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Axios San Francisco
5 things to know about how the Bay Area shaped Kamala Harris' career
Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the most viable option to be Democrats' presidential nominee following President Biden's exit from the race.Why it matters: It's unclear if the party will fall in line behind the Berkeley native, who has Biden's endorsement, and she won't automatically pick up Biden's delegates at the DNC.She said in a statement Sunday that her "intention is to earn and win" the nomination.Here are five things to know about Harris' Bay Area roots as the scramble for a new candidate plays out.Woman of firstsHarris has broken barriers throughout her career.She was the first person of...
SFO flights canceled, delayed amid tech outage
Flights at San Francisco International Airport and around the globe were canceled or delayed on Friday due to a major technology outage affecting Microsoft systems.The big picture: There were reports of massive online outages disrupting travel, banking and news outlets on Friday, as CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company that services multiple industries, went down worldwide.The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that it is "closely monitoring a technical issue impacting IT systems at U.S. airlines" and that several airlines had requested "assistance with ground stops for their fleets."George Kurtz, president and CEO of CrowdStrike, said in a post to X the company...
Urban heat islands are worsening extreme temperatures in SF
Data: Climate Central; Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosAs dangerously high temperatures hit much of the U.S. this summer, urban "heat islands" are boosting temperatures in San Francisco and other major U.S. metros, a Climate Central analysis finds.Why it matters: Urban heat islands (UHIs) — urbanized areas that experience higher temperatures due to less greenery and more infrastructure — significantly exacerbate extreme weather.Nearly 34 million people live in environments where UHIs could raise average temperatures by at least 8°F.Driving the news: San Francisco ranked second behind New York City for metros with the most drastic UHI effects.Summer temperatures feel 9°F higher on average...
5 things to know about new Warrior guard Buddy Hield
Warriors newcomer Buddy Hield has made his splash in the Bay.State of play: Hield met with reporters ahead of his appearance at the Warriors Basketball Academy on Thursday at San Francisco State University. He spoke about the perception that he'll replace Klay Thompson, the new "Splash Buddies" nickname and what he's most looking forward to living in the Bay Area.Context: Hield joined the Warriors from the Philadelphia 76ers this summer as part of a six-team trade that sent Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks.Hield, one of the NBA's best shooters, has made 40% of his 3-point attempts across his eight-season career....
California has one of the lowest rates of low-wage workers
Data: Oxfam America; Chart: Axios VisualsNearly 16% of California workers earn less than $17 an hour — among the lowest rates in the country — per new data from Oxfam, a global, nonprofit advocacy group for income equality.Why it matters: The state has long been a leader in raising minimum wages, helping lift many Californians above that threshold, which Oxfam defines as a low-wage worker.Context: Oxfam revised that definition this year — from those earning less than $15 an hour to those earning less than $17.In 2022, 17.9% of California workers made less than $15 an hour.The big picture: Nationwide,...
What you need to know about SFUSD's school closures plan
San Francisco's public school district is moving forward with its school closure plans, but there are concerns about what they will look like and how public education in the city will be affected.Why it matters: Public school closures have disproportionately affected communities of color.Meanwhile, students risk losing access to things like library services and after-school activities in their neighborhoods, Vanessa Marrero, the executive director of Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco, told Axios.Context: The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) plans to close, merge or relocate a to-be-determined number of schools beginning in the 2025-26 school year.It's part of...
How San Francisco Zoo's Elly became America's oldest black rhino
San Francisco Zoo was home to Elly, the U.S.'s oldest Eastern black rhino, for 42 years.Why it matters: Black rhinos remain critically endangered. Their population in the wild decreased by 96% from about 65,000 in 1970 to only 2,300 in 1993, according to the International Rhino Foundation (IRF).Flashback: Though born in the wild, Elly called San Francisco home from 1974 until she died in 2016. The 1,800-pound rhino was a favorite at the zoo's annual celebrations in observance of World Rhino Day (Sept. 22).She enjoyed rolling in the mud, smashing pumpkins and eating watermelon, SFGATE notes.Her caretakers loved treating her...
San Francisco projected to permit fewer new housing units this year
Data: U.S. Census Bureau via housingdata.app; Chart: Axios VisualsThe San Francisco metro area is on track to permit fewer new housing units this year compared to 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.Why it matters: That's a problem for people facing steep housing prices, with fewer permits resulting in a smaller inventory.Plus, the city's approval process for new housing permits is already among California's longest.Zoom in: The San Francisco metro area, which includes the city, Oakland and Fremont, is projected to permit over 4,600 this year compared to almost 7,500 in 2023.That means a projected 10.1 new units permitted per...
San Francisco weekend events: Free EDM rave, Hayes Valley Carnival and more
It's never too early to start planning your weekend. Here are a few events to get you started.ThursdayCelebrate the life of the late German-born poet Ruth Weiss with a "poem jam" presented by Kim Shuck, the city's seventh poet laureate.6-7:30pm at the San Francisco Main Library. Free.FridayWitness the epic-ness of film composer John Williams' most famous scores live with the San Fransisco Symphony, from "Star Wars" to "Jurassic Park."7:30pm at Davis Symphony Hall. Ticket prices vary.Take the kids to the "City Kids" Creator Con, an annual event geared toward ages 2-17. There will be games and opportunities to win prizes...
6 Bay Area swimming holes to dip your toes in
We've rounded up top beaches and public swimming pools — now it's time for swimming holes to get their due.Why it matters: Swimming holes are usually found in freshwater bodies like rivers, creeks and streams. They can offer an escape from the heat and fast-paced nature of city life.As always, do your own research before you go and clean up after yourself.The Inkwells (Marin) are deep, dark pools filled with water flowing from Kent Lake. It's popular with campers and hikers but has previously had issues with poor water quality due to high levels of bacteria, so proceed with caution.Accessible...
