A warm weekend after an enormous spring rain is the perfect time for a hike to one in all the waterfalls of the Bay Area. The card above shows nine of them; Further details within the stories linked at the top.

1// Coal Creek. Return trip of about 3 miles, ranging from the Skyline Boulevard. Heads Up: The Vista point stays closed for parking.

2/ Uvas canyon. Five waterfalls on a 5-mile loop.

3/ Little YosemiteSunol wildness. Child -friendly hike, lower than an hour back and back.

4// Murietta FallsOhlone Wilderness. Twelve “brutal” miles outside the valley head of Valle Lake del Valle, which is crucial. Be prepared for floods at SpringTime Creek Crossings.

5/ Diablo Foothills. Three miles to the seasonal waterfall on the Little Yosemite Trail. Yes, one other little Yosemit.

6/ Leona Heights Park. Gorge stuffed with redwood in Oakland.

7/ Berkeley's hidden waterfall. Holded bad (but magical!) Secret in Codornices Park.

8/ Dawn Falls. Short and nice walk, starting with the Madrone Avenue in Larkspur.

9 & 10 // Cascade falls. A Marin Two-Fer-es gives a Cascade fall within the Cascade Canyon Preserve near Fairfax and one other within the Cascade Park by Mill Valley.

More waterfall stories:

4 Spectacular Bay Area waterfall hikes for winter walks (including Uvas Canyon, Diablo Foothills, Leona Heights)

Five hikes to catch the last of the wonderful winter waterfalls of the Bay Area (including Uvas Canyon, Coal Creek, Codornices and Mill Valley Cascade)

Marin County Waterfalls Roar to life after the recent rains (including Dawn, Fairfax Cascade)

Originally published: February 21, 2025 at 3:59 a.m. PST

The Californian construction industry warns short-term price disorders in constructing materials if the Trump management has promoted 25% for Canada and Mexico from February 1.

The Ganahl Lumber Co., based in Anaheim, the oldest woodenard in California, is one in every of quite a lot of corporations that grow through the possible tariffs that influence the projects that need every part, from wood and steel for industrial agencies, hospitals, government buildings and buildings and buildings and buildings and state roof and ground corporations for brand spanking new houses.

Relatives: What are tariffs and the way do you’re employed?

“I think the tariffs might have a negative impact on our industry,” said Pete Meichtry, Vice President for the acquisition of Ganahl. “The tariffs can absorb a little damper on request just because the consumer or developer and building owner are unable to absorb so much so that they move projects or scale them or do something to increase the compensation.”

While President Donald Trump's step to impose tariffs, the worth of imported constructing materials would increase immediately, his administration argues that the tariffs – also known as obligations – would compensate for the competitive conditions by increasing American production.

“We don't want to be alarmed because we don't quite look on paper yet, but we advise our customers that there could be challenges with tariffs. So let's wait and see what they are,” said Chris Fisher. Director at Troy, Michigan, within the Michigan -based consulting group Ducker Carlisle. The company advises builders, house builders and manufacturers in addition to construction product operators in California. “We also tell you that you are smart and should look for alternative materials.”

Ganahl and other managers also fear that the tariffs can be passed on to consumers – what can be particularly difficult to bear in Los Angeles County, where the municipalities begin after devastating forest fires.

“Combine tariffs with the fires, and this will increase significant costs for our ability to rebuild. That is only disappointing, ”said Don Dunmoyer, President of the California Building Industry Association in Sacramento.

In a worst-case scenario, Dunmoyer estimated that the tariffs could add 35,000 to $ 45,000 to a house constructing.

Michtry, whose corporations imports about 20% of its wood from Canada, said that short -term effects of the tariffs can be negative. “It would be a kind of shock for the system, and people would have to group new and find out what the strategy is in the future,” he said.

Related: 5 economic forces that might affect Trump's first yr of presidency

Ganahl's remaining wood products come from Northern California, Oregon and Washington, whereby plywood and panel products from Texas and Louisiana were shipped, he said.

“We pay attention to this,” he said about his company, which employs around 1,100 people and achieved sales of $ 792 million last yr.

Esolity

Turner Construction Co., the biggest US general contractor within the United States with greater than $ 23 billion in constructing contracts, began to ascertain as a WAS-WASE-WEN-Trump exercise before the November elections.

A gymnast manager within the Bay area said that greater than 350 procurement staff with the corporate that the German Hochtief-AG owned in Germany began to check paths to alleviate the sticker shock for structural steel prices by alternatives in Relation supplier.

From Canada: Trump's tariff erar trauma, which is outstanding for chaos, says Trudeau

“These people have been investigating the potential effects of tariffs for some time, long before the election and obviously in more detail since the election,” said Steve Rule, Vice President and project manager at Turner. “We try to listen and understand it, and we were able to watch the alternative deliveries for maybe the same device or the same material.”

Rule explained that the team developed a simulated constructing with an estimated price of 100 million US dollars, with half the prices of the project related to material – similar to components and designs.

“This is our goal to minimize the effects of tariffs,” said Rule. “Projects are switched on when it comes to an important problem.”

