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Axios San Francisco
Downtown SF's vacant storefront program is back
A plan to provide rent-free, previously vacant storefronts to businesses to create pop-ups has led to seven businesses signing long-term leases. A recent expansion of the program hopes to continue that trend.Why it matters: San Francisco's downtown core has been one of the slowest to recover in comparison to other major cities.City officials and local organizations have tried to reverse that trend by bringing small businesses to vacant storefronts, facilitating live events like Downtown First Thursdays, working to redesign the iconic Powell Street and more.Driving the news: The mayor's office and the nonprofit SF New Deal this week announced three...
Bay Area counties aren't adequately prepared for climate disasters, study finds
California is the worst state for climate disasters, with several Bay Area counties ranking high in lack of preparedness, a recent study finds.Why it matters: We're heading into wildfire season after a period of historic winter flooding, and the rise of weather-related power outages and climate impacts have become a major point of concern for people buying homes in California.Driving the news: Several Bay Area counties made the top 50 least-prepared places, according to homeowners insurance resource ClaimGuide's risk assessment of over 3,000 U.S. counties.San Francisco came in at 35th, with a $306 million expected annual loss to natural disasters.Alameda...
The biggest artists performing in San Francisco this summer
Concert prices are down this summer from last year's heights, according to new data from SeatGeek.Why it matters: Pop's biggest names aren't on the circuit this time around. Experts say that last year's prices were likely due to historic demand to see Taylor Swift and Beyoncé.This summer's big draw is Olivia Rodrigo, who kicks off the next U.S. leg of her Guts world tour in July.The three-time Grammy winner will perform in San Francisco in August.By the numbers: SeatGeek reports that the average resale ticket price to attend a summer concert is $224, down from $269 around this time last...
Where unaccompanied migrant children in San Francisco come from
Data: U.S. Department of Human Health and Services via New York Times; Note: Includes places that have received at least 100 unaccompanied migrant children; Map: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosThe majority of unaccompanied migrant children who arrived in San Francisco between 2015 and 2023 were from Central America.That's based on U.S. Department of Human Health and Services data (HHS) on migrant children sponsors' ZIP codes, obtained by the New York Times through a Freedom of Information Act request.Why it matters: Unaccompanied migrant children are an especially vulnerable group as federal, state and city leaders spar over sheltering and supporting foreigners who have crossed...
Ex-Anchor Brewing employees say they want their jobs back
As Anchor Brewing prepares to reopen under new ownership, many of its former employees say they'd return if offered a job, the workers' former union said this week.Why it matters: Some Anchor Brewing employees had previously expressed interest in purchasing the brewery's assets, but said they bowed out from the bidding process due to competing bids.Driving the news: Nearly 77% of Anchor Union workers say they would return to work if offered a job, according to a press release Monday from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, which represents the Anchor Union.Before Anchor Brewing shut down, the union's 39 members...
SF gets mixed bag at James Beard awards
Just two San Francisco restaurants made this year's James Beard Award finalists for the Restaurant and Chef Awards, but neither went home with an award.Driving the news: The Morris, a New American restaurant in the Mission known for its inventive menu and long list of Chartreuses and wines, was a finalist in the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program category.It lost to Columbia, South Carolina's Lula Drake Wine Parlour.Pacific Cocktail Haven, located in Union Square, was up for Outstanding Bar, but lost to New Orleans' Jewel of the South.What they're saying: The Morris "wanted to take the idea of a...
SF's most expensive house on the market
San Francisco real estate is expensive, but what does it look like when money is no object? Answer: A gorgeous, humongous mansion with sweeping views of the Bay in the most luxurious neighborhood in the city.Driving the news: If you want to (and are able to) spend big, the 10,180-square-foot house at 2990 Broadway Street in Pacific Heights is the most expensive real estate listing in San Francisco right now. The building was home to philanthropists George "Fritz" Jewett Jr. and Lucy Jewett and has seen plenty of famous people walk its halls, including former President George H.W. Bush and Britain's Prince Philip, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Now, the four-bedroom, six-full-bathroom (plus four half baths) house, which sits right next to the Presidio and has views out to the Marin Headlands, is being sold by Sotheby's for a cool $38 million.Check out the interiors below, and see more photos on our Axios SF Instagram. This Pacific Heights estate is listed for $38 million. Photo: Courtesy of Jacob Elliott/Sotheby's International Realty This Pacific Heights estate is listed for $38 million. Photo: Courtesy of Jacob Elliott/Sotheby's International RealtyGet more local stories in your inbox with Axios San Francisco.
