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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.

Newsom signs law allowing denser housing near transit stops

The newly signed law could dramatically alter urban landscapes.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Friday to allow <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="denser housing development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/06/04/california-housing-politics-yimby-wiener-senate" data-vars-content-id="af3913b8-9147-4160-b01b-2a27f156db9a" data-vars-headline="Newsom signs law allowing denser housing near transit stops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/06/04/california-housing-politics-yimby-wiener-senate" target="_self">denser housing development</a> around transit hubs in California.Why it matters: It marks the state&#x27;s most significant attempt to supercharge homebuilding and could dramatically alter urban landscapes.

Lurie's family zoning plan advances amid rising tensions

Opponents cite concerns over tenant protections and affordability.

San Francisco&#x27;s Planning Commission voted Thursday night to advance Mayor Daniel Lurie&#x27;s contentious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family zoning plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/08/sf-major-zoning-overhaul-housing-shortage-solution" data-vars-content-id="ac2bae55-91a0-483a-aa4c-1ac10fd72d0e" data-vars-headline="Lurie&#x27;s family zoning plan advances amid rising tensions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/08/sf-major-zoning-overhaul-housing-shortage-solution" target="_self">family zoning plan</a> by a 4-3 vote after a marathon 10-hour meeting.The big picture: Tensions over the proposal, which would enable roughly 36,000 new housing units by allowing new building heights and other changes, are expected to heat up as the Board of Supervisors is now set to take up the measure.

Older Bay Area renters surge amid housing squeeze

Renters 65 or older are growing fast, driven by rising rents and stagnant incomes.

More older adults in the Bay Area are renting — and fast.Why it matters: Rising rents and stagnant incomes are squeezing senior renters, and it&#x27;s likely to continue as our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aging population increases rapidly" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/07/09/sf-metro-bay-area-65-plus-population-growth-aging-healthcare" data-vars-content-id="6cc90574-a8ab-49b1-aceb-05fb162958f6" data-vars-headline="Older Bay Area renters surge amid housing squeeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/07/09/sf-metro-bay-area-65-plus-population-growth-aging-healthcare" target="_self">aging population increases rapidly</a>.

"Hidden" homeowner costs in California top $32K a year

A new report shows California's homeowners face massive costs beyond their mortgages.

Homeowners in California spend an average of $32,262 a year on upkeep and other &quot;hidden expenses&quot; — the second highest amount nationally, according to a Bankrate study.Why it matters: Overlooked costs, beyond <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mortgage payments" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/40707597.111691/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDYvMDMvaG9tZXMtYnV5ZXJzLXNlbGxlcnMtcmVkZmluP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY2hpY2FnbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B7d463fb7" data-vars-content-id="1156ac13-328b-443c-90bf-523b1825f04c" data-vars-headline="&quot;Hidden&quot; homeowner costs in California top $32K a year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/40707597.111691/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDYvMDMvaG9tZXMtYnV5ZXJzLXNlbGxlcnMtcmVkZmluP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfY2hpY2FnbyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B7d463fb7" target="_self">mortgage payments</a>, can surprise unprepared homeowners.

Multifamily housing permits drop below pandemic levels

Many projects remain on hold amid cost and financing constraints, experts say.

Permits for multifamily housing in San Francisco have dropped below pre-pandemic and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/covid-home-prices-trends" data-vars-content-id="3d530e03-58af-42b5-9abc-9025a74d566f" data-vars-headline="Multifamily housing permits drop below pandemic levels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/covid-home-prices-trends" target="_self">pandemic</a>-era levels, even as rent continues its upward trend, Redfin data shows.Why it matters: Demand for multifamily units has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ticked up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.connectcre.com/stories/san-francisco-multifamily-where-the-demand-drivers-are/" data-vars-content-id="3d530e03-58af-42b5-9abc-9025a74d566f" data-vars-headline="Multifamily housing permits drop below pandemic levels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.connectcre.com/stories/san-francisco-multifamily-where-the-demand-drivers-are/" target="_blank">ticked up</a> in recent months due to the growth of AI companies, yet many projects remain on hold amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost and financing constraints" data-vars-click-url="https://ipgsf.com/san-francisco-multifamily-market-q1-2025/" data-vars-content-id="3d530e03-58af-42b5-9abc-9025a74d566f" data-vars-headline="Multifamily housing permits drop below pandemic levels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ipgsf.com/san-francisco-multifamily-market-q1-2025/" target="_blank">cost and financing constraints</a>, experts say.

California rolls back environmental law to expedite housing

New exemptions to a major environmental law "will unambiguously reduce the time frame" for development, experts say.