With 30% -40% of the fabric costs collected from overseas, the gymnast team applied potential tariffs that were between 10% and 30%. “This is the kind of things that a developer looks at and says:” Well, I cannot drive the project ahead if the prices are 101 million US dollars or $ 103 million as an alternative of $ 100 million. “”

The latest projects from Turner Construction were Orange County projects to the three-story women's health pavilion in comparison with the MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills. The Johnson & Johnson Irvine Campus; The California Ministry for General Services Southern Region Emergency Operations Center in Costa Mesa; and security improvements to the McCarthy Hall on the campus of California State University in Fullerton.

Like Turner Construction, Ganahls Michtry said that his company's managers began to debate the tariffs before the elections last November.

“We think we can survive it pretty well. But I think it would be a little shock to the system at short notice with our customer base, ”he said. “If Canada pays 25% more, I can guarantee that domestic manufacturers will increase their prices. This is our concern. There is not any escape of it, because if these tariffs come into force, we’ll all pay more. “

Not all bad

As bad as the tariffs in the construction industry, in Rosenond, which builds from the local houses and apartments of single-family houses in rose families in the production facilities in northern and southern California in the production facilities in northern and southern California, is careful about Trump's threats in this Matter.

Dale Ebberts, a managing member of the handicraft means, said that wood supplies from sawmills in Northern California and Oregon provide the best pricing.

“I don't really like the thought of ​​tariffs, but I don't think it’ll influence us,” said Ebberts.

Ebberts warned, however, that he is concerned about Truss connector plates, which are also known as gang panels or nail plates and are hit with tariffs.

“They are made in Texas, but I don't know where they get their steel from, so it is feasible for tariffs to affect us,” said Ebberts.

Bad timing

Peter Tatishi, Chief Executive Officer of the California chapter of the Associated General Contractors in Sacramento, said that the “tariff discussion is an actual one” for its members who build streets, bridges, hospitals, apartments and trade office buildings.

“It definitely influenced us when the tariffs got here into force the last time, and we are able to affect us on our ability to proceed to make these recreational funds needed within the crisis” other structures that this month in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena were destroyed.

“If we’re able by which the prices for goods and materials increase, it becomes tougher to be certain that we are able to meet all of the needs and requirements of reconstruction cycles,” warned Tatishi.

From Asilomar State Beach to Mount Diablo, greater than 70 California state parks offer special guided hikes on New Year's Day. It's a part of the state's First Day Hikes program, which inspires people to begin the brand new yr in the nice outdoors.

The hikes are easy to seek out via the interactive First Day Hikes website – parks.ca.gov/FirstDayHikes – This includes special events on January 1st and beyond, including a guided, family-friendly hike on Mount Diablo on January 2nd, open to children ages 7 and up.

Here's only a sampling of the choices at Bay Area State Parks. Visit the First Day Hikes website for more information, including meeting locations, parking and day-use fees, age restrictions and weather conditions.

5 hikes to try on the primary day

1 Angel Island State Park: Join state park interpreters at 10:30 a.m. on January 1 for a 4-mile moderate walk 'n' talk that features moderate elevation changes, paved and unpaved surfaces, and stairs.

2 Sugar Loaf Ridge SP: Meet at Kenwood Park's White Barn at 9 a.m. Jan. 1 for a 6.5-mile hike to Bald Mountain, where some significant elevation changes — a climb of 1,500 feet — gives you 360-degree views. Bring a reusable mug so you’ll be able to enjoy hot cocoa afterwards.

3 Pacheco SP: This Hollister hike begins at noon on New Year's Day and features a mile-long walk through 180 years of history and stories in regards to the Pacheco adobe and Pacheco Pass.

4 Big Basin Redwoods SP: Meet at 8 a.m. January 1 for this guided, 0.7-mile loop hike that explores the forest's recovery from the 2020 CZU wildfires. A 3-mile hike begins at 11 a.m. and takes you over moderate to strenuous terrain, including a bit of the Skyline to the Sea Trail.

5 Mount Diablo SP: Meet at 9 a.m. January 1 for a 4-mile hike exploring the park's seasonal attractions, including mistletoe and California holly. Or take a 1.5-mile Fire and Water-themed walk starting at 12 p.m. on January 2nd.

Originally published: December 18, 2024 at 12:24 PM PST

This historic town on the Carquinez Strait is commonly missed – perhaps since it's related to jury duty. Martinez is, in any case, the county seat of Contra Costa. But the waterfront town is having fun with a renaissance, says Adam Hoffert. And while you may expect that from the chairman of the town's Chamber of Commerce, he's not incorrect.

This region has all the time prided itself on its great mountaineering trails and outdoor activities, however the influx of recent, talented entrepreneurs and up-and-coming businesses – a market hall, recent restaurants and entertainment options – has increased the town's cool factor, says Hoffert.

The river breezes keep temperatures cool even through the summer heat – at the least on this side of the Caledecott Tunnel.

