San Francisco

blue

Axios San Francisco Partners

San Francisco Alerts

Alert

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting San Francisco.

Axios San Francisco Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Get smarter, faster on what matters in San Francisco with Nadia Lopez and Shawna Chen.

Axios San Francisco

Standard

San Francisco Members

Membership

F1 cars to roar down Marina Boulevard this Saturday

The demonstration will feature Oracle Red Bull Racing reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda.

News

Don&#x27;t be surprised if you see — or hear — some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Formula 1 cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/23/axios-house-davos-2026-racing-regulation-formulaone-redbull-carlyle" data-vars-content-id="f4e26a41-14d1-48cf-b7cb-9eef17a28dcc" data-vars-headline="F1 cars to roar down Marina Boulevard this Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/23/axios-house-davos-2026-racing-regulation-formulaone-redbull-carlyle" target="_self">Formula 1 cars</a> racing across Marina Boulevard this weekend.Driving the news: Red Bull, the energy drink company known for its extreme sports series, is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Formula 1 demonstration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-showrun-san-fran" data-vars-content-id="f4e26a41-14d1-48cf-b7cb-9eef17a28dcc" data-vars-headline="F1 cars to roar down Marina Boulevard this Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-showrun-san-fran" target="_blank">Formula 1 demonstration</a> on Saturday that guarantees you&#x27;ll feel the adrenaline up close.

SF Zoo names Cassandra Costello CEO after turbulent stretch

The nearly 100-year-old zoo intends to boost animal care, conservation and public trust.

The San Francisco Zoo named Cassandra Costello as its new CEO on Wednesday, ending a six-month interim period following the retirement of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="embattled longtime director" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-ceo-tanya-peterson-20406340.php" data-vars-content-id="29f10f61-769c-4688-bf82-4b5af6376d69" data-vars-headline="SF Zoo names Cassandra Costello CEO after turbulent stretch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-ceo-tanya-peterson-20406340.php" target="_blank">embattled longtime director</a>.Why it matters: Costello inherits an institution still working to repair its reputation and operations. The zoo has faced years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public scrutiny and turmoil" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-city-criticism-20354057.php" data-vars-content-id="29f10f61-769c-4688-bf82-4b5af6376d69" data-vars-headline="SF Zoo names Cassandra Costello CEO after turbulent stretch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-city-criticism-20354057.php" target="_blank">public scrutiny and turmoil</a> over its management, making her appointment a pivotal moment for the nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100-year-old institution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfzoo.org/the-history-of-the-san-francisco-zoo/" data-vars-content-id="29f10f61-769c-4688-bf82-4b5af6376d69" data-vars-headline="SF Zoo names Cassandra Costello CEO after turbulent stretch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfzoo.org/the-history-of-the-san-francisco-zoo/" target="_blank">100-year-old institution</a>.

How much Californian families spend on health care

Premiums and deductibles now take a significant share of median family income.

Health insurance costs ate up 11% of median family income in California in 2024, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="428c78af-8894-4176-9ca9-bba4c3d7548b" data-vars-headline="How much Californian families spend on health care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" target="_blank">analysis</a>. Why it matters: The findings show how tough it can be to afford health care, even with insurance, for many of the estimated 167 million Americans who get coverage through an employer.

Alysa Liu's journey from Oakland ice to Olympic gold

Fans are calling for the Bay Area to host a parade for the 20-year-old skater after her gold medal win in Milan.

Sports

The Bay Area erupted in raucous cheers this week after hometown hero Alysa Liu ended a 24-year U.S. drought in women&#x27;s figure skating at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milan Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" data-vars-content-id="9538a457-a674-4ff7-b1fd-8882e4b52fde" data-vars-headline="Alysa Liu&#x27;s journey from Oakland ice to Olympic gold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" target="_self">Milan Olympics</a>.Why it matters: Liu, a Richmond native who grew up skating in Oakland and San Francisco, is bringing home gold as the first American Olympic champion since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

Meet the Bay Area's new boba bot

A new robot kiosk in Millbrae serves customizable boba drinks in just a few minutes.

A new robot in Millbrae is pouring boba around the clock — no human required.The big picture: The machine, a product of the Hayward-based company Yo-Kai Express, debuted earlier this month at its first public location in the Bay Area, offering a glimpse at how automation could reshape one of the region&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most beloved beverages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/28/taiwanese-food-book-bay-area" data-vars-content-id="a1ff6766-d90c-4888-bf64-f1f565fc7bcb" data-vars-headline="Meet the Bay Area&#x27;s new boba bot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/08/28/taiwanese-food-book-bay-area" target="_self">most beloved beverages</a>.

