The San Francisco Bay Area

[jim5917 1]

Ever since I was first introduced to Simtropolis and it’s custom content I have been excited to create a replica of the San Francisco Bay Area – the maxis map didn’t cut it for me.  Since this is my first contribution to Simtropolis and the SC4 community I would like to dedicate this journal to all the BATers, Moders and anyone else that donates their resources to the site, whether or not your creations have ended up in my cities.  Originally I was going to do a 1:1 scale version from SF to San Jose (my hometown).  I long since abandoned that project (thank god it would have taken me a lifetime now that I look back) and have returned with a much more manageable smaller scale version.  In the past I have played the game as it was intended – with fiscal responsibility and such.  But now I’ll toss that out the window and spend my energy on creating an accurate looking region in terms of placement of highways, main streets, landmarks and other areas of interest while maintaining functional cities (90% of which are “growable” ).  Due to the size restrictions not every detail is included. The real life San Francisco is about 12 km x 12 km (144 sq. km).  In this journal SF is about the size of a medium city (2 km x 2 km, 4 sq km).  Sorry to all you fans of railroads, there are none.  There is just not enough room.  I welcome constructive criticism, as I do not know everything about the Bay Area.  If you have suggestions let me know.  Just keep in mind I will not have room for a 15x15 stadium.  Also keep in mind limitations of the game (diagonal bridges).  In addition to creating the region I also went to the library and researched the Bay Area’s history.  Hopefully you will take the time to read about this exciting place and not just scan the pictures – although you are more than welcome to do only the latter.  Lastly, in the course this journal the term “Bay Area” is used somewhat ambiguously.  My region includes Monterey, which is not part of the SF Bay Area.  Thus when using the term I don’t necessarily take into consideration Monterey and the surrounding area.  And as of now the North Bay does not exist in my region (If you know of any good maps let me know).  So without further adieu, The San Francisco Bay Area . . .

Table of Contents

1.  Introduction

2.  The Mission Chain

3.  Transit / Regional Maps

4.  San Francisco

5.  Silicon Valley*

The Peninsula*

Scenic Hwy 1*

Salinas Valley*

The Eastern Bay Shore*

Inland Valleys*

*subject to change

[anarchy0029 2]

I'm looking forward to it. But there is one problem. The Bay Bridge is diagonal. But I really do look forward  to it. It's my 2nd favorite city to be in. My first is NYC. Good luck, and I'll be popping by.

[skyliner22 16]

Are u a native? Because I am! I tried that myself, and got too busy with it. Good luck on this venture, I may create some SF BATS!

[anarchy0029 2]

Skyline. If you can create a diagonal bridge> You are the man!!!!!

[Markus J 242]

Well, let's see how this plays out. How about a picture or two to get things started?

Oh yeah... that bridge is an interesting point. I'm gussing you just made it go straight... (unless you know Simcity4 Magic lol).

Anyway, Goodluck

[allez l'om 1]

it seems to be great but a little bit litlle with the realisty!!!!

[jacqulina 162]

sounds great my friend have you one pic or region view to show

[Smarty218 2]

Looks promising, I can;t wait to see some pics!

Also, it seems you are using all maxis terrain and water. I would suggest a water mod at least to fit into the Sna Fran waters better.

I'll stay posted!

[nottheboss 1]

good luck

[gabry85 2]

Cool start, love the banner! Looks a good recreation of Frisco! And welcome to ST!

[Cornoosh 1]

Difficult to recreate but it's one of the most beautiful cities in the world so it deserves a SC4 version. Good luck. I'll check for some updates

[bbfan02 23]

Sounds like a challenge! I cant wait to see how you re-create Rodeo Drive!

-bbfan02-

[AceofSpades 1]

Sounds interesting cant wait to see some pics.

[skyliner22 16]

Originally posted by: bbfan02 Sounds like a challenge! I cant wait to see how you re-create Rodeo Drive!

-bbfan02-quote>

Umm this is San Francisco, not LA.... maybe you meant Powell Street or Market?

