Readers may be surprised to find some spelling inconsistencies and should understand that this has more to do with the American psyche than a malfunction of the word processor. Although our American ancestors rebelled against the British and forged their own language and spelling of certain words—“theater” and “center,” for example—some current Americans seem to find British spelling more elegant. Thus there will appear here a “shopping centre” or two and a “theatre” or two amid the centers and theaters, but it doesn’t matter, for they are American in every important regard. The same holds true for the word “cafe,” which is American, but which may variously be spelled “caffè” or “café,” depending on the nationality or whim of the owner of the establishment.
Where services or shops will be sought out owing to their location (e.g. bakeries), they are listed by the neighborhood closest to them; where the services might be needed no matter where they happen to be (e.g. churches), they are listed alphabetically or by category. Also, Internet addresses have been included for information that readers might reasonably want to access online—such as housing options, visa formalities, business advice—but not for every Internet address in this totally cyber-friendly city. When possible, do check the websites for the most current information.
Readers should note that guidelines about regulations, addresses, and Internet sites were current as of Spring 2010, to the best of our research and knowledge. The author and publisher bear no responsibility for any changes in immigration laws (which have been strengthened considerably since 2001 and continue to change without notice), prices that have risen since this writing, quality of products or accommodations, the disappearance of a shop, the occasional bad meal (yes—rare but true even in San Francisco) or any other inconvenience that might arise. San Franciscans may be faithful, but they are also fickle and spontaneous, and the city changes day by day