Though I generally go into screenings with an open mind, I remain wary of tripe and crass, blatantly commercial fodder for the sake of big box-office receipts. So when I saw the title Disconnect and realized the movie was an ensemble drama about the impact and the dehumanizing, d... Read More
One of the laziest and most clichéd phrases in business is when something is called a “win-win solution.” With that caveat, we have a problem in this town that can be solved by investment in lots of new multifamily housing units and produce (ugh) a win-win for everyo... Read More
As many of you may be aware, Chief Greg Suhr is an avid proponent of community engagement, especially any community engagement or activity involving kids. The chief’s belief and mine as well is that the more engaging and involved the Police Department can be with our youth,... Read More
The iconoclastic writer-director-actor Shane Carruth seems determined to do it his way, starting with his stunning, complex, and provocative debut in 2004, Primer. It was a mega-low-budget science-fiction film about four suburban computer engineers and entrepreneurs who inadverte... Read More
The Polk Polka In “Polk Street Latest Site for Parking, Biker Clash” (News, April 2013), I seemed to be one opponent in a boxing ring, so I’d like to restate that I speak for the majority who are deeply offended by this debate’s corrosive “Us versus ... Read More
Over on the waterfront, celebrity chef Michael Chiarello (Bottega) has opened Coqueta (Pier 5, 415-704-8866), his Spanish project in the former Lafitte. The 84-seat space features an open kitchen, a rustic-chic look (complete with cowhide rugs), views of the water, and an outdoor... Read More
While the sign still hangs in front of the Marina staple, La Barca, the longtime Mexican restaurant is no more. Instead the space on Lombard Street is home to Stock in Trade, a brand-new tavern with seating for 140 that opened in February. And, on a recent Friday night, every cor... Read More
Walking through the grocery store or browsing restaurant menus, you see more and more references to “dairy-free” and “gluten-free.” True food allergies occur in an estimated 3 to 4 percent of adults and 6 to 8 percent of children, but sensitivities to food... Read More
If the decorating fore-casts are accurate, this year’s most stylish homes will be down-to-earth yet high impact. Modern yet vintage. And green in more ways than one. The new trends, including everything from eye-popping paint colors to homespun furniture and accessories, wi... Read More
When people at Miami cocktail parties learned that John Englander was writing a book about sea level rise, many people took him aside and quietly asked him a question. “If I sell my oceanfront property in a decade will I be O.K.?” The answer is that nobody knows when ... Read More
Its all quiet on the bay as we head into what’s being billed as the “Summer of Racing” with the America’s Cup scheduled for July 4 through Sept. 21. The AC World Series has just wrapped up its second season in Naples, Italy, and while Oracle Team USA’... Read More
The next time you catch yourself longing for Hawaii, consider Big Sur as a local quick fix. Sure, you won’t find hula dancers and mai tais, but you will de-stress, breathe soothing air, and stand humbled by nature’s more majestic side. PLAY The breathtaking drive into... Read More
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and with a little preparation and planning, this can be a spectacular day for the special mother in your life. Whether this is your first Mother’s Day as a mom or you are fortunate to celebrate multiple generations of mothers, ... Read More
The humble deviled egg is enjoying quite a renaissance these days, finding itself on trendy restaurant menus across the country. I have fond memories of my mother’s classic version — mayo, a little mustard, a little Worcestershire sauce, and some cracked pepper — and wh... Read More
It is believed that the month of May was named for the Greek goddess of spring and growth, Maia, who was the mother of Hermes, the gods’ winged messenger. How appropriate, as we celebrate Mother’s Day this month. May is also an ideal spring month to start work in the ... Read More
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For the past few years, due to professional and personal considerations, this dedicated San Francisco resident has had the distinct pleasure of splitting his time between the City by the Bay and the City of the Angels (and Angles, as I like to say). Pleasure? Los Angeles? Indeed.... Read More
