Bay Area Updates
San Francisco Zoo’s Beloved Gorilla “Zura” Died at 39
Bay Area Updates, Goodbye The San Francisco Zoo shared some sad news on November 20th. One of their gorgeous Western lowland gorillas had died. Named “Zura,” she was a 39-year-old gorilla that had been at the zoo since 1982 and lived in the Jones Family Gorilla Preserve, one of the largest and most exceptional habitats more...
SF’s Ferris Wheel Shuts Down Again
Bay Area Updates, Reopening, What's Closed / What's Open After sitting unused for 7+ months, then being open for about a month, Skystar will need to shut down starting Sunday, November 29th as part of San Francisco’s move to the Purple tier which means that attractions like ferris wheels must close. The SkyStar Observation Wheel features 36 fully enclosed, climate-controlled more...
SF’s Major Museums Closing Down Again
Bay Area Updates, Museums / Cultural Institutions, Reopening, What's Closed / What's Open Now that San Francisco has moved into the “purple” tier, the state mandates that all indoor museums shut down. So far the SFMOMA, Asian Art Museum, Legion of Honor and de Young have all announced on Saturday afternoon that they are temporarily closing down again starting November 29th. We expect many more...
H&M Closes Its Massive Union Square Store
Bay Area Updates, Goodbye, What's Closed / What's Open San Francisco has lost another major retailer in its downtown Union Square shopping district due to the ongoing pandemic. SFGate has reported that Swedish fast fashion brand H&M has permanently closed its West Coast flagship store in downtown San Francisco. The massive 35,000 sqft two-story shop opened in 2005 on Powell Street. more...
Celebrity Chef Martin Yan’s M.Y. China Closes SF Restaurant
Bay Area Updates, Goodbye, Only in San Francisco, What's Closed / What's Open Thanks to Eater for breaking the news that unfortunately M.Y. China has permanently closed its doors due to the ongoing pandemic. Celebrity Chef Martin Yan, who you might remember as host of the ’80s cooking show Yan Can Cook and also more recently an Iron Chef judge, opened his signature restaurant more...
SF’s Massive Ferris Wheel Opens Today (Oct. 21)
Bay Area Updates, What's Closed / What's Open After sitting unused for 7+ months, a new 150-foot illuminated Observation Wheel in Golden Gate Park will be ready to ride starting Wednesday, October 21. The wheel, which provides riders with sweeping views from the ocean to downtown San Francisco, celebrates Golden Gate Park’s 150th anniversary. Hours: Bookings for Skystar can more...
Tacolicious Closes North Beach & San Jose Restaurants
Bay Area Updates, Eat & Drink, Goodbye, What's Closed / What's Open Thanks to SFist for announcing the unfortunate news that the Bay Area is losing two outposts of the popular small taco chain Tacolicious. Due to the ongoing pandemic and economic slowdown, they’re saying goodbye to their North Beach location, which slanged tacos for the past 7 years. They’re also closing the more...
Caltrain’s Holiday Train Cancelled for 2020
Bay Area Updates Caltrain announced today that the 2020 Holiday Train is officially cancelled. The agency decided that the longstanding holiday tradition, which typically occurs during the first weekend in December, could not safely be held in the midst of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Holiday Train began in 2002, bringing a decorated show more...
$1 Ferry Rides in SF: “Dollar Days on The Bay”
Bay Area Updates, Brand New, Cheap Tips, Deals, Travel San Francisco Bay Ferry wants to thank essential workers and welcome new riders on board with $1 fares through the months of November and December. UPDATE: The $1 ferry ride promotion unfortunately ended early on November 30th Current Destinations / Schedules They are currently running only weekday ferry service. Vallejo to SF Ferry Bldg. more...
Goodbye to Berkeley’s Historic Albatross Pub
Bay Area Updates, Goodbye, What's Closed / What's Open Sadly, after nearly 60 years in Berkeley, Albatross Pub is closing its doors on November 30, 2020. After shutting its doors in March, without a kitchen or an outdoor patio, the eclectic, cavernous pub on San Pablo Ave has remained closed ever since. From its beginnings as a small beer & wine more...
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Closes Again
Bay Area Updates, What's Closed / What's Open Unfortunately, as of November 11, Boardwalk rides and mini golf are now closed again due to Santa Cruz County re-entering the “Red” Tier. Outdoor games, shopping, and the new “Boardwalk Racers” pedal karts remain open. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, California’s oldest amusement park (est. 1907), was the first theme park in the more...
SF Moves Homeless Out of Hotels & Into Permanent Housing
Bay Area Updates, City Insight, Getting Help, Only in San Francisco San Francisco initiates first phase of its plan to eventually move 2,300 people out of hotels and into stable housing solutions, ensuring that people exit into stability and not the street. San Francisco’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) and non-profit partner agencies have begun a concerted effort to identify more...
New Parking Meter Pilot Program Coming to SF
Bay Area Updates, Brand New, Only in San Francisco Beginning Monday, Nov. 9, the SFMTA will test pay-by-license-plate system at existing parking meters on Indiana Street in the Dogpatch area. Drivers who pay at the meter will enter their license plate number instead of their parking space number. It is hoped that the new system can allow the City to more...
Oakland’s Kamala Harris is Vice President-Elect
Bay Area Updates, Election Now that the Associated Press and most major news outlets have projected that Joe Biden as won the presidency, Oakland native, former Alameda County and San Francisco District Attorney and current U.S. Senator from California, Kamala Harris is now the Vice-President-Elect. WATCH SF CELEBRATE LIVE Watch San Francisco & Oakland street celebrations more...
Castro Theatre’s Iconic Sign Lights Up Again
Bay Area Updates, Only in San Francisco Many locals may have noticed that Castro Theatre’s iconic sign had been dark for many months. The historic theater had shuttered their doors and turned off their marquee and blade sign in mid-March. However, thanks to SFGate for letting us know that the Castro’s signature sign is back, for now. Thanks to more...
