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Why San Francisco wouldn't be the same without its wild parrots

Here's how a flock of escaped parrots became woven into San Francisco's identity.

Culture

No one can fully agree on where San Francisco&#x27;s wild parrots came from, but decades after arriving, they&#x27;ve become one of the city&#x27;s most defining symbols.The big picture: The noisy green flock — now estimated to number<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" roughly 300 citywide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/mickaboo-nonprofit-parrot-san-francisco-20343267.php" data-vars-content-id="68c10649-cc87-4d57-98ed-2aa50bd9a388" data-vars-headline="Why San Francisco wouldn&#x27;t be the same without its wild parrots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/mickaboo-nonprofit-parrot-san-francisco-20343267.php" target="_blank"> roughly 300 citywide</a> — has been widely seen flying over Telegraph Hill, North Beach and the Embarcadero and is recognizable to almost any longtime local.

Another Friday, another SF news quiz

Think you know SF news? We'll be the judge of that.

News

Isn&#x27;t it weird when holiday-shortened work weeks still feel long? <ul><li>Maybe it&#x27;s just us. Either way, dive in to your SF news quiz below!</li></ul>

Where should San Francisco dogs roam off leash?

Some readers want stricter enforcement, while others say well-trained dogs deserve to run freely.

San Francisco&#x27;s famously dog-friendly culture is colliding with growing frustration over where dogs should roam freely.The big picture: We asked readers where they draw the line on off-leash dogs and the responses touched on everything from dog bites and leash etiquette to grocery stores and reactive pets.

How to crab in the San Francisco Bay

Here's where to catch crab before peak season fades.

Food and Drink

We&#x27;re lucky to live in a city where you can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="source local crab" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fishermanswharf.org/things-to-do/crab/" data-vars-content-id="570fbc0c-9f95-44fd-b03d-3143e5768646" data-vars-headline="How to crab in the San Francisco Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fishermanswharf.org/things-to-do/crab/" target="_blank">source local crab</a> directly from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fishermen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/13/fresh-dungeness-crabs-hit-fisherman-s-wharf" data-vars-content-id="570fbc0c-9f95-44fd-b03d-3143e5768646" data-vars-headline="How to crab in the San Francisco Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/13/fresh-dungeness-crabs-hit-fisherman-s-wharf" target="_self">fishermen</a>. But have you tried catching your own? The big crab picture: I&#x27;ve been crabbing a lot in Sausalito recently and caught several myself, which I&#x27;ve paired with a decadent hot butter sauce, linguine and a glass of crisp white wine — highly recommend. <ul><li>Don&#x27;t know where to start? Here&#x27;s an easy guide to follow before peak recreational crabbing season slows down at the end of June. </li></ul>

How to avoid Bay Area travel delays this 4th of July

A record-setting travel rush is coming. Here's how to dodge bottlenecks.

Record-breaking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July 4 travel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/28/july-fourth-travel-best-times" data-vars-content-id="328aa157-8a71-402f-bb07-e4dcab82bc27" data-vars-headline="How to avoid Bay Area travel delays this 4th of July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/28/july-fourth-travel-best-times" target="_self">July 4 travel</a> is expected to jam the Bay Area&#x27;s roadways and runways — so plan ahead.The big picture: Nationwide, more than 72 million people are expected to travel 50+ miles over the long Independence Day holiday, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/06/july4forecast/" data-vars-content-id="328aa157-8a71-402f-bb07-e4dcab82bc27" data-vars-headline="How to avoid Bay Area travel delays this 4th of July" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2025/06/july4forecast/" target="_blank">AAA</a> data for June 28–July 6.