As a native New Yorker who has lived here for almost a decade, it still amazes me how San Francisco’s nightlife comes to a screeching halt at 2 a.m. At even the liveliest establishments, at precisely 2:01, if not earlier, there are no more drinks to be had. No more music. T... Read More
“Poetry must be made by all and not by one.” — Comte de Lautréamont The ripple effect of an influential life creates plot developments to rival the greatest novels. In his new autobiography, I Dreamed I Was A Very Clean Tramp, singer, songwriter, musician, publishe... Read More
Books Inc. hardcover best-seller list LEAN IN: WOMEN, WORK, AND THE WILL TO LEAD, by Sheryl Sandberg WILD, by Cheryl Strayed IT’S ALL GOOD: DELICIOUS, EASY RECIPES THAT WILL MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD AND FEEL GREAT, by Gwyneth Paltrow BEAUTIFUL RUINS: A NOVEL (P.S.), by Jess Walt... Read More
It looks like an attic, it smells like an attic, but is it living space, too? In San Francisco this is the great unknown. During the past month, I had two clients seriously considering upper condos that included the attics. Here are two statements that were part of the listing in... Read More
Some people lose hearts here, but recently, I found my mind. Can you hear Tony Bennett crooning that as you read? I discovered it in a small room on Divisadero Street. I completed a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction class at Osher Center. I am now a mindfulness junkie. Based on ... Read More
What: Roederer Estate Brut Rosé, $28 Why: A gorgeous salmon pink hue greets you, bursting with robust, tiny bubbles. Aromas of dried roses, citrus, late summer strawberry, peach, and cherry translate to the tongue. Fresh almond and minerality intertwining with yeasty, honeyed no... Read More
Here in my car I feel safest of all I can lock all my doors It’s the only way to live In cars — “Cars,” by Gary Numan Skylar Grey slept all the way home. She was exhausted from being spayed that morning, but it still seemed strange to me how comfortable she wa... Read More
Mother’s Day is a rare holiday that is celebrated worldwide but was begun here in the United States. Almost uniquely, it is a major American holiday creation that does not involve overeating or exploding things. How did that happen? Its roots are intertwined with the women&... Read More
May brings spring flowers, and also the annual San Francisco Small Business Week. While National Small Business Week does not begin until June, here in the City where we love our unique neighborhoods and celebrate diversity, we jump the gun with the nation’s largest celebra... Read More
Sometimes the best time to visit a winter resort is in the summer when hiking and different outdoor entertainment abound. In Park City, Utah we found warm days, beautiful terrain, gorgeous sunsets, and great fun. It’s less than two hours by plane from San Francisco to Salt ... Read More
The crimes below are a small snapshot of what the officers of Northern Station are doing. For a more comprehensive list, visit www.sf-police.org; under Compstat, there is a link to CrimeMAPS. THE JUMPER’S FIVE MINUTES Friday, March 1, 6:04 p.m. 2200 block of Van Ness A stor... Read More
Concern over plans by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to make major changes to Polk Street has stepped up, with more meetings, petitions, and community organizing taking place to sway opinions in the neighborhood and among city leadership. SFMTA is plann... Read More
Public art seems to invoke deep feelings in, well, the public. Whether museumgoer, art-lover or not, everyone generally has something to say about public art — they either love it or hate it. Beginning May 22, there will be even more to talk about when a yearlong exhibition of ... Read More
As chair of San Francisco’s Budget and Finance Committee this year, I have welcomed the opportunity to dig deeper into our City’s fiscal condition and financial well-being. My goal as budget chair is to be as open and transparent as possible – these are your dollars... Read More
It’s always a pleasure to write about friends, and that’s what I’m doing in this column — friends like John Coppola, Bernard Quintana and Fook Fook. I’m also taking this opportunity to display my cranky side. See below in Changing with the Times and New ... Read More
It was a beautiful Opening Day at AT&T Park. The Giants and their fans celebrated their victorious 2012 season and the echoes of the 2010 championship. A group of players raised the new championship flag. One at a time, as each basked in extended cheering, coaches and players... Read More