Your guide to Lunar New Year events in SF

From lion dances to night markets, here's where to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lunar New Year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/chinese-jewish-hindu-cultural-holiday-dates" data-vars-content-id="2ac0c100-f815-4728-b81e-c28fce5de9a5" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Lunar New Year events in SF" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/chinese-jewish-hindu-cultural-holiday-dates" target="_self">Lunar New Year</a> kicks off Tuesday, and San Francisco is ushering in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Year of the Fire Horse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/fire-horse-meaning-astrology" data-vars-content-id="2ac0c100-f815-4728-b81e-c28fce5de9a5" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Lunar New Year events in SF" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/fire-horse-meaning-astrology" target="_self">Year of the Fire Horse</a> in myriad ways this month.Why it matters: The cultural holiday is one of the biggest annual celebrations in San Francisco.

Trick Dog's newest menu captures soul of San Francisco

Local photographers inspired 16 new cocktails that double as a love letter to San Francisco.

Trick Dog, a Mission bar known for its unique seasonal cocktail menus, has launched its newest iteration called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Meet Me In The City" data-vars-click-url="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/68d2c91fab34665ce537ae21/t/6973b6de93911c7e5533e535/1769191134686/Meet+Me+in+the+City+Trick+Dog+v42+REFERENCE.pdf" data-vars-content-id="b48529a7-d453-490b-993e-daf39d2e9827" data-vars-headline="Trick Dog&#x27;s newest menu captures soul of San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/68d2c91fab34665ce537ae21/t/6973b6de93911c7e5533e535/1769191134686/Meet+Me+in+the+City+Trick+Dog+v42+REFERENCE.pdf" target="_blank">Meet Me In The City</a>,&quot; which doubles as a photography book spotlighting intimate portraits of San Francisco.Why it matters: The latest menu reframes San Francisco through the eyes of local photographers who have spent decades capturing what makes the city special.

The Super Bowl's most outrageous eats

From crab "potachos" to a $180 burger, Levi's Stadium's Super Bowl menu goes big and local.

Food and Drink

Levi&#x27;s Stadium in Santa Clara will be serving up a menu that reads like a love letter to the Bay Area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for those lucky enough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/super-bowl-lx-ticket-price-trends-tick-pick" data-vars-content-id="b4dc9ab0-9780-483e-8e7b-3112941470cc" data-vars-headline="The Super Bowl&#x27;s most outrageous eats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/03/super-bowl-lx-ticket-price-trends-tick-pick" target="_self">for those lucky enough</a> to attend the Super Bowl this Sunday.The big picture: Fans can expect classic concession fare with regional influences celebrating seafood and fresh ingredients, and dishes that nod to our diverse food scene.

Our favorite Super Bowl recipes

From guac to ribs, these tried-and-true dishes will be a hit at your watch party.

Super Bowl

From zesty guacamole to slow-cooked pot roast, these are the Super Bowl dishes our team swears by, because we care about the snacks as much as the score.

Why we love Thanh Long's famous garlic noodles

The longtime Vietnamese restaurant invented the iconic dish in 1979.

It&#x27;s officially crab season, but that wouldn&#x27;t mean much without one unassuming restaurant that gave rise to a quintessential fusion dish.Why it matters: In a city that prides itself on its culinary diversity, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thanh Long" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thanhlongsf.com/" data-vars-content-id="7996428a-f3cc-407b-9956-2a6c516e57ca" data-vars-headline="Why we love Thanh Long&#x27;s famous garlic noodles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thanhlongsf.com/" target="_blank">Thanh Long</a> stands out as a foundational San Francisco restaurant that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continues to influence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTlQaPhkkzu/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="7996428a-f3cc-407b-9956-2a6c516e57ca" data-vars-headline="Why we love Thanh Long&#x27;s famous garlic noodles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTlQaPhkkzu/?hl=en" target="_blank">continues to influence</a> the food scene today.

Potrero Hill's Thee Parkside announces official closure

The longtime punk venue's closure marks another blow to the city's music scene.

