Roberta Discovers Treasure Island's Hidden Gems
KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales chronicles her journey around the Bay Area.
Earlier this week, I was driving from San Francisco to Pleasanton, when I heard my stomach growling and I felt the hunger pains. My car was slowly crawling over the Bay Bridge and I was in need of food. Suddenly, an idea popped into my head…TREASURE ISLAND!
In this week's "Gem Of The Bay" blog, I would like to highlight the food, the beauty and the history of Treasure Island!
Let's begin with the history. Although I have reported weather segments from TI numerous times, I was completely and thoroughly shocked when I learned Treasure Island was actually "built." It's true! The Island was constructed in 1936–37 for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. Since then, the island's World's Fair site has been designated a California Historical Landmark.
Owned and operated by the city of San Francisco, Treasure Island is 5,520 feet long by 3,410 feet wide and it is estimated 2,500 people call it home. It was a huge military base. In fact, the U.S. Navy occupied Treasure Island in 1942 and instead of using the island for airport purposes, the city built an airport at Mills Field, now known as San Francisco International Airport. The U.S. Navy station closed in 1997.
After the closure of the Naval Station, TI facilities have been rented for filming and festivals. I worked for a week on the "Nash Bridges" set on TI in 1997. My character, "Grace Lopez," loved the detective offices with the pristine bay view!
While TI has an eclectic, homey place for locales called the "Treasure Island Bar and Grill," my car took a U-turn at the main gate, steering into a parking spot with the best view of the skyline of San Francisco. I jumped out of my car and ponied up to Mateo's Hot Dog Stand.
I ordered a $3 dollar veggie tamale (he has chicken too!). With steamy tamale in hand, I found myself cozy as I sat on the rock wall, creating an impromptu, serene picnic after a day of work. I watched sea lions bob in and out of the water while feeling the warm sea breeze sweep across my face. My hair was touseled and my stomach was full. And I was very, very happy!
It was perfect afternoon on Treasure Island.
I would love to hear from you! Please send weather questions, observations and photos to me, Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com and I look forward to hearing from you!