I remember 2007 and 2008 (and 2012 and 2013!), these days there weren't any U2 news either but the general feeling was very different and this place was boiling regardless the amount of U2 related stuff.
If anyone here lives in the San Francisco Bay area and cities nearby (Santa Clara, San Jose, etc.), please PM me. I want to know how you live there with such exorbitant prices for rent. Actually, that applies to anyone in California, I'm afraid.