Last weekend looked like TikTok-famous 2024 aliens had ditched the cornfields in 2025 to gentrify Ocean Beach — upgrading the coarse, unkempt sand with sprawling geometric patterns. Spirals, peace signs, and sunrays stretched across the shore, anchored by a simple message: “Be Kind.” Beachgoers wove through the designs, careful but inevitably disruptive, because this was art meant to be temporary.

Read the latest by Courtney Muro

Forgive me, Father, for I have served a look

San Francisco’s most glamorous excuse to drink in a cathedral returned with a masquerade theme, a million-dollar fundraiser, and a photobooth that captured just how committed we all were to the bit. From couture moments to an after-after-party detour that left us wildly overdressed in a dive bar, Carnivale at Grace Cathedral delivered faith, fashion, and a little bit of sin.

Read the latest by Saul Sugarman

How Boudin Bakery baked its way through history

San Francisco’s got a long history of reinvention, but one thing that hasn’t changed? The city’s love for Boudin’s sourdough. In this historical jaunt, we dig into how a scrappy Gold Rush-era bakery survived earthquakes, corporate takeovers, and shifting food trends—all while sticking to its old-school fermentation process.

Read the latest by Alec Scott

What we’re doing this week

Game Developers Conference returns

The Game Developers Conference is the world's premier event for professionals in the game industry, bringing together programmers, artists, producers, game designers, audio professionals, and business leaders. This five-day conference offers a comprehensive schedule of lectures, panels, and roundtable discussions covering topics such as programming, design, audio, production, business, and management.

In addition to the educational sessions, GDC features the GDC Expo, where companies showcase the latest game development tools, platforms, and services. Attendees can also look forward to the Independent Games Festival and the Game Developers Choice Awards, celebrating innovation and excellence in game development.

WHEN: March 17–21, 2025
WHERE: Moscone Center, 747 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Details and tickets

Israel Philharmonic returns to Davies

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is scheduled to perform at Davies Symphony Hall on Sunday, with a program that includes Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5: one of his most well-known and emotionally charged symphonies, composed in 1888. A pre-concert benefit will be available the same night, with cocktails and dinner at 5:30 PM, followed by the concert and a post-concert dessert reception with Maestro Shani and IPO musicians.

WHEN: Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM, with a pre-concert benefit at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA

Details and tickets

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.

We want you! Join GrowSF Talent

We’re excited to launch GrowSF Talent, a new initiative that helps talented, passionate San Franciscans participate in local government. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, join a Commission, or even run for office, we’ll help you navigate the process and find the right role where your skills and expertise can make a difference.

Every great city is built by the people who show up. Safer roads, better housing policies, thriving small businesses — all made possible by our San Francisco electeds and residents like you.

San Francisco needs leaders like you. Join GrowSF Talent today.

Subscribe to GrowSF

GrowSF stepped in two years ago to keep The Bold Italic thriving, because celebrating San Francisco’s arts, culture, and civic life matters. As its owner and funder, GrowSF makes this coverage possible. For sharp political news and election picks, read our newsletter and subscribe today.

Read the GrowSF newsletter

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

People talk about Mission Bay like it’s not a real neighborhood. Just a sterile expanse of glassy biotech buildings and aggressively modern condos — and sure, there’s a lot of that. Sometimes you get the sense that the whole thing was generated by an AI trained on phrases like “urban renewal” and “mixed-use development.”

But then I remember that Mission Bay isn’t actually soulless — it’s just playing hard to get. You come for overpriced coffee but stay for the spontaneous outdoor concert. This is where sports fans, tech bros, and lost tourists somehow coexist in the same park, and where you might accidentally end up in a giant Jenga showdown at Spark Social.

Mission Bay reminds me I don’t need centuries of history to love a neighborhood—I just need it to surprise me every once in a while.

Read the latest by Courtney Muro

My favorite way to bike in Golden Gate Park

Biking through Golden Gate Park is one of San Francisco’s greatest joys— no stress, just miles of open road, scenic views, and maybe even a surprise bison sighting. This guide takes you through the park’s best cycling routes, from the breezy ride west to the ocean to the steady climb back east, with stops for coffee, museums, and roller discos along the way. Whether you're here for the workout, the adventure, or just an excuse to avoid real life for an hour, this is the ultimate two-wheeled escape.

Read the latest by Laura Stein

Raymonda wants love and a career — SF Ballet gives her both

Raymonda is a 19th-century prima ballerina in a world of men, but now she’s holding all the cards: She can marry Harry, mess around with Ike, and be Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. At least, that’s Creative Director Tamara Rojo’s take for San Francisco Ballet. Her reimagined take on this ballet swaps medieval knights for wartime ambition. Raymonda is no longer just the prize in a love triangle—now, she balances romance with the desire for something more.

Read the latest by Saul Sugarman

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.

22 city departments defy budget cut order

San Francisco’s looming $800M budget deficit requires that every City department cut expenses by roughly 15%. But 22 departments have defied this order and some are even doing the opposite by requesting more money instead.

The City’s full budget proposal comes out in June, with the Board of Supervisors set to vote on it in July. We’re sure there will be more drama to come!

Subscribe to GrowSF

GrowSF stepped in two years ago to keep The Bold Italic thriving, because celebrating San Francisco’s arts, culture, and civic life matters. As its owner and funder, GrowSF makes this coverage possible. For sharp political news and election picks, read our newsletter and subscribe today.

Read the GrowSF newsletter

What we’re doing this week

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

San Francisco’s 174th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns with a mix of decorated floats, Irish dancers, and community groups. This year’s theme, “The Immigrant’s Story,” recognizes the role of immigrants in shaping San Francisco’s history. Grand Marshal Mark Gorman will lead the procession, which brings a blend of tradition and city pride.

While there won’t be a post-parade festival this year, the event remains one of the city’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day traditions. Expect plenty of music, bagpipes, and crowds decked out in green.

WHEN: Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11:30 AM.
WHERE: The parade kicks off at 2nd and Market Streets, moving down Market to Civic Center Plaza

More details

Pi Day at Exploratorium

The Exploratorium’s Pi Day Celebration marks its 38th year on Friday, March 14, 2025, blending math with a bit of fun in honor of 3.14. The event includes hands-on π-themed activities, a Pi Parade at 1:59 PM, and the tradition of free pie slices—this year, even Moon Pies make an appearance. Expect costumes, science demos, and a lively brass band leading the parade.

WHERE: Exploratorium, Pier 15
WHEN: Friday, March 14, 2025, from 11 AM–3 PM (included with museum admission)

More details

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

San Francisco’s Chinatown is a living, breathing experience, wrapped in the scent of fresh pastries, the clatter of mahjong tiles, and the hum of a city within a city. A stop at AA Bakery and Cafe means buttery egg tarts straight from the oven, a quiet seat among Cantonese chatter, and a reminder that some things here never change. Wandering Stockton Street brings memories of childhood shopping trips, where live crabs scrambled in bins and Sundays meant navigating the organized chaos of produce vendors.

From dim sum haunts to late-night karaoke at Bow Bow Lounge, from mural-lined alleyways to historic tea shops, Chinatown is a place to return to, time and time again.

Read the latest by Vita Hewitt

How Lunar New Year at SF Symphony set the tone for 2025

Between an LED-lit dragon weaving through the concert hall, an electric performance by Wu Man, and Mayor Daniel Lurie’s rallying words about San Francisco’s resilience, the night was already packed with spectacle.

Read the latest by Saul Sugarman

SF Oasis brings back ‘Fresh Prince’— and yes, there’s a Carlton dance

When I heard that Oasis brought their production of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air back by popular demand, I had an out-of-body experience and found myself on their doorstep for opening night. It was the draw of the “Carlton Dance” — always and forever. What can I say? I am a product of my generation. Few shows hold a place in the hearts of Gen Xers and Millennials more than The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. And Oasis knows exactly how to tap into that nostalgia while making it feel, well, fresh.

Read the latest by Vita Hewitt

What we’re doing this week

David Bowie dance party at Cat Club

Celebrate the iconic sounds of David Bowie at the Cat Club's "LET'S DANCE" party. Join fellow fans on Friday, March 7, 2025, for a night filled with Bowie's greatest hits and the music of artists he inspired. With two dance floors, four DJs, and Bowie-themed karaoke in the front room, this event promises an unforgettable experience. Doors open at 9 PM, and the party continues until 2 AM. Tickets are available for $11.33.

WHEN: Friday, March 7, 2025, 9 PM–2 AM
WHERE: Cat Club, 1190 Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Tickets and details

​Superfine Art Fair at Fort Mason

Experience the art scene at the Superfine Art Fair, returning to San Francisco from March 6 to 9, 2025. Held at the Gateway Pavilion at Pier 2 in Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, this event features over 150 emerging and established artists showcasing a diverse range of contemporary artworks. Attendees can engage directly with artists, explore various mediums, and acquire original pieces.

WHEN: March 6–9, 2025; Thursday–Saturday: 12 PM–8 PM, Sunday: 12 PM–6 PM​

WHERE: Gateway Pavilion at Pier 2, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, 2 Marina Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94123

Tickets and details

Late Night Revelry at Grace Cathedral

The magic of Grace Cathedral’s Carnivale gala doesn’t stop at dinner—The Late Night Revelry brings a whole new vibe. Expect an open bar, live beats from The Chris Clouse Project, and a Vanity Portrait Studio to capture you looking your best—with a masquerade twist, of course.

This is the after-party where the crowd lets loose, and the grandeur of Grace Cathedral transforms into an upscale, after-hours affair. Tickets start at $100 for one to the after party, and $165 for a duo. Every dollar supports the cathedral’s community initiatives—so you can party with a purpose. Read our review of the gala last year.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 8:45 pm – 11:00 pm
WHERE: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco

More details about Carnivale gala

Tickets

‘Raymonda’ at SF Ballet

San Francisco Ballet presents Tamara Rojo's reimagining of "Raymonda," set during the 19th-century Crimean War. This adaptation portrays Raymonda as a woman ahead of her time, reflecting the resilience and compassion of Florence Nightingale. The production features Alexander Glazunov's score, performed by the Grammy Award-winning SF Ballet Orchestra.

WHEN: March 1–8, 2025
WHERE: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102

Details and tickets

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.

First time since 2020: voters are optimistic

For the first time since 2020 (or since 2016 if you ignore the COVID bump), the average San Franciscan is feeling good about the city. A slim plurality think San Francisco is on the right track, and nearly half of people who thought the city was on the wrong track in October 2024 now say they “don’t know.” It’s a sign of cautious optimism for the new leadership in City Hall.

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

This performance is what I assume happens in a ballet dancer’s apartment when they wake up: A White Stripes song comes on. Everyone is in matching nude cami sleepwear, and without a word between them, the dancing begins.

This was Bad Romance meets 2001: A Space Odyssey. The kind of ballet that plays with shadow like it’s a dance partner, bodies swallowed and revealed by stark walls of color. It carried the cold elegance of a sci-fi utopia alongside the relentless energy of a pop music video.

