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Axios San Francisco
Behind the making of SF activist Alice Wong's Disability Visibility podcast
When Alice Wong launched the since-ended Disability Visibility podcast in 2017, she wanted to create space for a group of people often erased from popular media and culture.Why it matters: 1 in 4 U.S. adults live with a disability, yet they are 52% more likely than the general population to say TV portrayals of their identity group are inaccurate, according to a 2022 Nielsen study.Zoom in: Wong is a longtime activist and writer who was diagnosed with muscular atrophy as a child. Based in San Francisco, she had founded the Disability Visibility Project a few years before the podcast launch...
What to do in SF this weekend: Laser show, outdoor "Labyrinth" screening
We're so close to the weekend — and the weather won't be nearly as stifling as before. Here are some things to look forward to.Thursday💡 Take in a new laser light exhibition that will beam 20 lasers from the Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill into the Rose Window of Grace Cathedral. Dusk to dawn every night through the rest of the weekend. Friday🛩️ Watch the Frecce Tricolori — the Italian acrobatic fleet — fly over San Francisco as part of an event hosted by the consul general of Italy.1:30pm at Crissy Field. Free.🍿 Snag a spot for Sundown Cinema's outdoor...
Oakland Ballers want to give fans a chance to co-own baseball team
As the Oakland Athletics are slated to become the third professional sports team to leave the city in the past decade, the Oakland Ballers are trying to show they're here to stay.Why it matters: The Ballers, the newest members of the Pioneer Baseball League, want to be an example of how sports teams should treat their fans by giving them a seat at the table, their owners said in a press release.State of play: On Thursday, the Ballers announced a community investment round to allow fans to invest in the team and get a say on things like moving the...
Elton John is coming out of retirement to perform at Dreamforce in San Francisco
The Rocket Man is coming out of retirement to headline Salesforce's Dreamforce tech conference this fall.Why it matters: It'll be the first time Elton John takes to the stage after retiring from touring last year.Driving the news: The global icon will perform at Dreamfest, the conference's main concert event and a fundraiser for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals.The big picture: Dreamforce, which takes place at Moscone Center on Sept. 17-19, is no stranger to celebrities.Attendees of last year's conference were treated to performances by Demi Lovato and Dave Matthews, as well as comedy sets from Seth Meyers and Sheng Wang.Actor Matthew McConaughey, who discussed his book and AI during a session last year, is expected to return.The speaker line-up so far includes Kate Hudson, Dev Patel and will.i.am in addition to tech leaders like Anthropic co-founder Daniela Amodei and former Nvidia chief scientist David B. Kirk.Yes, but: Tickets to attend Dreamforce start at $1,499.What to watch: Dreamforce says it will unveil more musical guests in the coming weeks.
San Francisco's office vacancy rate hits new high but is expected to soon fall
San Francisco office buildings are more than a third vacant on average, but there's reason to be optimistic, a new report finds.Why it matters: Office vacancy is one indicator of how well the city is recovering from the pandemic. This remains an area of concern for many cities, especially in San Francisco as it leads the nation in office occupancy losses.Driving the news: San Francisco's office vacancy rate saw an uptick from 36.7% in the first quarter of 2024 to 36.8% in the second quarter — the highest it's ever been but also the smallest increase since the third quarter...
The Bay Area's population is getting older
Data: U.S. Census Bureau; Map: Alice Feng/AxiosThe Bay Area's 65-and-up population grew from 2020 to 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's latest population estimates.Why it matters: Cities with growing senior populations must be mindful of older residents' specific needs, like health care, transportation and affordable housing.By the numbers: The San Francisco metro area's 65+ population was the only age group to increase from 2020 to 2023, growing 8.7%, according to census data.Meanwhile, the area's 14-and-under population declined nearly 9%.The big picture: All of America's biggest metro areas saw an increase — some close to 20% — in their 65+...
Bay Area's Flintstone House reverses course on omakase dining experience
You've seen it while driving along I-280 — a bulbous shoe-like orange and purple structure that looks like a hobbit home, utterly out of place in the quiet Hillsborough neighborhood.The big picture: Rarely do people get to see the Flintstone House up close and personal, but some diners would've had the chance as part of a new high-end sushi experience. Driving the news: Stoneage Omakase was set to formally open its doors Friday with a 15-course omakase menu inside the local landmark. Yes, but: The catering company behind Stoneage, however, said late Monday that it is temporarily pausing operations as...
