SAN FRANCISCO, CA — San Francisco city officials said on Tuesday they’ve decided to cancel the city’s annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show over concerns around COVID-19 as cases continue to climb nationwide.

With the Omicron variant contributing to the skyrocketing cases, city officials said they’re canceling the famous fireworks show over the Bay for the second year in a row.

Thousands of residents and guests typically pack along the Embarcadero to watch the show, but last year people were told to stay home to prevent large gatherings and limit the virus’ spread.

Once again, city officials are remaining cautions.

“While we are all understandably eager to ring in a new year with San Francisco’s customary New Year’s Eve fireworks show, we must remain vigilant in doing all we can to stop the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant,” Mayor London Breed said in a statement. “By canceling the New Year’s Eve fireworks show we are reducing everyone’s exposure to COVID-19, while ensuring continuity of citywide public safety operations.”

Additionally, because of the latest surge, isolation and quarantine protocols are resulting in reduced staffing levels for public safety agencies, city officials said.

“Minimizing needless exposures among our officers and professional staff is key to maintaining the police staffing levels San Franciscans expect of us, and it’s important that we all do our part as San Franciscans to help reduce community transmission citywide,” Police Chief Bill Scott said.

“We urge you to join us in celebrating safely at home with your close family members and friends with all COVID safety measures in place,” Fire Chief Jeannine Nicholson said. “The cancellation of the traditional fireworks display will allow us to focus our resources on emergency services and day-to-day operations without the addition of large crowds and the potential incidents that arise from such crowds.”

As of last week, the city was seeing an average of 305 new COVID-19 cases per day, compared to an average of just 91 cases the week prior.

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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — It’s shaping up to be a star-spangled Fourth of July around South San Francisco and Peninsula region of the San Francisco Bay Area.

As coronavirus cases continue to drop across the state, and the number of those vaccinated continues to rise, Independence Day events are opening up area-wide.

July 4 is almost here, so find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on near you. We have all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening near SSF and the Peninsula, so you can start planning.

Find out what’s happening in South San Franciscowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Note dates as not all events occur Sunday, July 4, plus always double-check with organizers to confirm times and locations, in case activities changed since posted. And if we missed your organization or town’s festivities, email details and an online link to susan.schena@patch.com.

And have a safe and festive 4th of July!

Find out what’s happening in South San Franciscowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

——–

CUPERTINO:

JULY 4: 4th of July Pancake Breakfast. Hosted by De Anza Optimist Club of Cupertino.

July 4th: July 4th Festival & Fireworks. Cancelled.

————–

FELTON:

JULY 4: July 4th ‘POD’ Party: Roaring Camp Railroads. With live music & tickets are required.

———-

FOSTER CITY:

July 4th: Rotary’s 4th Of July Pancake Breakfast. Orders due July 3.

JULY 4: Lions Club July 4th BBQ. Orders due June 25.

July 4th: Fourth Of July Celebration. Mix of virtual & in-person events, but fireworks are canceled.

————

HALF MOON BAY:

JULY 4: ‘Ol Fashioned July 4th Parade. With pancake breakfast & music fest.

———–

LOS ALTOS:

JULY 4: Glorious July 4th Concert. Not planned for 2021 as town prepares to open new community center.

———-

LOS ALTOS HILLS:

JULY 4: Independence Day July 4th Caravan. Viewing from homes or at local parks.

———

LOS GATOS:

JULY 1: Summer ‘Thursday Promenades’ & Live Music. No July 4th events are planned, but a new, summer concert series begins July 1.

———

MENLO PARK:

JULY 4: Fourth of July Parade & Celebration. Not planned for 2021, per city officials.

———

MILBRAE:

JULY 4: July 4th Free ‘Beats & Brews’ Concert. With professional, touring band “Rock Bottom Boys.”

———

MILPITAS:

JULY 4-10: Spirit Of America July 4 Firecracker Race. A virtual race is new this year, with medals & T-shirts!