Well, it&#x27;s official. What we most feared is coming true — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thee Parkside" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theeparkside.com/" data-vars-content-id="f852e75f-4973-4c42-bfaa-c9634e6ad950" data-vars-headline="Potrero Hill&#x27;s Thee Parkside announces official closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theeparkside.com/" target="_blank">Thee Parkside</a> is closing, for good.Why it matters: For decades, this gritty Potrero Hill dive bar and venue has been the place to catch live punk, metal and indie music. <ul><li>Its closure is a major blow to a neighborhood already bracing for the loss of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bottom of the Hill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/03/sf-music-venues-closing-bottom-of-the-hill-2026" data-vars-content-id="f852e75f-4973-4c42-bfaa-c9634e6ad950" data-vars-headline="Potrero Hill&#x27;s Thee Parkside announces official closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/03/sf-music-venues-closing-bottom-of-the-hill-2026" target="_self">Bottom of the Hill</a>.</li><li>Thee Parkside is slated to be replaced by &quot;a buncha condos,&quot; according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an Instagram post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUENKejEiXI/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="f852e75f-4973-4c42-bfaa-c9634e6ad950" data-vars-headline="Potrero Hill&#x27;s Thee Parkside announces official closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUENKejEiXI/?hl=en" target="_blank">an Instagram post</a> from the bar&#x27;s account Wednesday.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;We can sit at the bar and talk about how this city is becoming so homogenized and soul-less,&quot; the Thee Parkside crew wrote in the post. &quot;We can reminisce and pet dogs and eat tater tots and we can plan for the revolution.&quot;Between the lines: If this series of events sounds like déjà vu, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that&#x27;s because it is" data-vars-click-url="https://brokeassstuart.com/p/former-hemlock-tavern-now-cutting-edge-new-private-event-space" data-vars-content-id="f852e75f-4973-4c42-bfaa-c9634e6ad950" data-vars-headline="Potrero Hill&#x27;s Thee Parkside announces official closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brokeassstuart.com/p/former-hemlock-tavern-now-cutting-edge-new-private-event-space" target="_blank">that&#x27;s because it is</a>. <ul><li>Thee Parkside becomes the latest SF staple to make way for new development.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Wall with framed posters and photos of musicians and bands, a red counter below, a sign saying &quot;WE SELL BEER &amp; WINE TO GO&quot; in red and black letters on a white background." height="3213" id="7a9d24c9-e33b-4ccc-867c-26cc900776ce" src="https://images.axios.com/FqDlJjQ_rpRhqJOS_njyUySFxgQ=/2026/01/30/1769731366067.jpeg" width="5712" srcset="https://images.axios.com/5ns_O9b9syrwBeAXgNPseTb6S2Y=/0x0:5712x3213/1920x1080/2026/01/30/1769731366067.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/qCr_FZFUTeG1d_I4ON5yokZKcIY=/0x0:5712x3213/1600x900/2026/01/30/1769731366067.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/gDoso5LhwJoc8pBhEdj0KXH0exo=/0x0:5712x3213/1366x768/2026/01/30/1769731366067.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/cRaW0lcpcSJkTH6bREiazMuqrYA=/0x0:5712x3213/1024x576/2026/01/30/1769731366067.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/4Yp9TJ3-FeA4rWEtHiKfxC9z4qQ=/0x0:5712x3213/768x432/2026/01/30/1769731366067.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/xAkSUoFj4AZeXXdtHYUUORdadi0=/0x0:5712x3213/640x360/2026/01/30/1769731366067.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/Up4vY6eep7Ez50BzmXd3RvndsDI=/0x0:5712x3213/320x180/2026/01/30/1769731366067.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>Another piece of the city&#x27;s soul is lost. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios</figcaption></figure>Catch up quick: Thee Parkside owner Malia Spanyol — who&#x27;s been keeping the joint <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="running for years" data-vars-click-url="https://missionlocal.org/2023/01/sf-gets-mother-femme-centric-queer-bar/" data-vars-content-id="f852e75f-4973-4c42-bfaa-c9634e6ad950" data-vars-headline="Potrero Hill&#x27;s Thee Parkside announces official closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://missionlocal.org/2023/01/sf-gets-mother-femme-centric-queer-bar/" target="_blank">running for years</a> — attempted to buy the building after the owner died last year, but was outbid by a developer who swooped in with a nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.33 million offer" data-vars-click-url="https://missionlocal.org/2025/08/sf-punk-rock-thee-parkside-may-close-new-landlord/" data-vars-content-id="f852e75f-4973-4c42-bfaa-c9634e6ad950" data-vars-headline="Potrero Hill&#x27;s Thee Parkside announces official closure" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://missionlocal.org/2025/08/sf-punk-rock-thee-parkside-may-close-new-landlord/" target="_blank">$1.33 million offer</a>. <ul><li>&quot;This neighborhood will be pretty boring with both us and Bottom Of The Hill gone, but I feel like we&#x27;re just one more small business dying in this city: The culture, the &#x27;weirdos&#x27;, the arts, the working class are all going to be gone,&quot; the crew wrote in their post, in which a man is seen graffitiing the phrase &quot;This will be condos you can&#x27;t afford.&quot;</li><li> &quot;The third spaces that once thrived will be replaced with bland and expensive corporations or will sit vacant,&quot; they wrote. </li></ul><figure><img alt="Graffiti on a white cinder block wall with teal trim reads in red and black spray paint: &quot;THIS WILL BE CONDOS YOU CAN&#x27;T AFFORD!&quot;" height="2268" id="54354615-8e3b-494b-9bdd-a242c74d1d91" src="https://images.axios.com/CVfnoME3_kCtmfMFSds9mkD5F2U=/2026/01/29/1769731113014.jpeg" width="4032" srcset="https://images.axios.com/mpDte7alau-2mbMnkXNMmSPICKg=/0x0:4032x2268/1920x1080/2026/01/29/1769731113014.jpeg?w=1920 1920w, https://images.axios.com/rUF_DnvHp5wpll1AxirYxcT4ds4=/0x0:4032x2268/1600x900/2026/01/29/1769731113014.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https://images.axios.com/bydefUan9OmMklgFsUbRKJ4C0WI=/0x0:4032x2268/1366x768/2026/01/29/1769731113014.jpeg?w=1366 1366w, https://images.axios.com/UA0iEIsE0-5rPdtexMMw7SFHw10=/0x0:4032x2268/1024x576/2026/01/29/1769731113014.jpeg?w=1024 1024w, https://images.axios.com/3juU4NlhhSMgptMLMmVURjHpEmA=/0x0:4032x2268/768x432/2026/01/29/1769731113014.jpeg?w=768 768w, https://images.axios.com/3-vkjlKizZ7GFsRGVU5fhamJmQ8=/0x0:4032x2268/640x360/2026/01/29/1769731113014.jpeg?w=640 640w, https://images.axios.com/JF3ExbYICA1Bs1g_98NGJlO1LY4=/0x0:4032x2268/320x180/2026/01/29/1769731113014.jpeg?w=320 320w"/><figcaption>RIP. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios</figcaption></figure>What&#x27;s next: The exact closing date remains unclear. <ul><li>Live music will end in late March, after which the space will operate as a bar for a short time. </li></ul>If you go: Stop by before they&#x27;re gone for good at 1600 17th St. Open daily, hours vary.