[doorknob60 11]

Ooh I'll remember to check back on here Also I'm going to SF over spring break so I can compare lol

[jim5917 1]

Thanks everyone for stopping by.  I’m excited about the interest that has been generated so far.

anarchy0029: Yes the Bay Bridge/Interstate 80 is diagonal in real life.  Unfortunately that is not possible in this game.  It took me a LONG time to get over that.  Hopefully it will take you less.  The bridge also enters Oakland more north than it does in my journal.  Oh well.  You’re right NYC is awesome – I can’t wait to go back. 

skyliner22:  I am a native of San Jose.  Try to make it up to SF as often as I can – which is never enough.  Thanks for stopping by, I hope you like it.  In the future if you see what you like and want to contribute that would be AWESOME!!!

Markus J:  Sorry no SimCity4 magic.  I think I read in a thread a couple of years ago that diagonal bridges were not able to be modded into the game either.  Something about Maxis making the choice between a variety of bridges or diagonal bridges for the Rush Hour update.  I could be wrong though.  If anyone has a solution (that does not involve landfill) I’m interested.

allez l'om:  You are correct.  I wouldn’t substitute it for a Google map if you’re trying to get around.  But if you are unfamiliar with SF and the rest of the region hopefully this CJ will give you a good feel for what it’s all about.  It is a pretty small map – I think the sunset has 7-10 streets running north-south rather than 50.  The region covers SF to Monterey, so I have plenty of map to play with without making it a realistic size.  I think it ended up being a good size for me.    

jacqulina:  I wasn’t planning on showing the region just yet.  I am focusing on the Bay’s history and first European settlements (the missions) first.  Below is a little teaser of the SF transit map so you can get an idea of the scale that I am working with.

Smarty218:  Until recently I never noticed that people don’t like seeing the maxis water in CJs.  It never bothered me – but I will make the change.

nottheboss: Thanks

gabry85:  Thank you. Hopefully it is.

Cornoosh:  Yes, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  Hopefully I can live up to the high standards.

bbfan02:  Rodeo drive is 400? miles south.  Thanks for stopping by though.  Hopefully there will be something else that catches your attention.

AceofSpades:  You get a couple of teasers today.

doorknob60:  Spring break huh?  Hope the nice weather keeps up for ya.

New and improved water.  Humphry looks happy.

Transit map for SF.  (Maybe 5 percent of the land area for the region)

Just a little something else.

The next update should be in a few days.  The table of contents starts off as follows:

1.    Introduction (The History) – lots of words, a few pictures

2.    First Settlements (The Missions)

3.    Region Overview (Transportation Maps)

4.    San Francisco

Followed by all of the other cities and areas that make up the Bay Area. 

[jacqulina 162]

i see what you mean my friend well i like what i see so far great job

[Smarty218 2]

Nice water mod... it was just a suggestion, but I'm glad you took up on it...

Looking forward to that update!

[Mike the Mayor 51]

A very encouraging start there, I look forward to seeing your future updates!

[anarchy0029 2]

I like the mapping dude. It's awesome.

[skyliner22 16]

I hope you make my neighborhood, Visitacion Valley near Cow Palace. Wait are you using the Maxis, SF? It is very underscale. I think you should download a better map off of the STEX. take a look at my first CJ, just do a search of San Francisco and use that map.

[AceofSpades 1]

Wow that is really scalled down but it is amazing! Keep it up!

[katamariguy 6]

cool

[hijodecordoba 74]

wow, SF and the bayarea is an ambitious project, but your introduction ensures me, that you'll be quite capable to do this well.

[jim5917 1]

jacqulina:  Thanks.  Just took some picts of SF.  I’m getting excited!

Smarty218: Now that I’m using the mod any old pictures I have just don’t look right.

Mike the Mayor:  Thanks and welcome.

anarchy0029:  Thank you.  That’s encouraging.  Can’t wait to show you guys the buildings to go along with it.

skyliner22:  Aww, the Cow Palace. How could I not?  It’s the site of one of my first concerts (Nirvana) and first Sharks game (a tie with Philly).  It’s not the maxis map.  It’s one I downloaded and started for a much bigger region a few years ago.  I just shrunk it down to fit my needs.  It did cause a lot of the hills to run together (Russian, Nob & Telegraph).  And I struggle to find squares – but it has upsides also . . .