Read the latest by Saul Sugarman

The boop that conquered San Francisco’s Valentine’s Day pillow fight

Nothing says love on Valentine’s Day in San Francisco more than meeting up for the free pillow fight at the Embarcadero. If you’re tired of the same old overpriced roses and awkward dinner dates, this is the perfect way to get your heart racing.

We’ve seen the audience dwindle since its heyday in the early 2000s. But enough people gathered at 5:45 to cause a good amount of fluffy mayhem. People of all ages joined. Kids sat giggling in pajamas while clutching their pillows like they were holding onto the last piece of candy in the house.

Read the latest by Vita Hewitt

Inside Mr. Lobo’s secret horror movie night in San Francisco

A sugar-fueled crowd packed into the Pacific Felt Factory for a one-night-only event honoring cult horror host Mr. Lobo.

Hosted by Black & White Projects, the event brought together fans of experimental art and B-movie cinema, featuring artwork, props, and a showcase of Mr. Lobo’s cult-favorite show Cinema Insomnia. The collaboration highlights how underground art and midnight movies share a common thread—community, creativity, and a love for the weird.

Read the latest by Vita Hewitt

San Francisco’s dandiest night: Villa Albertine’s 2025 season launch

So I walked into the Legion of Honor recently, and immediately I clocked a man in a crisp white dinner jacket and plaid trousers. Champagne in hand, he looked like the lead in a forgotten ‘70s heist film.

Just ahead, a redhead sat on the carpeted stairs and served 1920s Berlin cabaret — pinstriped suspenders, billowy blouse, and the kind of sharp, knowing gaze that could dismantle you in a single glance.

It was the 2025 season launch of Villa Albertine, the French cultural institution that I know more as an intellectual salon. They offer tailor-made residencies for artists, thinkers, and curators in 10 American cities, and each season opener gives us a topic to ponder over Champagne and canapés. This year we discussed Dandyism, and in 2024 we saw Alice Waters, who forevermore I will remember as the woman who besmirched my beloved iceberg lettuce.

Read the latest by Saul Sugarman

What we’re doing this week

FROGGY premiere

FROGGY is a graphic novel noir thriller presented by Center Repertory Company. Set in 2007, the story follows Froggy, who gets caught up in an underground video game while searching for her missing boyfriend. The production mixes graphic novel visuals, film noir, and virtual media to create a different kind of stage experience.

Directed by Matt M. Morrow, with creative technology by Jared Mezzocchi and written by Jennifer Haley, FROGGY runs about 80 minutes with no intermission. It contains adult themes and is recommended for ages 13 and up.

WHEN: February 9 – March 2, 2025
WHERE: Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Details and tickets

Back to the Future: The Musical

Back to the Future: The Musical is a stage adaptation of the classic 1985 film features original music by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, along with familiar songs from the movie like "The Power of Love" and "Johnny B. Goode." The story follows Marty McFly as he travels back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, inadvertently altering the course of history. The production has received critical acclaim, winning the 2022 Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

WHEN: February 12–March 9, 2025
WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Details and tickets

Cool Britannia at SF Ballet

Cool Britannia at SF Ballet brings together works by some of Britain’s most influential choreographers, blending classical and contemporary styles. The program features pieces by Wayne McGregor, Christopher Wheeldon, and the North American premiere of Akram Khan’s Dust, offering a range of movement and storytelling that highlights the evolution of British ballet. Read our review.

WHEN: February 13–19, 2025
WHERE: War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco

Details and tickets

Also coming up: Late Night Revelry at Grace Cathedral

The magic of Grace Cathedral’s Carnivale gala doesn’t stop at dinner—The Late Night Revelry brings a whole new vibe. Expect an open bar, live beats from The Chris Clouse Project, and a Vanity Portrait Studio to capture you looking your best—with a masquerade twist, of course.

This is the after-party where the crowd lets loose, and the grandeur of Grace Cathedral transforms into an upscale, after-hours affair. Tickets start at $100 for one to the after party, and $165 for a duo. Every dollar supports the cathedral’s community initiatives—so you can party with a purpose. Read our review of the gala last year.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 8:45 pm – 11:00 pm
WHERE: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco

More details about Carnivale gala

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.

No red curb, no fine: SF scraps $40 daylighting tickets—for now

SFMTA just backed off a plan to issue $40 fines for parking in unmarked “daylighting” zones—those no-parking areas near crosswalks meant to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians. MTA had announced they weren’t going to paint the curbs red but were going to write tickets anyway, which we thought was the wrong approach. The City should clearly communicate where parking is and is not allowed, and that means they must paint the curbs.

Now SFMTA will issue warnings while they fast-track painting the curbs properly. The goal is to finish within 18 months, a big improvement from the original 4-5 year timeline. Amazing what can happen when you get your priorities in order.

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

My job as a reporter has taken me to so many new experiences that I never would have otherwise sought out. Performance arts have been the meat of this lately and probably the one with which I’m most unfamiliar.

I find stand-up comedy, in particular, kind of cringy. The way they tell jokes in a way that seems off-the-cuff, but you know they’ve been told a thousand times, makes me uncomfortable. Improv, on the other hand, is entirely based on being non-scripted, so maybe I won’t hate it? I put this theory to the test with Endgames Improv’s Your Fucked Up Relationship — their longest-running show, now in its 14th year.

The show uses real-life relationship disasters as fuel for spontaneous, no-holds-barred comedy. Audience members volunteer their messiest breakup stories, which the cast then twists into absurd, unscripted scenes that quickly spiral into chaos.

Read the full experience by Courtney Muro

The best places to have a dramatic public breakup in SF

Valentine’s Day in San Francisco isn’t all candlelit dinners and overpriced prix-fixe menus. Sometimes, love dies, and when it does, you might as well make it memorable. If you’re looking to end things with a bang — or just enjoy some harmless emotional theater — here’s a guide to the best places in SF to stage an over-the-top breakup.

Read the latest by Saul Sugarman

Tim Curry returns to San Francisco, and yes, we all lost our minds

For a certain kind of theater kid, midnight movie misfit, or queerdo, Tim Curry gave us permission to be weird. Permission to be sexy. Permission to belt “Sweet Transvestite” at top volume in a packed theater. On Saturday at the Sydney Goldstein Theater, that love came full circle.

If you were one of the thousands of queer or questioning kids Time Warping at a midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, you know the deep impact Curry’s performance has had on our psyches. Over the decades, he’d marched, tiptoed, snuck, and occasionally terrified us in his roles.

Saturday’s show was part of SF Sketchfest, the city’s long-running comedy and pop culture festival, which has a habit of gathering cult icons for onstage tributes. This one, hosted by Peaches Christ, was equal parts drag spectacle and career retrospective — clips, performances, and a live conversation with Curry himself. If you grew up yelling callbacks at a midnight Rocky Horror screening, this was your Super Bowl.

Read the latest by Vita Hewitt

‘Manon’ at SF Ballet is a beautiful nightmare

Manon follows the rise and fall a young woman who quickly enters a world of deception, lust, and opulence — before being discarded like yesterday’s Champagne. If Swan Lake is about transcendent love and Giselle is about romantic betrayal, Manon is about what happens when love and survival are at war with each other.

Here’s the review by Saul Sugarman

What we’re doing this week

After Midnight: A Chappell Roan Valentine’s Day Dance Party

If your Valentine’s Day plans don’t include glitter, heart-shaped sunglasses, and a full dance floor, are you even living? After Midnight: A Chappell Roan Valentine’s Day Party is taking over Rickshaw Stop for a night of pure, unfiltered pop euphoria. DJ Alex Jay will be spinning all things Chappell Roan, plus plenty of danceable anthems from your other favorite pop icons. Whether you’re single, cuffed, or somewhere in between, this is the place to celebrate love, heartbreak, and everything in between—with no bad vibes allowed.

WHEN: Friday, February 14, 2025, 9:00 PM
WHERE: Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
TICKETS: Starting at $35.83 (21+ event)

Tickets and details

Get crafty (and maybe a little sappy) at Hearts & Crafts

If store-bought valentines aren’t your thing, Hearts & Crafts is here to help you get creative before Valentine’s Day. Hosted by Youth Art Exchange, this drop-in event is a chance to make heartfelt, DIY gifts—whether it’s for your crush, your bestie, or just yourself. Expect a relaxed, fun space with plenty of craft supplies, plus light refreshments to keep the inspiration flowing.

No experience? No problem. Whether you're a pro with a glue gun or just here to mess around with some glitter, all are welcome.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
WHERE: Youth Art Exchange, 2330 San Jose Avenue, San Francisco

It’s free, no RSVP required—just show up, make something cute, and embrace the Valentine’s chaos.

More details

Also coming up: Late Night Revelry at Grace Cathedral

The magic of Grace Cathedral’s Carnivale gala doesn’t stop at dinner—The Late Night Revelry brings a whole new vibe. Expect an open bar, live beats from The Chris Clouse Project, and a Vanity Portrait Studio to capture you looking your best—with a masquerade twist, of course.

This is the after-party where the crowd lets loose, and the grandeur of Grace Cathedral transforms into an upscale, after-hours affair. Tickets start at $100 for one to the after party, and $165 for a duo. Every dollar supports the cathedral’s community initiatives—so you can party with a purpose. Read our review of the gala last year.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 8:45 pm – 11:00 pm
WHERE: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco

More details about Carnivale gala

Tickets

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.

Speed cameras are finally here—and tickets could cost you $500

SF’s speed cameras are finally here, and they’re part of a major citywide effort to crack down on reckless driving. Starting next month, 33 cameras will begin ticketing drivers who exceed the limit by 11 MPH or more, with fines reaching $500 for extreme speeders. They’ve been placed in areas with high rates of speed-related collisions, school zones, and locations known for sideshows, with the full list here.

MTA is stepping up traffic enforcement several ways alongside the speed cameras. More red-light cameras are coming, along with the installation of 400 automated license plate readers. We hope these efforts will finally make a dent in San Francisco’s Vision Zero goal, which has struggled to bring down traffic deaths despite years of policy changes and infrastructure upgrades. 2024 marked the deadliest year for traffic deaths in more than a decade.

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

By Saul Sugarman

We all know about the poop maps, the sidewalk syringes, and the questionable puddles that nobody dares step in. But there’s another category of street detritus that rarely gets talked about — the truly bizarre, oddly specific, “how did this even get here?” kind of junk.

We’re talking about full-on coffins, storm drains oozing raw chicken, and spy drones left abandoned in the road like the start of a sci-fi horror movie. Every day, something weird gets dumped on San Francisco streets, and while no one ever seems to have an explanation, the city just keeps moving around the debris like it’s normal. Maybe it is. Here are my picks:

#1. A fallen drone

One night last decade, a Bold Italic writer found $1,200 quadcopter drone blinking in the middle of Fulton Street. She and her housemates brought it inside — because obviously, that’s how sci-fi horror movies start.

The mood in the kitchen shifted from amused to mildly paranoid. They half-joked about it waking up in the middle of the night and hovering over them in their sleep. Just to be safe, they pulled the battery and Wi-Fi, cutting off any chance of it “phoning home.”

