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San Francisco's newest trail spans 12 iconic park sites

News

A newly connected trail ties together many of the city&#x27;s best-known national park destinations into one continuous adventure.Why it matters: The route offers a new way to experience many of San Francisco&#x27;s iconic landscapes — not as separate stops, but as one trek across the city&#x27;s northern and western shoreline.

Adult summer camp craze takes off in California

These getaways promise unplugged weekends and the kind of friendships many people miss.

Summer camp isn&#x27;t just for kids anymore.The big picture: Adventure and connection seekers in California are increasingly signing up for grownup versions, complete with zip lines, campfires and speed-friending.

Why Harris' Restaurant remains one of San Francisco's best steakhouses

The pepper steak is everything you want in a hearty dinner.

Food and Drink

About once a month, I dine somewhere that feels frozen in time, where the food is only part of the draw and the experience is rooted in the charm of a bygone era.State of play: I recently landed at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Harris&#x27; Restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.harrisrestaurant.com/about" data-vars-content-id="cd39e6d8-7e19-4e37-a717-af490cba319a" data-vars-headline="Why Harris&#x27; Restaurant remains one of San Francisco&#x27;s best steakhouses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.harrisrestaurant.com/about" target="_blank">Harris&#x27; Restaurant</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longtime steakhouse" data-vars-click-url="https://sf.eater.com/dining-report/212259/harris-restaurant-review" data-vars-content-id="cd39e6d8-7e19-4e37-a717-af490cba319a" data-vars-headline="Why Harris&#x27; Restaurant remains one of San Francisco&#x27;s best steakhouses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sf.eater.com/dining-report/212259/harris-restaurant-review" target="_blank">longtime steakhouse</a> that&#x27;s been serving the city since 1984 (and before that, famously so as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Grison&#x27;s Steakhouse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Bob-Grison-Legendary-S-F-Restaurateur-2976855.php" data-vars-content-id="cd39e6d8-7e19-4e37-a717-af490cba319a" data-vars-headline="Why Harris&#x27; Restaurant remains one of San Francisco&#x27;s best steakhouses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Bob-Grison-Legendary-S-F-Restaurateur-2976855.php" target="_blank">Grison&#x27;s Steakhouse</a>).

San Francisco could create the nation's first city-run public bank

A ballot measure heads to voters this November.

San Francisco voters will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decide this November" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kqed.org/news/12058853/san-francisco-public-bank-supporters-eye-2026-ballot-measure" data-vars-content-id="4bbb262e-4e65-447e-b966-1931d7733989" data-vars-headline="San Francisco could create the nation&#x27;s first city-run public bank" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kqed.org/news/12058853/san-francisco-public-bank-supporters-eye-2026-ballot-measure" target="_blank">decide this November</a> whether the city should take the first step toward creating what could become the first city-run public bank in the nation.Why it matters: Supporters say a public bank could help finance affordable housing, small businesses and green infrastructure — projects that often struggle to get affordable loans from traditional banks.

California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities

Premiums have risen 84% since 2020, while more homeowners turn to FAIR Plan coverage.

The share of California homes insured through the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FAIR Plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cfpnet.com/" data-vars-content-id="8b5f86e8-6044-4d98-a7fc-1c3fe94e3ed7" data-vars-headline="California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cfpnet.com/" target="_blank">FAIR Plan</a> — a pricey insurer of last resort — has surged to roughly 5%, up from less than 2% in 2020, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Stanford study" data-vars-click-url="https://woods.stanford.edu/news/californias-home-insurance-crisis-spreading-beyond-wildfire-country" data-vars-content-id="8b5f86e8-6044-4d98-a7fc-1c3fe94e3ed7" data-vars-headline="California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://woods.stanford.edu/news/californias-home-insurance-crisis-spreading-beyond-wildfire-country" target="_blank">new Stanford study</a> released this week.Why it matters: The jump suggests <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California&#x27;s insurance crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-home-insurance-real-estate-crisis/" data-vars-content-id="8b5f86e8-6044-4d98-a7fc-1c3fe94e3ed7" data-vars-headline="California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-home-insurance-real-estate-crisis/" target="_blank">California&#x27;s insurance crisis</a> is spreading well <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beyond wildfire-prone communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2026-03-18/even-low-risk-homes-are-caught-up-in-californias-insurance-crisis" data-vars-content-id="8b5f86e8-6044-4d98-a7fc-1c3fe94e3ed7" data-vars-headline="California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2026-03-18/even-low-risk-homes-are-caught-up-in-californias-insurance-crisis" target="_blank">beyond wildfire-prone communities</a> as private insurers continue to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pull back coverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/01/14/california-fires-worsen-insurance-risk" data-vars-content-id="8b5f86e8-6044-4d98-a7fc-1c3fe94e3ed7" data-vars-headline="California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/01/14/california-fires-worsen-insurance-risk" target="_self">pull back coverage</a> and raise costs across the state.

