San Francisco Warning or Danger Tips by karenincalifornia

I am often asked by people who live outside California "Aren't you worried about earthquakes?" The answer is no -- most residents of California hardly give earthquakes a second thought.

Seismic reinforcement of structures in California is quite advanced. Major earthquakes do cause some damage, but when that happens, structures are rebuilt and reinforced, and made much stronger.

City Hall is a good example. It was extensively damaged during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake (7.1 on the Richter Scale), but after years of reconstruction the entire building was strengthened to prevent that type of damage in the future.

This picture shows the inside of the huge dome above the rotunda. The dome, which twisted four inches like a corkscrew in the 1989 earthquake, is now supported by 1,200 of steel near its top. In a future quake, the dome is designed to move with the building, preventing damage.

The truth is, your odds of being injured in an earthquake in California are very, very slim.

If you are still concerned and want to keep tabs on our recent earthquakes, click on the link below.

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Website: http://quake.wr.usgs.gov/recenteqs/Maps/SF_Bay.html

San Francisco is a complex network of narrow one way streets. Driving in the heavy traffic areas of San Francisco is tough, even for a local, which is why I rarely use anything but public transportation to get into the City.

Not only do you have to watch out for pedestrians who cross against the light, cars pulling out of blind garages, other drivers talking on their cell phones, and double parked cars, you have to concentrate on which way the streets go, are they one way or two?

It's enough to drive you to drink (but don't drink and drive)...

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San Francisco has more shopping carts than Walmart. They are almost always accompanied by homeless people who use the carts to carry around every possession they own.

The homeless problem is out of control in San Francisco. This is the dark side of San Francisco. If you haven't been to SF recently, you should be prepared for this before your visit. The situation is far worse than in most other US cities. The homeless are everywhere in SF - even places that are considered safe areas.

Most homeless people, however, are harmless.

Some Do and Don'ts:

Steer clear of the screamers and yellers. You don't want to take your chances by messing with them.

Use your own judgment in giving handouts. San Franciscans are very opinionated about the homeless problem. Some believe people should not give handouts because it increases the dependency of the homeless, and they won't hesitate to express their opinion.

If you are asked for a handout, whether you decide to give or not, express a kind greeting. All deserve respect and it is only by a stroke of luck that some of us are not out there standing in their shoes (myself included).

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