PPL Conversion in San Francisco

[Downwind to Roll]

Hi all,

I'm going to be spending a couple of weeks in San Francisco this summer and would like to be able to use my PPL. As I have a JAA PPL, I've been told its a relatively simple process of getting it converted to a CAA one, allowing me to rent a U.S. registered aircraft. As far as I know, I simply have to bring my JAA PPL to a 'FAA Office', show it to them, and they'll issue me with a 'Temporary Airmans Certificate'. After that, I'm guessing, its just a matter of a check flight on type with the flying school before being allowed to rent the a/c...?

I've a few questions though : Does anyone actually know WHERE this 'FAA Office' IS in the San Francisco area ? Ive checked the net but am getting confused by the multitude of different offices and branches they go on about

Does anyone have reccomendations for good, reputable flight schools in the San Francisco / Bay Area ?

And lastly, any words of wisdom about flying in the US as opposed to the UK ?

Thanks,

Downwind to Roll