San Francisco, California
SFNEWS TODAYEnvironment · Staff byline
Dominic Hale is an SF News Today staff byline covering the waterfront, San Francisco Bay and the Port. This profile collects reporting on shoreline projects, ferries, public access and the maritime economy.
Events · Alcatraz
The Oct. 12 Sunrise Gathering begins before dawn at Alcatraz. Two official sources currently list different ferry times, while online inventory is shown as unavailable and limited walk-up tickets are expected.
News · Alcatraz
Alcatraz is scheduled to close while crews replace two ferry-dock pilings. Visitors with reservations during the closure are due refunds and can also reschedule or choose certain alternative cruises.
Weather · San Francisco shoreline
San Francisco faces several unusually high afternoon tides through Thursday, with minor flooding possible along low-lying shoreline areas, roads and trails. Wednesday is forecast to bring the highest tide.
Events · Pier 33
Alcatraz City Cruises is holding a free Pier 33 community celebration Sept. 26, followed by limited $0 Bay Discovery Cruise departures. The cruise does not land on Alcatraz.
Events · Embarcadero
The Mexican Navy sail-training ship is visiting Piers 15–17 Sept. 23–27. Free public boarding runs through Saturday, with a Sunday morning farewell and departure.
Events · India Basin
Families and visitors can get onto the Bay in student-built rowboats Sept. 27 at India Basin Waterfront Park. The program is free and requires no advance reservation.
Weather · El Niño
The Sept. 21 order is a preparedness move, not an immediate storm warning. NOAA says a very strong El Niño is likely; here are the SF flood resources that matter now.
Events · Aquatic Park
Festival of the Sea is free Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, with a boat parade across Aquatic Cove, music, sea chanteys, sandcastle building and family activities.
Weather · San Francisco Bay
Smoke and haze from the Angel Island prescribed burn reached San Francisco Wednesday. The city says burning ends at 4 p.m. and is expected to resume Thursday morning.
Weather · Pacific coast
The National Weather Service says San Francisco’s Pacific beaches remain under a Beach Hazards Statement through 11 p.m. Monday, with sneaker waves, strong rip currents and breakers around 10 feet.
Weather · Wildfire travel
Caltrans lifted the northern Timber Fire closure at 6 a.m. Thursday, restoring access into northern Big Sur from Carmel. But the southern Plaskett Fire closure and five major state-park closures remain.
Weather · Friday forecast
The National Weather Service gives San Francisco a 20% chance of showers before 11 a.m. Friday. The clouds should gradually break later in the day, with a mostly sunny weekend ahead.
Weather · San Francisco Bay
Bay winds may gust to 25 knots Saturday evening. Nearshore waters from Point Reyes to Pigeon Point remain under an advisory until 3 a.m. Sunday, with gusts up to 30 knots.