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For a city that's often foggy and cold, we sure do love our ice cream, and even more so when it's warm enough that a double scoop feels less like a treat and more like a necessity.

Here's where to grab a sweet treat to help you cool down amid this week's heat wave. 

This 1930s-inspired ice cream parlor leans into the era's classic soda fountain vibe. Get a pint to go or opt for a boozy milkshake. Don't skip out on their banana puddin' flavor — it's a must. 

Hours vary. Wednesday- Sunday at 815 Cole St. 

A classic — you can never go wrong when grabbing a cone here. The Earl Grey flavor is a standout for tea lovers, with subtle citrus notes from the bergamot. 

This cafe and gelateria stays true to its roots with traditional Sicilian-style gelato. 

Pro tip: They're not always keen on giving out samples, so be prepared to order at the counter. 

Hours vary. Open daily except Wednesday at 951 Valencia St. 

Mitchell's has been around since 1953 and is one of the city's most loved ice cream shops, known for Filipino-inspired flavors like ube, macapuno (coconut) and halo halo. 

Hometown Creamery — Inner Sunset, Hayes Valley 

Always made from scratch, Hometown's ice cream flavors draw from global influences and what's in season. 

12-10pm daily at 1290 9th Ave. and 432A Octavia St. 

This charming shop dating back to 1948 prides itself on sundaes, shakes and classic scoops. Opt for one of their house-made waffle cones (the best kind) next time you go in.

12- 10pm Tuesday-Sunday at 1999 Hyde St. 

This long-running neighborhood spot never skimps out on the portions. Their Thai tea flavor is decadent and creamy. 

Hours vary. Open daily at 5420 Geary Blvd.

This proudly old-fashioned neighborhood favorite hasn't changed its recipes since first opening in 1950. The black raspberry marble is top tier, as are their ice cream sundaes and sherberts.

Where to get ice cream in San Francisco

Hand with red nail polish holds a waffle cone topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, foreground; bright mural of a tropical pool scene with palm trees and people in the background.

I definitely gave myself a brain freeze while eating this. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios

For a city that&#x27;s often foggy and cold, we sure do love our ice cream, and even more so when it&#x27;s warm enough that a double scoop feels less like a treat and more like a necessity.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s where to grab a sweet treat to help you cool down amid this week&#x27;s heat wave. </li></ul>

Food and Drink

Things to Do

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and San Francisco is easing back into one of its favorite seasonal rituals: neighborhood night markets.

Why it matters: What started as a pandemic-era workaround has evolved into a beloved community staple, with live music, kid-friendly activities, rows of local food vendors, pop-ups, and bespoke goods. 

Catch up quick: The after-dark street fair, inspired by traditional night markets in Asia, first launched in the Sunset in 2023 to help small businesses recover from the pandemic and boost the city's economic recovery. 

Similar events have since expanded to other areas, including Cole Valley, Richmond, Chinatown, Castro, Noe Valley, North Beach and Bayview, among other neighborhoods. 

State of play: The return of Cole Valley's night market on Thursday could not have come on a better night, with warm, clear weather drawing hundreds of attendees. 

Street vendor in a gray T-shirt and gloves scoops food from three large metal steamers into a red-and-white checkered basket, with coolers and city bins in the background.

Look at all them tamales. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios

Families and residents packed Cole Street, where vendors sold everything from tamales and Nepali momos to one-of-a-kind art prints and handmade ceramics against the backdrop of two live music stages and dancing that spilled into the street.

Sarah Winter, an artist and fellow Cole Valley resident who sells original illustrations of the city's streetscapes, told Axios she's been a vendor at the event four times. 

"It's been amazing — I rely on the market quite a lot... it's imperative to my business building," she said, adding that it's given her exposure, contributed to about a fifth of her overall sales and led to commissions and other business opportunities. 

Smiling woman in a black-and-white striped sleeveless top stands at a market stall under a blue canopy, with framed prints, baskets, and purple flowers; shoppers and storefronts in the background.

Turns out Sarah and Nadia only live about a block away from one another. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios

Between the lines: The momentum continues in the Castro on Friday on 18th Street from 5-10pm, with the monthly event running through September. 

