On a recent Saturday, I departed my Russian Hill apartment and moseyed on down to Cheese Plus at Polk and Pacific, where I could grab a fresh Acme Bakery mini-baguette as part of ... Read More
The California summer conundrum is in effect on the coast — and on display in the two cities I call home. Only one of them seems to regularly embody the “hot town” o... Read More
As much as I glory in the unique experience of a transcendent concert by accomplished musicians, there is also something special about hitting the right dance club when the disk j... Read More
I wear a beret . . . frequently. In addition to it being somewhat stylish (in a Euro/Boho way), it’s more than a vain affectation or silly gimmick for me. Years ago, I realized ... Read More
The first time I saw San Francisco was when I emerged from the Waldo Tunnel (now known as the Robin Williams Tunnel) going south on Route 101. It was a late afternoon in mid-Septe... Read More
By now, the story of P-22 — the mountain lion also known as the Hollywood Cat — has spread far and wide, especially since his demise in mid-December. This cool cougar’s fame... Read More
“Don’t look back. Something might be gaining on you.” I generally abide by that quote, which is attributed to the savvy Negro League and Major League Baseball pi... Read More
On the road from San Francisco to Los Angeles a few weeks back, I spotted something that still seems almost alien to me after my decades as an urban Californian: Snow. There it wa... Read More
Tales of rock gods, running, and even a murderworld known as San Francisco are all told in these books. Despite years and years of cranking out countless column inches and pont... Read More
The phrase, “a cruel joke,” always comes to mind when I think of pranks. And I generally think of pranks every October—specifically on the evening of October 30. That’s th... Read More
Like many of my fellow humanoids, I enact my share of rituals. They don’t particularly reflect anything of a sacred nature. Frankly, they’re usually of the tedious str... Read More
Those who know me — or even perfect strangers who are Marina Times readers — probably understand why this column is called “The Coastal Commuter.” And if I don’t... Read More
Despite the current price of gasoline making my frequent commute from San Francisco to Los Angeles a bank-breaking proposition, living part-time in Southern California has its adv... Read More
Bonding can be joyful. It can be gratifying. It can also be a source of relief. And I’m not talking about the satisfaction one feels when the superglue dries and that which ... Read More
Desperation can make ordinary people do extraordinary things. And if you’re desperate for something to eat, you might sate your hunger any way you can. Even if you’re supe... Read More