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Supreme Court weighs OxyContin maker Purdue's bankruptcy plan

Health

Drones are the crop-dusters of the future

Technology

Scoop: Kushner, Jewish business leaders huddle with Qatari PM

Politics & Policy

AI's energy problem

Why you should spell "Hanukkah" this way, according to a rabbi

World

APEC yields mixed results with local businesses

Local officials call it a success for San Francisco's image, but questions remain over long-term maintenance of city streets.

News

Plans for the Tenderloin's pedestrian oasis move forward

The Tenderloin has few green spaces and the neighborhood has also seen a high share of traffic injuries.

Bringing back eighth-grade algebra at San Francisco schools

Under a new proposal, the school district would begin the implementation process next school year.

Education

How San Francisco came together for Batkid 10 years ago

Miles Scott had battled leukemia since he was 1. He had one wish: to become Batkid

Hundreds block San Francisco roads to protest APEC

Demonstrations highlighted a range of demands, from a ceasefire in Gaza to accountability for human rights abuses.

Hundreds of protesters blocked streets near the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/11/02/apec-sf-2023-map-location-dates" data-vars-content-id="31b4d9ad-6dc0-46f6-93d8-8c25c79cdc9c" data-vars-headline="Hundreds block San Francisco roads to protest APEC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/11/02/apec-sf-2023-map-location-dates" target="_self">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation</a> (APEC) summit Wednesday in a bid to disrupt and prevent attendees from entering the conference building.Driving the news: Groups came together to rally across Market Street, Geary Boulevard and Powell Street throughout the day — many pressed up against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police lines and security roadblocks" data-vars-click-url="https://abc7news.com/amp/san-francisco-protest-apec-summit-demonstrations-sf/14060567/" data-vars-content-id="31b4d9ad-6dc0-46f6-93d8-8c25c79cdc9c" data-vars-headline="Hundreds block San Francisco roads to protest APEC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7news.com/amp/san-francisco-protest-apec-summit-demonstrations-sf/14060567/" target="_blank">police lines and security roadblocks</a>, while others attempted to swarm delegates.

Photo of protesters yelling at a delegate on the streets

Bay Area on guard for increase in hate crimes

Though San Francisco saw a drop in reported hate crimes last year, local advocates are emphasizing the need to remain vigilant.

While recent FBI data shows a drop in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported hate crimes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/30/report-hate-crimes-record-2022-black-antisemitism" data-vars-content-id="126dcb0f-5611-4fd5-aff4-cc1e5848f277" data-vars-headline="Bay Area on guard for increase in hate crimes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/30/report-hate-crimes-record-2022-black-antisemitism" target="_self">reported hate crimes</a> in San Francisco, local advocates are emphasizing the need to remain vigilant amid rising <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anti-LGBTQ sentiment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/30/colorado-lgbtq-wedding-website-supreme-court" data-vars-content-id="126dcb0f-5611-4fd5-aff4-cc1e5848f277" data-vars-headline="Bay Area on guard for increase in hate crimes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/30/colorado-lgbtq-wedding-website-supreme-court" target="_self">anti-LGBTQ sentiment</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anti-Asian discrimination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/01/chinese-americans-report-racial-discrimination-asian-hate" data-vars-content-id="126dcb0f-5611-4fd5-aff4-cc1e5848f277" data-vars-headline="Bay Area on guard for increase in hate crimes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/01/chinese-americans-report-racial-discrimination-asian-hate" target="_self">anti-Asian discrimination</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fallout from the Israel-Hamas war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/12/israel-gaza-war-hate-crimes-america" data-vars-content-id="126dcb0f-5611-4fd5-aff4-cc1e5848f277" data-vars-headline="Bay Area on guard for increase in hate crimes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/12/israel-gaza-war-hate-crimes-america" target="_self">fallout from the Israel-Hamas war</a> across the country.Driving the news: Bay Area officials and community partners are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hosting anti-hate events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.unitedagainsthateweek.org/current-events" data-vars-content-id="126dcb0f-5611-4fd5-aff4-cc1e5848f277" data-vars-headline="Bay Area on guard for increase in hate crimes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.unitedagainsthateweek.org/current-events" target="_blank">hosting anti-hate events</a> for California&#x27;s sixth annual United Against Hate Week (UAHW), ranging from bystander intervention trainings to a conversation with former white supremacists.