No one ever came looking for it. A Craigslist post to return it got no responses. And so, for a while, the drone just sat there on their mantel, watching them instead.

📌 Source: Amber Schadewald for The Bold Italic. (Wayback Machine link.) This actually felt common for the time, and getting injured by one carried no penalty.

#2. The Six Feet Under Club

So this one showed up on purpose — but then people stumbled on it.

In 2010, an Austrian art collective brought San Francisco the “Six Feet Under Club,” an experimental performance where couples could volunteer to be buried together in a casket underground. A night vision webcam projected the scene onto an outside wall.

I remember actually walking up to this with my boyfriend during my first job as a reporter, but I was too demure to get in; It was a Dumpster on the street with a buried coffin inside. A couple did walk past on their way to dinner, however, and then ran home and returned dressed as a nurse and a priest. Only in SF.

📌 Source: Huck Magazine. Also read this entry from Bay Area resident Kitty Stryker on the experience.

#3. A Coffin on the Sidewalk

Maybe San Francisco just has a thing for coffins. In February 2022, a large beige casket was left casually abandoned on the sidewalk at California and Funston. Unlike the Six Feet Under Club, this was no art installation — just a coffin hanging out.

Some residents were shocked, while others just shrugged and walked past like it was any other day. Journalist Maria Cid Medina posted on Instagram about it amid a flurry of other attention. Eventually, a Recology garbage truck hauled it away, taking its mystery with it.

I mean, from the image it says “The Vampire Funeral” in a cheap printout, and this all was spotted a smidge after the holiday season, near pandemic times. Maybe someone just took “six feet apart” to a really morbid place.

📌 Source: Maria Cid Medina

#4. A toilet in the middle of the street

San Franciscans once stumbled upon an abandoned busted toilet lying on its side, right in the middle of the street. It was the pandemic and the day after Christmas — maybe someone had one too many honey ham servings? Gives new meaning to the term dump-and-run.

The porcelain throne sat on the double yellow lines, creating an unusual urban hazard. Was it a prank? We’ll never know. The location is unclear and we assume SF, because it’s posted on an SF Instagram — but I’m not discarding the chance it was in a spot that borders San Francisco.

📌 Source: Weird Litter SF

#5. A gutter full of raw chicken

One of our writers nearly stepped into a pile of raw chicken spilling out of a street gutter, while walking in San Francisco on a casual summer six years ago. The sight was so weird that Lindsay Pugh assumed she imagined it — until she found the photo still on her phone.

The origins of the chicken dump remain unknown. Was it a botched restaurant disposal? A failed black-market meat deal? No one knows, and despite searching Twitter at the time, Pugh found no explanation. The image remains a testament to SF’s ongoing ability to surprise.

Honestly this feels sorta common in SF — albeit random — and would have grossed out a lot of people. Pugh took it in good spirit: “My favorite thing about visiting a new city is walking around and observing shit,” she wrote. “This is how I get a feel for the people, the pace of life, and maybe even some of the problems.”

📌 Source: Lindsay Pugh for The Bold Italic

#6. The Iron Throne

I have to be honest that San Franciscans weren’t just leaving town during the pandemic — they were also leaving so many belongings behind. Apartments were emptied overnight, with personal stuff tossed onto the sidewalk like they meant nothing.

Among those items, I found a 7-inch replica of the Iron Throne just sitting there in a sad, empty cardboard box, as if its former owner had abdicated their rule and fled the city in fear of Cersei Lannister. I’ve found many things this way, including a solid three flatscreens in my apartment that local Sunset neighbors all decided were no longer up to snuff.

Maybe the weirdest though was this barber shop pole? I don’t know what it is, but it would have been cute around Pride season.

📌 Source: Saul Sugarman for The Bold Italic.

#7. A robot left for dead

San Francisco has seen plenty of tech casualties, but usually, they’re not actual robots. Yet, here sat a chrome-plated Robosapien, slumped against a wooden utility pole like it had just barely escaped a robot uprising gone wrong.

Was this a discarded toy? A companion abandoned by a kid who outgrew it? Or perhaps something darker — a failed AI experiment, left on the curb to contemplate its obsolescence? Either way, the one raised arm makes it look like it’s either waving for help or hailing a passing Waymo for one last ride out of town.

📌 Source: Weird Litter SF has quite a few great finds and often tags us to share them (we think). I don’t want to flood this list with all its finds, but you should definitely check it out for yourself.

There’s a whole world of deeply weird, oddly specific, and strangely poetic debris in San Francisco. Each item so often raises more questions than answers, and yet, the city keeps moving. Maybe that’s part of what makes SF SF — a place where even the trash tells a story. For all its absurdity, San Francisco still has an unmatched ability to surprise.

// Did you find something weird on San Francisco streets? Let us know at info@thebolditalic.com

Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.

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).

What else we’re writing about

This is the new Bon Délire on the Embarcadero

With less than six months under its belt, Bon Délire has brought a touch of Parisian romance to San Francisco’s Embarcadero, pairing classic French dishes with creative cocktails and bayside views. Bon Délire debuted in October 2024 along the Embarcadero from restaurateur Kais Bouzidi, who owns Sens and Barcha.

Florals for FOG Design+Art Gala 2025

Fort Mason’s FOG Design+Art Fair didn’t need its 2,000+ guests to feel like a big deal — it’s been a cornerstone long enough to thrive on reputation alone. We stepped in expecting to find the usual suspects: a sea of well-dressed collectors, perfectly plated canapés, and art that costs at least three months’ rent in San Francisco for a ceramic vase. And yes, it was all there, but the standout? Botanical motifs that seemed to sprout from every corner of the fair.

A night of magic and mischief at SF Ballet’s 92nd gala

It was the SF Ballet’s opening night gala, our favorite annual mashup of high society meets art, celebrity sightings and stunning frocks. The vibe felt a little subdued from last year, but that was obviously in part from local aficionados making Sophie’s Choice on attending this party or the FOG Design + Art opening gala. Yes that’s Ayesha Curry who served as the night’s honorary chair. Here’s our full review of the evening.

What we’re doing this week

Captain Hook at The Midway

Captain Hook is bringing his signature blend of progressive psytrance to The Midway in San Francisco. Known for deep, hypnotic beats and intricate sound design, his sets pull listeners into a dynamic, evolving soundscape. Expect a night of immersive electronic music in one of the city's best venues for underground and experimental sounds.

WHEN: Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 9:00 PM
WHERE: The Midway, 900 Marin St., San Francisco, CA 94124

Tickets

Lunar New Year with San Francisco Symphony

Celebrate the Year of the Serpent with the San Francisco Symphony's 25th annual Lunar New Year Concert and Banquet. This event honors Asian traditions through a vibrant blend of music and community festivities. Here’s our review of the event from 2024.

When: Saturday, February 8, 2025, festival reception at 4:00 PM, concert at 5:00 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall — 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA

Tickets and details

Hearts After Dark + gala

Celebrate the spirit of San Francisco at the Hearts in SF 2025 gala, an annual event supporting the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. This year's gala honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the city's health and well-being. The after party is only $50 on this one; one of the most affordable we’ve seen. Read our review from last year.

When: Thursday, February 6, 2025, beginning at 5:00 PM PST

Evening Schedule:

• 5:00 PM: Cocktail Hour

• 6:00 PM: Gala Dinner and Program

• 8:30 PM: Hearts After Dark Party:

Where: The Conservatory at One Sansome, One Sansome St., San Francisco

Tickets and details

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.

Business is booming in the Castro

Not long ago, the Castro's iconic neon sign was crumbling, its shops were shuttered, and its streets felt more like a ghost town. But recent data from the Castro Community Benefit District confirms the neighborhood’s ground-floor vacancies have dropped from 22% to 17%, with many newly leased spots preparing to open their doors.

A wave of openings—from restaurants to bars to cultural spaces—has started to reimagine what the Castro can be in 2025. New spots like Fisch & Flore, a seafood concept that revitalized a previously vacant corner, and Pink Swallow, a cocktail bar set to open in the old Harvey’s location, are leading the charge. There’s also Rikki’s, the city’s only bar dedicated to women’s sports, which is moving into a space that had been empty since last year.

And then of course there's the Castro Theatre…rumors say it’ll be back in June (or maybe October) this year.

Calling SF builders: Get featured in ‘Grown in SF’

San Francisco is built by the people who dare to create, innovate, and push forward—whether it’s crafting the perfect sandwich or launching the next big thing in tech. Grown in SF is here to celebrate the businesses and entrepreneurs shaping the future of our city.

If you’re building something great in San Francisco, we want to hear from you! Tell us about your work, and if you're a good fit, we’ll feature you with a short video, a write-up, and social content showcasing your impact.

Sign up to be featured on 'Grown in SF'

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

By Courtney Muro

San Francisco may be known for its fog, cable cars, and sky-high rents, but let’s not forget the sugary delights that keep us coming back for more (even when we should probably just move to Oakland). From Instagrammable pastries to desserts so pretentious they practically deserve a Michelin star, here’s a bite-sized tour of the city’s most iconic treats:

#1: It’s-It Ice Cream

Where: You can get these at many SF stores. But “It’s-It” headquarters are at 865 Burlway Rd., Burlingame, CA 94010 — just 9 minutes south of SFO.

Visit the It’s It website

The It’s-It ice cream sandwich is San Francisco’s OG treat: two oatmeal cookies, vanilla ice cream, and a chocolate shell that somehow makes everything better. Whether you grab one at the grocery store or at a foggy Ocean Beach bonfire, it’s a reminder that SF’s most legendary desserts don’t always need to be bougie.

Legend has it that Playland-at-the-Beach owner George Whitney haphazardly placed a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two freshly baked oatmeal cookies, and then dipped this messy handful into some chocolate — and the It’s-It was born. Whitney’s creation reigned over the amusement park for four decades, until Playland was demolished in the early 1970s. The It’s-It was sold, and production was moved to the SOMA district, then on to a larger facility in 1976.

In the 1980s, the It’s-Its popularity outgrew the Bay Area and can now be found at the major grocery chains west of the Rockies. Its factory shop, however, remains in The Bay, just south of the San Francisco airport, and its title, “The real San Francisco Treat,” (HuffPost Taste) pays homage to its origin.

#2. Ghirardelli Sundae

Where: Ghirardelli Square is located at 900 North Point St. E204A and is an entire pavilion with multiple Ghirardelli shops and ice cream cafes. There’s another spot in the Financial District at 2 Montgomery.

Visit the Ghirardelli website

Locals don’t exactly hang out at Ghirardelli Square, but we’ll admit the hot fudge sundae is worth the occasional tourist-filled trek. The fudge is thick enough to coat a spoon in chocolatey decadence, and the whipped cream is piled so high it feels like a dare. Sure, it’s kitschy, but there’s a reason this classic has stood the test of time.

Founded in 1852 by Italian chocolatier Domingo Ghirardelli, this giant establishment overlooks San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and is a staple for tourists. After a series of iterations, beginning with a small general store in Stockton that catered to miners.

