On Tuesday, November 29, paramedics had to administer Narcan, a drug used to treat acute opioid poisoning, to a 10-month-old baby after he accidentally overdosed on fentanyl while playing in a park in San Francisco.
This was announced by Ivan Matkovic, the minor's father, in an interview with The Chronicle, who also shared the hospital report confirming the "accidental overdose of fentanyl, initial contact" followed by "respiratory arrest."
According to the document, which the outlet was able to corroborate, the record states that the baby was observed for “over 6 hours since being administered Narcan and is breathing well. The fentanyl should be out of his system. He is safe to go home.”
By Wednesday, the news was already making its way through social media, with residents and local officials highlighting the city's deep drug crisis.
San Francisco District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey said on Twitter that if the 10-month-old baby is confirmed to have ingested fentanyl at a local park, “it should be another wake-up call in San Francisco’s worst public health calamity since the AIDS crisis: the status quo in our drug crisis is unsustainable.”
"Thank God this child survived, but not every child who comes into contact with fentanyl is so lucky," Dorsey said, noting that in 2019, federal officials filed murder charges against Tenderloin dealers who sold fentanyl and killed a 13-month-old child and his father.
“I’m frankly unaware of the fentanyl issue,” Matkovic said in a phone interview Wednesday. “I’m just a parent who had something bad happen to them. I just wanted people to know that along with coyotes and RSV and COVID, this is another thing you need to add to your checklist of things you need to be looking out for, because we’re not.”
According to the outlet, Matkovic told them she was working from home on Tuesday when her babysitter, who was with her twins at the park, called. “One of your kids isn’t breathing right,” she recalled her telling her. He left immediately, then she called back, saying he’s turning blue; I’m going to administer CPR and call 911.”
When Matkovic arrived at the grassy area next to one of Moscone Park’s playgrounds on Chestnut Street within 10 minutes, her son was not moving but had a pulse and some color. Paramedics hovered over the baby, holding a mask connected to a breathing apparatus over her son’s mouth, she said.
Paramedics placed the 10-month-old baby on a stretcher and loaded him into the back of an ambulance. They asked Matkovic questions about her son’s medical history and weight, and seeing that nothing was obstructing her son’s ability to breathe, they administered Narcan. Within seconds, the baby began crying and breathing again, Matkovic said.
The baby's father reported that his babysitter told him his son was crawling through the grass, putting leaves in his mouth, as he often does, and that she did not see what the baby touched, ingested or inhaled, nor did she notice any drugs, aluminum foil or needles.
Spokespeople for police and the Department of Recreation and Parks said they found no drugs or paraphernalia after searching the park that night. Matkovic said police told him the most likely exposure was dust, which is difficult to detect.
Matkovic said she had no reason to believe her babysitter, whom the family has employed for about half a year, or anyone else at the park had fentanyl or gave it to the boy. Instead, she praised the quick actions of the babysitter and paramedics.
Young children have died, and some have survived, after accidentally ingesting fentanyl, according to a national study that looked at 25 cases from 2004 to 2013. Twelve cases were fatal, including the youngest case involving a 1-year-old. Children as young as 2 survived. Most cases occurred in children between the ages of 2 and 4.
The complete note can be consulted at The Chronicle.
Redwood City Transportation and Development Center
The Town Hall of Redwood City voted on Monday, November 28, to form its own Transit District, which will allow for the transformation of the Sequoia station and make way for the redevelopment of the 1970s shopping center with a four-track train station, 1,100 housing units and offices.
“It takes vision, but it can be done!” said Redwood City Mayor Giselle Hale, who tweeted that “this is another step in helping us achieve our RHNA housing goal of 4,588 units. These homes will literally be right next to the best regional transportation.”
The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is mandated by California Housing Law as part of the periodic process of updating local housing elements of the General Plan. RHNA quantifies the housing need within each jurisdiction during specific planning periods.
The plan calls for grade separations, a new station and four-track rail service, as well as improvements to pedestrian and bicycle safety, “so everyone can enjoy all the benefits of transit!” Hale said.
The local official noted that the plan has been in the works since 2019 and thanked staff, SamTrans and partners who helped to finally achieve the goal just two weeks before Hale leaves the Council.
Notably, the approved amendments to the General Plan, Downtown Precise Plan and the associated Transit District environmental review include redevelopment of land on the Transit Center and Sequoia Station properties, additional space for a four-track station and associated circulation improvements with potential grade separations to ensure adequate connections for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.
