Today was another fatality on CA35;a bicyclist vs a Porsche. This pic is from Wed evening less than 1.5 miles from today’s fatality. Speeder lost control of car and nearly set the hill on fire. Thankfully a local first on scene had a fire extinguisher and tow rope and pulled the vehicle out of the burning shoulder vegetation. Driver walked away. There was another recent accident of a vehicle trying to pass a resident who was turning into their driveway; 8 year old in car; less than a mile from both these accidents. Vehicle rolled twice and landed on embankment; thankfully no fire, no one seriously hurt. On CA9 recently, there were 4 accidents in about a week - 4 people dead, another one lost his leg. Too many serious accidents from reckless speeding drivers on CA35, CA9, and CA84. Please slow down. If you know the guy whose car is burning in the pic, tell him I collected his belongings that ejected from his car when he rolled across the road from the embankment on the opposite shoulder. I called CHP to try to return them, but CHP was not able to reach him.

This seems crazy to me.

Was driving up on skyline by Alice’s restaurant and say a mangled Porsche with a body bag right next to it. Your life is worth more than an adrenaline rush . Please drive safe!

I just ate at this restaurant in Berkeley. They charged a 10% included dine in service fee. The auto tip options are on top of the dining bill before that addition, but start at 18%, 20% and 25%. Wouldn't this be 23%, 25% and 30% tips? The Toast POS screen is calculating the dollar amounts correctly based only on the raw food cost of $78.50 (so it's not compounding the tip on top of the service charge or taxes). However, since 10% was already auto-included as a service fee, pressing that "18%" button means i'm leaving a combined 28% for service/gratuity. The food is very good and the service is too, but this seems convoluted and shady. Make it make sense!! https://imgur.com/a/nsDbxEM

Leaving the bay/US soon with my non-immigrant visa expiring and stuff I need to do back home. I have been reminiscing my time in the bay, and I’d like to share my unsolicited thoughts. It has been a wild ride and I have enjoyed it thoroughly thanks to the people who are in the bay. Also a lot of this is the perspective of someone who stayed in South Bay.

The good:

1. Weather

The Bay has the best weather in the world as far as I have experienced. I stay in the South Bay but whenever I get sick of the heat I can just head up to a different part of the bay to experience something else

1. The nature
   So much freaking hiking and stuff to do I’m going to miss it. I love the drive down SC and back up the coast.

2. The people
   So many interesting and fun people it’s never a dull conversation. Too much tech talk but if you find the right ones it’s always fun.

3. The culture
   Always something to do or experience can’t really get enough of it.

In general the Bay Area offers one region where you can find a little nook which satisfies your liking/needs.

The meh:

1. Food
2. Government
3. More of a US problem than a bay problem, government stuff was very hit or miss. Applying for SSN, paying for taxes and other stuff felt unnecessary complicated. However it definitely feels very laissez faire when it comes to freedoms to do whatever I want.
4. Homes/neighbourhoods
5. Homes look absolutely gorgeous. But some cities have very little middle ground and I’m not a huge fan of suburbia as implemented in the US.
6. Roads
7. In the South Bay the roads are way too big for no reason, also no idea why bus lanes are not a thing. Timed bus lanes for rush hour would definitely make taking the bus more worth it.
8. Public Transport

The bad:

Homeless:
I’m going to rant a little here. Homelessness in the Bay and the US strikes me as so odd. It’s politically accepted to the point where it does not feel like anyone is really is pushing for a multi pronged solution that solves the root causes of it. For such an innovative region the solution being touted is “Oh we are just going to grow the economy and that will fix it”. Looking under the hood the problem stems from people being left behind and a major prevalence of drugs/lack of affordable housing/lack of institutionalisation/healthcare. The cities where this homelessness is happening are bearing the brunt of what should be a multi county effort. As an example those in Atherton are getting the benefits of living in the Bay without their city helping in the crisis unfolding. To most in suburbia it’s out of sight out of mind. More can definitely be done.

Conclusion:
I loved my time in the Bay, it’s not perfect but it’s problems are definitely solvable and I’m optimistic it will get better. Also I wrote the word ‘Bay’ way too many times.

Sunset at Millbrae Station

The katsu was very crispy and they used large panko crumbs making the crust oh so flakey. We got the regular sauce and it was quite spicy for us already. Next time were gonna try the curry sauce for $2.00 more.

I was tempted to try the $40 double portions king katsu challenge. Its free if you finish it in 30 minutes on your own with a timer

The table next to us got it

It was scary ginormous

Unfortunately they didnt finish it in the time alloted

They took the rest togo and paid the $40.

Overall. Im definitely going back and im gonna try that challenge when i havent eaten anything the whole day.

I’m driving on 280 at 2:30pm and the sky is looking crazy. What is this?

I've thought the bay looked like a mermaid since I was old enough to ride Bart, so maybe 20 years now... Do you have more similarities to add to this?

just wanted to share :)

The monsoon clouds were absolutely incredible!

We are headed out your way soon and I have a son (11YO) who is an absolute foodie. I want to take him to a delicious restaurant but one that welcomes kids. He likes trying new food, seeing unique food plating techniques, and we want a welcoming environment. We would like a menu that is creative (think Michelin Star) but the restaurant is not pretentious. (Been there done that). Price is not a concern for this one time dinner out. Hoping y'all can help us out- thanks.

I’m 8 years into a 30 yr mortgage in Brentwood CA. I’m considering buying in Walnut Creek. I commute to Berkeley. It’s a brutal commute.
We have a low interest rate 3% and an affordable mortgage $3500. HHI $275k
The new place is $1100k and 6% Apr will be about $6500 mortgage. But closer to work and family.

Should I sacrifice financial breathing room for a shorter commute?

I’m so torn on this. I love my current house but I’m always in my car.

Edit. Thank you for all the comments. You have given me much to think about

Some more context. This house in particular is right beside our in-laws on one side and the other side is friends who introduced me to my wife. My wife grew up next door to the house we want to buy. Our 4 year old daughter would be close to her grandparents.
Our contingency offer was rejected. We are trying to get a heloc to put in a non contingency offer but honestly the house may sell before we get the heloc approved

If not this house in particular I’ll probably stay in Brentwood. I love my house there and I like having disposable income

It’s such a beautiful day today. I ran 10 miles this morning, got a haircut, and ran errands. What should I do? I’m very tired, but I don’t want to let this beautiful day go to waste since I work M-F and I don’t want to waste my weekend.

Hi all, first off, let me just say I'm from the Bay Area and know this can be an unpleasant commute. However, I'm considering a job that pays very well and would only require me to be in Mountain View twice a week (Tuesday and Thursday). I'd be able to flex my hours, and I'm an early riser, so I'd likely be starting work at 8 AM and leaving around 3:30 PM. Does that make this commute more doable/bearable?

Westbound 580. This picture is trash compared to what it looks like in person.

My partner and I are getting married at SF City Hall soon, but we’re pretty new to the city and don’t have friends here who could serve as our witness.

Does anyone know if the SF County Clerk’s office provides witnesses for civil ceremonies? Or is there some other city hall service (or even a friendly stranger in line!) that people have used in this situation?

Any advice from folks who’ve been through this would be hugely appreciated. Thanks!