July 4th – “Pancakes down!”

Given the circumstances, it felt like a disaster call. After waiting in a line that stretched through much of the plaza, a young man had dropped his plate of pancakes and sausages and spread the food across San Francisco Street.

Luckily, a crisis was averted: Kevin Southwick, a volunteer at the event, was just handing out another plate of food.

“Those are just pancakes,” Southwick said.

Southwick was an honorary “co-captain” at Pancakes on the Plaza, the revered Santa Fe tradition that brings thousands to the town square for a fundraiser breakfast on July 4, and has been handing out flapjacks since 7 a.m

A few more for an unlucky customer? You bet. The more the better. Literally.

As memories of the coronavirus pandemic begin to fade, Santa Fe continues to reconnect with old and cherished traditions: a morning pancake breakfast; Fireworks shows at night. Such was the case on Tuesday as thousands crowded downtown in bright sunshine that seemed to reflect the mood of the day. To that end, Southwick and others said Pancakes appeared to be busier in the Plaza than it had been in years past — even in the days before the pandemic.

Organized by the Rotary Club of Santa Fe, the event celebrated its 46th year in 2023. And while old traditions remain—from pancake makers to water suppliers to orange juice pourers, local volunteers are the cornerstone of the scene—progress is being made. Digital ticketing has brought a 21st-century flair to pancakes.

Rotarian Vic Brenneisen, who has volunteered with Pancakes on the Plaza since 1985, said he was “thrilled” with how this year’s event went. He added that expanded sales drove traffic (and consumption).

“I’ve always called it the best community event in Santa Fe,” Brenneisen said. “There’s a lot of people I see once a year, and it’s here.”

The Rotary Club celebrates its centenary in 2024. To mark the occasion, he sponsors approximately $500,000 in grants to the Santa Fe Children’s Museum and YouthWorks.

The story goes on

The Children’s Museum showcased their new Van of Enchantment, purchased by the Rotary Club for $160,000. The van will travel through northern New Mexico to offer science and humanities activities for youth as well as fresh produce.

On the plaza lawn, Jim Coogan and Tim Kilkenny sat eating plates of pancakes with their families. Santa Fe locals say they have been regular visitors to the event for more than 30 years, in part because it remains a familiar, family place.

“People are happy and there’s always a positive atmosphere,” Kilkenny said.

Coogan bounced his seven-month-old grandson Sebastian on his lap, noting, “Part of the fun is waiting in line for pancakes for an hour.”

The good spirits extended to Lincoln Avenue, where 112 vintage cars of all types lined the street for the Santa Fe Vintage Car Club’s annual show. The group has co-organized the event with Pancakes on the Plaza since 1980.

Visitors and participants each donated $1 to vote for their favorites. The money went to the local boys’ and girls’ club and to the Santa Fe Police Department’s annual Shop with a Cop events.

Stephanie Hubley, of Santa Fe, said she was there with her 7-year-old daughter Tina and friends to celebrate her birthday, which coincidentally falls on the 4th of July.

Hubley said celebrating Independence Day feels complicated given recent US Supreme Court rulings overturning precedents for LGBTQ+ protections and affirmative action, as well as last year’s ruling nullifying Roe v. Wade overruled.

Still, she said she’s excited about family events in Santa Fe and that friends and family are free to celebrate with her.

“Right now there are mixed feelings about celebrating the country,” she said. “But I’m trying to celebrate the promise and potential of our country … and my daughter likes pancakes.”

The post Pancake attendance booms at Plaza as Santa Fe celebrates Fourth of July appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

The buttoned-up, measured and under-control Cardinals let their emotions overflow in the fourth inning. Whether it was just the heat of that specific moment or the buildup of weeks of frustration finally bubbling to the surface, they briefly let their anger show on the field as they barked at their counterparts the San Francisco Giants in a benches-clearing altercation.

However, the moment passed with little more than words exchanged. The fire shown when members of both teams had to be separated didn’t carry over for the Cardinals, at least not in a productive way.

The Cardinals lost a series-clinching second game of a three-game series with the Giants 11-3 in front of announced crowd of 40,917 at Busch Stadium on Tuesday night.

The fourth straight loss at home for the Cardinals (27-41) came with its share of boo birds by midway through the game. They’ve now lost 11 of their last 14, and they entered the day in last place in the National League Central Division.

People are also reading…

The Giants (35-32) have won three in a row.

The teams conclude their series on Wednesday afternoon. The Cardinals have a scheduled day off on Thursday before they go on the road for 11 days, including their trip to London, where they’ll play the Chicago Cubs in England’s London Stadium as part of the MLB London Series on June 24-25.