A last-minute effort to allow restaurant surcharges
San Francisco restaurants may be able to continue imposing service fees, mandatory gratuities and other charges — as long as they are transparent about them — under a new bill that seeks to provide an exemption to a controversial law going into effect July 1.Why it matters: The law, approved by lawmakers last year, requires businesses like online ticket sellers and lodging providers to fold service fees and other charges into the advertised price.Restaurant owners have argued it would result in employee pay cuts and higher menu prices for diners.Driving the news: Sens. Bill Dodd and Scott Wiener and other...
Where the San Francisco Bay Area feels inflation the most
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Chart: Axios VisualsThe Bay Area's inflation rate rose in April to the highest it's been since a year ago.Why it matters: The uptick was influenced by higher prices for shelter and gasoline, Bureau of Labor Statistics regional commissioner Chris Rosenlund said in a news release.By the numbers: Prices in the Bay Area were 3.8% higher in April compared with the same month in 2023, a recent Consumer Price Index report shows.Electricity prices were up 24%, in part due to two PG&E rate hikes since January.Gasoline prices increased by about 12% and apparel by 13%, though...
2 San Francisco establishments up for James Beard restaurant awards
Two local establishments have been named finalists for the 2024 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards.Driving the news: They'll be on the red carpet at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday vying for their medals and repping San Francisco. State of play: The Morris, a New American restaurant in the Mission known for its inventive menu and long list of Chartreuses and wines, is a finalist in the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program category.Pacific Cocktail Haven, located in Union Square, is up for Outstanding Bar. Known for its colorful interior, the bar offers tiki-style drinks inspired by Asian flavors and bold ingredients. Best of luck to our finalists!Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios San Francisco.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr looks to route a win at 2024 Paris Olympics
Beloved Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr will look to steer Team USA to gold at the Paris Olympics this summer.Why it matters: Kerr was selected in December 2021 to lead the U.S. men's national team as head coach and will oversee a star roster that includes Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and LeBron James.What he's saying: "The games we've lost, we just failed to stop the other team. ... So we're going to have to be really good defensively this summer," Kerr said in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle. "You win or fail in this job, for sure," he added. "And that's OK. That's part of what comes with having the most great players of any country, so you embrace it."The big picture: The U.S. has nabbed 25 gold medals in the history of Olympic basketball, the most of any nation. The men's team has maintained a winning streak since 2008.What's next: Olympic training camp kicks off July 6 in Las Vegas.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios San Francisco.
Cool off at these public swimming pools in San Francisco
The first heat wave of 2024 landed in the Bay Area this week with blistering temperatures. That means it's time to seek out some relief in the water.State of play: The Bay Area has an abundance of swimming spots at local parks, YMCAs, beaches and waterfalls.Driving the news: This week we'll spotlight some San Francisco city-operated pools to start. They kick off their summer pool schedule Tuesday.Entrance fees are $8 for adults and $2 for children.Balboa Pool at Balboa Park is a neighborhood favorite for its vantage point over the city. It underwent a $9 million renovation a few years...
A record 2,100 sea lions spotted at San Francisco docks
The summer season has ushered in a record number of sea lions at San Francisco's docks.State of play: Pier 39's Marina team counted over 2,100 sea lions on the docks as of Tuesday — handily beating the previous record of about 1,700 in November 2009, Pier 39 spokesperson Anthony Licciardi told Axios via email."We believe it is the abundance of anchovy," their favorite food source, that attracted them in droves, Licciardi added.Claire's thought bubble: Every inch of available dock space was packed with slippery, barking sea lions. You could hear the sound the steady cacophony of "Arf! Arf! Arf!" all...
What to know about SF's Juneteenth parade and festival
Juneteenth isn't until the 19th but it's coming to San Francisco early with the city's official parade and celebration this weekend.Why it matters: Even though San Francisco's Black population has dwindled over the past several decades, the city-sanctioned celebration symbolizes freedom for the Black people who are still here, Sheryl Davis, executive director of the city's Human Rights Commission, told KQED.Driving the news: Saturday's Juneteenth parade begins at 11am on Market and Spear streets and will be immediately followed by a festival at Civic Center Plaza until 6pm.The festival will feature live performances from San Francisco rappers Larry June and...
