WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) — As an early-season heat wave stretches over the Bay Area, some of the people feeling it most are the ones helping everyone else stay cool, from bartenders pouring cold drinks to HVAC technicians racing between service calls on St. Patrick’s Day.
At Dan’s Irish Pub in downtown Walnut Creek, owner Saul Tallarico says the heat is actually a welcome change for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“We got beautiful weather today,” Tallarico said. “Last year, it was rainy, so we’re really excited for the rest of the afternoon and evening.”
The 55-year-old neighborhood staple opened its doors at 11 a.m., and customers wasted no time stopping in.
“We got a handful coming in and then more rolling out through the day,” Tallarico said.
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After a busy weekend of St. Patrick’s festivities, Tallarico expects the warm weather to keep the momentum going.
“When you look outside, you see the sun, you see people walking around, you’re like, I need to take part in a little bit of that,” Tallarico said.
While some are soaking up the sunshine, others are trying to stay cool indoors, and that’s where HVAC technicians like Andrew Perkins come in.
Perkins, who works for Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning, says the heat wave has kept crews on the move.
“We get really busy,” Perkins said. “I primarily do preventative maintenance, but when we get busy, stuff gets shuffled around, and we stay busy pretty much around the clock.”
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The company says this week has been busier than usual, with every technician booked solid.
“For some of our other techs, we’re coming out at some people’s worst time. When they’re hot inside their house and not happy,” Perkins said. “We’re trying to bring their comfort back to them and make it nice and cool inside.”
Perfect Star Heating, Cooling, & Electrical also said this heat wave arrived earlier and hotter than many residents expected. On Monday, the HVAC company received a “significant surge in calls and messages.”
“One client shared that their AC went out overnight, and when they checked on their kids, the rooms were hot and uncomfortable,” said Amy Tilley, community outreach manager. “That’s when HVAC becomes more than comfort. It’s about safety and peace of mind for families.”
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All across San Francisco, we found people keeping cool in various ways.
In San Francisco, ceiling fans are keeping it cool at a soul food restaurant on Divisadero Street.
“It’s always going,” said Alisha Stamps, Brenda’s Meat and Three general manager. “It really takes you back to being in New Orleans.”
The restaurant is known for serving up Louisiana-style hearty meals.
Their famous ice-cold drinks will also quench your thirst.
“The watermelon sweet tea, and the walnut molasses ice coffee. Perfect for a day like today,” she said.
Hydrating and a wearing hat, Eva Thomlinson knows what to do to stay cool in these extra warm temperatures.
“It’s very hot but not as hot as its going to get near Dolores Park,” she said.
San Francisco resident Calum Mackey is feeling the heat. “Feeling it right now. I’m wearing black. Obviously not a good choice,” he said, laughing.
Mackey wishes he has air condition on a day like today.
“We live on the top floor so the sun really beats down, so yeah, it really heats up,” he said. “The windows are open, the blinds are drawn and I put the dog somewhere cool she can hopefully cope with the heat. There’s not much we can do apart from that.”
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Record heat in the city isn’t keep people inside.
Daniel Atkinson is visiting from England.
“I’m happy. Got here a week ago and it’s been like this every day more or less,” he said. “I speak to my friends. It’s cold, windy, raining. I’m kind of happy to be here.”
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At Garfield Park, people are taking the plunge.
San Francisco Recreation and Parks reminds people they can take a dip at one of the city pools to stay cool.
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