Community Corner
July 4 Travelers to SF Urged to Plan Ahead
Officials advise those planning to go to San Francisco Thursday for the Fourth of July fireworks and festivities or the America's Cup opening ceremonies to be prepared for transportation challenges.
By Bay City News Service
Visitors to the Fourth of July fireworks show in San Francisco are advised to plan ahead on what is expected to be a busy Thursday along the city's northern waterfront.
The celebration starts at 2 p.m. at Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square and Aquatic Park, with the fireworks show beginning nearby at 9:30 p.m., according to city officials.
As many as 200,000 people are expected to gather in the area for Fourth of July festivities as well as the America's Cup opening ceremonies, which take place at 3 p.m. a short distance away at Piers 27-29.
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency officials advise travelers coming from the East Bay or Peninsula to call 511 or check www.511.org for the latest traffic and transit conditions, particularly if the ongoing strike by BART workers is still in effect.
The SFMTA will be enforcing parking meters citywide and will provide supplemental bus shuttles to the streetcar service from downtown to the waterfront activities.
National Park Service officials say the best locations to watch the fireworks show is along city piers rather than at Crissy Field or from the Marin Headlands.
Park officials say it is illegal to possess or spark fireworks anywhere in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and advise visitors to consider not bringing their dogs, which often become frightened by the fireworks and run away.
More information about transit options in San Francisco for the holiday can be found online at www.511.org.
Copyright © 2012 by Bay City News, Inc. – Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.
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