Bay Area sports roundup: Giants, Warriors roster moves plus MLB All-Star game
The San Francisco Giants have parted ways with outfielder Austin Slater, the team's longest-tenured player.State of play: The Giants traded Slater and cash to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for left-handed relief pitcher Alex Young over the weekend, The Athletic reports.This will be Young's second time as a Giant. He last played for the team in 2022, when he posted a 2.39 ERA across 24 appearances on the mound.What's next: Don't miss Logan Webb and Heliot Ramos representing San Francisco at the 2024 All-Star Game next Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.Ramos, who stepped up this season as the team has dealt...
Appeals court overturns injunction against San Francisco's homeless encampment sweeps
San Francisco will be able to sweep encampments of "involuntarily homeless" people, as long as it allows residents to recover their personal property, according to a federal appeals court ruling handed down Monday.Why it matters: The ruling, as the court notes, is a direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in June effectively giving cities the power to enact restrictive laws targeting long-term encampments.Driving the news: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overturned the injunction that has prevented San Francisco since December 2022 from conducting certain encampment sweeps of people experiencing homelessness.The court, however, kept intact...
Here are some of the best Bay Area beaches for relief from summer heat
It's time to dip your toes in the water.Why it matters: We're due for an intensely hot summer, with potential record-breaking temperatures. While health experts warn against lingering in the sun during a heat wave, spending time at the beach can help provide relief.Here are some beaches to check out this summer: San FranciscoBaker Beach offers sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. Harbor porpoises often hang out among the cliffs. The northern section of the beach is considered clothing-optional.Picnic areas and restrooms available. Leashed dogs allowed.China Beach, tucked into the Sea Cliff neighborhood, features great spots...
All eyes on Kamala Harris as her name is floated as potential Biden replacement
Vice President Kamala Harris' name is floating around as a potential replacement for President Joe Biden in November's election, should he decide to step aside.Why it matters: The Bay Area native and former San Francisco district attorney would be nearly impossible to beat for the nomination, Axios' Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei recently reported.Reality check: Biden has not signaled he's stepping down as concerns about his age and ability have skyrocketed following his poor performance in June's debate against former President Trump.Yes, but: Harris would be an obvious replacement due to endorsements, money, optics and 2028 politics, according to Allen...
San Francisco Bay Area heat waves are getting longer and hotter
Data: EPA; Note: Includes 50 most populated metros; New York City, Houston, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Denver were excluded for incomplete data in this period; Chart: Axios VisualsThis week's heat wave is looking more intense and longer-lasting than previously expected.Why it matters: The trend is expected to continue, with heat waves lasting longer and occurring more frequently than they used to across the U.S. as cities scramble to boost climate resilience efforts.By the numbers: In San Francisco, the duration of heat waves — measured as a period of two or more consecutive days when the daily, humidity-adjusted temperatures topped the 85th...
SFUSD bracing for looming "enrollment cliff"
As the number of U.S. high school graduates is expected to peak in the next two years and then decline for years to come, San Francisco's public school system is among the districts nationwide facing challenges.Why it matters: Enrollment declines have put the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) in a financial conundrum — one that has led the district to consider staffing cuts and move forward with its school closure plan.Driving the news: Due to a birth rate drop after the 2008 recession, schools are planning for a decade-long dry spell that's being referred to as the enrollment or...
5 things to do in SF this weekend
Perhaps y'all are tired from celebrating the Fourth of July, but just in case, here are some ideas for the weekend. Friday🪩 Dance it out at El Rio's "A Family Affair," a queer 1990s and 2000s throwback dance party. 9pm; $5.Saturday🎷 Get your groove on at the annual Fillmore Jazz Festival, featuring live music, food and beverages, crafts and more.Fillmore Street between Geary and Washington. Free from 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.💃🏾 Liberate yourself at the Get Free Festival's "Timing Is Synchronicity" at the Yerba Buena Gardens.The family-friendly performance merges dance battle culture, live music, spoken word and improv. 1-2:30pm; free.Sunday🎻 Catch the SF Symphony at the Stern Grove Festival.2pm; Free.🎟️ Check out the final day of the Alameda County Fair, featuring a carnival, fair games, live music and more.Noon-11pm at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton.