When to travel over Memorial Day weekend in SF

Millions of Bay Area travelers are expected to take road trips.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day travel" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/39969093.100/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDUvMTIvbWVtb3JpYWwtZGF5LXRyYXZlbC1mb3JlY2FzdC1yZWNvcmQtYWFhP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323Bb2a3c9ad" data-vars-content-id="b1d8ab25-88be-4b2f-8b62-5dcfcb2902c1" data-vars-headline="When to travel over Memorial Day weekend in SF" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/39969093.100/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDUvMTIvbWVtb3JpYWwtZGF5LXRyYXZlbC1mb3JlY2FzdC1yZWNvcmQtYWFhP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323Bb2a3c9ad" target="_self">Memorial Day travel</a> is expected to break records this year nationwide and in the Bay Area.Why it matters: Roads and airports will likely be packed as locals leave town and visitors arrive to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.

Your guide to reservation-free camping around California

California has an abundance of first-come, first-serve sites, backpacking and dispersed camping options to choose from.

Things to Do

Finding a campsite in California during the late spring and summertime can be an uphill battle with reservations difficult to come by. Yes, but: While the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reservation system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/" data-vars-content-id="1437f2ff-ab1a-40a4-8011-2680173d0d2d" data-vars-headline="Your guide to reservation-free camping around California" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reservecalifornia.com/Web/" target="_blank">reservation system</a> can be tricky to navigate, the state has an abundance of first-come, first-serve sites, backpacking and dispersed camping options to choose from.

San Francisco airport's takeoffs and landings: A work of art

Check out this data visual display using flight tracking information from SFO.

San Francisco International Airport doesn&#x27;t just <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="display art" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/12/20/atlanta-airport-artwork-guide" data-vars-content-id="9f669b80-1e61-4ce7-930e-35589fb52f5a" data-vars-headline="San Francisco airport&#x27;s takeoffs and landings: A work of art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/12/20/atlanta-airport-artwork-guide" target="_self">display art</a>. It is art.Driving the news: James Reid, a 25-year-old software developer who lives southeast of England, turns flight tracking information into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data visual displays" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/heatmaphorizons/" data-vars-content-id="9f669b80-1e61-4ce7-930e-35589fb52f5a" data-vars-headline="San Francisco airport&#x27;s takeoffs and landings: A work of art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/heatmaphorizons/" target="_blank">data visual displays</a> of takeoffs and landings at major airports, including San Francisco&#x27;s.

The Bay Area's ongoing air traffic controller shortage

Our three largest airports — SFO, SJC and OAK — all failed to meet their staffing goals as of September 2023.

The Bay Area&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="air traffic control facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/10/air-traffic-controller-shortages" data-vars-content-id="4cf9f224-c3f2-4eed-ada9-b47bb390740f" data-vars-headline="The Bay Area&#x27;s ongoing air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/10/air-traffic-controller-shortages" target="_self">air traffic control facilities</a> are alarmingly understaffed, new data shows.Why it matters: January&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mid-air collision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/30/pilot-plane-crash-dc" data-vars-content-id="4cf9f224-c3f2-4eed-ada9-b47bb390740f" data-vars-headline="The Bay Area&#x27;s ongoing air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/30/pilot-plane-crash-dc" target="_self">mid-air collision</a> between a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter is bringing fresh attention to the staffing shortages, which are a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longstanding problem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/15/faa-safety-memo-near-disasters" data-vars-content-id="4cf9f224-c3f2-4eed-ada9-b47bb390740f" data-vars-headline="The Bay Area&#x27;s ongoing air traffic controller shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/15/faa-safety-memo-near-disasters" target="_self">longstanding problem</a>.

SFO is the third-costliest U.S. airport for domestic flights

Average domestic airfare out of San Francisco International ran $425 in the third quarter of 2024.

San Francisco International is the third-costliest U.S. airport to fly out of domestically, the latest Transportation Department data shows.Why it matters: Nothing beats the February blues like planning your summer travel — and being smart about which airports you use might help you save a buck.

