San Francisco’s oldest paperback bookstore: City Lights
City Lights is more than a bookstore; It’s become a haven for readers and thinkers in San Francisco.
On a routine walk from his Mission Street studio to his home in North Beach, Lawrence Ferlinghetti had a meet-cute that would change the landscape of American literature. It was on Columbus Avenue that he crossed paths with Peter Martin, the editor of a culture magazine named after Charlie Chaplin’s iconic film, City Lights. This small meeting would soon sprout into a revolutionary idea: The country’s first all-paperback bookstore.
Read our historical jaunt into City Lights Bookstore by Alec Scott
Are escape rooms still exciting?
At Palace Games in San Francisco, every escape room guarantees success, with themes inspired by historical events. These larger-than-life experiences we see repeated in companies the world over; You’re not just breaking out of prison anymore, you’re saving the world. One top escape room in Spain, for example, takes players through an expansive, neon-soaked cyberpunk city, replete with killer robots and seedy ramen shops. Another has you getting out of a coffin.
Read the latest by Jan Chong
Remembering Willie Mays: A giant among Giants
Baseball legend Willie Mays died on Tuesday at his home in Palo Alto at the age of 93. He’d been battling a long illness, and his passing was peaceful, surrounded by family and close friends. His death marks the end of an era. We remember him for his extraordinary talent on the field, but also as a cherished community figure, known for his generosity, mentorship to young players, and his significant impact on the game of baseball.
The Castro Theatre sign is finally back with us
It’s been a long road to get here. After months of anticipation and extensive restoration work, the Castro Theatre’s iconic neon sign is finally lighting up the night again.
Hundreds of people mobbed Castro Street for the grand reveal last night during a Juneteenth block party that also kicked off the Frameline Film Festival, our annual celebration of LGBTQ+ cinema. There was much to cheer about, with drag laureate D’Arcy Drollinger leading the ceremonial re-lighting of our beloved marquee, while feathered queens in showgirl ensembles stood overhead.
Read the latest by Saul Sugarman; For some historical context, read Donna Sachet’s essay on why updating the Castro Theatre mattered to her
What we’re doing this week
Pride NightLife at Cal Academy
Celebrate love, equality, and self-expression at the California Academy of Sciences’ special adults-only, after-hours event. Enjoy performances from Oaklash Festival artists, delectable food and beverages, and artisanal cocktails. This event is part of San Francisco’s Pride weekend festivities.
When: June 27, 2024, 6:00 PM — 10:00 PM
Where: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA
Frameline Film Festival
Frameline — the world’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival — returns with a lineup of compelling films that explore queer stories from around the globe.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see thought-provoking documentaries, shorts, and feature films. This festival is a cornerstone of queer culture in San Francisco, featuring panel discussions and special guest appearances.
When: June 19–29, 2024
Where: Various locations — see details
Trans March
Celebrate and support the transgender community at the annual Trans March. Starting with a rally at Dolores Park, this empowering event includes speeches, performances, and a march through the streets of San Francisco. The event is known for its vibrant atmosphere and strong community spirit.
When: June 28, 2024
Where: Dolores Park to Civic Center
The actual Pride Parade
The crown jewel of Pride Month, the SF Pride Parade will take over Market Street on Sunday, June 30th. Expect dazzling floats, lively music, and a sea of rainbow colors. The celebration at Civic Center Plaza continues the festivities with live performances, food vendors, and community booths. This year’s theme focuses on unity and resilience, promising an unforgettable experience.
When: June 30, 2024
Where: Market Street to Civic Center Plaza
There are a few more Pride opportunities this week in our guide.
What’s on our mind
We keep content mostly fun and light at The Bold Italic, but the future of the Bay Area interests us, too. Here’s what we are thinking about in local news. Brought to you by GrowSF.
A new hope for sober living in San Francisco
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F04dd156d-0d57-4aad-bd36-5e3d97b047b3_800x600.jpeg)
A new ordinance could soon require that 25 percent of all supportive housing units be drug-free in San Francisco. Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman are championing this cause after a deadly year of overdoses in the city.
This is important because there are far too few options available today for people trying to get sober. This legislation doesn’t mandate that all people in supporting housing have to be sober, it just gives them the opportunity to choose sober housing.
According to Randy Shaw, executive director of the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, 71% of the roughly 450 tenants who responded to a recent survey said they would prefer drug-free housing.
— Sam Mondros for The Standard
Donate to The Bold Italic today
The Bold Italic publishes first-person stories on topics that are on the brains and lips of San Franciscans. We’re a hub for conversations to be heard and discussed, and we celebrate all that’s great about living in San Francisco and the Bay Area. We hope our continuing conversation will get you thinking, talking, and inspiring you to share your opinions with us on living in San Francisco.
You can help us celebrate our home by making a tax-deductible donation through our Flipcause page. We can also take stock, and Donor Advised Fund donations. We are partnered with Independent Arts & Media, a 501(c)(3).
The Bold Italic is brought to you by GrowSF and edited by Saul Sugarman. Send us a pitch, a question, comment, or advertise with us: info@thebolditalic.com