Just to let you know... redwoods have shallow roots.... and they go far, so if you have a planted garden, it'll make it difficult to garden.

I doubt you or your neighbors really want a 100' tall, 45' wide tree dropping branches onto the garden? It's really not a city-friendly tree. There are a lot of options since virtually anything grows in our area. Here's what will help any tree you decide upon, grow as fast as possible:

-Realize that evergreen trees litter constantly, while deciduous trees litter less often but over a concentrated time. You probably need a vase-shaped tree. Pyramidal-shapes do not appreciate having their lower branches trimmed, so unless you want your yard to be comprised strictly of low-hanging tree branches, adjust your expectations accordingly. Those wide, lower branches help support all the upper branches!

-Improve your soil, at least 8-12" deep and 3' around. I do not agree with those who say, "don't improve the soil, let the plants struggle with what's naturally there." I don't know what your soil is like, but mine is the most hideous adobe clay imaginable; while my MIL's SF home has virtually pure sand, water runs right through it and there's little nutrients in it. In my experience very few Bay Area areas have decent soil. We replaced the first 6-8" of our clay with top quality compost, and the variegated sweetgum tree we put in three years ago has tripled in height and width, with our other plants also thriving.

-Water religiously, once or twice a week, for the first year. If it's winter and it doesn't rain, drag out the hose. Inconsistent watering is the single biggest negative to good growth and getting the tree properly established.

-Check the Sunset Western Gardening Guide for suggested, well behaved city trees in various heights. Narrow your list down to two or three trees, and call the nurseries. You may have to special order the tree, which will cost accordingly. However, if you have selected properly, it will be worth it.

Good luck!

Sunset Western Garden Book does a pretty good job of listing trees by type, size and characteristics. In general, there is a trade off between fast growth and long term good fit to the site conditions. The fastest grower is not necessarily the best choice. Some things to consider:
1. Evergreen better than deciduous in your situation?
2. Ultimate size and need to prune may indicate a tall/narrow tree as better than a wide spreading.
3. Density of foliage, you may want a lacier tree to partially screen, rather than a densely growing tree which may overly shade the garden.
4. Is a tree the right choice? Might a large growing shrub/hedge or bamboo serve you better?
5. Water and sun requirements as well as preferred soil conditions should also factor into your selection process.
6. Visit nurseries or local botanic gardens to see mature trees that interest you, and look around your neighborhood to evaluate possible plant choices.
7. Come back on board when you have researched this a little more with your new choices, and try again to get feedback.

Personally, I would seldom recommend either White Birch or Coast Redwood for a San Francisco garden, for a variety of reasons.