Flashback: In February, the Sunset Night Market drew hundreds of attendees for its return celebrating Lunar New Year. Three more events — all tied to Chinese holidays — will be held on June 12th, September 25th and December 11th.

What's next: Two more Cole Valley markets are scheduled for April 16 and May 21 from 4-9pm.

Beloved night markets return to Castro, Cole Valley

Spring night markets are drawing crowds and boosting local businesses.

A bustling street market with white and colorful tents lining the street, crowds browsing stalls, people chatting, and children walking near buildings in the background.

The vibes were vibing Thursday night. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios

The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and San Francisco is easing back into one of its favorite seasonal rituals: neighborhood night markets.Why it matters: What started as a pandemic-era workaround has evolved into a beloved community staple, with live music, kid-friendly activities, rows of local food vendors, pop-ups, and bespoke goods.

Culture

Explosive new sexual abuse allegations are prompting San Francisco to reconsider its ties to César Chávez, raising questions about whether to continue honoring the late labor leader as calls grow to rename the events and public spaces bearing his name.

Why it matters: Chávez, one of the most celebrated Latino union activists in U.S. history, was a central figure in the fight for farmworker rights — a legacy that's now in question following accusations from several minors and women, including civil rights icon Dolores Huerta.

The big picture: The allegations coincide with nationwide events commemorating Chávez this month.

Across San Francisco, Chávez is honored through landmarks and institutions, alongside annual festivities marking his March 31 birthday.

Now, with celebrations being canceled across the U.S., local leaders are weighing whether those tributes should continue and what the revelations could mean for how he is remembered.

The latest: The city's César Chávez and Dolores Huerta festival is still scheduled to take place April 11, but organizers confirmed with the SF Chronicle that it's been renamed to the Dolores Huerta Parade and Festival.

Between the lines: District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder, who represents the Mission, where Chávez is remembered with an elementary school, a major street and murals, said she supports efforts to remove his name from such places.

Street sign reading "Cesar Chavez" on a metal pole, with a smaller sign showing the left arrow and 3000, set against a blue sky and leafy trees.

Cesar Chavez Street was formerly called Army Street before being renamed in 1995. Photo: Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images

"I believe and stand fully behind the survivors," she wrote on Instagram on Wednesday. "It is devastating to think of the decades of pain they endured while the world and our movements unwittingly celebrated their abuser."

State Sen. Scott Wiener told Axios he wants to hear from Latino community leaders and survivors before any formal renaming effort moves forward, but he said he hopes "we consider renaming it all for Dolores Huerta."

It remains unclear whether all citywide sites named after Chávez could be renamed or whether formal discussions are underway.

Context: The New York Times first reported that Chávez had groomed multiple girls while leading the United Farm Workers (UFW) in the 1970s, including a child he knew since she was 8.

The UFW Foundation called the reporting "shocking" and "indefensible" and canceled all annual birthday celebrations.

Large mural on a building depicting a stylized, upward-looking portrait of a man in tan and purple tones, with a pink NFWA circle logo and a small flag-bearing figure amid faded text.

It's unclear how San Francisco will address the numerous landmarks and murals depicting Chávez. Photo: Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images

Mayor Daniel Lurie condemned the accounts of abuse in an Instagram post Wednesday.

"It takes immense bravery to come forward and my heart goes out to all of the survivors, including Ana Murguia, Debra Rojas and Dolores Huerta," he said, adding that he remains "in touch" with local leaders about how to support the community.

State of play: Huerta, who shared her allegations in a Wednesday blog post, worked alongside Chávez for decades, co-founding the UFW with him and fellow activist Gilbert Padilla.

She said Chavez fathered two of her children in the 1960s after being sexually coerced and assaulted.

Flashback: Chávez was born in Yuma, Arizona, and rose to national prominence in the 1960s after organizing labor strikes — notably the 1968 California grape boycott — advocating for better living standards and pay for farmworkers.

What we're watching: Chávez, who died in 1993, is honored each year on his birthday, which is recognized by law as a state holiday in California.

Assemblymember Matt Haney told the SF Standard he supports renaming it to Dolores Huerta Day, while Gov. Gavin Newsom told Politico he would "provide comment once information is shared or reported."