Photo of a crowd of people marching down the streets with Pride flags and "Stand up to racism" signs

Mashed potatoes dominate the Thanksgiving table

We asked, and you answered — mashed potatoes reign as king.

Food and Drink

Thanks to the responses of 6,000+ Axios readers, the winners of Axios&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="favorite Thanksgiving sides poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/15/thanksgiving-2023-favorite-sides" data-vars-content-id="741f11f6-fd0f-42c0-9439-b6f2321b4ef5" data-vars-headline="Mashed potatoes dominate the Thanksgiving table" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/15/thanksgiving-2023-favorite-sides" target="_self">favorite Thanksgiving sides poll</a> have been selected. <ul><li>If you were to have Thanksgiving dinner with other Axios readers, you&#x27;d be having mashed potatoes, dressing, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, cranberry relish and pumpkin pie.</li></ul>

Illustration of an assortment of Thanksgiving sides with the word "winners" over it

The 5 best burritos in the Mission District

There&#x27;s a new &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best burrito" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/11/17/best-san-francisco-burritos" data-vars-content-id="0b51f3c3-b3d0-496c-b19b-ddf9998f279f" data-vars-headline="The 5 best burritos in the Mission District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/11/17/best-san-francisco-burritos" target="_self">best burrito</a>&quot; in town, according to San Francisco Chronicle food critic Cesar Hernandez.What&#x27;s happening: After &quot;consuming an alarming number of burritos,&quot; Hernandez has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declared the top five burritos" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/best-mission-burrito-sf-18457256.php" data-vars-content-id="0b51f3c3-b3d0-496c-b19b-ddf9998f279f" data-vars-headline="The 5 best burritos in the Mission District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/best-mission-burrito-sf-18457256.php" target="_blank">declared the top five burritos</a> in the Mission District, ranked.

One in seven San Francisco Bay Area homeowners selling at a loss

Across the nation, the highest proportion and largest losses were in Bay Area.

Real Estate

A growing share of San Francisco Bay Area homeowners are selling their houses at a loss, per data Redfin shared with Axios.Why it matters: The Bay Area&#x27;s housing market is undergoing a course correction, but potential homebuyers are still finding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home prices to be out of reach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/10/23/housing-affordablity-income-san-francisco" data-vars-content-id="012acf2d-abfd-43e0-b773-0d8e49737355" data-vars-headline="One in seven San Francisco Bay Area homeowners selling at a loss" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/10/23/housing-affordablity-income-san-francisco" target="_self">home prices to be out of reach</a> due to high interest rates.

Illustration of a real estate sale sign shaped like a downward point arrow

Google's project to build 15,000 homes in Bay Area hits snag

The company committed to the project in 2019 but has now ended agreements with its developer.

Google&#x27;s pledge to construct 15,000 new homes at a range of income levels <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="across the Bay Area" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2019/11/06/housing-crisis-california-apple-facebook-google" data-vars-content-id="c33d85ed-d46e-4ce0-9e80-0c8a6da019ca" data-vars-headline="Google&#x27;s project to build 15,000 homes in Bay Area hits snag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2019/11/06/housing-crisis-california-apple-facebook-google" target="_self">across the Bay Area</a> could face new hurdles now that the company has cut ties with its developer.Why it matters: Google committed to an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ambitious ​​$1 billion project" data-vars-click-url="https://realestate.withgoogle.com/bay-housing/" data-vars-content-id="c33d85ed-d46e-4ce0-9e80-0c8a6da019ca" data-vars-headline="Google&#x27;s project to build 15,000 homes in Bay Area hits snag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://realestate.withgoogle.com/bay-housing/" target="_blank">ambitious ​​$1 billion project</a> in 2019 to help address the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bay Area&#x27;s housing crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/08/02/san-francisco-housing-tech-hubs" data-vars-content-id="c33d85ed-d46e-4ce0-9e80-0c8a6da019ca" data-vars-headline="Google&#x27;s project to build 15,000 homes in Bay Area hits snag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/08/02/san-francisco-housing-tech-hubs" target="_self">Bay Area&#x27;s housing crisis</a>. Construction on the project had been expected to begin in the 2026 fiscal year.