Paul Goldschmidt (2 for 3, RBI) and Nolan Arenado (2 for 3, double) had multi-hit games in the loss. Brendan Donovan also doubled.

Cardinals batters were hit by a pitch for the seventh consecutive game.

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) talks with pitching coach Dusty Blake (90) in the dugout after the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

Face-to-face confrontations

At the end of the fourth inning, both dugouts and both bullpens emptied as players and coaches from both teams poured out onto the playing field after Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty and Giants leadoff hitter LaMonte Wade Jr. exchanged heated words.

The two had a brief exchange during the inning while Wade was on second base. It appeared Wade may have been signaling pitch locations to batters based on where Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras was setting up.

As Flaherty walked to the dugout after an inning-ending grounder, he and Wade barked at one another. Contreras then started yelling in Wade’s direction and teammates from both sides got between the Contreras and Wade.

Cardinals reliever Genesis Cabrera puts his jersey in his mouth as Giants catcher Patrick Bailey rounds third on a solo home run in the sixth inning on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium.

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

Cardinals reliever Genesis Cabrera sprinted from the bullpen to the home plate area where the two groups were squaring off and yelling back and forth.

No punches were thrown, and no ejections were warranted.

Flaherty gave up three runs in the top of the fifth, and Cabrera came in to finish the inning.

Flaherty (3-5) finished the outing having allowed six runs on 10 hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings.

The Cardinals allowed 10 hits or more through the first five innings for the eighth time this season. That occurred seven times for the entire 2022 season.

St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Dylan Carlson (3) can’t reach a 2 RBI double by San Francisco Giants Michael Conforto (8) off Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) in the first inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

Cardinals right fielder Dylan Carlson can’t reach a two-RBI double by the Giants’ Michael Conforto off Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty in the first inning on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium.

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

Running through a wall

The Giants’ first two runs came courtesy of a Michael Conforto two-run double with two outs in the first inning.

Flaherty issued a one-out walk — his MLB-leading 14th first-inning walk — and a single to put two men on. Flaherty, who pitched around three first-inning walks in his previous start, then struck out cleanup hitter J.D. Davis for the second out of the inning.

Conforto (4 for 6, three RBIs) then roped a 2-0 slider from Flaherty into right-center field. Right fielder Dylan Carlson gave chase. He made a leaping attempt as the ball sailed over his head and off the wall. Carlson crashed into the wall but happened to hit the wall at the spot where the bullpen door is located.

Carlson busted through the door as the ball caromed toward center fielder Tommy Edman, who picked up the ball and threw it back to the infield.

Carlson appeared OK when he emerged from the bullpen. However, the door was still being tended to into the bottom half of the inning.

Cardinals answer back early

The Cardinals responded right away and tied the score after the Giants took a two-run advantage in the top of the first.

The first four Cardinals batters reached base on a double by Donovan, a fielding error on a hard-hit groundball off the bat of Goldschmidt, a walk by Nolan Gorman and an RBI single from Arenado.

The Goldschmidt play was later changed to a hit by the official scorer.

That marked the first time each of the first four batters of the game reached for the Cardinals since Aug. 21, 2022.

Donovan scored on the scorcher to first base by Goldschmidt. With two outs and the bases loaded, Carlson hit a grounder to second base, but he hustled down the line and prevented the Giants from turning a double play. Goldschmidt scored from third on the play.

That marked the first time two Cardinals scored in the first inning since April 2, when Donovan and Alec Burleson led off the bottom of the first with back-to-back home runs against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Giants starting pitcher Alex Cobb, a right-hander, twirled a gem against the Cardinals in San Francisco on April 24. He tossed his first shutout in more than 10 years, and he held the Cardinals to six hits and one walk over nine innings. He also struck out nine in his 109-pitch outing.

The 10 years, 244 days between shutouts represented the third-longest span between a pitcher’s first and second career shutout since 1900.

Cobb (6-2) became the ninth pitcher since at least 1901 to allow four runs or fewer across his first four career starts against the Cardinals, the first since former Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez allowed three through his first four starts against the Cardinals from 2012-15.

Thank you for the review

Cardinals rookie outfielder Jordan Walker logged the first outfield assist of his career in the third inning.

Walker, who started in left field for the fifth consecutive game, fielded an RBI single hit on the ground into left field by Giants slugger Conforto with one out in the inning.

