A future of many San Franciscos

If you want to get a look at the way your city will be operated in the future, you just have to go to San Francisco for a little while. The guinea pig city is a glimpse into the future of other cities around the country.

Silicon Valley Internet startups aren’t always in the bits business. Sometimes there are atoms involved. Some of the most innovative new web- or mobile-based services have a physical aspect involving real-world goods, delivery or rental.

Silicon Valley itself is mostly made up of suburban towns sandwiched between two medium-size cities — San Francisco to the north and San Jose to the south.