#3. Arsicault’s Almond Croissant

Where: Locations at 397 Arguello, 87 McAllister St., and soon to be at Mission Rock.

Visit Ariscault Bakery website

Arsicault’s almond croissant is the Beyoncé of pastries: flawless, iconic, and absolutely not here to play. Flaky doesn’t even begin to describe the layers of buttery, golden perfection that practically disintegrate into your lap. Inside? A rich almond filling so good it feels borderline indecent. This is a croissant that knows it’s the main character.

But getting one? That’s a sport. Arsicault is a small shop, and their almond croissants fly off the shelves faster than someone abandoning Muni for a Lime scooter. If you don’t time it right, you’re walking out with a baguette and a broken heart. And don’t even think about eating this thing discreetly — it’s messy in all the best ways, leaving you with powdered sugar evidence on your shirt and zero regrets.

“Nothing is better than Arsicault’s almond croissant,” said Jake Muro, a long-time fan of the establishment.

Arsicault is owned by French banker, Armando Lacayo. Lacayo’s baking blood runs deep, with his grandparents owning a bakery in Paris 100 years ago, but he had no desire to follow in their footsteps. When he left his finance job in 2014 and decided to switch it up, he found himself sharing a space with a cafe in San Francisco where he was baking croissants every day for 6 months. “People liked them,” shrugs Lacayo. So he acquiesced to his fate and San Francisco appreciates that.

#4. Bi-Rite Creamery’s Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Where: 3692 18th St., Mission

Visiti Bi-Rite Creamery website

Sure, every artisanal creamery on the planet does salted caramel now, but this is the original that paved the way — and it still reigns supreme. Let’s not romanticize the experience too much, though. The line outside Bi-Rite can something, especially on a sunny day at Dolores Park when it seems like everyone in the city has the same idea.

The 80-year-old Bay Area food institution uses small-batch methods and bakes ingredients by hand — a labor of love that you can taste. “I remember when I was there last, I got caramelized bananas and they used a giant blow torch from a hardware store, not some dainty creme brulee kitchen torch,” said Happy Go Marni, “but more importantly, I remember the salted caramel ice cream. That’s because it’s the flavor to be reckoned with. It’s the flavor people travel far and wide for. And it’s unreal.”

#5. Golden Gate Bakery’s Egg Tarts

Where: Golden Gate Bakery is at 1029 Grant Ave.

Visit Golden Gate Bakery website

Golden Gate Bakery has been serving its delicious Hong Kong-style egg tarts for decades. But getting your hands on one? That’s where the adventure begins.

First, there’s the infamous “Is it open?” lottery. Golden Gate Bakery doesn’t believe in regular hours, social media updates, or your need for predictability. You might show up to a shuttered storefront, with a handwritten “closed” sign mocking your efforts.

Fans are so dedicated that they’ve created a Facebook page called “Is the Golden Gate Bakery Open Today?” with updates on the responses given to the page admin when he or she calls to check on hours and inventory.

Golden Gate Bakery’s version of the Cantonese pastry has gained a cult following due to its combination of textures and its somewhat secret recipe, yielding what is regarded as more savory than other egg tarts and coveted as the best in the city. When you finally take that first bite, it’s like being hugged by buttery sunshine.

These tarts can be elusive though, as the hours of operation are inconsistent and subject to change without warning. Be ready to wait in a long, slow-moving line if you want to experience the magic that is the Golden Gate Bakery egg tart.

#6. Smitten Ice Cream’s Liquid Nitrogen Magic

Where: 904 Valencia St., Mission

Visit Smitten Ice Cream website

On a mission to make the freshest ice cream ever, Robyn Sue Fisher teamed up with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to create a high-tech ice cream machine that freezes the ice cream base in just 90 seconds, using liquid nitrogen. The result? An ultra-creamy texture, free from those pesky little ice crystals that you find in traditionally frozen products.

But let’s be real: the theater of it all is half the appeal. That dramatic hiss of nitrogen, the ultra-cool steam rising into the air — it’s basically an Instagram moment waiting to happen. Sure, the process might take a few extra minutes, but in a city where people debate the merits of $8 toast, patience for artisanal anything is practically mandatory.

Smitten quickly became a local favorite, not just for its product, but for the spectacle of the technology used in its preparation. “Nothing is frozen until you order it, and we make everything from scratch that morning,” said Fisher in an interview with CNN.

#7. Miller & Lux Provisions Cafe’s Soft Serve Croissant Cone

Where: 350 Powell St., San Francisco

Visit Miller & Lux Provisions Cafe’s website

Leave it to San Francisco to take soft serve and make it bougie. They’ve managed to merge two dessert icons — soft serve and croissants — into one gloriously over-the-top creation. It’s a dessert that screams, “We’re extra, and we’re proud of it.”

This one is more basically a San Francisco tradition than actually a San Francisco tradition, as it only opened last year, but Chef Tyler Florence’s PR team harnessed the power of Instagram to make it feel like if you haven’t had one of their soft serve ice creams served inside a hollowed-out croissant, you’re not a real San Franciscan. “It’s a new SF classic dessert for sure,” said Bay Area foodie influencer, Chelsea Davis.

The San Francisco-famous chef accidentally created the unique dessert at his newish Union Square cafe. “Literally we were testing croissants anyway, and I just looked at it. I’m like, ‘That’s an ice cream cone,’” Florence said of the ah-ha moment. “I lopped off a third of it, hollowed it out with a wooden dowel, and then we just started pouring soft serve into it until we got it right. And it’s just kind of a thing.”

#8. Tartine’s Morning Bun

Where: 600 Guerrero St. and 1226 9th Ave.

Visit Tartine’s website

Ah, the Morning Bun. Tartine’s iconic pastry that’s been drawing lines of sleepy, caffeine-starved fans since before the term “foodie” got annoying. Sure, it’s flaky, buttery, and kissed with citrus zest, but is it worth standing in line like you’re waiting for concert tickets? Probably not. Will we still do it anyway? Absolutely. Some things are just too good to resist — even in a city obsessed with “discovery.”

Honorary mention: RIP Mr. Holmes Bakehouse’s Cruffin

Where: It no longer exists; gone but not forgotten. ☹️

Remember the cruffin frenzy? When Mr. Holmes Bakehouse’s croissant-muffin hybrid burst onto the scene, it was like a pastry-fueled feeding frenzy. People lined up around the block for the sugar-dusted, cream-filled creation, clutching their pink boxes like they’d just discovered fire. The hybrid desserts flooded ​​Instagram, as did his neon “I Got Baked in San Francisco” sign.

But like all trends, the hype eventually mellowed — so much so that the San Francisco location closed its doors in the pandemic.

If you’re still craving one of these over-the-top confections, you’ll need to hop on a plane to Los Angeles. Yes, you can now enjoy a cruffin while inhaling the city’s signature smog. But hey, that’s commitment to dessert, right? Just don’t forget to grab a photo for Instagram, because if there’s one thing the cruffin is still great at, it’s stealing the spotlight — even after it’s gone from SF.

Looks like there’s a knockoff in Kuwait.

We’d like to thank some readers for politely providing some additional desserts to our apparently “vapid” selection we curated this weekend. Writes in this commenter from SFist:

#9. Stella Pastry & Café’s Sacripantina

Where: 446 Columbus Ave., North Beach

Visit Stella Pastry & Cafe’s website

Stella Pastry & Café’s Sacripantina is the kind of dessert that doesn’t need TikTok trends or food trucks to stay relevant — it’s been quietly holding court in North Beach since the 1940s. This is how the menu describes it; and someone else added it’s a light, airy sponge soaked in liqueur forms the foundation, while layers of rich Chantilly cream add just the right amount of indulgence. It’s an Italian classic a decadent throwback to when desserts didn’t need hashtags, and an OG of San Francisco cakes.

To be fair to a user named Do Something Nice — lol — an SFGate story just last month called the Sacripantina “a great, barely known San Francisco bakery treat.”

#10. Dianda’s St. Honore cake

Where: 2883 Mission St., Mission

Visit Dianda’s website

Some cakes whisper, but Dianda’s St. Honore cake makes more noise — in the best way. Picture this: a rum-soaked filling surrounded by cream puffs, all perched on a caramelized sugar base that brings the crunch. It’s indulgent, a little over the top, and totally worth the sugar coma.

Dianda’s Italian American Pastry has been serving timeless classics since 1962. Founded by Enrichetta and Elio Dianda, natives of Lucca, Tuscany, they brought authentic Italian baking traditions to San Francisco’s Mission District.

#11. Mee Mee’s Fortune Cookies

Where: 1328 Stockton St., Chinatown

Visit Mee Mee’s website

Baked onsite in Chinatown, these crispy, golden treats are so fresh you’ll wonder why anyone bothers with the prepackaged stuff. The classic vanilla hits just right, but Mee Mee isn’t afraid to shake things up with chocolate and strawberry versions that feel like a middle finger to tradition. Want drama? Try their oversized fortune cookies.

And then there are the coin-shaped cookies — no fortune, just straight to the point. They’re perfect for anyone who’s over the whole “what does this even mean?” fortune game and just wants to enjoy a snack without existential questions.

Courtney Muro is a San Francisco-based content strategist, producer, designer, and creator.

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).

What we’re doing this week

Lunar New Year with San Francisco Symphony

Celebrate the Year of the Serpent with the San Francisco Symphony's 25th annual Lunar New Year Concert and Banquet. This event honors Asian traditions through a vibrant blend of music and community festivities.

When: Saturday, February 8, 2025, festival reception at 4:00 PM, concert at 5:00 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Davies Symphony Hall — 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA

More details

Hearts After Dark + gala

Celebrate the spirit of San Francisco at the Hearts in SF 2025 gala, an annual event supporting the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. This year's gala honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the city's health and well-being. The after party is only $50 on this one; one of the most affordable we’ve seen. Read our review from last year.

When: Thursday, February 6, 2025, beginning at 5:00 PM PST

Evening Schedule:

• 5:00 PM: Cocktail Hour

• 6:00 PM: Gala Dinner and Program

• 8:30 PM: Hearts After Dark Party:

Where: The Conservatory at One Sansome, One Sansome St., San Francisco

Tickets and details

Cupid’s Undie Run

It’s that time of year again—when hundreds of San Franciscans throw dignity to the wind, strip down to their skivvies, and jog a mile (give or take) for charity. Cupid’s Undie Run hits the streets on February 1, 2025, starting and ending at Woodbury Bar & Gastropub. It’s part bar crawl, part awkward group workout, and entirely ridiculous, all in the name of raising money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

When: February 1, 2025, 12 PM – 4 PM
Where: Woodbury Bar & Gastropub, 685 3rd Street, San Francisco

More details

SF Sketchfest

SF Sketchfest is back for its 22nd year, with a lineup that includes a live read of "Airplane!" celebrating its 45th anniversary, a conversation with Albert Brooks hosted by Kevin Pollak, and performances by Bill Murray and His Blood Brothers. There are more than 180 shows spanning stand-up, improv, and live podcasts.

When: January 16 – February 2, 2025
Where: Multiple venues throughout San Francisco, including Club Fugazi, Cobb's Comedy Club, and the Great American Music Hall

More details

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.