The runner on third scored easily on the single. Davis, who’d been on first base, tried to advance all the way to third. Walker threw on a line to the third baseman Arenado, who applied the tag quickly. The initial call on the field was that the runner was safe.

However, the Cardinals challenged the call. Upon review, Davis was called out. Davis suffered a right ankle sprain while sliding into third base. He came out of the game for a defensive replacement in the bottom half of the inning.

The Giants also lost Mitch Haniger to a fractured right forearm suffered on a hit by pitch in the top half of the inning. Haniger left the game after a Flaherty sinker veered too far inside.

Walker committed a fielding error later in the game on a Conforto single hit down the line in the fifth inning. Walker misplayed the bouncing ball down the line, and it allowed Conforto to advance to second base.

In today’s 10 a.m. “Ten Hochman” video — brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center and Window Nation — Ben Hochman discusses Willson Contreras, who is hitting .201 in this infuriating season for the St. Louis Cardinals. Also, a happy birthday shoutout to Ally Sheedy! And as always, Hochman picks a random St. Louis Cards card from the hat!

Benjamin Hochman

Photos: San Francisco Giants rout St. Louis Cardinals 11-3

St. Louis Cardinals Willson Contreras (40) drops his bat after bashing a cooler after striking out in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals bench coach Joe McEwing (77) holds back starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) during bench clearing brew Haha with the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals bench coach Joe McEwing (77) holds back starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) during bench clearing brew Haha with the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera (92) puts his jersey in his mouth after San Francisco Giants catcher Patrick Bailey (14) hit a solo-home run in the sixth inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Dylan Carlson (3) can’t reach a 2 RBI double by San Francisco Giants Michael Conforto (8) off Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) in the first inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Jordan Walker (18) watches the two-run home run hit by San Francisco Giants Mike Yastrzemski (5) bounce over the wall in the sixth inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

Cardinals reliever Genesis Cabrera puts his jersey in his mouth as Giants catcher Patrick Bailey rounds third on a solo home run in the sixth inning on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium.

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) sits with Willson Contreras (40) in the dugout after all the players cleared out following the Cardinals devastating 11-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals rDylan Carlson (3) legs out a throw to San Francisco Giants first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. (31) in the second inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Goldschmidt scored on the play. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) talks with pitching coach Dusty Blake (90) after being taken out of the game in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) talks with pitching coach Dusty Blake (90) after being taken out of the game in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) takes the game ball from starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Genesis Cabrera (92) walks back to the mound after San Francisco Giants center fielder Mike Yastrzemski (5) hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras (40) tags out San Francisco Giants Michael Conforto (8) in the fifth inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Jordan Walker (18) mishandles a single by San Francisco Giants Michael Conforto (8) in the fifth inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Walker was charged with an error on the play. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals bench coach Joe McEwing (77) holds back starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) during bench clearing brew Haha with the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals Jordan Walker (18) strikes out to San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Alex Cobb (38) to end the second inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals Nolan Gorman (16) flies out to San Francisco Giants center fielder Mike Yastrzemski (5) to end the second inning with two runners on base of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals Jordan Walker (18) strikes out to San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Alex Cobb (38) to end the second inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) walks off the field after replacing the pitcher in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) talks with Cardinals relief pitcher Jake Woodford (44) in the dugout after Woodford was removed from the game in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) takes the game ball from Cardinals relief pitcher Jake Woodford (44) in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) hugs Willson Contreras (40) in the dugout after staying to talk after all the players cleared out following the Cardinals devastating 11-3 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals Jordan Walker (18) motions back to the dugout after hitting a RBI double off San Francisco relief pitcher Keaton Winn (67) in the eighth inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals Jordan Walker (18) rounds first base after hitting a RBI double off San Francisco relief pitcher Keaton Winn (67) in the eighth inning of a baseball game on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals fan Ashton Siegull, 11, hopes for an autograph before the start of baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty (22) talks with pitching coach Dusty Blake (90) after being taken out of the game in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium. Photo by Laurie Skrivan, lskrivan@post-dispatch.com

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

Cardinals right fielder Dylan Carlson can’t reach a two-RBI double by the Giants’ Michael Conforto off Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty in the first inning on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Busch Stadium.

Laurie Skrivan, Post-Dispatch

STL Sports

A nightly look at the day’s top sports stories, and a first look at the topics St. Louis fans will be talking about tomorrow.

The post Tempers flare as Cardinals get routed 11-3 in fourth straight loss as Giants clinch collection appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

NEW ORLEANS — Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Self at age 59 has won his second NCAA Tournament title at Kansas, one more than any other Jayhawks men’s coach in the tradition-rich program’s history.