Photo of protesters holding signs calling on Google for affordable housing

Warriors' arena transit options could be better, could be worse

The Chase Center has a transit score of 73 out of 100.

Sports

The Chase Center, home to the Golden State Warriors, ranks in the middle of the pack for transit scores among NBA arenas, according to a new survey.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Walk Score" data-vars-click-url="https://www.walkscore.com/about.shtml" data-vars-content-id="e6ee7e4c-1291-44d8-9c66-80f9db21c312" data-vars-headline="Warriors&#x27; arena transit options could be better, could be worse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.walkscore.com/about.shtml" target="_blank">Walk Score</a>, a Redfin company that promotes walkable neighborhoods, measured how well NBA arenas are served by public transportation.

A table showing the transit scores of NBA stadiums. Four cities rank up at the top with a perfect score: Boston, D.C., New York City, and Toronto. San Antonio ranks at the bottom at 35.

How much it costs to attend a Warriors game

Amid high demand for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Golden State Warriors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/10/25/golden-state-warriors-game-recap-suns" data-vars-content-id="59c7d444-93f6-484d-aa13-bc9449ea2204" data-vars-headline="How much it costs to attend a Warriors game" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/10/25/golden-state-warriors-game-recap-suns" target="_self">Golden State Warriors</a> tickets, games at the Chase Center are some of the priciest to see this winter.Why it matters: The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, will always be a sight to see.

What's next for reparations in San Francisco

Reparations for Black people are still on the table, but the path forward remains unclear.

Culture

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Reparations for Black people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/07/13/san-francisco-reparations-committee-final-report" data-vars-content-id="df677ced-0a10-456c-b6eb-c4ace2665dae" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for reparations in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/07/13/san-francisco-reparations-committee-final-report" target="_self">Reparations for Black people</a> are still on the table in San Francisco, but the path forward remains unclear.The big picture: San Francisco is among a growing number of places looking to atone for slavery.

Photo illustration of a silhouette of a Black woman with collaged archival photos, fragments of dollar bills and a redlining map.

Things to do in San Francisco this weekend

On the docket are "The Lion King" musical, circus performances and a day of observance for AIDS.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s finally December, and you know what that means — a whole lot going on. <ul><li>Since we compiled a list of notable <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/11/29/holiday-markets-to-visit" data-vars-content-id="c5554804-fb72-432a-ab90-4547bb5d76da" data-vars-headline="Things to do in San Francisco this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/11/29/holiday-markets-to-visit" target="_self">holiday markets</a> earlier this week, here are some non-holiday-themed events to check out if you&#x27;re more of a grinch (like myself).</li></ul>

Illustration of the Axios logo drinking a margarita. 

“How’s that going for you”: Newsom zings DeSantis over Trump at Fox News debate

The debate put the governors' escalating public feud on stark display.

In a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prime-time debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/desantis-newsom-debate-2024-fox-news" data-vars-content-id="f40a8543-f36a-4dae-8b03-147f8d0b3d60" data-vars-headline="“How’s that going for you”: Newsom zings DeSantis over Trump at Fox News debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/30/desantis-newsom-debate-2024-fox-news" target="_self">prime-time debate</a> Thursday often dominated by Fox News host Sean Hannity trying to stop the two from shouting over each other, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California Gov. Gavin Newsom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/09/gavin-newsom-california-election-results" data-vars-content-id="f40a8543-f36a-4dae-8b03-147f8d0b3d60" data-vars-headline="“How’s that going for you”: Newsom zings DeSantis over Trump at Fox News debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/11/09/gavin-newsom-california-election-results" target="_self">California Gov. Gavin Newsom</a> repeatedly used former President Trump against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/11/30/ron-desantis-gavin-newsom-debate-where-to-watch" data-vars-content-id="f40a8543-f36a-4dae-8b03-147f8d0b3d60" data-vars-headline="“How’s that going for you”: Newsom zings DeSantis over Trump at Fox News debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/11/30/ron-desantis-gavin-newsom-debate-where-to-watch" target="_self">Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis</a>.Driving the news: Newsom came in with a theme — that DeSantis is &quot;trying to out-Trump Trump&quot; in the GOP 2024 presidential primary race — and hammered the point home.