Who’s painting San Francisco’s curbs red?

If you’ve recently spotted a red curb in San Francisco that looks a little off, you’re not alone. Reddit spotted this DIY one on a long strip of Balboa Street near 18th Avenue — complete with a stenciled SFMTA logo. Then more of them appeared.

It turns out that SFMTA didn’t paint them! Instead, local activists have taken it upon themselves to notify drivers of the new “daylighting” law: as of January 1st, it’s illegal to park within 20 feet of a crosswalk. SFMTA has stated that they won’t be painting the curbs even though they’ll be writing tickets starting on March 1st.

You could argue that by not painting the curbs red to warn drivers, SFMTA is trying to maximize their ticket revenue. So, in a sense, the rogue activists are actually doing drivers a favor by warning them that they’ll get a ticket if they park in these zones.

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

If a foam party and a dystopian experiment had a bizarre love child, it might look like Self-Brainwashing.

Michail Michailov’s event at Minnesota Street Project turns a playful foam party into a layered performance about human behavior. Combining absurdity with unease, the piece invites audiences to reflect on how easily they’re drawn into chaos under the guise of fun. It runs through February 8th.

Read the latest by Vita Hewitt

Dragcula is a black-and-white monster movie come to life

One might wonder why Dragcula — a vampire-themed drag parody — is running at Oasis in the dead of January rather than, say, Halloween time. To which this gothic theatre queen says, “Well, why not?”

The plot involves a British lawyer who inadvertently revives Dracula, whose pansexual escapades wreak havoc on the fragile moral order of 1930s London. Can Professor Van Helsing, a parapsychologist with an unusual skill set, resist the eternal temptations long enough to save the city?

Read the latest by Adriana Roberts

‘Happy Endings’ show turns pain into performances

Happy Endings isn’t a consortium of perfect people whose lives are fit for a fairytale. It’s a group of people who come together and retell shitty situations, some are personal experiences, some factual — and in other monologues, it’s unclear. Once a month, five writers work through life’s messy moments on a stage and in front of a hundred people.

If you missed out review in the Thursday newsletter, here it is again — written by Courtney Muro

What we’re doing this week

SF Sketchfest

SF Sketchfest is back for its 22nd year, with a lineup that includes a live read of "Airplane!" celebrating its 45th anniversary, a conversation with Albert Brooks hosted by Kevin Pollak, and performances by Bill Murray and His Blood Brothers. There are more than 180 shows spanning stand-up, improv, and live podcasts.

When: January 16 – February 2, 2025
Where: Multiple venues throughout San Francisco, including Club Fugazi, Cobb's Comedy Club, and the Great American Music Hall

More details

Cupid’s Undie Run

It’s that time of year again—when hundreds of San Franciscans throw dignity to the wind, strip down to their skivvies, and jog a mile (give or take) for charity. Cupid’s Undie Run hits the streets on February 1, 2025, starting and ending at Woodbury Bar & Gastropub. It’s part bar crawl, part awkward group workout, and entirely ridiculous, all in the name of raising money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation.

When: February 1, 2025, 12 PM – 4 PM
Where: Woodbury Bar & Gastropub, 685 3rd Street, San Francisco

More details

Chinese Flower Market Fair

The Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair is held on the weekend before Chinese New Year Day. The Flower Fair is the place to come to purchase fresh flowers, fruits, candies and brand new supplies for the home to begin the new lunar year. Delight in performances of traditional Chinese magicians, acrobats, folk dancers and opera as you take in the beautiful fragrances of spring. You will find over 120 booths and concessions making this a shopper’s paradise.

When: Jan. 25 & 26th, 2025
Where: Grant Avenue between Clay to Broadway

More details

FOG Design+Art Fair

The FOG Design+Art Fair is scheduled to take place in San Francisco from January 23 to 26, 2025, at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. This event will feature nearly 60 prominent exhibitors, including 13 galleries participating in the second edition of FOG FOCUS, which highlights emerging artists. Additionally, the fair will introduce FOG MRKT, a curated installation showcasing artisanal products and crafts with an emphasis on the Bay Area. A Preview Gala benefiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is set for January 22, providing early access to the fair's offerings.

The gala is on the same night as the SF Ballet’s! But The Bold Italic will likely make it to both. Read our review from last year.

When: January 23–26, 2025
Where: Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco

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.

$3.6 million gift surprises San Francisco parks

San Francisco’s parks are getting a $3.6 million upgrade, thanks to a donor who left the funds to build more benches. It’s going to make a huge difference for anyone who loves spending time in the city’s green spaces.

Longtime resident William “Ben” Bobo left the money for the upgrades in his will. According to SF Chronicle, he was a quiet man who loved walking his golden retriever, Chad, at Alta Plaza Park. He wanted to fund new park benches across the city, so now 81 new ones will be installed, including 31 in Alta Plaza.

The rest will spread out to places like the Great Highway park and Golden Gate Park’s JFK Promenade. The donation is one of the largest of its kind, so it also will go toward general park maintenance and upgrades, including sprucing up dog play areas.

“I see this gift as being about community and connections and the fact that Mr. Bobo wanted to provide comfort so you could linger in your leisure,” Rec and Park Commission President Kat Anderson said in the SF Chronicle.

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).

By Courtney Muro

The audience at the Make Out Room murmured with unease, chuckled nervously, then laughed warmly. It was a wild ride of emotions as Baruch Porras-Hernandez recounted his childhood routine: Setting booby traps by his window to protect himself and his mother from his mentally ill and abusive father. One night, they found him hiding in the closet, armed with knives and ropes. His mother held a knife to his throat, and he never came back.

“Is this the happy ending?” I thought.

Happy Endings isn’t a consortium of perfect people whose lives are fit for a fairytale. It’s a group of people who come together and retell shitty situations, some are personal experiences, some factual — and in other monologues, it’s unclear. Once a month, five writers work through life’s messy moments on a stage and in front of a hundred people.

Joe Wadlington — known on the drag circuit as Jubilee — has been hosting Happy Endings with Danielle Truppi for six years. I met Wadlington last month at Drag on Ice, where he performed what was an unfamiliar sport to him. With the exception of one spill, he did great — but at Happy Endings, Wadlington shined. He and Truppi are rays of light in a rather dark bar, leading the crowd through the process of emotional release and self-reflection.

“I believe art is a group project and culture is something that happens when a group of people care deeply about an art form, a vibe, or a movement,” Wadlington told me.

He began going to readings when he moved to San Francisco from the Appalachian foothills of Morristown, Tennessee. As their two favorites, Write Club and Shipwreck began to fade out, the pair decided to take it on themselves to continue the tradition.

Sharing poetry in public feels like a brave but puzzling choice — laying your emotions bare for all to see, and I often experienced mixed feelings after a monologue.

The crowd itself was part of the performance, too — or so it seemed. I couldn’t discern whether the heckler was dealing with personal challenges or simply drunk. Her third outburst prompted Hieu Minh Nguyen to deliver the line, “Shut up, bitch!” with such precision it felt like part of the act. He transitioned effortlessly, channeling his frustrations into a cutting monologue about high school bullies, punctuating it with, “No, I don’t care what your baby looks like.”

As I wandered back in from a bathroom break, a man was surmising what goes through his clients’ heads when they use his bathroom. He must be a psychiatrist, I thought. Who else has clients in their bathrooms?

“When my clients are in my bathroom and they notice my gonorrhea medicine,” he took us through a battery of scenarios. Ah, he was a sex worker — in this story at least, but was he really? “The best part of being a hooker is that I don’t have to have a LinkedIn account,” he smiled with indiscernible emotion.

I do hate LinkedIn, I thought, but was that a happy ending?

London Pinkney painted a vivid picture of personal challenges, discussing moments of betrayal, harassment, and rejection. “Everyone told me that my trauma would make a great story,” she said at the outset, “so I’m about to bum you all the fuck out right now.”

Her words lingered, and I hoped for a turning point that maybe I missed while taking photos. Maybe she would find God, become a volleyball star, or fall in love and have a family. But I left that monologue feeling heavy.

Some months are loosely based on themes. I spotted one dubbed a “menstruation celebration,” another on micro-plastics and aggressions. Each show raises money for the writer through suggested donations — and we appreciate artists being compensated for their work. Writers’ stories may or may not contain happy endings because Wadlington and Truppi consider happiness an experiment.

“We’re interrogating happiness,” Wadlington told me. “And sometimes we even surprise ourselves with what is a silver lining versus what is a happy ending. It’s all about perspective.” Wadlington said that even if you’re having the worst week ever, he wants you to feel like you can go to Happy Endings and leave feeling energized.

At its core, Happy Endings isn’t really about resolution or trying to make sense of life’s chaos. It’s a process of sharing — the vulnerability of standing in front of a room full of strangers and putting your story out there raw and unpolished. I left the Make Out Room unsure how to feel. I laughed, cringed, and felt genuine empathy for the people on stage. But I also left lighter, as if the weight of their stories had balanced out some of my own.

Maybe the real happy ending is not the promise of a perfect resolution, but the permission to sit with life’s imperfections and find meaning in sharing.

Courtney Muro is a San Francisco-based content strategist, producer, designer, and creator.

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).

What we’re doing this week

Candlelight Tour of Fort Point

Immerse yourself in history with a Candlelight Tour of Fort Point National Historic Site. Explore the site by candlelight, guided by rangers, and uncover the fort’s hidden stories. With the Golden Gate Bridge as your backdrop, this unique experience offers a fresh perspective on the fort’s history. Engage in dialogue, climb to the roof, and gain insight into the fort’s role in San Francisco’s past and present. This is your opportunity to access the fort when it’s otherwise closed to the public. Uncover the secrets of Fort Point and be a part of this special, memorable journey.

When: Next tours are January 18th and January 25th, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Fort Point National Historic Site

More details

Chinese Flower Market Fair

The Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair is held on the weekend before Chinese New Year Day. The Flower Fair is the place to come to purchase fresh flowers, fruits, candies and brand new supplies for the home to begin the new lunar year. Delight in performances of traditional Chinese magicians, acrobats, folk dancers and opera as you take in the beautiful fragrances of spring. You will find over 120 booths and concessions making this a shopper’s paradise.

When: Jan. 25 & 26th, 2025
Where: Grant Avenue between Clay to Broadway

More details

FOG Design+Art Fair

The FOG Design+Art Fair is scheduled to take place in San Francisco from January 23 to 26, 2025, at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. This event will feature nearly 60 prominent exhibitors, including 13 galleries participating in the second edition of FOG FOCUS, which highlights emerging artists. Additionally, the fair will introduce FOG MRKT, a curated installation showcasing artisanal products and crafts with an emphasis on the Bay Area. A Preview Gala benefiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is set for January 22, providing early access to the fair's offerings.

The gala is on the same night as the SF Ballet’s! But The Bold Italic will likely make it to both. Read our review from last year.

