Local Icons
SF’s Beloved Albino Alligator Claude Passes Away
Goodbye, Local Icons, Museums / Cultural Institutions San Francisco is mourning a true local icon. Claude, the beloved albino alligator who greeted millions of visitors at the California Academy of Sciences, has passed away at the age of 30. Claude arrived from Louisiana in 2008 and quickly became the unofficial mascot of both the Academy and the city more...
SF’s Historic Cliff House Could Reopen in 2026 (After 5+ Years Closed)
Local Icons, Reopening, San Francisco San Francisco’s iconic Cliff House is one step closer to reclaiming its name and historic art deco sign after years of closures and disputes. Perched on a rugged Outer Richmond bluff overlooking Ocean Beach, the landmark restaurant has been shuttered since December 2020, but recent developments are offering hope to more...
Movies Return to the Castro Theatre in March 2026 (After 2 Years Closed!)
Local Icons, Reopening, San Francisco Big news for SF film lovers and everyone who missed the Castro: The Castro Theatre has just announced its first slate of upcoming movies after a 2-year break, marking the long-awaited return of film programming to San Francisco’s most beloved movie palace. After months of debate over whether the renovated venue more...
After 70 Years, Polk Street Icon Bob’s Donuts Closes Original Shop
Bay Area Updates, Eat & Drink, Local Icons, San Francisco It’s the end of an era for San Francisco donut lovers. After 70 years at 1621 Polk St., Bob’s Donuts is closing its original location and moving just down the street to a larger spot at 1720 Polk St. on November 23, 2025. Bob’s got its start in the 1950s when more...
SF Hosts Rare “Willie Mays” Museum for One Week Only (Until Sept. 27)
Local Icons, Museums / Cultural Institutions, Wow For one week only, fans can step inside a rare “pop-up museum” dedicated to the life and legacy of baseball legend Willie Mays. Nearly 450 items from Mays’ personal collection, including his two National League MVP awards, 1954 World Series ring, Gold Gloves, and even his high school diploma, are more...
SF’s 113-Year-Old Clay Theater to Return After 4 Year Closure
Local Icons, Reopening, San Francisco The historic Clay Theater at 2261 Fillmore Street is coming back to life. Closed since 2020, the 113-year-old single-screen cinema will be restored with 200 seats, upgraded sound and projection, and a refreshed lobby. Plans filed this week call for over 500 screenings a year, plus space for talks, community more...
Ultimate Guide to SF’s Grateful Dead Summer Takeover
Artsy Fartsy, Local Icons, San Francisco, Wow San Francisco is going full psychedelic to honor the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead, the iconic band born right here in 1965. In the lead-up to Dead & Company’s sold-out three-night run in Golden Gate Park (August 1-3), the city is paying tribute with art exhibits, live shows, and more...
SF’s Historic Golf Course Turns 100
Local Icons, San Francisco San Francisco’s TPC Harding Park Golf Course is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The city-owned public course, located along Lake Merced, has hosted major tournaments like the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2009 Presidents Cup. On July 18, the course will hold a centennial celebration with special giveaways for more...
Golden Gate Park Skate Plaza Renamed for Influential SF Skater
Local Icons, Outdoorsy, Parks & Beaches, San Francisco San Francisco’s Waller Street Skate Park has been officially renamed Zion Skate Plaza in honor of Zion Williams Gaines, a Bayview resident and influential figure in the local skateboarding community. Zion lost his vision as a teenager due to a gunshot wound but continued skating and mentoring others until his more...
SF’s 109-Year-Old Ghirardelli Clock Tower Is Back
Bay Area Updates, Local Icons, San Francisco After more than a year under scaffolding, the historic Ghirardelli Square clock tower has been fully restored and is once again visible from across San Francisco. The 109-year-old tower, built in 1916 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, underwent a major renovation that included a full roof more...
SF’s Iconic Rock ’n’ Roll Hotel Closing After Nearly 40 Years
Goodbye, Local Icons, Only in San Francisco, San Francisco Big news for longtime locals and lovers of San Francisco’s offbeat charm: the Phoenix Hotel — a retro Tenderloin gem with major rock history — is shutting down at the end of 2025. If you’ve lived in SF long enough, you probably know someone who’s got a Phoenix story. Maybe you more...
Grateful Dead’s 60th Anniversary: 3-Day Concert Coming to SF’s Golden Gate Park
Brand New, Local Icons, San Francisco Thanks to the San Francisco Chronicle for sharing the news that Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary concerts approved for Golden Gate Park. Get ready, Deadheads — the music is coming home. San Francisco just gave the green light for a massive 60th anniversary celebration for the Grateful Dead, and it’s happening right more...
Famous Bay Area Librarian Honored With His Own Library Card
Bay Area Favorites, Brand New, Local Icons Viral sensation Mychal Threets is a former Solano County librarian who rose to fame through his joyous posts about the library, sharing stories about positive library encounters, library kids, book recommendations and library joy. Now, the uplifting PBS Kids’ resident librarian, is getting his own library card. Thanks to SF Chronicle more...
SF’s Retro 24-Hour Diner Closes After 50 Years – Possibly Forever
Goodbye, Local Icons, San Francisco San Francisco’s veteran diner, Silver Crest Donut Shop, has been a staple in the Bernal Heights neighborhood for over 50 years. The retro diner, located at 340 Bayshore Blvd, serves up all day — and all night breakfast and more around the clock. The owners, George and Nina Giavris, have owned more...
Castro Theatre’s Iconic Neon Blade Sign & Marquee Official Relighting (June 19)
Local Icons, Reopening, San Francisco On June 19, 2024 celebrate the official re-lighting of the Castro Theatre’s iconic neon blade sign and marquee, as part of Another Planet Entertainment’s restoration and renovation efforts. On Wednesday, June 19 beginning at 7pm, Frameline48’s Juneteenth Opening Night Film and Block Party will coincide with the official re-lighting of the more...
