Your trusted source for local San Francisco, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A group of activists, known as the SF Bay Area Bench Collective, installed unauthorized benches at several San Francisco Muni stops over the weekend. The benches, aimed at improving public transit conditions, may face removal by city officials despite serving a public good. The collective has previously installed benches in the East Bay and seeks to address the lack of seating at Muni stops.
Activist Edward Hasbrouck reflects on his journey from a travel enthusiast to an environmental advocate, highlighting significant historical events during his travels in 1989. He expresses concerns about air travel in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and its environmental impact. Hasbrouck emphasizes the importance of local activism and sustainable living in his current work.
Local contractor Kevin Born plans to open Maze SF, a luxury gay bathhouse in San Francisco's SoMa district, following a recent law change. The upscale establishment aims to offer a modern experience, contrasting with traditional bathhouses, and will feature amenities akin to high-end spas. Born, who identifies as straight, sees a business opportunity in the untapped market for queer bathhouses in the city.
The city has fenced off the Vaillancourt Fountain in Embarcadero Plaza, declaring it hazardous to the public. An architectural report cites structural issues, including cracks and missing supports, prompting concerns over safety. The fate of the 54-year-old fountain now rests with the SF Arts Commission.
Delfina restaurant in San Francisco's Mission District closed for the night due to a planned protest against ICE activities nearby. The owner, Craig Stoll, prioritized the safety of his staff amid the ongoing demonstrations. Meanwhile, local tracking indicates approximately 20 ICE arrests have occurred in the city during a recent crackdown.
Unpermitted vendors and drug users overwhelmed Mission Street in San Francisco on Sunday, contrasting sharply with the previous day's pedestrian-friendly environment. The presence of drug paraphernalia alongside merchandise indicated an ongoing struggle with street safety and cleanliness. Mayor Daniel Lurie's focus on the 16th Street transit corridor faces challenges as city resources appear insufficient.
The four-month pilot of the Sixth Street triage center, which provided services for homelessness and drug addiction, ended on June 9, 2025. The site will transition into a supervised outdoor space, while neighborhood street teams will now handle outreach and support services. Mayor Daniel Lurie reported over 3,200 health connections made at the center, with street teams achieving greater success in shelter placements.
A protest in San Francisco turned violent, resulting in 60 arrests and injuries to three officers. The demonstration, which drew around 400 people in solidarity with Los Angeles protesters, escalated after police declared an unlawful assembly due to vandalism and violence. Mayor Daniel Lurie condemned the violence while emphasizing the right to peaceful protest.
A one-car crash at the border of the Portola and Bayview neighborhoods killed a man in his 30s and seriously injured his dog. The driver lost control of his white Dodge Challenger, flipping the vehicle shortly before noon on Saturday. First responders found the driver deceased upon arrival, while the dog received medical attention.
A medical emergency halted service on BART's Richmond-Millbrae line after a person was reportedly struck by a train at North Berkeley Station around 10 am Monday. The station closed shortly after the incident as emergency crews responded, and Red Line service resumed by 10:54 am, causing delays across the system.