Tell us: Do you think streets, schools or landmarks should be renamed? If so, any suggestions? Email us at sanfrancisco@axios.com. 

César Chávez allegations spark reckoning over legacy in San Francisco

City leaders are reconsidering Chávez tributes as new allegations reshape his legacy.

Black-and-white portrait of a middle-aged man with dark hair, wearing a patterned shirt and jacket, looking at the camera. Abstract geometric backdrop with intersecting shapes.

César Chávez in 1974. Photo: Les Lee/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Explosive new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sexual abuse allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-dolores-huerta" data-vars-content-id="71618b77-b83d-4ebc-a74e-327676cf212b" data-vars-headline="César Chávez allegations spark reckoning over legacy in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-dolores-huerta" target="_self">sexual abuse allegations</a> are prompting San Francisco to reconsider its ties to César Chávez, raising questions about whether to continue honoring the late labor leader as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="calls grow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/1rx92ot/petition_to_rerename_cesar_chavez_st_back_to_army/" data-vars-content-id="71618b77-b83d-4ebc-a74e-327676cf212b" data-vars-headline="César Chávez allegations spark reckoning over legacy in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/sanfrancisco/comments/1rx92ot/petition_to_rerename_cesar_chavez_st_back_to_army/" target="_blank">calls grow</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rename" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-events-arizona-renamed-allegations" data-vars-content-id="71618b77-b83d-4ebc-a74e-327676cf212b" data-vars-headline="César Chávez allegations spark reckoning over legacy 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/phoenix/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-events-arizona-renamed-allegations" target="_self">rename</a> the events and public spaces bearing his name.Why it matters: Chávez, one of the most celebrated Latino union activists in U.S. history, was a central figure in the fight for farmworker rights — a legacy that&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="now in question" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations" data-vars-content-id="71618b77-b83d-4ebc-a74e-327676cf212b" data-vars-headline="César Chávez allegations spark reckoning over legacy 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-antonio/2026/03/18/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations" target="_self">now in question</a> following accusations from several minors and women, including civil rights icon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolores Huerta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/25/kamala-harris-dolores-huerta-latino-voters" data-vars-content-id="71618b77-b83d-4ebc-a74e-327676cf212b" data-vars-headline="César Chávez allegations spark reckoning over legacy in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/25/kamala-harris-dolores-huerta-latino-voters" target="_self">Dolores Huerta</a>.

News

Politics

For some Iranian Americans in the Bay Area, the Iran war now entering its third week has brought a mix of cautious optimism and anxiety for what could come next back home.

The big picture: Opinions will inevitably vary within any diaspora, but local community members who spoke with Axios said they're hopeful the U.S. intervention will be an opportunity to usher in a new age of democracy for their homeland, even as others worry the U.S. military's history of regime change in the region could undermine meaningful reform.

What they're saying: "People welcome any opportunity that forces this regime to fall," Saman Setoodeh, who lives in Pacifica, told Axios. "They tried protests. They tried ... to call for reform, and the response to all these from the government was consistent in just brutally suppressing."

For San Francisco resident Sepehr Imani, the emotions he's experienced are similar to how he reacted to hearing that his toddler needs heart surgery: "I have to trust this doctor," he told Axios. "These doctors right now are America, Israel. ... There is no one else."

"I always thought I could never go back, but now there is hope," San José-based Ghazaleh Shahani said. "I can go visit my birth country, show my daughter where I was born and grew up."

Professor Persis Karim, who formerly led San Francisco State University's Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies, told Axios the Iranian American community has been divided over the war, reflecting decades of trauma tied to the 1979 Revolution, human rights abuses experienced under the Islamic Republic and fears about the consequences of war.

Many people "are so enraged, desperate and upset about the abuses of this regime that they feel anything is better," Karim said. "But … having watched the U.S. intervene in the Middle East over and over again, assassinating political leaders and not giving people the opportunity to determine their own future is a dangerous prospect."

She acknowledged differences in opinion but said it's false to suggest that if you don't support this war, you're "pro-regime."

Zoom in: While they feel fear for relatives' wellbeing and want the war to be as short as possible, Shahani told Axios that "it can't get worse" than what they've already endured, especially after thousands of protesters were killed during a crackdown in January.