The City recently completed outreach sessions on the potential future look of the planned new Transit Center – train station and bus depot – including ground floor activation, open gathering space, placemaking, and landscaping.
Redwood City has 6 at-grade railroad crossings where railroad tracks meet vehicular roads. The railroad crossings at Woodside Road and Jefferson Avenue were previously separated. Gate arms are lowered at regular intervals to allow trains to pass through the city unhindered, temporarily stopping people crossing the tracks.
Increased train service typically increases the amount of time people are stopped at the crossing, which can lead to more congestion. To improve circulation in the city due to rail activity and allow for increased train service, additional grade separations are needed. These separations must be carefully planned to balance the needs within the community and ensure that road connectivity and safety are maximized.
By adding more rail tracks, the city has the opportunity to design a new station, expand amenities such as bike parking, convenient pick-up and drop-off areas, and create safe connections between the bus station, Caltrain platforms, and downtown.
The transit center's grand design could support downtown vitality, create a gathering place for the community, welcome visitors, and improve travel to and from Redwood City.
Why are we looking for them? Because we love them! Until I find them!
Photo: Heriberto Paredes
«El año pasado encontramos 11 cuerpos, de los cuales 6 ya están con su familia pero que no quisiéramos encontrarles así, sino con vida», declaró Tranquilina Hernández, el pasado 26 de noviembre en la conferencia de prensa inaugural de las actividades de la VII Brigada Nacional de Búsqueda de Personas Desaparecidas ‒BNB‒, esfuerzo ciudadano que desde hace 7 años pone el foco en una de las mayores crisis que vive México.
The Brigade has made interventions in Veracruz, Sinaloa, Guerrero and Morelos, on some occasions it has returned to some of these states due to the complexity of the context.
Photo: Heriberto Paredes
Este esfuerzo es el resultado de la conjunción de más de 190 colectivos de familias buscadoras que a través de la Red de Enlaces Nacionales han construido un modelo de búsqueda basado no sólo en los rastreos sino en la utilización de otras herramientas, como la sensibilización de autoridades y escuelas, el acercamiento a esta situación desde las comunidades de fe y la búsqueda en vida a través de las instituciones penitenciarias o similares, así como la identificación de restos.
Photo: Heriberto Paredes
La búsqueda no es sólo el hecho concreto de procurar información y datos para localizar a personas. La búsqueda es la grieta que permite que nos acerquemos a ver y comprender las profundas redes de corrupción e impunidad que dirigen México, desde hace muchas décadas y ahora mismo.
La búsqueda pone el acento en los grandes problemas que aquejan al país, porque para que exista la desaparición es necesaria la existencia de la violencia, de redes de trata de personas, de grupos criminales, de colusión de autoridades. La desaparición es la punta del iceberg de un problema mucho más grande y complejo.
Photo: Heriberto Paredes
Por eso, las familias buscadoras no paran ni van a detenerse ante nada. Ni la muerte es un impedimento para que continúe la búsqueda, porque si hoy matan a alguna persona buscadora su gran familia de compañeras y compañeros seguirá por ella hasta encontrar a las personas queridas.
Photo: Heriberto Paredes
«El asesinato reciente de 3 mujeres buscadoras debe hacernos exigir las condiciones para que todas las personas que buscan lo puedan hacer con seguridad», declaró recientemente Alan García, de la Oficina en México del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos.
En estos momentos se desarrolla una brigada más de búsqueda en el estado de Morelos, las familias que participan, así como las personas solidarias, llevan a cabo todos estos trabajos a partir del apoyo económico que la sociedad brinda a través de colectas y algunas recaudaciones y rifas.
Photo: Heriberto Paredes
Pero es tiempo todavía de apoyar este esfuerzo y hacer posible que se fortalezca esta lucha por todo el país. En el siguiente link es posible hacer donaciones monetarias y la BNB realiza informes de las actividades que lleva a cabo para mostrar en qué se usa el dinero recaudado.
Como dicen las familias: ¿Qué por qué les buscamos? ¡Porque les amamos! ¡Hasta encontrarles!