Rolling Into San Francisco's Skate Week with the Godfather of Skate
When David Miles Jr. moved to San Francisco in 1979, he had no idea he'd eventually be known as the city's Godfather of Skate.Why it matters: This year's Skate Week is underway. Spearheaded by Miles Jr., it celebrates the joy of skating with events across the city.Flashback: Miles Jr. arrived in SF after leaving Kansas City, Missouri. When he first got off the bus in Golden Gate Park, he said he fell in love."I saw people roller-skating and thought, 'This is the most fantastic place in the world,'" he said. "So I joined them, and I've been there ever since."Context:...
Here's what's happening during Skate Week SF
Skate Week San Francisco, a six-day celebration of roller and inline skating kicks off Tuesday night, and there's lots to do.Why it matters: The event celebrates 45 years since the birth of the Golden Gate Park Skate Patrol, which prevented the activity from being banned in the park. What's next: Brush off your skates and get ready to roll at Church of 8 Wheels Golden Gate, located in the Presidio. And if you don't know how to skate or simply want to brush up on your skills, you can learn from the best on Thursday at noon.Zoom in: Here's what...
Don't miss out on this year's Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Make the most of Yerba Buena Gardens before summer slips away.Why it matters: The SoMa park is home to a slate of free artistic and community-oriented programming, ranging from poetry readings and the Pistahan Parade to bomba and puppet shows.Context: Every year, nonprofit organization Yerba Buena Gardens Festival (YBGF) offers six months of free outdoor performances spotlighting the Bay Area's rich heritage and creativity. Flashback: YBGF was founded in 2000 after redevelopment in SoMa displaced thousands of low-income families and immigrants. After facing backlash from activists, the city agreed to make sure the redevelopment project would include a public space for arts and community.What's next: This week, YBGF's programming includes a children's show with the clown and counselor Unique Derique, as well as its annual ChoreoFest featuring rising Bay Area dancers and choreographers.
Meet SF's District 1 supervisor candidates
Incumbent Supervisor Connie Chan faces four challengers as she seeks reelection to a second term in District 1, which encompasses all of the Richmond District.State of play: Chan currently leads the fundraising race, with nearly $340,000 raised ($237,000 in public financing), according to campaign filings.Marjan Philhour, who narrowly lost against Chan in 2020, has raised the second most, more than $196,000 ($60,000 in public financing).Meet the candidates: Axios San Francisco asked each candidate the same question: What is the first policy you'd enact or change if elected and why?Here's what they had to say.Connie Chan, incumbent D1 supervisor District 1...
Paris Olympics: Bay Area athletes to keep on your radar
Over 30 athletes will represent the Bay Area at the Summer Olympics in Paris, which start July 26 with the opening ceremony.The big picture: Dozens of Olympians were either born, lived or went to school here.They'll make their appearances throughout the 16-day Summer Games — competing in everything from basketball and swimming to table tennis and skiff sailing. Make sure to keep an eye on the official schedule so you don't miss your favorite athletes and competitions.Zoom in: Warriors star Steph Curry will make his Olympic debut on the Team USA men's basketball team, with Golden State head coach Steve...
How to camp out in a California wildfire lookout tower
If you want a million-dollar view for less than $100 a night, one option rises above the rest: camping in a wildfire lookout tower.The big picture: The U.S. Forest Service rents dozens of its old, remote fire lookouts now that infrared tools and aircraft have replaced human eyes in most areas.The "cabins" are like mountain lighthouses, designed for 360-degree views from high peaks.Driving the news: Some of the lookouts' fall and winter reservations are open now, so hop online pronto if you want a chance to stay there.Several are located near the Bay Area, including Oak Flat Lookout in Sequoia...
San Francisco issues call for applications for Chinatown Artist Registry
San Francisco is calling on artists with ties to Chinatown to apply for several upcoming publicly funded projects in the historic neighborhood.Why it matters: The city is investing more than $2 million in three public art initiatives in Chinatown as part of a broader effort to celebrate and enrich its cultural heritage while enhancing the urban environment.Driving the news: The newly announced Chinatown Artist Registry is aimed at establishing a selection of artists who will be charged with creating and displaying artwork for Portsmouth Square, Chinatown Public Health Center, and Chinatown Him Mark Lai Branch Library.The three serve as "iconic...
California, Bay Area lawmakers condemn Trump assassination attempt
Prominent California officials are speaking out about the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.Zoom in: Here's what to know as the workweek gets started.The latest: The shooting caused lawmakers across the political spectrum to raise concerns of political violence, and two House members said Sunday they plan to file a bill that would enhance security protection for presidential candidates.Trump said a bullet pierced his ear during the shooting, writing on Truth Social on Saturday that he "felt the bullet ripping through the skin."Corey Comperatore, a former Pennsylvania fire chief who attended the rally, was killed in the attack. Officials...
Tenderloin businesses subject to new nighttime restrictions
Retail, food and tobacco businesses in a 20-block section of the Tenderloin deemed a "high-crime area" will be banned from operating between midnight and 5am under a new temporary ordinance. Why it matters: The two-year program, which received the Board of Supervisors' final approval this week, is the latest development...
Stern Grove Festival to bring Motown vibes this weekend
The Stern Grove Festival, the free summer music series now in its 87th season, is in full swing and this weekend will be a throwback.State of play: The Commodores, a Grammy Award-winning funk and soul group from the height of the Motown era, take the stage this weekend.The group, which has shuffled through some members since its inception, is known for hits like "Easy," "Sail On" and "Brick House," my personal favorite.Other performers include Oakland-based The Grease Traps, an eight-piece funk and soul band, and DJ J Boogie.The season began last month with a performance from Tegan and Sara and...
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