Trends shaping San Francisco's dining scene this year

Nostalgia, comfort and value will define the city's dining scene this year.

The biggest food trends shaping San Francisco&#x27;s dining scene this year are heavy on nostalgia, comfort and value. <ul><li>Here&#x27;s what local chefs and restaurant owners told Axios about what&#x27;s driving the shift.</li></ul>

Girl Scout cookies hit the shelves: Vote for SF's favorite

Online orders are open now. Bay Area troops begin in-person cookie sales on Feb. 4.

It&#x27;s officially <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Girl Scout cookie season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/girl-scout-cookies-exploremores-cookie" data-vars-content-id="e79648d1-a2df-4790-879e-f01caffc0c98" data-vars-headline="Girl Scout cookies hit the shelves: Vote for SF&#x27;s favorite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/06/girl-scout-cookies-exploremores-cookie" target="_self">Girl Scout cookie season</a>, and we want to know which flavor you&#x27;re most excited to stock your pantry (or freezer) with.Driving the news: Girl Scouts of Northern California started taking online orders this week. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Local troops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gsnorcal.org/en/programs/cookies/ilovecookies.html" data-vars-content-id="e79648d1-a2df-4790-879e-f01caffc0c98" data-vars-headline="Girl Scout cookies hit the shelves: Vote for SF&#x27;s favorite" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gsnorcal.org/en/programs/cookies/ilovecookies.html" target="_blank">Local troops</a> will begin selling and delivering at in-person booths on Feb. 4.

Where to sip standout mocktails

Your Dry January cheat sheet for the best booze-free drinks in town.

With young people <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly bucking alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/30/teenage-drug-alcohol-use-declines" data-vars-content-id="149540a9-8c0a-41a1-92bc-660401309279" data-vars-headline="Where to sip standout mocktails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/30/teenage-drug-alcohol-use-declines" target="_self">increasingly bucking alcohol</a>, the mocktail scene in San Francisco feels like it&#x27;s growing faster than ever.The big picture: If you&#x27;re committed to Dry January (and maybe beyond), here are some bars and restaurants to check out.

Food and Drink 🍽

Meet the Bay Area's new boba bot

Your guide to Lunar New Year events in SF

Trick Dog's newest menu captures soul of San Francisco

The Super Bowl's most outrageous eats

Our favorite Super Bowl recipes