Heriberto Paredes Coronel (Tlaxcala, 1983), Mexican independent photographer and journalist, dedicated to documenting organizational processes in indigenous and peasant communities, searching for missing persons and environmental issues in Mexico. He currently explores formats such as documentaries and podcasts without abandoning photography and text, where he explores new narrative routes. He has collaborated with national and international media, has directed short documentaries and is currently in the development phase of a feature documentary as well as writing a book that brings together more than a decade of work on the Michoacan coast. He lives in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán. Twitter @BSaurus Instagram @el_beto_paredes.
The Governor Gavin Newsom declared this November as Native American Heritage Month, seeking to have California honor and uplift the enduring perseverance, diverse cultures and excellence of all the people who first called this state and nation home.
In his statement, the California governor acknowledged the tenacity of Native communities in the face of adversity throughout the state’s history, while reflecting on the progress made in healing, growth and a shared future.
“Over the past four years, the leadership and advocacy of Indigenous people working in partnership with the state have forged progress to address long-standing injustices and create a California that embraces the stories, values and strengths of all people,” she said in her letter.
In it, she also acknowledged the enduring trauma of atrocities inflicted on California's indigenous people throughout history, for which, she said, the state has taken significant steps to tell the truth about the past and begin to heal deep wounds.
“We have taken the historic step of apologizing for this genocidal violence and mistreatment, established a Truth and Healing Council to continue the journey of reconciliation with our past, and worked with tribal nations to reevaluate systems and symbols of oppression and restore ancestral names and practices to important cultural sites across California,” she stressed.
Through policy, legislative, and budgetary actions, she said, work has been done to empower Native communities to lead culturally informed systems of care, work has begun to address the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis, and California’s first Secretary of Tribal Affairs has been elevated to lead a newly established Governor’s Office of Tribal Affairs.
“The unwavering strength and leadership of Native peoples lies at the heart of these milestones – a lifeline that has sustained tribal communities amidst existential threats of the past and perseveres through the tragic loss of irreplaceable leaders, culture bearers, elders and family members during the pandemic.”
During Native American Heritage Month, she called on people to honor the resilience of these remarkable Californians and to be proud of the strides made to support truth, visibility and justice for Native peoples.
According to IWGIA, a global human rights organization dedicated to promoting, protecting and defending the rights of indigenous peoples in the U.S., as of 2021, the number of indigenous people in the United States is estimated to be between 2.5 and 6 million, of whom about 20 percent live in American Indian areas or Alaska Native villages.
Indigenous peoples of the United States are more commonly referred to as Native groups. The state with the largest Native population is California; the place with the largest Native population is New York City.
Bay Area residents who own a vehicle manufactured before 1998 can now receive up to $1,200 as part of a vehicle buyback program to improve local air quality, the city announced Monday. Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
The buyback program will pay owners of older, highly polluting cars and small trucks to voluntarily retire their vehicles. Older vehicles lack modern emissions control technology and pollute at a higher rate than newer models.
To qualify for the vehicle buyback program, vehicles must be a 1998 model year or older, must be currently registered as operable and drivable, and must have been registered in the Bay Area for the past 24 months.
Vehicles within 60 days of a required smog check must take and pass the check.
“Transportation remains the largest source of air pollution in the Bay Area, and scrapping old vehicles helps limit harmful tailpipe emissions into the air we breathe,” said Sharon Landers, interim executive director of the air district.
The program reduces air pollutants from vehicle exhaust, including fine particulate matter and ozone precursors, the main ingredients of smog. These pollutants contribute to respiratory illnesses and increased mortality rates. Retiring older vehicles also reduces carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
Since 1996, the Air District's Vehicle Buyback program has retired more than 90,000 cars, trucks, vans and SUVs. For every pre-1998 vehicle removed from Bay Area roads, approximately 75 pounds of air pollution is prevented from being emitted into the air annually.
In 2021, 3,000 vehicles were removed, which represents the elimination of 91 tons of air pollution.
La agencia regional de control de la contaminación del aire del Área de la Bahía, mejor conocida como Bay Area Air Quality, tiene una investigación activa por un evento de quema en Martinez Refining Company, ocurrido el pasado 24 de noviembre, en la cual, anticipó, se emitirán infracciones.
El pasado 25 de noviembre, el personal del Distrito del Aire respondió a 7 quejas totales de la refinería Martínez que alegaban caída de polvo en sus casas y en sus coches. En el momento de estas llamadas, la dirección del viento era el suroeste, con velocidades de cero a 2 millas por hora.
