As a native San Franciscan, I would like to welcome you to one of the most picturesque cities in the world…San Francisco! Named after St. Francisco de Assis (St. Francis of Assisi) by the Spanish, San Francisco and the broader Bay Area is a world-class metropolis at the forefront of global innovation with its outsized contributions to the exponential growth in the technology, bio-technology, and medical device industries. It is home to premier sports leagues such as the San Francisco Giants, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Golden State Warriors. Companies such as the Gap, Levi’s, Williams-Sonoma, Salesforce, Lyft, Genentech, Airbnb, Uber, Charles Schwab, Wells Fargo, and many others, were also founded in San Francisco.

As you enjoy your time in the Bay Area, stop to observe the rich cultural heritage of the city, where you will find neighborhoods that reflect the immigrants that have been welcomed to the city. Visit North Beach, Chinatown, Japantown, the Richmond, and the Mission for a taste of our cultural ties. The food—together with an abundance of fresh produce—in San Francisco is wonderful and makes the city one of the top dining destinations in the world.

Finally, no visit to San Francisco is complete without a visit through the city’s stunning parks—including Golden Gate Park, Chrissy Field, and the newest addition Presidio Tunnel Tops, where on a clear day you can see amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the surrounding scenery.

Monica Gallardo Montoya (MSFS’02)
President, Club of Northern California