"This is a window of opportunity to be able to change the regime and ... have a secular government with democracy [and] human rights for everyone, every ethnicity, every religion," she added.

Between the lines: Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince of Iran, has drawn support as a potential transitional leader if the Islamic Republic falls, according to Imani, Shahani and Setoodeh.

Some local Iranian Americans back other opposition movements, according to Hamid Azimi of the Iranian American Community of Northern California.

Yes, but: Those interviewed by Axios said the U.S. should not be involved in choosing Iran's next leader and that Iranians should make that call.

What's next: Local community members have held several rallies in San Francisco and other Bay Area cities since the war began and plan to continue doing so.

"The people in Iran, they gave their lives," Shahani said. "What we can do here is just be their voice. ... It's the least we can do."

Bay Area Iranian Americans weigh hope and fear as war continues

"The people in Iran, they gave their lives. What we can do here is just be their voice."

Illustration of the Iranian flag surrounded by torn green and red pieces of paper. 

For some Iranian Americans in the Bay Area, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="7d28c738-fa65-40da-9b7c-16b2ff7369d5" data-vars-headline="Bay Area Iranian Americans weigh hope and fear as war continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">the Iran war</a> now entering its third week has brought a mix of cautious optimism and anxiety for what could come next back home.The big picture: Opinions will inevitably vary within any diaspora, but local community members who spoke with Axios said they&#x27;re hopeful the U.S. intervention will be an opportunity to usher in a new age of democracy for their homeland, even as others worry the U.S. military&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="history of regime change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/16/iraq-politics-20-years-invasion" data-vars-content-id="7d28c738-fa65-40da-9b7c-16b2ff7369d5" data-vars-headline="Bay Area Iranian Americans weigh hope and fear as war continues" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/16/iraq-politics-20-years-invasion" target="_self">history of regime change</a> in the region could undermine meaningful reform.

The driver responsible for killing a family of four at a bus stop in West Portal two years ago was sentenced Friday — closing a case that left a neighborhood and family shattered.

State of play: 80-year-old driver Mary Fong Lau, who pleaded no contest to four counts of felony vehicular manslaughter, was sentenced to two years probation, 200 hours of community service and six days of jail time, per local news reports. 

Family members and a petition with more than 13,000 signatures had called for a harsher sentence, including permanently revoking Lau's license. 

Driver sentenced in West Portal crash that killed family of four

A judge issued probation and temporarily revoked the 80-year-old driver's license.

The driver responsible for killing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family of four" data-vars-click-url="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/18/crowd-mourns-family-members-killed-west-portal-crash/" data-vars-content-id="8f089736-1e74-4422-83bc-ad43a856cb9c" data-vars-headline="Driver sentenced in West Portal crash that killed family of four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/03/18/crowd-mourns-family-members-killed-west-portal-crash/" target="_blank">family of four</a> at a bus stop in West Portal two years ago was sentenced Friday — closing a case that left a neighborhood and family shattered.State of play: 80-year-old driver Mary Fong Lau, who pleaded no contest to four counts of felony vehicular manslaughter, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="was sentenced" data-vars-click-url="https://sfstandard.com/2026/03/20/mary-lau-sentenced-probation-west-portal-crash/" data-vars-content-id="8f089736-1e74-4422-83bc-ad43a856cb9c" data-vars-headline="Driver sentenced in West Portal crash that killed family of four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfstandard.com/2026/03/20/mary-lau-sentenced-probation-west-portal-crash/" target="_blank">was sentenced</a> to two years probation, 200 hours of community service and six days of jail time, per local news <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/mary-fong-lau-west-portal-family-crash-sentence-22080184.php" data-vars-content-id="8f089736-1e74-4422-83bc-ad43a856cb9c" data-vars-headline="Driver sentenced in West Portal crash that killed family of four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/mary-fong-lau-west-portal-family-crash-sentence-22080184.php" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Nadia Lopez

Featured stories

Driver sentenced in West Portal crash that killed family of four

Beloved night markets return to Castro, Cole Valley

César Chávez allegations spark reckoning over legacy in San Francisco

Where to get ice cream in San Francisco

Bay Area Iranian Americans weigh hope and fear as war continues