In directing the Jayhawks, the no. 1 seed in the Midwest Regional, to a 72-69 victory over North Carolina, the No. 8 seed in the East Regional, in Monday night’s 2022 title game, Self became the third active men’s coach with multiple national titles. Self’s Jayhawks also won it all in 2008.

The victory at the Caesars Superdome also moved Kansas, which passed Kentucky for the most all-time victories in Division I men’s basketball during the 2021-22 season, past Villanova and into a tie with UConn for sixth in all-time men’s NCAA championships with four.

UCLA remains no. 1 with 11 titles, followed by Kentucky (8), North Carolina (6), Duke (5) and Indiana (5). KU and UConn have four titles, followed by Nova (3).

Cincinnati, Florida, Louisville, Michigan State, North Carolina State, Oklahoma State and San Francisco have won two titles apiece.

The Jayhawks have now won national titles in 2022, 2008, 1988 and 1952. KU also was retroactively awarded Helms Foundation national titles for the 1922 and ’23 seasons. The NCAA Tournament began in 1939.

With the victory, Self joins Villanova’s Jay Wright and Iona’s Rick Pitino, who each led their teams to two NCAA crowns. Pitino, who won a title at both Louisville and Kentucky, had to forfeit the 2013 crown at Louisville because of NCAA sanctions, thus officially has just one title.

Self is now tied for seventh in most men’s national titles by a coach. UCLA’s John Wooden leads the way with 10, followed by Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski, who is retiring with five. Kentucky’s Adolph Rupp has four, followed by Roy Williams (three, all at North Carolina), UConn’s Jim Calhoun (three) and Indiana’s Bob Knight (three).

Coaches with two titles: Self, Louisville’s Denny Crum, Florida’s Billy Donovan (now coach of NBA’s Chicago Bulls), Oklahoma State’s Henry Iba, Cincinnati’s Ed Jucker, Indiana’s Branch McCracken, North Carolina’s Dean Smith, San Francisco’s Phil Woolpert, Villanova’s Wright and Iona’s Pitino (Louisville, Kentucky).

Coaches with one title: KU’s Larry Brown and Phog Allen, plus Scott Drew, Jim Boeheim, Tony Bennett, John Calipari, Tom Izzo, Tubby Smith, Kevin Ollie, Gary Williams, Lute Olson, Jim Harrick, Nolan Richardson, Steve Fisher, Rollie Massimino, John Thompson, Jim Valvano, Jud Heathcote, Joe B Hall, Al McGuire, Norm Sloan, Don Haskins, George Ireland, Fred Taylor, Pete Newell, Frank McGuire, Ken Loeffler, Nat Holman, Doggie Julian, Vadal Peterson, Everett Shelton, Everett Dean, Bud Foster and Howard Hobson.

(c)2022 The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.)

Visit The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.) at www.kansascity.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The post Shifting up the charts: Invoice Self wins second NCAA title, Kansas provides a fourth | Nationwide Information appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

San Francisco’s popular fireworks celebration will return to the city’s waterfront this weekend for the first time since 2019.

The show kicks off at 9:30 p.m. this year, and while the fireworks can often be seen from many spots in San Francisco – if the fog isn’t too thick – the city says it’s best along the north waterfront between Aquatic Park and pier can be seen 39.

Anyone planning to attend the show or a large personal holiday gathering is encouraged to get a full vaccination, get a negative COVID-19 test before attending the event, or wear a well-fitting face covering. People who are not yet fully vaccinated should celebrate safely by holding outdoor gatherings and continuing to wear face masks when interacting closely with people outside their household.

“Although today we celebrate our hard work during the pandemic, it is more important than ever for any San Franciscan to get vaccinated so we can continue to attend these grand gatherings,” Mayor London Breed told a press conference Thursday. “If you plan to come to the fireworks this weekend and are not vaccinated, please get tested. We are so close to ending this pandemic! “

With the return of vacation traditions to the city, vacation traffic is also returning. The American Automobile Association expects travel volume to recover almost entirely to pre-pandemic levels, with the second highest Independence Day travel volume ranking second after 2019. AAA predicts 47.7 million Americans will hit the streets and skies, up nearly 40% from last year.

Pier 39 advises visitors to be aware of public transportation when planning trips to see the fireworks, as water access and parking will be very limited.

“We expect larger crowds than usual,” said a representative.

Bob Partrite, COO of Simco Restaurants, who owns the Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39, said its restaurants will add staff and stay open a little later on July 4th.

