I am third generation Californian (grandmother from Rutherford, Grandfather from Tulare).
I have lived in the Bay Area for the past 22 years (until six months ago).
Today, I type this pool side, just having planted my tomatoes.
Well, as they say, YOU HAVE IT MADE IN THE SHADE.
We grew tomatoes (green onions and lettuce) in our back yard in San Francisco, in half barrels. My husband MADE these nifty wire protectors, like a "hat" for the half barrel to protect the tomatoes from ALL living creatures: bugs, snails, birds, skunks, raccoons, and back then, even a few deer in the woods (in our city green belt) across the street.
Our back yard faced DUE SOUTH and had protection from all wind. There was ALWAYS plenty of light.
Any kind of onion is GREAT to grow. There's not an animal alive that will eat onions: PURE human food.