California ranks No. 3 in U.S. data center boom

The state has hundreds of facilities, with dozens more planned.

California is among the top states — ranking at No. 3 — with the most data centers in the U.S., a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent Pew Research analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/45261770.62/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucGV3cmVzZWFyY2gub3JnL3Nob3J0LXJlYWRzLzIwMjYvMDQvMTMvbW9zdC1uZXctZGF0YS1jZW50ZXJzLWluLXRoZS11cy1hcmUtY29taW5nLXRvLXJ1cmFsLWFyZWFzLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B23a45919" data-vars-content-id="48a52c1a-fb56-43d2-afa4-06abc00c8314" data-vars-headline="California ranks No. 3 in U.S. data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/45261770.62/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucGV3cmVzZWFyY2gub3JnL3Nob3J0LXJlYWRzLzIwMjYvMDQvMTMvbW9zdC1uZXctZGF0YS1jZW50ZXJzLWluLXRoZS11cy1hcmUtY29taW5nLXRvLXJ1cmFsLWFyZWFzLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B23a45919" target="_self">recent Pew Research analysis</a> shows.<ul><li>There are currently 277 operating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2026/ca-data-center-map/" data-vars-content-id="48a52c1a-fb56-43d2-afa4-06abc00c8314" data-vars-headline="California ranks No. 3 in U.S. data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2026/ca-data-center-map/" target="_blank">data centers</a> in the state, with another 54 in development, bringing the total to 331.</li></ul>

Bay Area air ranks among worst in U.S. for health risks

A new report links Bay Area air to asthma and heart risks, even as some pollution levels improve.

Climate

Bay Area residents face elevated risks of asthma, heart disease and premature death as air pollution here remains among the worst in the U.S.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Air pollution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/08/28/study-tijuana-river-sewage-fuels-air-pollution-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="b5cb94d9-5a24-46f2-92a0-897454364a2b" data-vars-headline="Bay Area air ranks among worst in U.S. for health risks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/08/28/study-tijuana-river-sewage-fuels-air-pollution-san-diego" target="_self">Air pollution</a> threatens everyone&#x27;s health, but especially children, seniors and people with asthma or heart and lung conditions.

Why San Francisco gas prices could soar as high as $10 a gallon

Limited refinery capacity and global disruptions could push Bay Area gas prices higher.

If filling up your tank lately feels like a gut punch, you&#x27;re not alone. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/gas-prices-iran-war-4-dollars-gallon" data-vars-content-id="330d789d-e34a-4967-8848-982940365d4b" data-vars-headline="Why San Francisco gas prices could soar as high as $10 a gallon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/gas-prices-iran-war-4-dollars-gallon" target="_self">Gas prices</a> in San Francisco are soaring — fueled by a collision of global oil disruptions and local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="supply constraints" data-vars-click-url="https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/california-iran-oil-profit-spike/" data-vars-content-id="330d789d-e34a-4967-8848-982940365d4b" data-vars-headline="Why San Francisco gas prices could soar as high as $10 a gallon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/california-iran-oil-profit-spike/" target="_blank">supply constraints</a> that analysts warn could get worse.The big picture: Drivers across California are watching the cost of gas climb fast and at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some stations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gasbuddy.com/gaspricemap?fuel=1&amp;z=13&amp;lat=37.7717185&amp;lng=-122.4438929&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="330d789d-e34a-4967-8848-982940365d4b" data-vars-headline="Why San Francisco gas prices could soar as high as $10 a gallon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gasbuddy.com/gaspricemap?fuel=1&amp;z=13&amp;lat=37.7717185&amp;lng=-122.4438929&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">some stations</a> in San Francisco, they&#x27;re already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearing $7 a gallon" data-vars-click-url="https://sfstandard.com/2026/03/12/san-francisco-gas-prices-cheapest-station/" data-vars-content-id="330d789d-e34a-4967-8848-982940365d4b" data-vars-headline="Why San Francisco gas prices could soar as high as $10 a gallon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfstandard.com/2026/03/12/san-francisco-gas-prices-cheapest-station/" target="_blank">nearing $7 a gallon</a>.

Yosemite drops reservations amid mounting environmental, traffic concerns

The rollback follows a nationwide push to widen park access despite staffing losses.

Bay Area campers planning a trip to Yosemite National Park this summer may need to brace for bigger crowds — the park is scrapping its reservation requirement for 2026.Why it matters: The policy shift marks a departure from when timed-entry reservations were used to manage overcrowding at one of the nation&#x27;s most popular parks, known for its stunning waterfalls and granite cliffs.