Florida Governor and Republican presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis (L) and California Governor Gavin Newsom (R) appear on screen from the press room during a debate held by Fox News, in Alpharetta, Georgia, on November 30, 2023.

DeSantis and Newsom to debate in primetime preview of 2028 contest

Both governors have ascended to the national scene and are locked in an escalating feud.

Two governors with national profiles are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="set to take the stage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/11/30/ron-desantis-gavin-newsom-debate-where-to-watch" data-vars-content-id="052457a3-cda4-4df7-af93-127b8b1a5fe7" data-vars-headline="DeSantis and Newsom to debate in primetime preview of 2028 contest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/11/30/ron-desantis-gavin-newsom-debate-where-to-watch" target="_self">set to take the stage</a> on Thursday night for an unusual Fox News showdown between a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="presidential candidate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/18/desantis-new-big-donors-2-million-haul" data-vars-content-id="052457a3-cda4-4df7-af93-127b8b1a5fe7" data-vars-headline="DeSantis and Newsom to debate in primetime preview of 2028 contest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/18/desantis-new-big-donors-2-million-haul" target="_self">presidential candidate</a> and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top national surrogate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/22/biden-deploys-newsom-gop-debate-president" data-vars-content-id="052457a3-cda4-4df7-af93-127b8b1a5fe7" data-vars-headline="DeSantis and Newsom to debate in primetime preview of 2028 contest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/22/biden-deploys-newsom-gop-debate-president" target="_self">top national surrogate</a> for an incumbent president. Why it matters: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) are likely to spar over their dueling conservative and progressive visions in a showdown that could also serve as a preview for future contests.

California's falling undocumented immigrant population

San Francisco has long held itself as a sanctuary city; concern over fentanyl trafficking could be turning the tide.

California still has the largest population of undocumented immigrants in America, according to a new study by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pew Research Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/16/what-we-know-about-unauthorized-immigrants-living-in-the-us/" data-vars-content-id="07b34c4d-a314-4d5f-897a-29faa78fb1f5" data-vars-headline="California&#x27;s falling undocumented immigrant population" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/11/16/what-we-know-about-unauthorized-immigrants-living-in-the-us/" target="_blank">Pew Research Center</a>.<ul><li>But the state experienced the biggest decrease — a loss of 150,000 immigrants — between 2017 and 2021, per the study&#x27;s estimates.</li></ul>

Idyllic lake in Golden Gate Park gets new name options

The popular destination is currently named after an antisemitic politician from the 19th century.

Golden Gate Park&#x27;s famed Stow Lake is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="set to be renamed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/10/25/golden-gate-park-lake-name-prompts-call-for-change" data-vars-content-id="1a931b9e-ef2e-43a7-8f08-dd091e412873" data-vars-headline="Idyllic lake in Golden Gate Park gets new name options" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/10/25/golden-gate-park-lake-name-prompts-call-for-change" target="_self">set to be renamed</a> following a series of public hearings, and over a dozen potential new names have been submitted by the public.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stow Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/Stow-Lake-410" data-vars-content-id="1a931b9e-ef2e-43a7-8f08-dd091e412873" data-vars-headline="Idyllic lake in Golden Gate Park gets new name options" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfrecpark.org/facilities/facility/details/Stow-Lake-410" target="_blank">Stow Lake</a>, a doughnut-shaped body of water created in 1893, is named after a 19th century politician who wanted to force Jewish people out of California.

BART's 2023 ugly holiday sweater is a hot commodity

The sweater comes with LED track lights, which are accompanied by the sound of the iconic BART legacy car horn.

