We wrote and published more than 1100+ articles in the last 12 months—all made possible with our fantastic community’s generous support.
With a tiny full-time staff of two and a wonderfully diverse array of writers and reporters, we managed to cover the local arts and politics scene with more in-depth knowledge and experience than the billionaire-owned media that has invaded the city. That’s because we love San Francisco and the Bay Area, and want to preserve its beautiful, hard-working, adventurous soul.
Below are some of the pieces that especially caught on with our readers—including excellent video reporting that we have started posting to our our social media channels—but are by no means the only articles that went viral, inspired passionate letters to the editor, or sparked fierce debate on social media. Our insightful and wide-ranging elections and Democratic National Convention coverage was incredibly popular, and our 50th Annual Best of the Bay, showcasing dozens of local small businesses and arts organizations, garnered a record number of online votes.
Please support our mission so we can continue to shine the light of truth in these dark times!
>>NEWS & POLITICS<<
POLICE VIOLENCE ON CAMPUSES MUST END
Calling in over-militarized state forces to repress non-violent student protests against the war on Gaza is not a solution.
AFTER 111 YEARS, PG&E IS FINALLY MOVING TO OUST PG&E AND CREATE A PUBLIC POWER SYSTEM
Cheap, reliable, green energy is only a few steps away—but the private utility is trying its best to delay the process and protect its illegal monopoly.
NEWSOM WANTS TO CHALLENGE TRUMP—BUT HE WON’T ADDRESS THE BIGGEST ISSUE
If Trump starts cutting funding to the state and its local government, California will face massive problems—unless Newsom and the Democrats are willing to tax the rich.
TINY HOMES WITH GIANT RESTRICTIONS ARE NOT A SOLUTION TO HOMELESSNESS
No visitors. No cooking. No community. That doesn’t work for a lot of people.
UCSF MOVES TO FIRE STAFFER WHO CHALLENGED SCHOOL’S STANCE ON PALESTINE
Therapist defended renowned doctor who questioned the health impacts of Zionism; now she’s facing dismissal.
UBER AND LYFT ARE UNDERMINING PUBLIC TRANSIT, A NEW STUDY SHOWS
UC Davis researchers demonstrate that rideshares don’t wean people off cars; they get people off buses and trains.
BIG TREASURE ISLAND DEVELOPERS SEEK $115 MILLION CITY BAILOUT
Deal would tie up all of SF’s borrowing authority for three years—and could cost the taxpayers millions.
GENERATIONS CAME TOGETHER IN THE BAYVIEW TO SAVE THE PLANET
The Igniting Youth Action for Climate and Environmental Justice Conference demonstrated the power of community knowledge.
PROGRESSIVES ARE RESISTING THE BILLIONAIRE TAKEOVER OF SAN FRANCISCO
It’s an awful election outcome for the United States, but it’s not so bad here.
IS IT TIME FOR AN ACT-UP FOR LONG COVID?
As the dangers of Long COVID become more recognized, the country’s going backwards on preventing new infections.
VANCOUVER STUDY SHOWS HOW THE YIMBY NARRATIVE HAS FAILED, BIG TIME
Planner and professor says massive increase in density and new housing didn’t bring costs down; in fact, costs are way up.
HERE’S THE LIST OF TRUMP SUPPORTERS WHO WENT TO HIS FANCY PAC HEIGHTS FUNDRAISER
Allies of the former president are starting to get involved in local politics—and even rub elbows with him in SF.
>>ARTS & CULTURE<<
HEY GUYS DON’T SNITCH ON SF’S SECRET SPOTS
A rash of naive media coverage has put the Bay’s thriving underground culture at risk. Please let’s not.
$20 MILLION MUSIC CITY AIMS TO SHOOT SF BACK TO THE TOP OF THE CHARTS
Rock impresario Rudy Colombini launches mega-studio, artist accelerator, and Hall of Fame for renewed glory days.
1984—THE YEAR POP SHOT TO THE STRATOSPHERE
As the 40th anniversary releases and tributes roll out, revisiting a year of barrier-busting giants.
A HEARTY AMEN TO ‘THE BLACK FEMINIST GUIDE TO THE HUMAN BODY’
At Magic Theatre, Lisa B. Thompson’s play preaches holistic self-acceptance via three vivacious leads.
PORTOLA FEST’S BIGGEST WEAKNESS LED TO ITS GREATEST VIBE
Nevermind the wifi—Justice, Nia Archives, renewed junglist sounds, and a Daft Punk bar gave good ol’ rave energy.
GOOD TASTE: SF’S BELOVED SECRET BREAKFAST ICE CREAM IS NOW A WEED STRAIN
Cannabis collaboration with Sonoma Hills Farm brings new heights of cool to Humphry Slocombe’s oft-imitated flavor.
MEET THE ONE-WOMAN WELDING DYNAMO CREATING GORGEOUSLY ORNATE SF GATES
Katie Wakeman of SheWelds aims to bring back some of the artwork and flair that makes the city the city.
STUNNING 1970S SF HALLOWEEN PHOTOS RISE FROM THE DEAD
Ken Werner shot Castro and Polk Street celebrations from 1976-1980; now his rare cult book has been republished.
TRANSGENDER FILM FEST OFFERS COMMUNITY IN A TIME OF GREAT THREAT
‘I believe in the power of creative expression to uplift and fight for a more positive future,” says vital event’s Shawna Virago.
AT CHINATOWN’S FIRST ZINE FEST, DIY GEMS BROUGHT NEIGHBORHOOD TOGETHER
Chinese Culture Center converted Ross Alley into a buzzing independent publisher’s showcase full of local marvels.
BURNING MAN IS GETTING DIRTIER AND DIRTIER
New data show carbon pollution way up in Black Rock City—until the rainstorm hit last year.
TABITHA SOREN, BELOVED FORMER MTV NEWS REPORTER, ON LIFE AS A BAY AREA PHOTOGRAPHER
Motherhood has changed things for the award-winning journalist, who is now taking things one frame at a time.
A NEW HOME GOODS STORE HIGHLIGHTS PALESTINIAN CREATORS—AND BENEFITS GAZA RELIEF EFFORTS
Ariel Magidson and HK Elkhoudary’s Senses in North Beach is creating a safe space for discussion and relief.
SCREEN GRABS: 50 YEARS LATER, ‘ZARDOZ’ STILL FASCINATES
An engrossing artifact of that era of thinky, often dystopian-future sci-fi that flourished (if that’s the right word) between 2001 and Star Wars
PILE IT HIGH AT SF’S MOUNT RUSHMORE OF SANDWICH SHOPS
Banh mis, Leroy Browns, Renzo Specials, tri-tip delights: Four peak spots for grabbing a hearty lunch on the go.
TRACING THE PEAKS (AND VALLEYS) OF CAROL DODA’S TOPLESS CAREER
Documentary producer-directors Marlo McKenzie and Jonathan Parker bring the bodacious queen of the Condor to life.
US HISTORY OF WHITE SUPREMACY PEERS THROUGH THE PRESENT IN STEPHEN MAGNUM’S LATEST WORK
‘Illusions of My Childhood’ series reflects both the painter’s youth during 1960s racial oppression and continuing injustice today.
PARTYING AT THE ALTAR OF ANH PHOONG: PACKED CROWD HAILS BILLBOARD QUEEN AT THE STUD
Newly reopened queer bar’s Whatever party welcomed attorney icon with mimes, caviar, and AI anthems.
420 POLAROIDS, ONE FIERCE EXPLOSION OF QUEER LOVE
Party promoter Devon Devine has documented his queer club family for two decades. At Right Window Gallery, his photos finally see the light.