———–

MORGAN HILL:

JULY 3: July 4th Patriotic Sing: Amphitheater. Family Music Festival is directly after the Sing.

JULY 4: 4th of July Freedom Fest 5K & Kid’s Fun Run. Back & in person this year.

JULY 4: July 4th Parade & Fireworks. There’s a car show in there, too!

———-

MOUNTAIN VIEW:

JULY 4: July 4th Fireworks: Shoreline. Cancelled, but bevy of activities planned.

———

PACIFICA:

JULY 4: Independence Day Music Fest & BBQ: Winters Tavern. “1st Festival since 2019! WHAT?! Bands and BBQ & good times …”

JULY 4: July 4th Rocket Run & Frontierland Celebration. Cancelled.

——-

PALO ALTO:

JULY 4: July 4th Fun & Music In The Park. With food truck & games, too.

———–

REDWOOD CITY:

JULY 3-4: July 4th Weekend Chalk Full of Fun @Home. Includes family-friendly contest with prizes!

JULY 4: July 4th Parade & Fireworks. Cancelled.

———–

SAN CARLOS:

JULY 1-11: Stars & Stripes 5K (Virtual) Fun Run. Walk, jog, run or bike/scooter a 5K route.

———

SAN FRANCISCO:

JULY 3-4: July 4th Weekend Warriors & Thrive City Block Party. Extravaganza includes beer garden, bands, DJs, kids’ zone & pet costume parade.

JULY 3-4: San Francisco Independence Day Pub Crawl. With hot dog eating contest, too.

JULY 4: July 4th SF Symphony Stern Grove Concert. Free, but reservations required.

JULY 4: July 4th Fun & Fireworks: Fisherman’s Wharf. Full day planned with everything open!

JULY 4: Golden Gate Park Band July 4th Concert. Not occurring in 2021. Shows to resume in August.

———-

SAN JOSE:

JULY 4: Rose, White & Blue 4th of July Parade. Car show & entertainment planned.

JULY 4: July 4th Fireworks 2021: Discovery Meadow. Cancelled.

JULY 4: July 4th Fireworks Festival: Almaden Lake Park. Cancelled.

JULY 4-5: Drink and Drive Alive Free Cab Ride.

————

SAN MATEO:

JULY 4: 4th Of July Concert: Central Park. Pack a picnic & enjoy the show.

——–

SANTA CLARA:

JULY 4: July 4th Fest & Fireworks 2021: CA’s Great America. Tickets sold in advance online.

JULY 4: July 4th All-City Picnic & Fireworks. Cancelled.

——–

SANTA CRUZ:

JULY 3-4: Historic ranch ground tour. At Wild Ranch State Park.

JULY 4: Rotary’s July 4th Firecracker 5K – In Person. Participation is limited, so sign up soon.

———-

The post Fireworks Close to Me: South San Francisco’s 4th Of July 2021 appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

San Francisco city officials said Tuesday they had decided to cancel the city’s annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display over concerns about COVID-19 as cases continue to rise nationwide.

With the Omicron variant contributing to the exploding cases, city officials said they are canceling the famous fireworks display over the bay for the second year in a row.

Thousands of residents and guests usually pack along the Embarcadero to see the show, but last year people were told to stay home to prevent large gatherings and limit the spread of the virus.

Once again, city officials remain warnings.

“While we are all understandably eager to ring in a New Year with San Francisco’s usual New Year’s Eve fireworks, we must remain vigilant and do everything in our power to stop the spread of the COVID-19 variant of Omicron,” Mayor London told Breed in a statement. “By canceling the New Year’s Eve fireworks show, we are reducing everyone’s exposure to COVID-19 while ensuring the continuity of city-wide public safety measures.”

In addition, isolation and quarantine protocols are reducing the workforce for public safety agencies due to the recent surge, city officials said.

“Minimizing unnecessary exposure among our officials and professional staff is key to maintaining the police force expected by San Franciscans, and it is important that we all do our part as San Franciscans to reduce the transmission of the ward across the city.” said Police Chief Bill Scott.