Nevertheless, start your Martinez adventure within the morning when temperatures are at their lowest with a morning hike around John Muir to Mount Wanda and Mount Helen. Start on the trailhead at Franklin Canyon Road and Alhambra Avenue and take the Main fire route for a brisk, peaceful 2.7-mile (4.3-kilometer) hike on the Lollipop Route up and across the two mountains named for Muir's daughters. Pause to benefit from the views from Mount Helen across the Carquinez Strait and keep an eye fixed out for the wide range of birds that often visit the preserve, including red-tailed hawks, scrub jays and acorn woodpeckers.

Then go to the John Muir National Historic SiteThis property, which incorporates Muir's Victorian home, orchards and gardens, once belonged to the legendary naturalist who is taken into account the daddy of the national park system. During the autumn harvest, the National Park Service offers visitors free fruit from the orchards.

Explore the Strentzel-Muir House and climb the bell tower for an additional great view and to ring the bell. Then, walk through the rooms and see how the family lived within the late 1800s. There's no charge to enter the grounds and also you're welcome to bring a picnic.

If you didn't bring any picnic food, you're probably ready for a snack now. Half a mile down Alhambra Avenue you'll find Mountain terraina small cafe serving cozy coffee drinks and inventive pastries. Treat yourself to an iced pistachio latte, perhaps with a blueberry custard galette.

If it’s a Sunday, the historic city centre is bustling with activity, because the Martinez Farmers Market takes over Main Street with stalls offering fresh produce in addition to prepared foods corresponding to bao, tamales and bolani flatbreads.

Down the road, Market & Main has been delighting locals and visitors since its opening in late 2021. It is home to quite a lot of temptations, from the Out of the dough Cookie Shop for Shuck It Oyster Bar, Souley Vegan and a Shipwreck Nautical Bar, which opened in February.

You will find the trendy Bentley's Cocktail Bar & Lounge with its Nineteen Twenties ambience on the upper floor and on the back floor, the sister hotspot, Bentley's Container Baran outside bar created from a shipping container that has been serving cocktails since last 12 months. And now Bentley's has introduced a Sunday R&B brunch – DJ Koolens did his thing one recent weekend. You'll need to make reservations, says co-owner Krystal Endsley.

If you're within the mood for something lighter, nearby Five Suns Brewing has a taproom and popular beer garden with 10 beers on tap, starting from a Reliez Pale Ale to a Ghost Moon Pilsner to a seasonal summer Cosmos. Hillside Tap Room and Eatery, which opened earlier this 12 months, offers a menu of creative hot dogs and slushy alcoholic beverages like frosé and blended sangria and Del Cielo Brewinghosts events corresponding to quizzes, cornhole tournaments, bingo and live music.

And for those who're in search of casual, creative sandwiches, there's Lucia's Craft Sandwich – the Martinez offshoot of the favored Crockett restaurant – which opened across town in 2021. Think sandwiches with smoked ham, apricot jam, ricotta and hazelnuts and a Veggie Deluxe with roasted peppers, artichokes, an eggplant spread and burrata.

There will probably be live music downtown at venues corresponding to Del Cielo, Five Suns and Roxx on Main, Lesley Stiles and Tony Lauro's Restaurant, which can host Carlos Reyes on August 30 and Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88s on August 31.

And for those who are all in favour of baseball, that is the house of the Martinez Sturgeona Pecos League skilled baseball team that began play at Joe DiMaggio Fields in Waterfront Park in 2021. Look for the Sturgeon game lineup next spring.

When you go

John Muir National Historic Site: This national park is open every day from 10 a.m. to five p.m. The visitor center is situated at 4202 Alhambra Ave. in Martinez. Mount Wanda and the paths are open from sunrise to sunset. Admission is free. www.nps.gov/jomu/

Mountain terrain: Opens at 5:30 a.m. weekdays and 6:00 a.m. weekends at 3750 Alhambra Ave. in Martinez; https://mtngrounds.com/.

Martinez Farmers Market: Open Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 700 Main St.; www.pcfma.org.

Market & Main: Opens Monday through Wednesday at 11 a.m., Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. at 610 Main St., www.marketandmainmartinez.com.

Brewing five suns: Opens Monday through Thursday at 3:00 p.m., Friday at noon and weekends at 11:00 a.m. at 626 Main St.; fivesunsbrewing.com.

Hillside Taproom & Eatery: Opens every day at 11 a.m. (closed Tuesdays) at 400 Ferry St.; hillsidemartinez.com.

From Cielo Brewing: Opens Tuesday-Thursday at 3:30pm, Friday at noon and weekends at 11am at 701A Escobar St.; https://delcielobrewing.com/.

Lucia’s craft sandwich: Opens every day at 9 a.m. at 6682 Alhambra Ave.; luciascraftsandwich.com

Cobra experience: Tickets are $10-$15. Open 10 a.m. to three p.m. the third Sunday of every month—August 18, September 15, October 20, etc.—at 777 Arnold Drive, Suite 200; https://cobraexperience.org/.

Roxx am Main: Opens Tuesday through Friday at 11 a.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., with live music on Thursday and Saturday, at 627 Main St.; www.roxxonmain.com.

Originally published: August 12, 2024 at 9:00 am

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