I use a crank tripod supporting a 13 foot height, along with sandbags. I think it's a happy balance between being heavy/strong enough and still transportable. I think the crank is needed to keep from hurting yourself or the equipment when raising the stand. Here's the link:
Cheaplights
I have the model 195-CRANK-13B - probably way too expensive to ship to CA, but you get an idea of what's out there. They also sell a reinforced bag that makes carrying this to your van/venue much easier. I'm sure that there is something identical to this near San Francisco.
I've seen lesser tripods used, no crank, some lightweight aluminum too - I'd hate to go that route, unless you can afford to eat a projector, worse have it fall over and hurt someone.
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