Bay Area sports recap: Giants snap losing streak
The San Francisco Giants snapped a six-game losing streak following Wednesday's win against the Arizona Diamondbacks.Driving the news: The Giants currently sit in third place in the National League West.Despite the 9–3 win, the Giants have been dealt a tough hand as of late. Ace pitcher Blake Snell suffered his second injury of the season last weekend and wound up on the 15-day injury list.Meanwhile, center fielder Jung Hoo Lee is out for the rest of the season, but had a successful shoulder surgery this week, CBS Sports reports.Here's some other notable news in Bay Area sports:🏈 49ers extend McCaffreyRunning...
New bill seeks criminal penalties for sale of stolen goods in San Francisco
State legislation backed by Mayor London Breed would crack down on illegal vending by allowing police officers to enforce citations or misdemeanors with potential jail time.Why it matters: Illegal vending, the sale of stolen items, has been an ongoing issue in San Francisco. Officials say it's created a hazardous environment and unsafe street conditions, such as inaccessible sidewalks.The San Francisco Police Department is currently unable to issue penalties because of a 2018 state law that made enforcement of street vending violations an administrative duty carried out by city workers.Driving the news: The legislation, announced this week by Breed and state...
6 things happening in SF this weekend
We're almost to the weekend. Here are some ideas for letting loose.Thursday🥳 Party downtown at the free "Downtown First Thursdays" block party.Music, drag performances, food and more. 5–10pm at 2nd and Howard streets.🎭 While you're downtown, hit up the Drag Me Downtown pop-up drag show at the Harrington's Bar and Grill.Performances by Afrika America and Oliver Branch; 5–7pm at 245 Front St.Friday🚴♂️ Hop on your bike and hit the streets of SF during Bike Party. Meet at 7:30pm at Glen Park BART and be ready to roll out at 8pm. Saturday🎨 Celebrate 50 years of Laurel Burch designs at a mural unveiling and art walk in the Haight.Noon–5pm at the San Francisco Mercantile.✊🏾 Bask in Black history and pride at SF's second annual Juneteenth Parade and Festival.Parade begins at 11am on Market and Spear streets; festival from noon–6pm at Civic Center.Sunday🎹 Listen to some jazz at the 41st Annual SF Jazz Festival.Featuring vocalist and pianist Kalil Amar Wilson; Shows at 6pm and 7:30pm. $25.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios San Francisco.
New sitcom starring Steph Curry is filming in the Bay Area
A sitcom starring the NBA's Stephen Curry and partly shot in the Bay Area is coming to Peacock this summer, according to a representative for the streaming service.Between the lines: The longtime face of the Golden State Warriors will portray himself in the show alongside Adam Pally ("Knuckles") and Ego Nwodim ("Saturday Night Live").It could signal that Curry, who recently bought a building in San Francisco to serve as headquarters for his Thirty Ink business, is planting seeds for his post-NBA career.State of play: The series follows a memorabilia dealer (played by Pally) who falls on hard times and...
New sitcom starring Steph Curry is filming in the Bay Area
A sitcom starring the NBA's Stephen Curry and partly shot in the Bay Area is coming to Peacock this summer, according to a representative for the streaming service.Between the lines: The longtime face of the Golden State Warriors will portray himself in the show alongside Adam Pally ("Knuckles") and Ego Nwodim ("Saturday Night Live").It could signal that Curry, who recently bought a building in San Francisco to serve as headquarters for his Thirty Ink business, is planting seeds for his post-NBA career.State of play: The series follows a memorabilia dealer (played by Pally) who falls on hard times and...
Bayview Hunters Point grocery market offers free food to eligible residents
A community market opening Wednesday in the Bayview Hunters Point plans to offer free groceries to hundreds of District 10 households every month through a pilot program that will run through next summer.Why it matters: District 10 is home to neighborhoods that lack reliable access to grocery stores, including Bayview Hunters Point and Visitacion Valley, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The new market puts the area one step closer toward addressing food insecurity, District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton said at an event Tuesday to unveil the new 4,000-square-foot facility ahead of its opening.Driving the news: The community market will...
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