April,

I take it you're already in SF. I live in Palo Alto, 40 minutes away. I have been here as an American with my family of 3 young boys and American husband since last August.

Previously, we lived in Eindhoven, Holland for 3 1/2 yrs.

I haven't seen rain much this summer. Actually, the last time was infrequent and around Spring. There is a Japanese quarter in a building downtown SF.

As for the weather, it does cool off quite a bit at night during Fall/Winter and even during summer.

Hope you're enjoying life in SF...it's a beautiful city filled with culture and great architecture at which to stare...!

I cannot answer your other questions!
Cheers,
Nomad