“We urge you to celebrate with your close family members and friends safely at home with all COVID security measures,” said fire chief Jeannine Nicholson. “The cancellation of traditional fireworks will allow us to focus our resources on emergency services and day-to-day operations without adding large crowds and the potential incidents that result from such crowds.”

As of last week, the city was recording an average of 305 new COVID-19 cases per day, compared to an average of just 91 cases the week before.

The post San Francisco Cancels New Yr’s Eve Fireworks Present On account of Surging COVID-19 Instances – NBC Bay Space appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

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

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Two people were arrested with £ 15,000 of illegal fireworks and $ 1 million in cash after Sept.

In early May, the Sheriff’s Office’s crime-fighting unit opened an investigation into a large line of illegal fireworks distribution. During the investigation, two people identified as Sam San, 61, from San Francisco, and Jennifer Nguyen, 54, from San Jose, were linked to the fireworks sales in San Mateo County. Through surveillance, detectives identified two apartment buildings and a warehouse in Oakland that are linked to the operation.

San has been detained in the San Mateo County Jail and Nguyen is currently on charges of her involvement.

The sheriff’s office is reminding residents that all fireworks are illegal in unincorporated areas of San Mateo County, as well as in the cities it serves. Fines of up to $ 1,000 can be imposed.

The post Cops seize 15,000 kilos of unlawful fireworks in San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda and Santa Clara counties | Native Information appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

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.

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The fireworks returned to the San Francisco waterfront on Sunday evening, the skipped border on a July 4th when communities in the Bay Area returned to more typical celebrations of the holiday, but events are still fueled by concerns about COVID-19 and the California drought have been mitigated.

Punctually at 9:30 pm, the colorful fusillade, accompanied by upbeat music, began from a platform in the bay near Pier 39. The multicolored fireworks lit the sky and drew the crowds along the water along Fisherman’s Wharf and Aquatic Park appreciative screams.

Thousands of revelers flocked to the area to see the city’s traditional July 4th exhibition after last summer’s pandemic-forced cancellation of the holiday left few options but to stay home.

“We are regulars, my son and I,” said Maritza Longland from San Mateo. “It’s refreshing to be back.”

Pier 39 was crowded for the celebration, as was Jefferson Street in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. All the wooden railings along the water were lined with people, and every green patch was filled. The Aquatic Park was teeming with couples, families, and groups of friends looking for open vantage points – some of them wrapped in blankets to ward off the summer chill.

At 8:45 p.m., before the fireworks began, Pier 39 was so crowded that police ordered it to be closed to anyone who was already there. Security forces used metal barricades to keep others away.

Visitors Daniel and Ashley Daniele from Elk Grove, near Sacramento, grabbed a seat on the Aquatic Park lawn just after 6 p.m. for a good view of the fireworks.

“We have never seen fireworks here and it seemed like a good year to come,” said Ashley. They too enjoyed the freezing cold, in contrast to their glowing Central Valley home: “It doesn’t seem that bad.”

The fireworks event was not as extensive as it was before the pandemic. The fireworks itself was a 30-minute choreographed spectacle, but the run-up was less bombastic. For example, there was no afternoon music in the Aquatic Park.

“It’s not too crowded – some years you can’t move,” said Longland, a city native who has attended more than a dozen times. “In some years there are noisy people, but it’s nice to be back in San Francisco and have an urban experience.”

Other parts of the Bay Area celebrated the day with a variety of festivities, but many chose not to go as far as San Francisco for large fireworks displays. There were some pyrotechnic shows, but a number of cities around the bay canceled their annual fireworks tradition, including Benicia, Berkeley, Mountain View, Redwood City, and San Rafael.

Tinder-dry conditions in bushy, less developed areas mean that Berkeley and Oakland closed Grizzly Peak Road. In addition, due to the high risk of fire, UC Berkeley blocked access to observation seats on hillside locations such as the parking lots of the UC Botanical Gardens and the Lawrence Hall of Science. Previously, San Mateo County had increased its fine for using illegal fireworks tenfold, to $ 1,000 for a first offense. Officials were on high alert for forest fires, given the scorching heat in many parts of the state, as well as the wind and dry terrain.

