Left Coast Crime 2026 Newsletter

July 24, 2025


You’ll Leave Your Heart!

by Ana Manwaring

Late February can be a lovely time to visit San Francisco. Average temperatures range from daytime highs into the low 60s  dropping to the low 50s at night. You’ll want layers. Pack a warm sweater and a jacket (I wear down) — and an umbrella. But expect an average of seven hours of mild, sunny weather daily, in-between the showers — could be perfect weather to explore San Francisco’s iconic attractions! Here are some of my bay-front favorites:

  1. Don’t just snap a photo of the 1937 built Golden Gate Bridge, the “Bridge that couldn’t be built.” Dress warmly and walk across it! Be prepared for some of the most awesome views of San Francisco.  Look  west and perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the Farallon Islands in the Pacific.
  2. Get your chocolate fix! Originally a chocolate factory established in 1852, Ghirardelli Square offers boutique shopping and history. Don’t miss the heavenly chocolate desserts at the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company.
  3. If chocolate is not your thing (is that even possible?) head a block east on Bay Street to historic The Buena Vista, famous for Irish coffees introduced by renowned S.F. Chronicle columnist Stanton Delaplane in 1952. 
  4. Go Now! Everyone has heard of Fisherman’s Wharf. Head along the Wharf and breathe in the vanishing smells of cooking Dungeness crabs and clam chowder. Under renovation, some of the classic restaurants are being torn down, but you can still lunch on cracked crab and  San Francisco Sourdough Bread. Amble along the waterfront to see sea lions lounging on the piers in the sun. Visit the Hyde Street Pier to tour old sailing ships, take a tour to Alcatraz Island to meet ghosts of some of America’s most famous criminals — we’re here for Left Coast Crime, after all!
  5. The waterfront is great for souvenir shopping in the many cute shops and boutiques on Jefferson Street, and don’t miss Pier 39 housing restaurants, shops, and attractions. Enjoy street performances, visit the Aquarium of the Bay, or ride on the SkyStar Observation Wheel for more stunning views of city and bay. Don’t forget, from the Hyatt Regency you can catch the vintage street cars, which will take you along the Embarcadero. 

You can find  extensive lists with links at San Francisco Travel. Start planning! I guarantee, if it’s not already there, you’ll be  leaving your heart in the City by the Bay!
 


Book Room

We are delighted to have LB Hayden from Author, Author! and her team back to handle sales of traditionally published books, those returnable at a regular discount through major publishers or distributors, as well as consignment sales.

Information for authors about submitting requests to Author, Author! will be shared in a fall newsletter.


Blood on the Bayou: Cased Closed

If you are attending Bouchercon 2025 in New Orleans, we would love to have your help advertising Left Coast Crime 2026. If you are willing to spend an hour at the San Francisco Schemin’ table in the Registration Area to talk up Left Coast Crime, please email Lucinda with some times you aren’t otherwise engaged.