When: January 23–26, 2025
Where: Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco

Drag-cula — Fangs, fabulousness, and living greyscale realness

Picture this: the performers are decked out in "living greyscale," covering themselves in gray makeup to look like they’ve stepped straight out of a 1930s horror film—if that horror film also had goth rock, bondage jokes, and an audience hollering for more.

Hosted at SF Oasis, the story follows a hapless British lawyer who accidentally releases Count Dracula, a polyamorous, pansexual vampire who leaves a trail of seduction and scandal across 1930s London. With a playlist of 1980s goth rock bangers, the plot spirals into delightful chaos as a shibari-loving Van Helsing tries to stop Dracula’s sexy reign of terror.

WHEN: January 16 – February 1, 2025; Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM
WHERE: OASIS, 298 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

More details

The SF Ballet Gala — A wild evening of elegance

Fancy people, fancier outfits, and a performance so stunning you’ll swear off Netflix (for one night, at least). The San Francisco Ballet Gala kicks off the year with champagne, pirouettes, and a dinner at City Hall that makes you feel far classier than you are. Whether you’re there for the art or just to drink bubbly under the marble rotunda, this night is peak San Francisco sophistication — before it devolves into slightly tipsy networking at the afterparty. Read our 2024 review, and here’s our 2023 review, too.

When: January 22, 2025
Where: San Francisco City Hall and War Memorial Opera House

It’s $$, but the after party is mildly affordable at $175 — and that ticket can be bought as a standalone.

• Dinner tickets

• Performance tickets

• After party tickets

Nothing says “good morning” in San Francisco like sipping something that sounds suspiciously like a dessert experiment. If you’ve ever tried elderflower syrup in your espresso and thought, “Is this me now?” welcome to the club. Let’s take a sip through some of the most unexpected and weirdly wonderful coffee creations San Francisco has to offer.

These are our weird and wonderful coffee picks to wake you up on this Monday

Pizza with a view: Che Fico at Thrive City

Che Fico Pizzeria has arrived at Thrive City. While the pizzas—like the Pineapple and Chili with its sweet heat—are undoubtedly the draw, there’s something more here: a blending of Che Fico’s elevated ethos with the energy of Thrive City’s sports-and-entertainment culture. It’s pizza with a point of view, and also a great view to eat a pizza at.

Read the latest by Virginia Miller

Who shot these 1960s San Francisco photos? AI could provide clues

What do you do when the past decides to find you? That’s the question commercial photographer Bill Delzell posed to me when he called last week. He explained that a series of fortuitous events led him to a mysterious bag full of unprocessed film rolls taken in San Francisco during the 1960s, at some of the most culturally significant events that occurred during that time. Now he’s on a mission to find out the photographer and could use our help — this one’s a crowdfunding project that ends in two days.

Read the latest by Courtney Muro

What we’re doing this week

Pickwick Vintage Show

The Pickwick Vintage Show returns to San Francisco on Sunday, January 19, 2025, offering a curated selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories from over 40 local vendors. This event is a notable destination for collectors and the design community, presenting items that span various eras. The show will be held on the mezzanine level of the historic Ferry Building, a landmark known for its culinary offerings and bay views. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance due to limited space.

When: Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Where: San Francisco Ferry Building, 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco, CA 94111

More details

Richmond District’s 1st-ever Lunar New Year Good Luck Parade

The Richmond District will host its inaugural Lunar New Year Good Luck Parade on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM along Balboa Street, between 35th and 39th Avenues. This event invites schools, businesses, community organizations, and local groups to participate in a celebration of creativity and community spirit, marking the Year of the Snake.

The parade will feature themed zones—Family Nest, Health Harbor, Love Square, and Wealth Gateway—each block adorned with special decorations. Prizes will be awarded based on audience applause in categories such as Best Thematic Float or Group, Most Entertaining Performance, and Best Community Spirit.

When: Saturday, January 18, 2025, 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Balboa Street (between 35th and 39th Avenues), San Francisco

More details

Happy Endings Show 6th Anniversary

If you’ve never been to a Happy Endings show: it’s like therapy, but funnier and with cocktails. For six glorious years, this reading series has turned writers, poets, and comedians loose onstage to share tales that somehow manage to wring humor out of life’s messiest moments.

Held at the Make-Out Room, expect stories that make you laugh-snort one minute and choke up the next, all while you clutch your drink like a lifeline. And with a lineup of crowd favorites and newcomers ready to spill their guts (figuratively, we hope), you’ll leave wondering why all your personal disasters aren’t this entertaining.

WHEN: January 14th, 2025, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m
WHERE: Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St., San Francisco

More details on their Instagram post

Drag-cula — Fangs, fabulousness, and living greyscale realness

Picture this: the performers are decked out in "living greyscale," covering themselves in gray makeup to look like they’ve stepped straight out of a 1930s horror film—if that horror film also had goth rock, bondage jokes, and an audience hollering for more.

Hosted at SF Oasis, the story follows a hapless British lawyer who accidentally releases Count Dracula, a polyamorous, pansexual vampire who leaves a trail of seduction and scandal across 1930s London. With a playlist of 1980s goth rock bangers, the plot spirals into delightful chaos as a shibari-loving Van Helsing tries to stop Dracula’s sexy reign of terror.

WHEN: January 16 – February 1, 2025; Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM
WHERE: OASIS, 298 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

More details

Also coming up: FOG Design+Art Fair

The FOG Design+Art Fair is scheduled to take place in San Francisco from January 23 to 26, 2025, at the Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture. This event will feature nearly 60 prominent exhibitors, including 13 galleries participating in the second edition of FOG FOCUS, which highlights emerging artists. Additionally, the fair will introduce FOG MRKT, a curated installation showcasing artisanal products and crafts with an emphasis on the Bay Area. A Preview Gala benefiting the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) is set for January 22, providing early access to the fair's offerings.

The gala is on the same night as the SF Ballet’s! But The Bold Italic will likely make it to both. Read our review from last year.

When: January 23–26, 2025
Where: Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco

The SF Ballet Gala — A wild evening of elegance

Fancy people, fancier outfits, and a performance so stunning you’ll swear off Netflix (for one night, at least). The San Francisco Ballet Gala kicks off the year with champagne, pirouettes, and a dinner at City Hall that makes you feel far classier than you are. Whether you’re there for the art or just to drink bubbly under the marble rotunda, this night is peak San Francisco sophistication — before it devolves into slightly tipsy networking at the afterparty. Read our 2024 review, and here’s our 2023 review, too.

When: January 22, 2025
Where: San Francisco City Hall and War Memorial Opera House

It’s $$, but the after party is mildly affordable at $175 — and that ticket can be bought as a standalone.

• Dinner tickets

• Performance tickets

• After party tickets

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.

Walgreens announces closure of 12 San Francisco stores

Another blow to the city’s retail landscape: Walgreens has announced plans to shutter 12 San Francisco locations by February, citing regulatory pressures and rising operational costs. The closures follow the recent Safeway announcement and add to a bleak pattern of retail losses in the city.

Walgreens stores to close are the following:

• Taraval & 22nd Ave

• Noriega & 25th Ave

• Geary & 17th Ave

• Divisadero & Lombard

• Divisadero & O’Farrell

• 825 Market (across from Powell BART plaza)

• Powell & O’Farrell (The one on the cable car line)

• Polk & California

• Post & Franklin

• 24th & Potrero

• 1630 Ocean Ave (Near City College)

• 3rd St & Williams Ave

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

By Courtney Muro

What do you do when the past decides to find you? That’s the question commercial photographer Bill Delzell posed to me when he called last week.

He explained that a series of fortuitous events led him to a mysterious bag full of unprocessed film rolls taken in San Francisco during the 1960s, at some of the most culturally significant events that occurred during that time.

The lucky bidder

The early ’80s might not have had reality TV, but storage unit auctions were already brimming with drama. One picker unearthed a jackpot: a bag filled with 2,042 color slides and 177 rolls of meticulously labeled but unprocessed 35mm film, totaling more than 8,000 images. Over half of the film was left unprocessed, meaning that most of these images were never seen by the photographer who shot them. Enter Delzell, who got his hands on the negatives through his professional network.

Pieces of a puzzle

Delzell sent 5 random photos from the thousands in his possession to his friend who grew up in the Haight. Katy Kavanaugh — teacher and founder of Screen360.TV — called him immediately. “I see myself,” Kavanaugh told him, because she literally saw herself in the photo:

Among the throngs of activists marching in protest of the unjust treatment of migrant farmworkers, there she is: 5-year-old Katy walking across Dolores Street amidst a crowd, holding onto her sister’s stroller. This was 1968.

Just a few days later, Delzell got a call from a photo assistant he had worked with years before. She was good friends with Stanley Mouse — legendary poster artist for the Grateful Dead. Delzell told her about the photographs and sent an equally random selection of five images. When she showed them to Mouse, he spotted himself — half a century ago, walking through Golden Gate Park on his way to see The Dead.

A third face surfaced when Delzell shared a deck with a friend of Sacramento music venue Harlow’s owner, who used to work at the Fillmore. Through him, it eventually made its way to San Francisco-based photojournalist, Michael Zagares, who found himself in an image, on stage with Muhammad Ali. Ali was giving a speech and asked Zagaris if he had his draft card with him. When Zagaris handed it over, Ali burned it in front of the crowd. Zagaris still has what’s left of it.

These odds are looking good. Delzell’s early efforts to leverage his network to uncover clues are proving successful, and encouraging him to dedicate his time to following through with solving the mystery of the unknown photographer.

The stranger in the frame

“What happened to the photographer? Why was the film abandoned?” Delzell asked on Reddit.

We’ve seen this often in archive work and museums: stacks of photographs with no name, no date, and no clue as to who captured them. The phenomenon’s called found photography — anonymous snapshots unearthed in storage units, estate sales, or dusty museum archives — and it’s long fascinated collectors. These orphaned images leaving a tantalizing mystery in their wake.

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, “Unidentified” is a surprisingly familiar label. Their archives house countless photographs of unknown origins, a testament to how often the names of creators vanish over time. Similarly, the Museum of Flight contends with images of unidentified individuals, like striking photos of women working in aviation during the 1940s.

“There’s a balance between information and imagination that allows you to actually interact with the truth (which is really weird and rare),” said Al Williams, publisher of Found Magazine in the 2000s.

“That’s when you sit down with your friends and try with great joy and eventual frustration to figure out what the fuck was going on in that gramma pic.”

How AI could help

My immediate reaction to Delzell’s story was, “Let’s develop the films and post them all over social and let the internet do its thing.” But Delzell is patient and plans to follow copyright — and that’s going to cost money and time.

He needs to raise $49,000 for a youth-centered student internship via his nonprofit — SpeakLocal — to process the 75 rolls of color film and curate the 8,000 photos. These interns will use immersive AI to create a collection that can be shared with educators and communities, mobilizing the community to join the search, submit video testimonials, and identify Bay Area locations.

Help solve the mystery

SpeakLocal has only reached $12,891 of its $49,000 goal, with just a week left on the campaign. This is surprising, given that everyone who hears the story is interested and enthusiastic. It seems it’s more of a problem of exposure than buy-in from those aware that it exists.