Transit

If you&#x27;re looking for an ugly holiday sweater to win your neighborhood contest, BART&#x27;s got your back.Driving the news: The transit agency&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2023 ugly holiday sweater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.railgoods.com/bart-2023-ugly-holiday-sweater.html" data-vars-content-id="02c94ec8-d8b0-4222-8071-c8fbe993200c" data-vars-headline="BART&#x27;s 2023 ugly holiday sweater is a hot commodity" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.railgoods.com/bart-2023-ugly-holiday-sweater.html" target="_blank">2023 ugly holiday sweater</a> is loaded with LED track lights and accompanied by the sound of the iconic BART legacy car horn.

Graphic showing a white sweater with blue snowflakes and a BART train with reindeer antlers

Bay Area car owners still face catalytic converter theft concerns

A crime ring busted earlier this year had targeted Bay Area cars, leading to the theft of 240 catalytic converters.

Catalytic converters are a hot commodity in the Bay Area. The anti-pollution devices located underneath <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/15/mercedes-electric-car-charging" data-vars-content-id="7eba13de-dd27-4b1e-a2bb-d2110afcbba1" data-vars-headline="Bay Area car owners still face catalytic converter theft concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/15/mercedes-electric-car-charging" target="_self">cars</a> — packed with rare precious metals — have been stolen in record numbers in recent years.State of play: Busts this year have highlighted crime networks built around the devices.

Photo of a catalytic converter under a car

How plant hardiness is changing California landscaping

Warming temperatures increasingly impact where and when different plant varieties can grow most successfully.

Warming temperatures are changing where and when different <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plant varieties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/28/apple-variations-climate-change-heat" data-vars-content-id="3bded733-926f-450d-b186-10cbc3af32dc" data-vars-headline="How plant hardiness is changing California landscaping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/28/apple-variations-climate-change-heat" target="_self">plant varieties</a> can grow most successfully, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) map released last week.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Plant Hardiness Zone Map" data-vars-click-url="https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/" data-vars-content-id="3bded733-926f-450d-b186-10cbc3af32dc" data-vars-headline="How plant hardiness is changing California landscaping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/" target="_blank">Plant Hardiness Zone Map</a> is a kind of bible for farmers and gardeners, helping them understand which plants can thrive in their area — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="when to plant them" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/17/2023-plant-hardiness-map" data-vars-content-id="3bded733-926f-450d-b186-10cbc3af32dc" data-vars-headline="How plant hardiness is changing California landscaping" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/11/17/2023-plant-hardiness-map" target="_self">when to plant them</a>.

Oakland station among Greyhound stations closed across nation

The firm is infamous for its acquisition and gutting of American newspapers.

Greyhound bus stations nationwide, including in Oakland, are closing and relocating outside central business districts after being acquired by an investment firm that rose to infamy for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="acquisition and gutting of American newspapers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/18/1046952430/the-consequences-of-when-a-hedge-fund-buys-newspapers" data-vars-content-id="eb80ea4d-1fd3-492d-b74b-664e575a4900" data-vars-headline="Oakland station among Greyhound stations closed across nation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2021/10/18/1046952430/the-consequences-of-when-a-hedge-fund-buys-newspapers" target="_blank">acquisition and gutting of American newspapers</a>.Why it matters: Greyhound has long been the brand most closely associated with intercity bus travel in the U.S. Its stations, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="often architecturally and culturally significant" data-vars-click-url="https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/467" data-vars-content-id="eb80ea4d-1fd3-492d-b74b-664e575a4900" data-vars-headline="Oakland station among Greyhound stations closed across nation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/467" target="_blank">often architecturally and culturally significant</a>, occupy prime downtown real estate considered ripe for commercial and residential development.

How 20-year-old FuncheapSF stays relevant

The site highlights hundreds of events in San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area every week.

Business

FuncheapSF, an events guide for the city, has been a staple in San Francisco for the past 20 years and has continued to thrive amid the rise of social media and the pandemic-related lockdown.Context: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FuncheapSF" data-vars-click-url="https://sf.funcheap.com/" data-vars-content-id="5ad2ebcc-30cf-4d8e-9334-4901826bebae" data-vars-headline="How 20-year-old FuncheapSF stays relevant" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sf.funcheap.com/" target="_blank">FuncheapSF</a> highlights hundreds of events in San Francisco and other parts of the Bay Area every week, its founder, Johnny &quot;Funcheap&quot; Hayes, told Axios.

