President Trump is dreaming of reopening Alcatraz as a prison, but making it happen could fare more like a nightmare with a really expensive price tag.

Why it matters: The project, which would heavily alter San Francisco's landscape and tourism economy, could face hurdles both in overhauling the site's crumbling infrastructure and clearing regulations.

Catch up quick: The 22-acre Alcatraz Island operated as a federal penitentiary until 1963, when the U.S. government determined that it'd cost more to maintain it than to build a new prison.

• The aging utility systems, lack of sewage treatment and decaying concrete all contributed to the decisionn, according to Alcatraz historian John Martini.

State of play: While the experts Axios spoke to declined to estimate the amount of money it'd take to reopen Alcatraz, all agreed that it'd be substantial.

• The current upkeep is "already horrendous," said Jolene Babyak, another Alcatraz historian who lived on the island as a child when her father worked as an administrator.
• Martini, who worked on Alcatraz as a park ranger, said the prison's physical condition is "deplorable" and has "so many structural problems."

Zoom in: Each cell is 5-by-9 feet, with infrastructure nowhere near current health codes and "grossly out of date by modern incarceration standards," Martini said, citing lack of rehabilitation and exercise facilities.

• They'd also have to transport fresh water, food and other supplies every day, establish a sewage removal process (it was dumped in the bay back in the day) and build new staffing facilities — all without tourism-generated revenue, Babyak commented.

Reality check: Even if the Trump administration managed to cover the funds, they'd still have to jump through hoops to make it happen.

• The Golden Gate Recreation Area, which includes Alcatraz, was established under the National Park Service via legislation in 1972.
• That means transferring ownership to the Bureau of Prisons could require congressional approval.
• California also has "specific procedures that all projects must undertake to change the character and use of a historic site," Diane Matsuda, president of San Francisco's Historic Preservation Commission, told Axios via email. "Alcatraz would not be an exception."

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Mother's Day is around the corner and we've got a few ideas on how to celebrate mom:

🚶‍♀️Spend some quality time together on an urban hike through Lands End, Mount Sutro or Glen Canyon.

🍽️ Treat her to a splurgy brunch at Octavia, Frances or Abaca.

👗 Attend a fashion show at Union Square, featuring live music, small bites and cocktails. From 1-4pm at 333 Post Street.

For some practical gift ideas, consider:

💆‍♀️ Self-care. Schedule a spa day at Pearl Spa, Kabuki Springs, Imperial Spa or a massage session at Wela Thai or SenSpa for optimal relaxation.

🧹 Some help. Hire a cleaning service or outsource dinner duties by ordering in via Caviar or Doordash.

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😢 The Sundown Cinema film series has been canceled due to layoffs and financial problems at the San Francisco Parks Alliance. (KQED)

🫡 The genetic testing company 23andMe will permanently close its San Francisco office on June 17 and lay off 250 employees following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing this year. (SF Chronicle)

⚖️ More than a dozen states joined California in suing the Tump administration over its decision to fire 10,000 employees at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (SF Standard)

All eyes were on the Golden State Valkyries last night — and they didn't disappoint.

Driving the news: In their inaugural game — a preseason match at a crowded Chase Center — the Valkyries nearly beat the Los Angeles Sparks despite trailing by as much as 14 points in the first half.

• The final score, 83-82, is a testament to head coach Natalie Nakase, who is also making history as the WNBA's first Asian American head coach, and says a lot about where the team is headed.

What they're saying: "I know the Bay is hungry for a women's team, so ... I understand high expectations with this team," head coach Natalie Nakase told Axios prior to the game.

• That passion for basketball becomes "electric" in the arena, said Nakase, referring to the crowd as "our sixth man on defense."

What's next: The Valkyries face the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena in Arizona for their second preseason game Sunday.

• Their home opener, also against the Sparks, is slated for 7pm on May 16 at the Chase Center. Tickets start at $88.

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If you're flying in the next few days or weeks, be prepared for potential long lines at the airport as TSA starts taking a closer look at IDs.

Driving the news: Wednesday is the first day a Real ID compliant license — or another acceptable document — is needed to board a commercial aircraft in the U.S.

State of play: A Real ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that meets federal security standards.

• In California, they are denoted by a yellow bear with a star in the top right corner.

Yes, but: There's no need to panic if you have a current U.S. passport, permanent resident card, military ID or DHS trusted traveler cards.

• Kristi Noem, head of Homeland Security, told a congressional panel yesterday that people whose ID doesn't meet the REAL ID law will still be allowed to fly but "may be diverted to a different line, have an extra step," the AP reported.

What's next: Some Bay Area DMV offices are opening an hour early for REAL ID appointments through June 27, including in Pleasanton and Fremont.

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