This isn’t just a project to identify a photographer — it’s a chance to preserve the untold stories of one of the most transformative periods in history. By piecing together these fragments, Speak Local is safeguarding the memories of a generation that reshaped the world.

If you’re a Bay Area local who might recognize a location, a history buff fascinated by the counterculture movement, or just someone who loves a good mystery, this project needs your help. Visit the Who Shot Me Kickstarter campaign before January 15th to contribute, explore the images, and join the search for the photographer who captured a pivotal moment in history.

Who shot these photos? Maybe the answer lies with you.

Courtney Muro is a San Francisco-based content strategist, producer, designer, and creator.

// We’re using images in this story provided by Bill Delzell, who cites the Fair Use Doctrine: A legal principle in the United States that allows for limited use of copyrighted material without the copyright holder’s permission. It’s intended to promote freedom of expression and creativity by allowing people to build upon prior works without unfairly depriving the copyright owner.

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).

What we’re doing this week

Drag-cula — Fangs, fabulousness, and living greyscale realness

Picture this: the performers are decked out in "living greyscale," covering themselves in gray makeup to look like they’ve stepped straight out of a 1930s horror film—if that horror film also had goth rock, bondage jokes, and an audience hollering for more.

Hosted at SF Oasis, the story follows a hapless British lawyer who accidentally releases Count Dracula, a polyamorous, pansexual vampire who leaves a trail of seduction and scandal across 1930s London. With a playlist of 1980s goth rock bangers, the plot spirals into delightful chaos as a shibari-loving Van Helsing tries to stop Dracula’s sexy reign of terror.

WHEN: January 16 – February 1, 2025; Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM
WHERE: OASIS, 298 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

More details

Hot Chocolate Run

The Hot Chocolate Run is back in San Francisco, combining fitness with a sweet reward. Runners of all levels can choose between 5K, 10K, or 15K routes, winding through the scenic paths of Golden Gate Park. Beyond the race, the event is known for its indulgent post-run treats, including a finisher's mug brimming with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and fondue for dipping. Participants also receive a premium full-zip jacket and a medal to commemorate the experience. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, adding a meaningful touch to the fun.

When: January 12, 2025
Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

More details

Happy Endings Show 6th Anniversary

If you’ve never been to a Happy Endings show: it’s like therapy, but funnier and with cocktails. For six glorious years, this reading series has turned writers, poets, and comedians loose onstage to share tales that somehow manage to wring humor out of life’s messiest moments.

Held at the Make-Out Room, expect stories that make you laugh-snort one minute and choke up the next, all while you clutch your drink like a lifeline. And with a lineup of crowd favorites and newcomers ready to spill their guts (figuratively, we hope), you’ll leave wondering why all your personal disasters aren’t this entertaining.

WHEN: January 14th, 2025, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m
WHERE: Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St., San Francisco

More details on their Instagram post

Also coming up

The SF Ballet Gala — A wild evening of elegance

Fancy people, fancier outfits, and a performance so stunning you’ll swear off Netflix (for one night, at least). The San Francisco Ballet Gala kicks off the year with champagne, pirouettes, and a dinner at City Hall that makes you feel far classier than you are. Whether you’re there for the art or just to drink bubbly under the marble rotunda, this night is peak San Francisco sophistication — before it devolves into slightly tipsy networking at the afterparty. Read our 2024 review, and here’s our 2023 review, too.

When: January 22, 2025
Where: San Francisco City Hall and War Memorial Opera House

It’s $$, but the after party is mildly affordable at $175 — and that ticket can be bought as a standalone.

• Dinner tickets

• Performance tickets

• After party tickets

San Francisco has always been a city that thrives on contradictions. The fog rolls in and swallows the sun, but somehow the streets are alive with color. This year will easily provide us the same dichotomy: a shitstorm of tension in our national politics that will likely fuel escapism in San Francisco — messy, chaotic, loud parties and joy.

This year will be anything but quiet, and I plan to embrace the good moments whenever I can. I’ll be at the galas pretending I know what forks to use, and at Dolores Park cheering on the hunkiest Jesus. I’ll be in the thick of Folsom Street, soaking up the unabashed individuality that makes this city worth fighting for. Because if there’s one thing I know about San Francisco, it’s that even in the middle of a shitstorm, it still throws the best damn party.

Read the latest by Saul Sugarman

This is how SF transit failed me on New Years Eve

New Year’s Eve is my favorite party of the year — the lights, the drinking, the camaraderie. I’m proud to say this is my ninth New Year’s celebration in San Francisco, and each year the city has gently ushered me from party to bed to brunch safely and in a timely fashion. This year was a little different. Let me plot out for you how it took me two hours and forty-five minutes to go four miles across the city.

Read the latest by T. Von D.

Modern Japanese Bar Iris serves some of the most ambitious cocktails around

Bar Iris is the kind of place that feels effortlessly cool without trying too hard. Sitting beside its Michelin-starred sibling Nisei, this cocktail bar has carved out its own niche since opening in October 2021. Led by Timofei Osipenko, his 20-page menu is ambitious without being overwhelming, showcasing Japanese gins, rums, and whiskeys that make each drink feel like a quiet discovery.

Read the latest by Virginia Miller

What we’re doing this week

Happy Endings Show 6th Anniversary

If you’ve never been to a Happy Endings show: it’s like therapy, but funnier and with cocktails. For six glorious years, this reading series has turned writers, poets, and comedians loose onstage to share tales that somehow manage to wring humor out of life’s messiest moments.

Held at the Make-Out Room, expect stories that make you laugh-snort one minute and choke up the next, all while you clutch your drink like a lifeline. And with a lineup of crowd favorites and newcomers ready to spill their guts (figuratively, we hope), you’ll leave wondering why all your personal disasters aren’t this entertaining.

WHEN: January 14th, 2025, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m
WHERE: Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St., San Francisco

More details on their Instagram post

Drag-cula — Fangs, fabulousness, and living greyscale realness

Picture this: the performers are decked out in "living greyscale," covering themselves in gray makeup to look like they’ve stepped straight out of a 1930s horror film—if that horror film also had goth rock, bondage jokes, and an audience hollering for more.

Hosted at SF Oasis, the story follows a hapless British lawyer who accidentally releases Count Dracula, a polyamorous, pansexual vampire who leaves a trail of seduction and scandal across 1930s London. With a playlist of 1980s goth rock bangers, the plot spirals into delightful chaos as a shibari-loving Van Helsing tries to stop Dracula’s sexy reign of terror.

WHEN: January 16 – February 1, 2025; Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM
WHERE: OASIS, 298 11th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

More details

San Francisco Randonneurs: Pt. Reyes Populaire

For cycling enthusiasts, the San Francisco Randonneurs are organizing the Pt. Reyes Populaire on January 12th. This is a long-distance, non-competitive ride emphasizing endurance and camaraderie. The route offers scenic views as it travels northward through Marin, Sonoma, and Mendocino Counties.

In order to participate, you must pay an annual member fee that’s currently set at $5. The ride cost for this one looks to be $10.

WHEN: January 12, 2025, at 8:00 AM
WHERE: East Bluff at East Beach-Crissy Field, SF — they provide a GPS location of that here.

More group details here

Some Like It Hot

"Some Like It Hot" is hitting the stage at the Orpheum Theatre. This musical adaptation of the classic 1959 film brings a fresh take on the story of two musicians on the run, blending humor, romance, and toe-tapping tunes. It's a chance to see a beloved story reimagined for the stage.

WHEN: January 7–31, 2025
WHERE: Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Tickets and details

Ukulele meetup: Strumming through the evening

There’s something very San Francisco about a ukulele get-together. This in-person meetup invites all skill levels to strum, sing, and pick songs from The Daily Ukulele songbooks. Don’t have a song in mind? No problem—just go with the flow as the group rotates picks. Bring your instrument, a music stand, and your best vibe for a laid-back evening of island-inspired fun.

WHEN: January 10, 2025, 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
WHERE: The location is given out once you register with the organizer. Their Meetup is here; there’s an optional $5 donation.

Get your songbooks here:
Yellow Book
Blue Book

More details and RSVP

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.

40 traffic deaths later, Vision Zero remains elusive for San Francisco

A woman was struck and killed by a driver on December 27 while crossing the Great Highway near Ulloa Street, marking San Francisco’s 40th traffic fatality and 24th pedestrian death in 2024. It appears to be a tragic accident - a woman suffering from dementia wandered on to the street around 5:45am and entered the roadway where there are no crosswalks or street lights.

This makes 2024 the deadliest one for pedestrians in over a decade, and tied with 2016 as the second-deadliest overall (the other years have higher vehicle vs vehicle fatalities). 2024 was also the ten-year anniversary of “Vision Zero” which pledged to end all traffic deaths by… 2024.

“Any tragedy like this is a shock and deeply saddening for our community, especially during the holidays,” Supervisor Joel Engardio said on X. “I’m grateful to the first responders who serve 24/7 and provide help whenever it is needed.”

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

By Courtney Muro

I know Alchemist Bar & Lounge as the place where startup founders go to have drinks after Demo Day, but for the last few weeks it has served as one of the more tastefully done holiday bars in San Francisco.

The decor at Alchemist is subtle but effective. In place of gaudy colored lights, the brick-and-timber-style room is fully lit with warm white lights and biophilic garland. There was no fake snow to choke on, and while the holiday vibes game is strong, it’s more understated than “in your face like Christmas threw up everywhere,” said owner Phil Chen.

Last Sunday was mellow, so I was able to try a few different drinks and check out the decor without getting jostled every five seconds like I did at PCH the night before. Kenny Jones, the tall, chiseled-jawed lead bartender, managed a steady flow of drinks while keeping a composed, neutral expression under his wide-brimmed boater hat adorned with a peacock feather.

Apparently they do have a snow machine, but it wasn’t operating when I was there, and I appreciated the restraint.

A casually dressed after-work crowd was socializing in small groups, drinking from the holiday menu created by Jones and bar manager Ramon Garcia. The cocktails looked like season-agnostic drinks, served in proper glassware rather than the Miracle franchise Christmas mugs. Very demure.

“Orbit Trip” by Golden Mean was playing when we walked in, and jazzy hip-hop fusion music maintained a sophisticated ambiance for the remainder of our stay. I realized I was relieved not to hear Christmas music. Am I already sick of it?

Silhouette motion pictures were projected onto the wall in three places. When I asked Mr. Jones what they were, he shrugged and replied, “Just random short movies.” But they were cohesive, all looking like early renditions of Tim Burton’s scratch pad.

We ordered a Cafe Vizuvio with rye whiskey, Tequila Milagro Reposado, Mr. Black Coffee Amaro, Amaro Pasubio, and Falernum, and then moved to the Holidays in the Sun, with Botanist Gin, Tequila Reposado, Giffard Mango, Thai curry, and citrus. The latter had that delightful coconut sunscreen flavor you normally taste in the summer, rather than three days before Christmas.

The chicken wings had an extra kick that elevated them from typical bar food, and the pork bao buns weren’t too filling but kept us in the game while holiday bar-hopping.