Fostering cross-cultural opportunities during APEC

Titled "The Future Starts in California," the conference will feature programming on topics such as AI, energy and food security.

A companion event to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit this week aims to connect local businesses with overseas networks and highlight California&#x27;s role in advancing global policy conversations.Driving the news: Titled &quot;The Future Starts in California&quot; and organized by economic development organization Global:SF, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="full-day event" data-vars-click-url="https://web.cvent.com/event/259b2962-2881-4486-bae0-ba9520e70b44/websitePage:3f41aa91-e054-4d4c-994c-2918f5d47a85" data-vars-content-id="334fd568-ed9f-4bc4-96e0-4be73db86c2f" data-vars-headline="Fostering cross-cultural opportunities during APEC" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://web.cvent.com/event/259b2962-2881-4486-bae0-ba9520e70b44/websitePage:3f41aa91-e054-4d4c-994c-2918f5d47a85" target="_blank">full-day event</a> Tuesday is set to feature programming on topics such as sustainability, AI, energy, life sciences, health care and food security.

Photo of an "APEC is going to be EPIC" sign on a lamp post along the street 

Dreamforce is coming back to San Francisco next year

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Mayor London Breed announced the news on Tuesday.

Dreamforce, Salesforce&#x27;s annual takeover of downtown San Francisco, is returning next year, Mayor London Breed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/LondonBreed/status/1721904447948038477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1721904447948038477%7Ctwgr%5Ec60c1c764bbcd2331375f61044cb89732c20cd12%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsfstandard.com%2F2023%2F11%2F07%2Fsalesforce-dreamforce-san-francisco-2024%2F" data-vars-content-id="b1329c12-60d2-4f65-b2ca-fe40a62f5d5b" data-vars-headline="Dreamforce is coming back to San Francisco next year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/LondonBreed/status/1721904447948038477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1721904447948038477%7Ctwgr%5Ec60c1c764bbcd2331375f61044cb89732c20cd12%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsfstandard.com%2F2023%2F11%2F07%2Fsalesforce-dreamforce-san-francisco-2024%2F" target="_blank">announced Tuesday</a>.Driving the news: Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff raised some alarms in August when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="he said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marc-benioff-dreamforce-could-leave-s-f-18337259.php" data-vars-content-id="b1329c12-60d2-4f65-b2ca-fe40a62f5d5b" data-vars-headline="Dreamforce is coming back to San Francisco next year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/marc-benioff-dreamforce-could-leave-s-f-18337259.php" target="_blank">he said</a> this year&#x27;s Dreamforce could be the last one in the city.

Downtown San Francisco's recovery is better than we thought

The city now ranks 38 out of more than 50 major U.S. cities in terms of post-pandemic downtown recovery.

San Francisco&#x27;s downtown recovery ranks higher than before, but it&#x27;s still nothing to brag about.The big picture: San Francisco&#x27;s rank among major U.S. cities changed from 52 to 38 — with a 67.3% recovery rate — following a methodology shift by University of Toronto researchers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tracking" data-vars-click-url="https://downtownrecovery.com/charts/rankings" data-vars-content-id="e5ffec54-6226-4dec-9cb7-1afda295d7ba" data-vars-headline="Downtown San Francisco&#x27;s recovery is better than we thought" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://downtownrecovery.com/charts/rankings" target="_blank">tracking</a> how cities are emerging from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Survey: California small-business owners more optimistic

Those in the Bay Area are less likely to feel more stressed now than compared to a year ago, per the survey.

Despite lingering challenges from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/08/08/downtown-san-francisco-foot-traffic-pandemic-recovery" data-vars-content-id="a3818d7d-dc34-4fc8-8fff-7088846c3c36" data-vars-headline="Survey: California small-business owners more optimistic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/08/08/downtown-san-francisco-foot-traffic-pandemic-recovery" target="_self">the pandemic</a>, small-business owners in California are more likely to say their business is successful and that they are optimistic about the future compared to overall U.S. small-business owners, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new U.S. Bank survey finds" data-vars-click-url="https://ir.usbank.com/news-releases/news-release-details/new-us-bank-report-reveals-small-business-owners-are-feeling" data-vars-content-id="a3818d7d-dc34-4fc8-8fff-7088846c3c36" data-vars-headline="Survey: California small-business owners more optimistic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ir.usbank.com/news-releases/news-release-details/new-us-bank-report-reveals-small-business-owners-are-feeling" target="_blank">new U.S. Bank survey finds</a>.Driving the news: About a third of California small-business owners reported experiencing negative emotions related to their business — versus 46% for U.S. small-business owners.