Waymo expands to Daly City, Broadmoor and Colma

This marks the first time the robotaxi company will serve riders in the Peninsula.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/06/25/waymo-driverless-cars-service-san-francisco-residents" data-vars-content-id="1495c74a-c1d2-4a99-bfd3-a2dbf1df477d" data-vars-headline="Waymo expands to Daly City, Broadmoor and Colma" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/06/25/waymo-driverless-cars-service-san-francisco-residents" target="_self">Waymo</a> is expanding its robotaxi service area to include Daly City, Broadmoor and Colma, the company announced Tuesday.Why it matters: The expansion marks the first time the self-driving rideshare company will serve customers in the Peninsula.

"Dogs first" airline Bark Air is coming to the Bay

Service between the Bay and Chicago begins Oct. 17.

The boutique &quot;dogs first&quot; airline, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bark Air" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/24/bark-air-dogs-airline-charter-jet-pet" data-vars-content-id="6c315e90-f40d-4148-a949-41bf245eba4e" data-vars-headline="&quot;Dogs first&quot; airline Bark Air is coming to the Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/24/bark-air-dogs-airline-charter-jet-pet" target="_self">Bark Air</a>, is coming to the Bay Area.Why it matters: At a time when many dog owners are seeking full rights for their pets as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family members" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/25/dogs-restaurants-fda-cafes-outdoor-patio-service-therapy-pets" data-vars-content-id="6c315e90-f40d-4148-a949-41bf245eba4e" data-vars-headline="&quot;Dogs first&quot; airline Bark Air is coming to the Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/25/dogs-restaurants-fda-cafes-outdoor-patio-service-therapy-pets" target="_self">family members</a>, airlines are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cracking down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npr.org/2020/12/08/944128779/federal-government-cracks-down-on-emotional-support-animals-on-planes" data-vars-content-id="6c315e90-f40d-4148-a949-41bf245eba4e" data-vars-headline="&quot;Dogs first&quot; airline Bark Air is coming to the Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npr.org/2020/12/08/944128779/federal-government-cracks-down-on-emotional-support-animals-on-planes" target="_blank">cracking down</a> on their rules for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="emotional support animals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/03/25/covid-pandemic-dogs-emotional-support" data-vars-content-id="6c315e90-f40d-4148-a949-41bf245eba4e" data-vars-headline="&quot;Dogs first&quot; airline Bark Air is coming to the Bay" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/03/25/covid-pandemic-dogs-emotional-support" target="_self">emotional support animals</a>.

Expect a busy Memorial Day travel weekend

San Francisco International Airport forecasts about 147,000 passengers to travel through the airport on Friday.

Travel

The summer travel season begins in earnest on Friday, so if you&#x27;re among the millions hitting the road or skies for Memorial Day weekend, plan accordingly.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Francisco International Airport forecasts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.flysfo.com/about/media/press-releases/summer-travel-season-ready-takeoff-sfo" data-vars-content-id="ec995a72-a627-4644-a413-f0aeb6eb0ed8" data-vars-headline="Expect a busy Memorial Day travel weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.flysfo.com/about/media/press-releases/summer-travel-season-ready-takeoff-sfo" target="_blank">San Francisco International Airport forecasts</a> about 147,000 passengers to travel through the airport on Friday.

420 travel: San Francisco's ranking for weed-friendly rentals

An average night at a 420-friendly stay in San Francisco comes out to about $246.

U.S. cities that blazed the marijuana legalization trail now have a high concentration of 420-friendly vacation rentals, a new study shows.Why it matters: Cannabis-cations are one piece of the growing multibillion-dollar <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weed economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/05/legalized-marijuana-pot-coresight-research" data-vars-content-id="cfb9c691-4bb1-4759-bc17-b478efdd2726" data-vars-headline="420 travel: San Francisco&#x27;s ranking for weed-friendly rentals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/05/legalized-marijuana-pot-coresight-research" target="_self">weed economy</a>.

Travel

SFO expects another packed summer travel season

Best and worst times for Thanksgiving traffic

How to avoid Bay Area travel delays this 4th of July

When to travel over Memorial Day weekend in SF

Your guide to reservation-free camping around California