Why PG&E's cheaper rates won't help many in San Francisco

Most San Francisco residents won't see savings — and grid costs are still rising.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pacific Gas &amp; Electric" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/12/california-utility-pge-to-pay-55-million-wildfires" data-vars-content-id="b9646fb8-9796-4ad8-94cf-9bdfced5c637" data-vars-headline="Why PG&amp;E&#x27;s cheaper rates won&#x27;t help many in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/12/california-utility-pge-to-pay-55-million-wildfires" target="_self">Pacific Gas &amp; Electric</a> announced lower electricity <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rates for 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGE-to-Lower-Electric-Prices-on-Jan--1-Fourth-Decrease-in-Two-Years/default.aspx" data-vars-content-id="b9646fb8-9796-4ad8-94cf-9bdfced5c637" data-vars-headline="Why PG&amp;E&#x27;s cheaper rates won&#x27;t help many in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGE-to-Lower-Electric-Prices-on-Jan--1-Fourth-Decrease-in-Two-Years/default.aspx" target="_blank">rates for 2026</a>, but San Francisco customers likely won&#x27;t see much difference on their utility bills, analysts say.The big picture: The 5% bill decrease applies to customers who buy power directly from the utility, but most San Franciscans get electricity from a city-run provider.

Bay Area braces for near-freezing temperatures

Temperatures could dip into the 30s with frost possible in parts of the Bay Area.

If you&#x27;re planning any outdoor activities in the next few days, you might want to layer up more than normal.The big picture: Most of the Bay Area is under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cold weather advisory" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MTR&amp;wwa=cold%20weather%20advisory" data-vars-content-id="b775ea2e-78e0-4be5-88ce-48620b0bce0d" data-vars-headline="Bay Area braces for near-freezing temperatures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MTR&amp;wwa=cold%20weather%20advisory" target="_blank">cold weather advisory</a> issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Temperatures could dip into the 30s in parts of San Francisco, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SFGATE notes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/bay-area-temperatures-freezing-21283541.php" data-vars-content-id="b775ea2e-78e0-4be5-88ce-48620b0bce0d" data-vars-headline="Bay Area braces for near-freezing temperatures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/bay-area-temperatures-freezing-21283541.php" target="_blank">SFGATE notes</a>.

Bay Area revives Clean Cars for All with $10 million boost

Low-income Bay Area residents can now get thousands toward an EV, zero‑emission motorcycle or e-bike.

A program designed to help Bay Area residents ditch their older, polluting vehicles in favor of zero-emission alternatives has been revived with $10 million in state and local funding.Why it matters: The Clean Cars for All relaunch offers a significant opportunity for low-income drivers to obtain an EV at a more affordable price.

California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide

Thousands of fires have burned more than 500,000 acres this year.

Environment

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wildfire season" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/41447270.80/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3BvcnRsYW5kL3dpbGRmaXJlcz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B818bb085" data-vars-content-id="458f9777-c186-4dcb-9d2a-3b4560c02ac9" data-vars-headline="California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/41447270.80/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3BvcnRsYW5kL3dpbGRmaXJlcz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B818bb085" target="_self">Wildfire season</a> is raging across much of California, with blazes closing off some national forests and prompting evacuations.State of play: 6,844 wildfires have burned across the state since January, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cal Fire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents" data-vars-content-id="458f9777-c186-4dcb-9d2a-3b4560c02ac9" data-vars-headline="California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents" target="_blank">Cal Fire</a>, with 517,341 acres burned so far this year — already half of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 1.1 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024" data-vars-content-id="458f9777-c186-4dcb-9d2a-3b4560c02ac9" data-vars-headline="California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024" target="_blank">nearly 1.1 million</a> acres scorched in 2024.

SF considers natural gas ban in major building revamps

Gas use in buildings makes up 44% of San Francisco's total carbon emissions.

San Francisco is moving to eliminate natural gas in buildings that undergo major revamps as part of a broader push to curb carbon emissions.Why it matters: San Francisco can&#x27;t meet its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2040 net-zero goal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfclimateplan.org/" data-vars-content-id="e4912c7f-556e-4511-b67b-215c59f48dcd" data-vars-headline="SF considers natural gas ban in major building revamps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfclimateplan.org/" target="_blank">2040 net-zero goal</a> without phasing out gas use in buildings, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accounts for 44%" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfenvironment.org/carbonfootprint" data-vars-content-id="e4912c7f-556e-4511-b67b-215c59f48dcd" data-vars-headline="SF considers natural gas ban in major building revamps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfenvironment.org/carbonfootprint" target="_blank">accounts for 44%</a> of the city&#x27;s carbon emissions.

Climate 🌿

Federal science cuts could threaten California wildfire forecasts

1 photo to go: Apocalyptic skies

California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities

California ranks No. 3 in U.S. data center boom

Bay Area air ranks among worst in U.S. for health risks