re: Suggestions wanted for star-watching in South San Francisco Bay Area
Key is getting past the hills to the west, toward the ocean. Skyline is a good start. You still get a lot of skyshine, but that's where I went to spot Halley's Comet.
Nothing beats the outback of Nevada, though. Every time I drive the I-80 route, I am amazed at how much unoccupied land there is in this country.