Mission: Water Walking

Why is the Mission of San Francisco called 'Dolores'? Yet, the city was called 'San Francisco'!?We'll explore along water routes where creeks once flowed, before the city grew up. (Some are still flowing, hidden). We'll delve into both practical and political sides of local drinking water, sewers, wells, hydrants and reservoirs. In the process, you'll find out how this place came to be a population center. Coolest of all, we'll debunk SF's founding lore ("Founded on a now-vanished freshwater lake") and see how that myth came into being. Highlights include sinking hotels, lagunas and arroyos, gas in the ground, old well data, The Willows resort, and old photos. Exploring the Mission District might just leave you awash in water history. Beware the floods!