But there were still many official holiday parades, picnics, and concerts. An example of improvisation as the pandemic subsides: Alameda sponsored its very first “Veranda in July” – where residents could decorate their porches, cars or front yards, and judges visited them to criticize them in five different categories, including “Most Star -Spangled “ghost.”

John King is a contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com

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PLEASANT HILL (CBS SF / BCN) – Pleasant Hill police arrested two teens Wednesday in connection with a grass fire near Diablo Valley College, believed to have been caused by illegal fireworks.

Two 16-year-olds allegedly threw an explosive tennis ball-sized mortar from a moving vehicle on Golf Club Road. The resulting fire burned a quarter of an acre of grass and trees before firefighters put it out.

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The device was designed to be detonated in a special launch tube, although without the tube it exploded on the ground, spraying sparks in all directions. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District officials said the fire could have spread to nearby homes in less favorable weather conditions.

A witness saw the youths fleeing from the scene near Contra Costa Boulevard and Doray Drive and called the police. The officers arrested the two 16-year-old residents of Pleasant Hill, who were interviewed and later released into the care of their parents.

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Fire investigators said they would refer the case to prosecutors on likely charges of unlawful fire and possession of fireworks. The suspects are likely to be referred to the fire department’s youth fire department program.

The incident follows another fire that allegedly started last week in the Vine Hill neighborhood and was also caused by teenagers.

Fire district officials say they want to remind the public that fireworks, including those labeled “safe and healthy”, are dangerous and illegal in Contra Costa County. Anyone who sees people using fireworks can anonymously call the department’s arson hotline at (866) 50-ARSON (27766).

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OAKLAND (CBS SF) – The sound of illegal fireworks has become a nightly soundtrack for many people in the San Francisco Bay Area, but authorities say complaints about high explosives started earlier than usual this year.

Nightly fireworks have become a regular occurrence on the streets of Oakland. They were in the middle of Grand Ave. launched during a celebration on June 19th.

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Illegal fireworks shows have also become more common in San Jose, the Peninsula, and San Francisco. It is a phenomenon that is being featured on social media across the county.

“We just got here to get a couple of beers and dinner and we just heard a bang, bang, bang and bang – we thought it was gunfire,” said Alex of San Francisco, who refused to take his Surname to be indicated.

The noise didn’t just scare people.

In San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood, someone posted a sign asking who will set off fireworks at night to please stop.

“All of our dogs are freaking out and they’re scared of the loud noises,” read the sign.

For some, fireworks can be boring. For others, they have become part of rallies and protests for social justice or an act of defiance towards the police.

“I think people are obviously outraged and trying to express that, so I think you want you want and show how you want,” said a woman identified as Joey in San Francisco.

Oakland Councilor Noel Gallo says the problem is the worst he has seen in his life. He grew up in East Oakland.

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“Ordinarily we’d celebrate July 4th and shoot the fireworks for three or four days, but now it’s become a habit for you to hear the fireworks every night from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m.,” Gallo said. “But now people are shooting from their guns.”

He picked up cartridge cases when he volunteered for street cleaning in Oakland this weekend.

“The reality is that our police and firefighters have their hands free right now, but we are at the beginning of the fire season,” said Gallo.

The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office reported an increase in complaints about fireworks Monday and suggested calling the department’s non-emergency number to report incidents.

FIREWORKS: We receive complaints about an above-average use of illegal fireworks. The repeated loud explosions affect certain members of the community, including pets and livestock. There is also a risk of fire. Call our non-emergency number 510 667-7721.

– Alameda County Sheriff (@ACSOSheriffs) June 22, 2020

Oakland Police Department says there will be more forays during the July 4th vacation.

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Those caught in fireworks can be fined and fined up to $ 10,000.

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