Se cree que la supuesta fuente de la precipitación fue Martinez Refining Company ‒MRC‒.
La agencia de control de contaminación en el aire destacó que habló con representantes de MRC y se le informó que la refinería recibió un total de 24 llamadas relacionadas con el polvo en los alrededores de la compañía, además de que se recogieron muestras del polvo en lugares de toda la comunidad, por lo que solicitó una copia de los resultados de las mismas.
Para el 26 de noviembre, el personal del Distrito del Aire estuvo en el lugar investigando el evento más a fondo y se reunió con representantes de MRC para reunir información adicional sobre el incidente y la posterior precipitación en las áreas vecinas.
En ese momento, MRC declaró que había experimentado una alteración de la unidad de proceso y como resultado tuvo un exceso indicado de opacidad en las calderas de monóxido de carbono y una cantidad notificable de dióxido de azufre debido a la combustión en antorcha el jueves 24 de noviembre.
Los representantes de MRC informaron al personal del Distrito de Aire el día 26 de que la unidad alterada ha vuelto a funcionar con normalidad y que no prevén ningún otro problema en esta unidad.
Sin embargo, la agencia también tomó muestras en los lugares de las quejas recibidas por el Distrito del Aire y en las fuentes potenciales de la refinería, las cuales serán comparadas por un laboratorio para determinar si la empresa fue la fuente de la precipitación.
El personal de Materiales Peligrosos del Condado de Contra Costa ‒HazMat‒ también estuvo en el lugar el día 26 y también estuvo recogiendo muestras en varios lugares, comprometiéndose a enviar muestras a un laboratorio para analizar el polvo.
«El Distrito del Aire continuará su investigación del evento. Por el momento no se han emitido avisos de infracción, pero prevemos el descubrimiento de infracciones reglamentarias a medida que avancemos en nuestra investigación. Proporcionaremos actualizaciones adicionales una vez que obtengamos más información», señaló la agencia a través de un comunicado.
Por su parte, la tarde de este lunes, Martínez Refining Company informó que ha recibido los resultados de las pruebas preliminares de un laboratorio de terceros para el polvo encontrado en coches y edificios, principalmente en el área del centro de Martínez, el 25 de noviembre.
Las pruebas, dijo, confirman que las muestras son «catalizador gastado» que se originó en la Unidad de Craqueo Catalítico Fluidizado de la refinería.
«Estamos esperando más resultados de laboratorio, pero el análisis preliminar muestra que la composición primaria del catalizador gastado incluye silicato de alúmina, arcilla y otros minerales extraídos de la tierra», señaló la refinería en un comunicado.
El catalizador, señaló, había sido incinerado a altas temperaturas para eliminar impurezas para reutilizar en el proceso de refinado y fue liberado accidentalmente durante horas de la noche de Acción de Gracias.
«Lamentamos mucho que se haya producido esta liberación del catalizador gastado y pedimos disculpas a nuestros vecinos que encontraron el material en sus vehículos, casas y edificios. Este material se puede eliminar enjuagando con agua de superficies como muebles de patio, entradas y plantas», subrayó.
Agregó que durante el mismo período de tiempo que la liberación del catalizador gastado, se experimentó un evento de quema no relacionado, debido a un mal funcionamiento del equipo.
La refinería destacó que ha hecho arreglos con Autopia Car Wash, para proporcionar lavados de coches a residentes afectados que tengan dificultades para eliminar el catalizador gastado de sus vehículos, a partir de este viernes 2 de diciembre en establecimiento que se ubica en avenida Alhambra 3950, de lunes a viernes en un horario de 9:00 a 16:30 horas.
Recientemente se anunció que San Francisco fue nombrada la ciudad anfitriona de la 30ª Cumbre de Líderes de Cooperación Económica Asia-Pacífico, o APEC, que se llevará a cabo en noviembre del próximo año.
Así, San Francisco dará la bienvenida al presidente Joseph Biden, varios jefes de estado, jefes de gobierno y otros funcionarios de todo el mundo.
La alcaldesa de la ciudad, London Breed, manifestó su entusiasmo y destacó las amplias conexiones económicas, culturales y académicas de San Francisco con la región de Asia-Pacífico, incluido el reconocimiento de la ciudad como la puerta de entrada a dicha región, lo que ha posicionado a San Francisco como el destino principal para la inversión extranjera directa de Asia.