“We are planning a very busy weekend, the whole weekend is busy, hoping people will come from out of town,” he said, adding that the fireworks in the bay will be “one of the best around” .

“I don’t think this year will be as busy as it has been in the past, but I think we’re going to see some strong numbers,” he added.

In order to accommodate the fireworks and the influx of visitors, BART will provide additional trains at the Embarcadero station after the end of regular operations and advise visitors to be at the station by 10:40 p.m. to take a train home.

The regular BART service ends on July 4th at 9:00 p.m. and passengers can only enter the system at Embarcadero Station after the regular BART service ends.

About 30 minutes after the fireworks end, BART will run two special trains from Embarcadero Station to Richmond, Antioch, Berryessa and SFO / Millbrae, all of which will stop. Muni will also offer shuttles along the Embarcadero to the BART, and passengers are encouraged to pre-load their Clipper cards with enough cash to get home after the show to avoid long lines. Masks are still required on the trains, and on Monday, July 5, BART will return to normal weekday operations.

San Francisco’s pyrotechnic show comes as many parched Bay Area counties crack down on home fireworks over the holiday weekend. Drought conditions only worsen in the state, with the Santa Clara Fire Department warning they would adopt a zero-tolerance policy this year. San Mateo County announced in early June that it would increase the fine for illegal fireworks tenfold – from $ 100 to $ 1,000 per incident – with a separate $ 1,000 fine for each party host that sets off fireworks, either legal or illegal.

Instead, party-goers and fireworks fans are encouraged to watch fireworks at authorized professional shows or on television.

Chef Amaryll Schwertner owns the Ferry Building’s Boulettes Larder, which is closed during the fireworks.

“We are not participating,” she said, citing the large crowds and safety concerns in the ferry building.

Also the return to the port of San Francisco is the Bay Ferry Service. From Thursday, the ferry service will increase the number of trips in and out of the city for both visitors and commuters. Bay Ferry will offer a record 136 weekday Transbay departures on five routes, and a new ferry service will offer direct 20-minute trips between the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal at Alameda Point and downtown San Francisco.

San Francisco Fleet Week will return in October with its Air Show, Parade of Ships, and Humanitarian Village, as well as joint military and civilian disaster planning exercises. The annual event honoring the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces attracts millions of visitors each year and generates over $ 10 million in annual revenue for the city.

Elaine Forbes, executive director of the Port of San Francisco, told the conference that the port is “proud to once again welcome major events on the boardwalk and eager to see residents and visitors return.”

“The waterfront has something for everyone with more exciting options on the horizon,” she added.

Nina Riggio, an intern at the San Francisco Chronicle, contributed to this report.

Emma Talley is a contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: emma.talley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ EmmaT332

The post San Francisco will get able to welcome waterfront crowds for Fourth of July fireworks appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

San Francisco celebrates July 4th

Emma Goss report from KTVU.

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco was the place to go on July 4th.

Tourists and locals celebrated July 4th with sunny weather and spectacular fireworks displays overlooking the city’s waterfront, and local businesses and restaurants boosted their profits.

“It’s a lot of fun, I have to say this is probably one of the busiest days I’ve seen,” said Alyssa Byrd, assistant general manager of Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant.

It was the first weekend the Exploratorium reopened after being closed for 15 months.

14-year-old Macy Bonnett and her younger sister Presley, who were visiting from Phoenix, Arizona, said they loved the “hands-on” exhibits at the museum and couldn’t get enough of San Francisco’s breezy, sunny weather.

“Oh my god, it’s so beautiful here,” said Macy Bonnett.

Alexa Hines, who lives in San Francisco, spent Sunday with her parents, who were visiting from Southern California for the summer.

“We’ll just spend the day by the water and then hang out tonight and watch the fireworks, which we’re really looking forward to!” said Hines.

San Francisco’s famous fireworks show drew tens of thousands along the Embarcardo, with pent excitement after the show was canceled last year, along with most of the large-scale celebrations due to the swelling coronavirus cases.

“It’s great to see more stores open and people just excited to go out. It’s definitely a nice change, ”said Kamil Shehadeh, a San Francisco resident.

“I find it amazing how well the state is doing with all the vaccinations and everything,” said Nik Yarovio, who moved his family from Ukraine to Hawaii during the pandemic.

Yaravio’s family visits San Francisco over the bank holiday weekend in the hope of permanent relocation to the city.

“It really feels like a return to normal,” he said.

The post Fireworks and tourism return to mild up San Francisco’s Fourth of July celebrations appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.