” Vomvolakis said. “Glorious yellow mustard grass growing up around dormant oak trees as far as one can see.”

<p>“If I had to pick the best, most picturesque, most Instagrammable location in Sonoma County, I would say it would be in the fields on the south side of Highway 12 between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol” Vomvolakis said. “Glorious yellow mustard grass growing up around dormant oak trees as far as one can see.”</p>

The Wine Country is one of the best places to see Bay Area’s mustard superbloom, with yellow flowers contrasting the old vines and blue skies. It’s also time for almond, cherry and other flowering trees to bloom, trimming just about every park and greenbelt in the North Bay with bright buds.

<p>The Wine Country is one of the best places to see Bay Area’s mustard superbloom, with yellow flowers contrasting the old vines and blue skies. It’s also time for almond, cherry and other flowering trees to bloom, trimming just about every park and greenbelt in the North Bay with bright buds.</p>

As part of its <a href="https://www.visitnapavalley.com/events/wild-mustard-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mustard Season events</a>, Napa Valley puts out an <a href="https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/napavalley/Napa_Valley_Mustard_Season_Map_2023_540472ed-0f9f-47b7-b250-60cd197d870f.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entire map guiding visitors to superbloom</a> hotspots. In fact, Downtown Napa will host its annual <a href="https://www.napavalleymustardcelebration.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mustard Celebration</a> this weekend from Feb. 18-20, with special menus and—of course—wine tastings.

<p>As part of its <a href="https://www.visitnapavalley.com/events/wild-mustard-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mustard Season events</a>, Napa Valley puts out an <a href="https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/napavalley/Napa_Valley_Mustard_Season_Map_2023_540472ed-0f9f-47b7-b250-60cd197d870f.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">entire map guiding visitors to superbloom</a> hotspots. In fact, Downtown Napa will host its annual <a href="https://www.napavalleymustardcelebration.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mustard Celebration</a> this weekend from Feb. 18-20, with special menus and—of course—wine tastings.</p>

Farms in the South Bay are also an excellent place to see the mustard in bloom. And after a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/we-gotta-melt-the-guns-half-moon-bay-reacts-after-seven-shot-dead/">tragic year for the agricultural community and residents</a> of Half Moon Bay, the town is welcoming a change of season.&nbsp;

<p>Farms in the South Bay are also an excellent place to see the mustard in bloom. And after a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/criminal-justice/we-gotta-melt-the-guns-half-moon-bay-reacts-after-seven-shot-dead/">tragic year for the agricultural community and residents</a> of Half Moon Bay, the town is welcoming a change of season.&nbsp;</p>

The Standard pulled together a list of the best places to see mustard blooming north and south of the city. You can stroll, hike drive or bike around to see this rite of pre-spring but for goodness sake, please stay out of the fields.

<p>The Standard pulled together a list of the best places to see mustard blooming north and south of the city. You can stroll, hike drive or bike around to see this rite of pre-spring but for goodness sake, please stay out of the fields.</p>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-to-see-mustard-fields-near-sf">Where To See Mustard Fields Near SF</h2>


<h2 id="h-where-to-see-mustard-fields-near-sf">Where To See Mustard Fields Near SF</h2>

Wild mustard among old vines in Sonoma County. | Sonoma County Tourism


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/mustard-vineyards_spring_Sonoma_County-small-2500x1180.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-128129"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wild mustard among old vines in Sonoma County. | Courtesy Sonoma County Tourism</figcaption></figure>


<a href="https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/magic-mustard-vineyards">Sonoma County</a>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sonoma-county"><a href="https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/magic-mustard-vineyards">Sonoma County</a></h2>


<h2 id="h-sonoma-county"><a href="https://www.sonomacounty.com/articles/magic-mustard-vineyards">Sonoma County</a></h2>

Killer was kicked out of posh hotel hours before home invasion, cops say

‘U-pick’ fruit near the Bay Area is ripe for the picking

Flood advisories in effect across Bay Area; rains slow travelers at SFO, OAK, SJC

Find the Bay Area’s best superblooms right now

Wildfire victims rebuild in Sonoma with homes hardened and fingers crossed

Search Results for: sebastopol

Killer was kicked out of posh hotel hours before home invasion, cops say

‘U-pick’ fruit near the Bay Area is ripe for the picking

Flood advisories in effect across Bay Area; rains slow travelers at SFO, OAK, SJC

Find the Bay Area’s best superblooms right now

Wildfire victims rebuild in Sonoma with homes hardened and fingers crossed