Four Chairs' brunch is worth the wait
The third time's the charm, as they say.Driving the news: I finally ate at Four Chairs after two failed dining attempts — due to various reasons — at the hyped-up brunch spot in the Mission/Bernal Heights area. Dig in: I ordered the Chipotle Benedict, packed with a spicy chicken chorizo, avocado, jalapeño and chipotle hollandaise.It certainly had a kick to it — spicy enough to clear my sinuses but not so spicy that it made me sweat.My wife ordered the mascarpone pancake, served with banana, berries, whipped mascarpone and maple syrup. I tried some, obviously, and they were perfectly fluffy and not too sweet Mascarpone Pancake at Four Chairs. Photo: Megan Rose Dickey/AxiosThe bottom line: Four Chairs is certainly the best brunch spot in this part of the city, and it definitely makes my all-time favorite brunch spots in the city list, which includes Plow in Potrero Hill and Mymy in Nob Hill.Before you go: Snag your spot online on the waitlist via Yelp if you're dining on the weekend.Or, call to make a reservation if you want to dine during the week.
San Francisco apartments are getting bigger again
Data: RentCafe analysis of Yardi Matrix data. Note: Survey excludes cities where the number of units completed in one year was less than 500. Chart: Axios VisualsSan Francisco has some of the smallest apartments in the U.S., but that could be changing.Why it matters: Roomier apartments would be welcome news for renters, who occupy 62% of households in the city.Driving the news: The average San Francisco apartment built in 2023 measured 756 square feet, a nearly 11% increase in size from 2014, per a recent report from rental listing website RentCafe.That came out to a 73-square-foot gain in floor space.In...
Where to catch fireworks shows in the Bay
If Karl the Fog says it's OK, you'll be able to see fireworks at plenty of spots in the city, as well as throughout the Bay.San FranciscoPier 39 and Aquatic Park, beginning at 9:30pm.Since Pier 39 and Aquatic Park can get a little crowded, maybe try your luck at Francisco Park for views with fewer people.Other shows throughout the Bay:Mountain View: Shoreline Amphitheatre. Featuring the San Francisco Symphony. Doors open at 5pm.San Rafael: The Marin County Fair has fireworks that begin at 9:30pm.Sausalito: All-day party with a morning parade, afternoon picnic and nighttime fireworks. Fireworks at Gabrielson Park at 9:15pm. Alameda: Don't expect fireworks, but do check out the 3.3-mile parade. Starts at 10am on Park Street and Lincoln Avenue.The big picture: Alameda County officials warned this week that the heat wave plus fireworks pose fire danger risks, and fire and law enforcement officials said their respective departments are increasing staffing for the week.
California's restaurant surcharges are here to stay
Restaurant surcharges aren't leaving menus in California.Why it matters: Dining out has become more expensive for customers and restaurant owners, fueling debates about legislation aimed at eliminating vague fees tacked onto diners' bills.Driving the news: Gov. Gavin Newsom signed emergency legislation Saturday allowing restaurants and bars to charge additional fees that are "clearly and conspicuously" explained on menus and other displays.It essentially exempts eateries from the law banning "junk fees" at businesses — including ticket vendors, delivery apps and hotels — that went into effect Monday.Threat level: Restaurant owners have argued banning such surcharges would result in employee pay cuts and higher menu prices for diners.But many diners oppose such service charges. A recent San Francisco Chronicle survey found more than 81% of 1,000 respondents believe restaurant surcharges should be illegal.The bottom line: Diners can still expect to see service charges on their checks, but they shouldn't be a surprise.
The Score: Warriors lose Klay Thompson, Sharks snag Macklin Celebrini
The Golden State Warriors dynasty as we know it is over.State of play: Franchise legend Klay Thompson is reportedly joining the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million deal, ESPN reports.In return, the Warriors are getting two future second-round picks from the Mavericks, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.With Thompson's expected departure plus the waiving of Chris Paul, the Warriors reportedly plan to sign De'Anthony Melton, who last played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Charania reports.Melton's a versatile defender who also shoots relatively well (36.9%) from 3-point range.Between the lines: The Warriors had been in talks to acquire nine-time all-star Paul George...
COVID-19 summer surge his the Bay Area again
The annual summer surge of COVID-19 infections has begun in San Francisco.Why it matters: In addition to the spread of new variants, people congregating indoors to avoid extreme heat and an extremely busy July 4 travel period are expected to drive up infections.Threat level: While experts expect this summer wave to remain mild, it's a reminder to remain vigilant, particularly among those who are medically vulnerable.By the numbers: Cases are growing or likely growing in 39 states, according to the latest CDC data — including California, which has seen a surge in the levels of COVID discovered in human sewage....
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