For the millionth time, any advice for someone moving to San Francisco?

It will be rainy off and on through March/early April. But we’ll also have some gorgeous days in the highs 60s to 70s by February. “Cold” here in the city is 45 degrees, 40 is freezing and everyone complains (including me).

There are street musicians in the BART stations, near the stations, and by Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, all the tourist spots.

Do you have a teaching credential? You’ll probably need one to sub, but I am not very knowledgeable in that area.

I’d be interested in meeting you, although I am a lot older.

As @zenvelo says, cold and foggy a LOT, but, nice days happen.

The city is HUGE, you will find all sorts of ‘street’ whatever, everywhere.

I don’t know about subbing and teacher credentials.

No. I won’t come to SF to meet you, but, if you are ever on your way to Tahoe and want a tour of the gold country and local vineyards, drop a note! ;-)

Here’s information about the Pier 39 Street Performer Program. This page includes information about street performer licensing.

@BarnacleBill Thank you so much!

New Orleans is a good city for street musicians, and less costly to live in than San Francisco.

The weather here will seem a lot warmer to you than in MA. “Really cold” is in the 30’s. Usually, it stays in the 40’s and 50’s, with an occasional warm day in the 60’s. Spring will come a lot earlier than you’re used to, as well. Last year, I was shocked when stuff started blooming in February. Not all the plants, of course, but the fact that some of them considered Feb. to be spring floored me. I got really used to east coast weather.

As for street musicianry, you may find yourself crowded out. There are about eighty billion street performers in SF, so competition can be fierce. I would do that more for fun than anything and try and find something more profitable and stable, to actually pay the bills. There are temp agencies, dog walking services, nanny agencies, etc. Employment is a bit tight at the moment, but you can find something if you’re determined and not too picky.

I’d hang out with you, if you want? I grew up in SF and could show you around. I love playing tour guide. :)

I’m a teacher in CA, and as far as I know, you need an emergency permit or full credential to work as a substitute classroom teacher. I think you can get an emergency credential by having a BA and taking (and passing!) the CBEST. There may be other requirements now, but that’s what I remember. The permits are good for 30 days in a classroom—and partial days usually count as a “day”. On the other hand, you can become an aide or other non-teaching sub without a credential. Also, for private schools, the requirements are different than for public schools. Sometimes their requirements are less stringent.

Here is a link to general info about teaching in CA: www.ctc.ca.gov. An excellent website for teaching (and school-related) jobs in CA is www.edjoin.org. It lists almost every open position in CA. For subbing jobs, you usually just register with whatever school district you want to work for. The districts will have more information about their requirements, and they are all different, so you should contact them for the specifics.

Good luck! Oh, maybe you could give private music lessons or something?

@Anemone Thanks! Good call with the lessons, I had one student last summer and I’d love to continue teaching.

Best burrito in SF: La Cumbre at 16th and Valencia. The Steak Burrito’s are worth the danger of the neighborhood. ~

@filmfann Thanks! The man of my dreams lives at 17th and Valencia so once he’s mine I imagine I’ll frequent La Cumbre quite often:)

I was born in SF. Here are a few suggestions to help you acclimate a bit easier. always carry a wind breaker or some sort of light jacket or sweater, as the weather and or temperature can change suddenly. The cold of a SF day or night there is a wet cold. I have lived in Wisconsin and The Rockies and found SF cold more uncomfortable than either one. Carry a newspaper when in the company of a lot of pigeons. they do poop alot. If you drive, you will encounter very steep streets. Utilizing public transportation is less expensive and it really is easier to get where you need to go, since parking is expensive, if you can find it. Pack a lunch. Eating on the wharf is less expensive than the restaurants on the wharf. Good Luck A good bar is Sweeties, by the Wharf Motel. It’s truly a magical city. So much to see and do. A favorite thing to do when we were kids was hop on the trolley to downtown and just “People Watch”. I promise you there will be every kind of people in the world, at one time or another, winds up on SF streets. ENJOY

As Mark Twain said ” The coldest Winter he ever saw was a Summer in San Francisco”. Pack plenty of money as it is just about the most expensive city in the US to live. Besides that, JustRaceIt (post above) hit the nail on the head.

Don’t forget to wear flowers in your hair.