Establecido en 1989, APEC es un foro intergubernamental para las economías de 21 miembros en la Cuenca del Pacífico que promueve el libre comercio en toda la región de Asia-Pacífico. Los países que estarán representados en la Cumbre de Líderes de APEC del próximo año incluyen a Estados Unidos, Canadá, China, Filipinas, Japón, Singapur y Tailandia.
«Nos sentimos honrados de ser nombrados anfitriones del próximo año y estamos listos para recibir a líderes de todo el mundo en nuestra hermosa ciudad», señaló Breed en un comunicado. «San Francisco ya cuenta con la infraestructura para albergar un evento de la escala y el alcance de la Cumbre de Líderes de APEC».
«Nuestra recuperación económica continúa, pero nuestra huella es sólida con más de 34 mil habitaciones de hotel, un Moscone Center recientemente renovado, sitios icónicos y experiencias culturales, y una escena culinaria de clase mundial. Esta es una oportunidad emocionante para nuestra Ciudad, sus residentes, trabajadores y visitantes».
Cada año, el Distrito de Aduanas de San Francisco registra 100 mil millones de dólares en envíos de ida y vuelta con miembros de APEC. Las empresas del norte de California venden un estimado de 60 mil millones de dólares en bienes y servicios a los compradores del foro multilateral.
Los estadounidenses de origen asiático representan aproximadamente un tercio de la población total de San Francisco, la cual tiene relaciones de ciudad hermana con otras de dicha región, incluidas Osaka, Seúl, Ho Chi Minh, Manila, Sídney y Shanghái.
El barrio chino de San Francisco es el primero de América del Norte y una de las comunidades chinas más grandes fuera de Asia. Además, la ciudad alberga actualmente más de 75 consulados, que representan los intereses gubernamentales de prácticamente todos los países importantes del mundo.
La última vez que EE. UU. organizó APEC fue en 2011.
Apenas nos reponemos del Día de Acción de Gracias y nos preparamos ya para la cada vez más cercana Navidad. Luces, árboles, esferas y mucho ambiente decembrino ya se dejan ver en las calles, centros comerciales y millones de hogares, sin embargo y antes de continuar con la decoración y las compras, estas son las noticias locales del 19 al 25 de noviembre que debes conocer para estar al día.
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As the peninsula faces a severe housing shortage, San Mateo County is exploring where to plan for growth and ways to expand and protect the supply of affordable housing over the next decade.
The final plan will help shape the region's future, the county said in a statement, as communities that long relied on relatively affordable housing to attract new residents and drive economic and job growth can no longer count on that advantage.
The County has released for public review a draft Housing Element outlining the expected housing needs for the next eight years, from 2023 to 2031, which incorporates strategies to create up to 3,414 new housing units of various types in unincorporated areas.
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After the recent improvements made to the system SMCalert, de alerta y advertencia de emergencia, quienes viven y trabajan en el condado de San Mateo ahora pueden recibir mensajes de texto, correo electrónico y voz que incluyen mapas, imágenes y varios idiomas.
SMCalert’s new features are intended to further assist residents by providing them with key information to help them stay safe and steer clear of incidents such as major traffic delays and detours, wildfires, floods, and mountain lions.
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San Mateo County-based Latino nonprofit Upward Scholars announced Thursday that it has launched a program to support immigrants seeking careers in early childhood education.
The academic and career support initiative, called TeacherUp, seeks to help county residents enroll in college, connect with employers and receive comprehensive support such as stipends.
The program builds on the 2018 workforce development pilot called the Teacher Pipeline Project, developed by the Community Equity Collaborative to address the shortage of early childhood educators on the Bay Area peninsula and supported by local community colleges, schools, nonprofits and policymakers.
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El Departamento de Policía de Redwood City arrestó a dos hombres, entre ellos un menor de edad, por asesinato en segundo grado, luego de participar en la colisión fatal de vehículos en Redwood City, en El Camino Real y Finger Avenue el pasado 4 de noviembre y que dejó como resultado dos personas muertas, padres de dos niñas, las cuales resultaron con lesiones menores.
The 17-year-old Redwood City resident who was driving the speeding vehicle that collided with the victims' car was arrested on November 18 and booked into the San Mateo County Juvenile Services Center.