California is rolling back environmental regulations for some construction projects after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law this week ending strict review for many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new developments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/real-estate" data-vars-content-id="c0113226-4f0a-4177-80d3-88f24bac61ac" data-vars-headline="California rolls back environmental law to expedite housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/real-estate" target="_self">new developments</a>.Why it matters: The move could cut down planning and zoning timelines in cities that desperately need more housing.

SF could add more than 61,000 housing units by converting vacant offices

The city ranks second in the nation for "office-to-housing conversion potential," a new study finds.

San Francisco&#x27;s empty offices could produce over 61,000 housing units without new construction, a new analysis finds.Why it matters: While our office vacancy rate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has declined" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/03/03/bay-area-office-leasing-activity" data-vars-content-id="ba6855b3-b1a0-40a8-85fe-d7d96c27a476" data-vars-headline="SF could add more than 61,000 housing units by converting vacant offices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/03/03/bay-area-office-leasing-activity" target="_self">has declined</a> since the pandemic, remote and hybrid work have left hundreds of thousands of square feet unused, even as the Bay Area&#x27;s housing shortage persists.

San Francisco sees drop in wealthy renters

About 10% of San Francisco renters in 2023 made more than $268,894 a year, per Redfin data.

Just 10% of San Francisco renters in 2023 were wealthy, down 1.5 percentage points from 2019, per a Redfin analysis of the latest Census Bureau data.Why it matters: Rich <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="renters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/05/home-buy-rent-income-needed" data-vars-content-id="c740741f-d5c5-43a1-8410-10197562106e" data-vars-headline="San Francisco sees drop in wealthy renters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/05/home-buy-rent-income-needed" target="_self">renters</a> are on the rise in 35 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros, the real estate site <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/rich-renters-2025/" data-vars-content-id="c740741f-d5c5-43a1-8410-10197562106e" data-vars-headline="San Francisco sees drop in wealthy renters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/rich-renters-2025/" target="_blank">reports</a>.

Gen Zers aren't buying homes in SF

More Gen Zers are looking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="break into" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/14/first-time-homebuyer" data-vars-content-id="cc5e06e5-a0c3-48e8-959e-36a5c27f305a" data-vars-headline="Gen Zers aren&#x27;t buying homes in SF" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/14/first-time-homebuyer" target="_self">break into</a> the home market — but not in San Francisco, new data shows.Why it matters: High housing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/covid-home-prices-trends" data-vars-content-id="cc5e06e5-a0c3-48e8-959e-36a5c27f305a" data-vars-headline="Gen Zers aren&#x27;t buying homes in SF" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/10/covid-home-prices-trends" target="_self">costs</a> and a supply crunch have made it harder, especially for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="younger people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/04/home-buyer-age-older" data-vars-content-id="cc5e06e5-a0c3-48e8-959e-36a5c27f305a" data-vars-headline="Gen Zers aren&#x27;t buying homes in SF" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/04/home-buyer-age-older" target="_self">younger people</a>, to become homeowners, even as Gen Zers are expected to make up a bigger piece of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homebuying" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/11/affordable-housing-crisis" data-vars-content-id="cc5e06e5-a0c3-48e8-959e-36a5c27f305a" data-vars-headline="Gen Zers aren&#x27;t buying homes in SF" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/11/affordable-housing-crisis" target="_self">homebuying</a> pie as they get older.

San Francisco home prices climb nearly 8%

Home prices climbed in every one of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas in December from a year earlier.

Real Estate

The San Francisco metro area&#x27;s median home sale price rose 7.7% in December compared to the prior year, according to Redfin data.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Home prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/18/income-needed-for-home-six-figures" data-vars-content-id="50f157e5-aae8-4a7e-8711-ca456d1df580" data-vars-headline="San Francisco home prices climb nearly 8%" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/18/income-needed-for-home-six-figures" target="_self">Home prices</a> climbed in every one of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas in December from a year earlier — a first since May 2022, per Redfin&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/home-prices-rise-every-metro/" data-vars-content-id="50f157e5-aae8-4a7e-8711-ca456d1df580" data-vars-headline="San Francisco home prices climb nearly 8%" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/home-prices-rise-every-metro/" target="_blank">analysis</a>.

Real Estate 🏠

Newsom signs law allowing denser housing near transit stops

Lurie's family zoning plan advances amid rising tensions

Older Bay Area renters surge amid housing squeeze

"Hidden" homeowner costs in California top $32K a year

Multifamily housing permits drop below pandemic levels