Photo of a worker in a succulent shop filled with green plants and leaves

Bi-Rite set to open next year in Russian Hill

The specialty grocer recently signed a lease for two adjacent retail spaces on Polk Street.

Bi-Rite Market&#x27;s previously announced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/10/24/bi-rite-new-market-polk-street" data-vars-content-id="cd830cd8-305d-4820-b779-139feb8f94c0" data-vars-headline="Bi-Rite set to open next year in Russian Hill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/10/24/bi-rite-new-market-polk-street" target="_self">third location</a> in San Francisco is scheduled to open next spring, according to the grocery store.State of play: The specialty grocer recently signed a lease for two adjacent retail spaces on Polk Street between Broadway and Vallejo streets in Russian Hill.

Five holiday markets to visit in San Francisco

There are spots all over the city to get your festivities on.

The holiday season is officially upon us, which means there&#x27;s a plethora of activities to experience in the city. Here are five events that caught our eye:

Illustration of a shop inside a snowglobe. 

🎨 Hit up the West Coast Craft fair at Fort Mason featuring goods from local artists and designers.

Welcome to the weekend. Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s cookin&#x27;. 🎨 Hit up the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="West Coast Craft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.westcoastcraft.com/west-coast-craft-attend" data-vars-content-id="99fe3e63-c67a-48cb-a121-ca91a2818759" data-vars-headline="Things to do in San Francisco this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.westcoastcraft.com/west-coast-craft-attend" target="_blank">West Coast Craft</a> fair at Fort Mason, featuring goods from local artists and designers.

Animated illustration of calendar pages with neutral emojis on them being torn off, until you get to Friday, Saturday and Sunday, which have smiling, sunglasses-wearing emojis on them with neon yellow waving lines. 

What's on tap for the weekend in San Francisco

Visit the two-day night market in Chinatown.

The long weekend begins Friday. Here are some ideas for you:🛹 Hit up the new skate park at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UN Plaza" data-vars-click-url="https://sfciviccenter.org/event/grand-reopening-of-un-plaza/" data-vars-content-id="2e16eb6b-21ed-43bd-8bbf-eeb357a57ac4" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s on tap for the weekend in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfciviccenter.org/event/grand-reopening-of-un-plaza/" target="_blank">UN Plaza</a>.

Illustration of lit marquee letters spelling "WEEKEND" sitting in a row of theater seats.

San Francisco is getting another holiday ice-skating rink

We&#x27;ve made it past Halloween, which means the holiday season is officially upon us.Driving the news: Thrive City — the community gathering space outside the Chase Center — this week announced special holiday programming, including an ice-skating rink, a tree-lighting ceremony and more.

What to do this weekend in San Francisco

🍿 Catch a documentary at SFFILM's 2023 Doc Stories in the Presidio or Mission district.

Congratulations, you made it to another weekend. And, as always, the city has lots to keep you occupied. Here are a few ideas:🍿 Catch a documentary at SFFILM&#x27;s 2023 Doc Stories in the Presidio or Mission district this weekend.

Why being a clown is a critical art form for Church of Clown

Church of Clown is the latest development for the Bay Area's longtime community of of clowns.

Don&#x27;t expect lopsided red noses or lackluster birthday party performers at Church of Clown — for this nonprofit arts organization, being a clown is a craft that aims to inspire joy and resilience.Driving the news: Founded during the pandemic, Church of Clown serves as a space to train amateurs as well as a stage for more seasoned performers. Programming includes mime classes, clown workshops and a youth circus.

Photo of two clown performers holding their arms out on a stage. The one on the left is in orange clown make-up and clothes.

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