However, it was not until Monday, November 21 that Redwood City police officers located the second driver and vehicle involved in the speed contest, Kyle Harrison, 23 years old, who is also a resident of Redwood City.
Both subjects were arrested on two counts of second degree murder.
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El Departamento de Policía de Palo Alto ya investiga un incidente con disparos que se efectuó la tarde de este lunes en el centro comercial de Stanford, donde un sospechoso desconocido en un vehículo disparó al menos una ronda en el Prime Steakhouse de Fleming. Nadie fue alcanzado por las balas.
La información inicial indica que el sospechoso disparó con una pistola desde un vehículo en movimiento y se desconoce el motivo u objetivo del evento.
La policía detalló que la ventana delantera de Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, fue alcanzada por una sola bala. Los oficiales también encontraron un vehículo estacionado desocupado cerca que también fue alcanzado con otro proyectil.
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A Caltrain train fatally struck a pedestrian Wednesday night in Burlingame.
According to Caltrain, the incident occurred at approximately 7:32 p.m. when northbound train number 415 fatally struck the person who was trespassing on the tracks just south of the Burlingame Station in San Mateo.
Para tomar medidas enérgicas contra la venta ilegal de tabaco a menores, ciudades, condados, distritos escolares y agencias de aplicación de la ley en todo el estado pronto recibirán millones de dólares en fondos estatales, anunció el lunes el fiscal general de California, Rob Bonta.
El Programa de subvenciones para el tabaco del Departamento de Justicia de California, financiado por un impuesto estatal al tabaco, está distribuyendo 18.6 millones de dólares a 41 programas gubernamentales locales para informar, investigar y sancionar a los minoristas de tabaco que venden productos a jóvenes menores de 21 años.
Desde 2017, el programa ha entregado 170 millones de dólares en subvenciones a los gobiernos a través de un proceso de solicitud competitivo.
El programa de subvenciones espera no solo frenar a los minoristas que ignoran las leyes federales sobre el tabaco, sino también mitigar en última instancia la próxima generación de adictos al tabaco.
«Todos los días, miles de jóvenes californianos fumarán su primer cigarrillo», refirió Bonta. «Los fabricantes y minoristas de tabaco tienen gran parte de la culpa, ya que a menudo fomentan directamente el creciente mercado de menores de edad para sus productos. El Programa de subvenciones para el tabaco del Departamento de Justicia de California proporciona fondos críticos para prevenir estas ventas ilegales y reducir el consumo de tabaco entre los jóvenes en nuestras comunidades».
Según Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, una organización de defensa compuesta por funcionarios de salud pública, el consumo de tabaco es la principal causa de muerte prevenible en los Estados Unidos y es responsable de más muertes que el alcohol, los accidentes automovilísticos, los asesinatos, los suicidios, las drogas ilegales y el SIDA combinados. En California, se estima que más de 400 mil niños mueren prematuramente por fumar.
El programa de subvenciones ayudará a los beneficiarios a instruir a los minoristas locales de tabaco sobre las leyes federales, garantizar que sus licencias cumplan y enjuiciar a quienes venden productos de tabaco a los jóvenes, incluso en Internet.
En el Área de la Bahía, los beneficiarios incluyen los departamentos de servicios de salud de los condados de Sonoma y Contra Costa, la escuela secundaria Fremont en el condado de Santa Clara, la oficina del alguacil de Alameda y los departamentos de policía de Piedmont, Pleasanton, San Pablo y Calistoga.
Although snow is never part of the equation, it does kick off holiday celebrations in the Bay Area. Many cities and towns have free events for the whole family. Joyful and triumphant revelers can travel from county to county to take part in the holiday festivities, shop for unique holiday crafts, enjoy the Hanukkah Festival of Lights, or celebrate Kwanzaa. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, though most of the events listed are free.
SAN FRANCISCO
The Ferry Building is hosting free craft events throughout the season, starting Sunday with Beary Merry Holiday polar bear crafts starting at 10 a.m. and “Pretty Presents” crafts like hot chocolate ornaments, herbal sachets and personalized mugs on Dec. 18.
The San Francisco Public Library will host a Kwanzaa Game Day on December 26th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. This will be the first day of Kwanzaa, also known as Umoja, or “unity.” Ancestors will be honored with the lighting of the first candle of the season, followed by games and refreshments for the whole family.