AceofSpades:  Thanks for the support.

 

katamariguy:  Good.  Thanks for stopping by.

hijodecordoba:  Yes, it has been a lot of work.  It’s starting to pay off with all the screenshots I’ve been taking.

To Everyone:  Here is chapter 1, the Introduction to the Bay Area.  Sorry about all the reading.  Hope you like it. 

[Artur_001 4]

Good start. I'm waiting for more.

[jim5917 1]

The Native People

The first inhabitants of the San Francisco Bay Area were Indians who arrived thousands of years ago; long before any Europeans settled the land.  The Costanoan, or Ohlone, were the largest tribe and occupied the areas known today as San Francisco, the South Bay (San Jose) and the East Bay (Oakland).  The land was fertile and the ocean and bay provided an abundance of sea life.  As a result the Indians lived a peaceful, simple life in harmony with nature.  By 1776, the Ohlone were thriving and had grown to a population of around 10,000.

The First Europeans

On March 9, 1769 the new Spanish governor of Baja and Alta California, Gaspar de Portola, set out on an overland expedition to explore the northern region of Alta California.  The Jesuit Missions of Baja California had recently been converted to the Franciscan Order and Portola’s task was to find locations to establish a new chain of missions in the north. The goal was to scout Monterey Bay, a port highly praised by earlier Spanish sailors, for a new mission and presidio.  8 months later, having passed Monterey, the explorers found themselves camped along the ocean in what is known today as the town of Pacifica.  A small group set out over the ridge and on November 2, 1769 became the first Europeans to view San Francisco Bay.  This body of water had somehow been overlooked on previous expeditions.  English sailors Francis Drake and George Vancouver along with Spaniards Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, Sabastian Cermeno and Sabastian Vizciano had all missed the small opening to this great bay while exploring the coast.  Certain that they had missed Monterey, Portola turned his men around and headed back home. They arrived in San Diego in January of 1770. By this time the first mission of Alta California had already been established in San Diego and another was about to be established 5 months later in Monterey.

First European Settlement on San Francisco Bay

On August 5, 1775 Juan de Ayala became the first European to sail into San Francisco Bay.  After mapping the shoreline Ayala returned home to Baja California.  It wasn’t long before settlers would come back to colonize the area.  This would be accomplished by establishing pueblos (towns), presidios (forts) and missions (churches).  The missionary efforts were used to introduce the natives to the Spanish culture.  Over 22 years 3 missions (San Francisco de Asis, Santa Clara and San Jose) would be established around San Francisco Bay and another 4 (San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, Santa Cruz, Nuestra Senora de la Soledad and San Juan Bautista) were established near Monterey.  Altogether, the mission chain of Alta California stretched from San Diego to north of San Francisco along El Camino Real (The Royal Highway) and included 21 missions.

Period of Change

In 1821 Spain’s rule over Alta California came to and end when Mexico gained independence. Mexico, unable to continue funding the missions, decided to secularize them in 1834.  Originally the land was to be returned to the Indians that lived at the missions.  Instead it was sold to the highest bidder (along with anyone willing to take on Mexican citizenship) and turned into ranchos.

On June 14, 1846 The Bear Flag Republic declared independence from Mexico.  Word of America’s declaration of war on Mexico 31 days earlier had not yet reached California.  3 weeks after declaring their independence the Bear Flaggers learned of the Mexican-American War and decided to take up arms on the side of America.  Following the war California became territory of the United States and on September 9, 1850 California entered the

[allez l'om 1]

great pictures!!! It is so realisitic!!! SF as I like!!!!

[Kiwi n Grapes 2]

San Francisco has quite an interesting past! Great job and nice pictures.

[hijodecordoba 74]

i love history - great summary. what happend to the natives when they didin't get their land back. did they integrate themself?

i'm gonna follow your progress on my bay area map from my last holday

nice pics