The annual SantaCon SF bar crawl will take place on December 10th starting in Union Square. Participating is free, you just need to dress up as an incarnation of Santa Claus. Participants hop from bar to bar, so if you plan on drinking punch, you'll have to pay for that.
Macy's holiday windows are in full effect now through January 1. The popular attraction features adoptable dogs and cats, puppies and kittens in conjunction with the SF SPCA. The furballs are on display from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, except Christmas Eve and Day. Macy's is located in Union Square.
On Monday, the Castro Holiday Tree Lighting will take place at Castro and 18th Street. Mayor London Breed, the SF Gay Men's Chorus, the SF Gay/Lesbian Freedom Band, and possible appearances by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and State Senator Scott Wiener will be in attendance.
The Fifth Annual Shining Hanukkah Party will be held at Ghirardelli Square on December 8. Sponsored by the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, this event will feature dreidels and festive crafts, with candle lighting and singing. It runs from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Finally, the city will host its 10th Annual Illuminate SF Light Festival, featuring 62 light installations. For more information, including locations, go to https://www.illuminatesf.com.
EAST BAY
Pleasanton – The Hometown Holiday Parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Dec. 3, with marching bands, floats and community groups. A tree lighting ceremony will follow at approximately 6:45 p.m. with music, the mayor and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Martinez – The Christmas tree and Santa lighting begins at 4 p.m. on Main Street Plaza. The city’s annual Hanukkah community celebration will take place beginning Dec. 18. Co-sponsored by Congregation B’nai Shalom, the traditional menorah lighting will take place nightly at dusk from Dec. 18-26 on Main Street Plaza. There will be music, sufganiyot and fun for the entire family.
Danville – Christmas at the Livery will feature free visits from Santa, train rides, a snow zone, tongue twisters, face painting, Christmas carols and cheerful gift bags for children. Held Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. The Livery is located at 567 Sycamore Rd., Danville.
Walnut Creek: The Garden D'Lights will shine in Ruth Bancroft Garden for the fourth year, featuring a drought-tolerant landscape filled with cacti, succulents and native California plants that are adorned with holiday lights, ornamentation, music and illuminated sculptures. The garden light installation runs through Jan. 8 and is located at 1552 Bancroft Rd. Tickets must be purchased.
Berkeley: Toddlers, children ages five and under, and their parents are invited to a holiday carnival at the Live Oak Community Center on Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature Snowflake Toss, Big Rain Drop Throw, Windy Parachute Games, and Pin the Nose on the Snowman. There will also be an arts and crafts station. Prizes and refreshments will be available. The center is located at 1301 Shattuck Ave.
Richmond – Downtown Holiday Festival featuring gift bag giveaways and photos with Santa. The festival will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on December 14 at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts.
Brentwood – The Great Community Hanukkah Festival begins on December 18 at 4:30 p.m. There will be a menorah lighting with dignitaries, Hanukkah doughnuts and latkes, chocolate gelt, lots of crafts and even a fire and sword artist. It will take place in City Park in front of Brentwood City Hall.
NORTH BAY and WINE COUNTRY
Petaluma: Santa and Mrs. Claus will roll into town via riverboat Saturday across the Petaluma River, docking at the River Plaza shopping center. Petaluma Pete and the Pacific Empire Chorus will entertain the crowd at 11:30 a.m. until Santa appears at noon. The Petaluma Ballet School's "Nutcracker" dancers will also be twirling.
Windsor – The town’s annual Christmas celebration and tree lighting will take place on December 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Town Green. Local schools will host live music displays at 5 p.m. and then the tree lighting will begin at 7 p.m. There’s also plenty for kids to do, including Santa’s Mailbox, cookie decorating and craft workshops.
Healdsburg: Merry Healdsburg festivities will be held downtown at Healdsburg Plaza on Dec. 2. A tree lighting ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by free photos with Santa. There will also be free hayrides sponsored by Kiwanis and free hot chocolate. Live music will include the Healdsburg Choir and Rocio La Dama de La Cumbia y Su Sonora.
Guerneville – The Parade of Lights kicks off after dark on December 3 at 7 p.m. on Main Street, with this year’s theme being “A Very Fairy Christmas.” This parade is known for its campy, offbeat fun.
Calistoga – Known as the “last small town holiday celebration,” the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade is definitely one of a kind. Modern, vintage and antique tractors will be adorned with lights along with other construction equipment. The parade runs from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on December 3.
Benicia: If you're looking for a charming small-town Christmas parade, look no further than Benicia's annual event. This year it takes place on December 10th and runs down First Street. The show starts at 10 a.m. and residents usually save their spots for the night, though there's always room for more. The parade is followed by a holiday market.
Vallejo: The city's annual Mad Hatter's Holiday Festival and Parade is not to be missed. It's weird and wonderful, with motorized contraptions from Obtainium Works, steam punk revelers, traditional holiday nods and more. It all starts at 2 p.m. at Unity Plaza near the library on Santa Clara Street with dancing horses, kids' crafts, kids' games and food. The parade starts on Georgia Street at 4:30 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. at the library on Santa Clara Street. A lighted boat parade starts at 6:30 p.m. at the marina.
Sausalito - The Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks Celebration will begin at 6 p.m. on December 10, rain or shine, along the Sausalito waterfront.
Mill Valley– Winterfest is back. Featuring live entertainment, a giant slide, tons of kid-friendly activities and great food, the event culminates with the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. It takes place on December 4th from noon to 5 p.m. at Mill Valley’s Downtown Plaza.
St. Helena – Santa himself will make an appearance downtown on December 9 from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be photo opportunities, music and food vendors.
Napa – The city’s Christmas Parade will be held on December 10th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in downtown Napa. This year’s theme celebrates 175 years of Christmas in Napa.
Yountville… How about a Latke Throw Down? Bardessono is hosting its second annual event at the Yountville Community Center, featuring a latke-making competition. Tickets are $10, but guests will be able to watch the competition and even sample the entrees. The event will take place on Dec. 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 6516 Washington St. Interested parties are encouraged to email their RSVP to events@bardessono.com.
American Canyon: It's time for the Magic of the Season with the Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting. In addition to the parade, there will be food vendors and a holiday gift market. The event will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 3 at Shenandoah Park, 100 Sonoma Creek Way.
SOUTH BAY
San Jose – Christmas in the Park takes place in the heart of downtown San Jose at Cesar Chavez Plaza. This free event has been running for 40 years and features musical and animated displays, bright lights, and a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree. School and community groups along with businesses decorate an “enchanted tree forest,” and vendors are on hand if you get hungry. This event runs through January 1.
Mountain View: Bring a folding chair, your singing voice and an open mind to the Holiday Sing-Along with TACO ‒Terrible Adult Chamber Orchestra‒ on Sunday. The event begins at 3 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza, 500 Castro St.
Foster City: Holiday music, light refreshments and Santa are part of this year's Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the recreation center at 650 Shell Blvd.
Los Altos: The Festival of Lights Parade has been held in Los Altos since 1977, featuring floats, marching bands and costumed characters all illuminated by lights. The revelry begins at 6 p.m. at First and State streets downtown.
Burlingame: A holiday tree lighting will be held at City Hall on Dec. 2, and a festive Chanukah event with a giant Lego menorah will begin on Dec. 18. There will also be latkes and doughnuts, crafts and selfies with a dreidel mascot. It's free but requires RSVP to the address at chabadnp.com/chanukah.
Colma – Get ready for the Christmas tree lighting on December 1 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Tall Hall Plaza on El Camino Real. Santa will be there with hot chocolate and treats.
Half Moon Bay: There are three holiday events in Half Moon Bay in December, starting with a lighted parade on December 2 at 6:15 p.m. There is also a kids' zone and Santa will be there to sign autographs at Dutra Park after the parade. An ugly sweater party rears its head on December 9 and there will be a contest for the most atrocious. Finally, the movie Elf will be shown on December 16 in the parking lot of Cunha's Country Store. All events take place on and around Main Street.
Pacifica – The 2022 Rockaway Tree Lighting Festival returns this year on December 4th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Kids’ activities, food vendors and food trucks, flurries of “snow,” pony rides, live music, and Santa Claus, of course. The festival takes place at Rockaway Beach, Dondee Way.
Redwood City: There’s a Christmas parade, but the whole thing is really one big show, with photos with Santa, live entertainment; food, beer and wine vendors; and the parade at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in Courthouse Square. The 13th Annual Hanukkah Festival will also be held Dec. 18 from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. in Courthouse Square. There will be music, menorah lighting, latkes and doughnuts, moonwalking and holiday crafts. Organizers are also touting the “first menorah” painted in Northern California.