I spoke with Rita K. of Potrero Hill and Suzanne G. from North Beach as they sat at the bar, sipping on pink Giddy Yap Giddy Yaps from the happy hour menu, made with vodka, raspberry, Falernum, Pamplemousse, jasmine, and citrus. “Chef’s kiss,” they mimed about the drinks.

The ladies told me they’ve been to many bars with holiday decorations, but this was the first “official holiday bar.” I asked what an official holiday bar is, and they replied, “Umm, probably something that has Christmas-themed drinks and Christmas decorations…”

It turns out they were originally set to go to PCH, but it was closed, so they ended up here on a friend’s recommendation. Suzanne told me she went to PCH last year but prefers Alchemist because PCH was “a little over-the-top” and also charged a cover. “It was like, you pay a cover, then you pay more for drinks,” she noted.

I asked the ladies if they felt like holiday bars gave them an excuse to drink anywhere, anytime, without feeling guilty about what could be perceived as overindulgence. Rita replied, “I think bars in general give you an excuse to drink anytime after work during the holidays.”

On that note, Mr. Jones handed us a complimentary shot of Wreck the Halls — a spicy concoction of tequila, Aperol, guava, pepper medley, Mazapán, and citrus — and we headed out to drink more guilt-free booze at the next holiday bar.

Courtney Muro is a San Francisco-based content strategist, producer, designer, and creator.

But if you are looking for tacky holiday bars in SF

They’re still open until—um—at least tomorrow.

Miracle at Pacific Cocktail Haven

Miracle at PCH offers tacky holiday decor and an extensive menu of festive cocktails — returning now for its 9th year. Fan favorites like warm rum, eggnog variations, and mulled wine pair perfectly with the over-the-top holiday atmosphere. In addition to SF, other Bay Area Miracle pop-ups can be found in Livermore, Oakland, San Jose, and Santa Cruz. Read our review of this one at Pacific Cocktail Haven last year.

When: Opens November 29, 2024
Where: Pacific Cocktail Haven, 550 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108
More details on Instagram

Grinchville at Thriller Social Club

Thriller Social Club's Grinchville is a festive, Grinch-themed pop-up bar located on the second floor of the venue at 508 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107. The space is adorned with immersive floor-to-ceiling decorations inspired by Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" Guests can enjoy themed cocktails, such as the bright green "Grinchmas" drink, and partake in arcade games on the ground floor. The pop-up is open now and is expected to continue through January or February 2024.

When: Open now, including New Year’s Eve (special event from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM)
Where: Thriller Social Club, 508 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Here’s a clip of a Grinch Drink being mixed there last year.

More details

Sippin’ Santa at Kona Street Market

Trade your snow boots for flip-flops and join the jolliest beach bash this side of the North Pole. Sippin’ Santa has transformed Kona’s Street Market into a tropical Christmas wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, rockin' music, and coconut scents.

When: Now through December 31, 2024. Open Monday to Saturday, 5 PM to 12 AM.
Where: Kona’s Street Market, 32 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

More details

Are you looking for New Years ideas?

Cool — it’s not really our thing buuuuuuut here are a few suggestions.

Comfort & Joy Afterglow New Year

Don your most fabulous queer fairytale attire and prepare for a night of unbridled revelry at the Prism Palace. This masquerade ball is set to be a neon crystal wonderland where masks aren't just encouraged. Dance until the disco balls drop and unmask your true self among San Francisco's vibrant LGBTQIA+ community.

When: December 31, 2024, 10:00 PM – January 1, 2025, 6:00 AM
Where: Space 550, 550 Barneveld Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124

Tickets and details

New Bohemia NYE at The Mint

Step into a world where Burning Man meets Moulin Rouge at the historic San Francisco Mint. With 23 immersive environments, seven dance floors, and a Kink Lounge, this party is not for the faint of heart. Expect aerialists, DJs, and a full cast of performers to guide you into the new year. Dress code? Whatever makes you feel fabulous.

When: December 31, 2024, 9:00 PM – January 1, 2025, 3:15 AM
Where: The San Francisco Mint, 88 5th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Tickets and details

Black & White NYE Masquerade Ball

Channel your inner aristocrat at the International Arts Museum of America's Black & White Masquerade Ball. With DJs spinning '80s, '90s, House, Electro, and Top 40 hits, plus a five-hour open bar, this event is the epitome of elegance with a twist. Don your most elaborate mask and prepare for a night of mystery and debauchery.

When: December 31, 2024, 8:00 PM – January 1, 2025, 1:30 AM
Where: International Arts Museum of America, 1025 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Tickets and details

San Francisco New Year's Eve Fireworks Show

For those who prefer their New Year's celebrations with a side of pyrotechnics — so long as the fog cooperates, which is always a big if.Join approximately 200,000 spectators between the Ferry Building and the SF Bay Bridge for a dazzling show that lights up the night sky. Pro tip: Arrive early to stake out a prime viewing spot, and consider using public transportation, as parking will be as scarce as your resolutions come February.

When: December 31, 2024, starting at 11:59 PM
Where: Best viewing spots are between the Ferry Building and the SF Bay Bridge, along the Embarcadero.

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

The holiday season can be tough for a variety of reasons; budget, time, seasonally associated trauma, general anxiety disorders, existential dread, the crushing weight of others expectations, the list goes on. What really exhausts me is the selection of Christmas gifts for my loved ones and work obligations. I know so many excellent gift-givers so by comparison I know I am not.

At a certain point, you just have to accept this about yourself. Instead of feeling guilty about your lack of holiday cheer, I suggest committing as little energy as possible to your shopping list. Here are some ways you, too, can half-ass Christmas gifts.

Read the latest by T. Von D.

From daddies to dancing houses at the Castro Art Walk

If“art walk” drums up imagery of middle-aged white women drinking wine and making up genres of art, you’ve come to the right place. Except replace women with men and make it more of a party vibe — then you’ve got Castro Art Walk.

This is a monthly mashup of galleries, local businesses, and artists trying to out-quirk each other. But let’s be real — it’s less about the art and more about socializing, getting your steps in, and looking at colorful things under flattering lighting. And there’s free wine at many of the stops.

I don’t have some major incident to report about this experience — no one barfed or got into a fistfight over a sculpture made of recycled kombucha bottles. It was mostly me sipping a sauv blanc while trying to guess if the guy in the leather jacket is an artist or just there for the free booze. So the following is just a recap of what I saw recently.

Read the latest by Courtney Muro

The first Taco Bell Triathlon just happened — there were five people

Chasing a triathlon in a car isn’t as easy as it sounds. We spent the first part of the day driving from Taco Bell to Taco Bell, photographing every group of cyclists we saw on the route, hoping it was our people.

To call it a triathlon is more than a stretch. One day I stumbled on this Partiful event that describes more of a Meetup from 2004, but tl;dr — “Let’s eat tacos and try to not freeze in the Pacific Ocean!” No sponsors. A suggested participation fee at $25. Taco Bell did not endorse this, but it’s also not the first time its poop-inducing crunchy cheese medley has inspired a weird pairing with athletics in San Francisco.

Read the latest by Courtney Muro

What we’re doing this week

Bill Graham Menorah Lighting

Celebrate Hanukkah with the nightly lighting of the iconic 25-foot menorah in Union Square. This cherished tradition features music, guest speakers, and a warm sense of community as candles are lit each evening of the festival. Whether you’re observing Hanukkah or simply want to experience the festivities, this event is a highlight of the season in San Francisco.

WHEN: December 25–January 2, evenings
WHERE: Union Square, San Francisco, CA

More details

Beetlejuice onstage

The Beetlejuice stage production, based on Tim Burton’s cult classic film, is heading to San Francisco for a limited run. Known for its quirky humor, impressive visuals, and an energetic score, the musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a teenager whose life becomes intertwined with a mischievous ghost and a pair of recently deceased spirits. With a blend of sharp wit and over-the-top antics, the show has earned a reputation as a darkly funny theatrical experience.

WHEN: December 24–29, 2024
WHERE: Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Tickets and details

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.

The Great Highway’s new public art project begins

Big changes are coming to the much-talked-about Great Highway, with plans underway to fill the 2.5-mile stretch with a lot of art. Think murals at every major intersection, sculptures in the dunes, and interactive pieces like a heart-shaped installation in the sand and a rock that spins.

The project is led by the city’s Recreation and Parks Department and local artists, who aim to make over the area similar to JFK. Murals are planned for eight intersections, with larger works at Judah and Taraval.

“Adding temporary public art to the former Great Highway is an opportunity to merge the beauty of parks with the creativity of San Francisco,” Rec and Park spokesperson Tamara Aparton, told the Chronicle.

The project builds on a pilot program launched in 2022, which turned the highway into a weekend park with events like yoga, concerts, and Friday Jazz Happy Hour—features now expected to continue through 2025.

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

By Courtney Muro

Chasing a triathlon in a car isn’t as easy as it sounds. We spent the first part of the day driving from Taco Bell to Taco Bell, photographing every group of cyclists we saw on the route, hoping it was our people.

To call it a triathlon is more than a stretch. One day I stumbled on this Partiful event that describes more of a Meetup from 2004, but tl;dr — “Let’s eat tacos and try to not freeze in the Pacific Ocean!” No sponsors. A suggested participation fee at $25. Taco Bell did not endorse this, but it’s also not the first time its poop-inducing crunchy cheese medley has inspired a weird pairing with athletics in San Francisco.

Fun? Sure. Athletic? Debatable. For me, nothing says “endurance” like chasing strangers and tacos in a 12-hour Bay Area fever dream.

We pulled up to the Daly City location, where they should have already stopped, hoping to get a gauge on how far ahead they were. I jumped out and ran to the counter — “hey, did the triathlon people get here yet?” I asked. The young girl behind the counter stopped in her tracks, a large tray of tacos in her hand, and stared at me wide-eyed. Frightened. Because the last thing you want to hear when you work at a 400 square foot Taco Bell with 3 barstools is that a triathlon is planning on coming through. An almost undetectable lateral head movement signaled to me that they had not yet come through.

My team was starting to doubt me and to be honest I was losing faith in myself. Did I dream that this was happening? Maybe I had the wrong date? I know it got postponed once already due to the weather. But it was sunny now. I checked the X post schedule for the 20th time: Pacifica, Daly City, Sunset, Richmond, Tenderloin, Mission Bay.

Alright, change of plans.

I made an executive decision to cut out the Sunset Taco Bell, where they should be right now, and post up at the Richmond one until they arrived.

When we pulled up there were 2 other people with cameras. One was Channel 5 and had not been able to locate the triathletes either. “It’s kind of a wild goose chase,” he said.

The other turned out to be Grant Fok, photojournalism student and friend of the triathlon orchestrator. Fok told me that the triathlon did in fact exist and that there were 50 participants, but that they were running a few hours late. On a tight schedule with other deadlines, I decided the best course of action was to go home and catch them at the finish line, which would make for better photos with all the pomp and circumstance that usually accompanies triathlon finish lines.

A few hours later I walked into Taco Bell Cantina Mission Bay to find four sweaty but spritely guys in ragtag race gear (one wearing a ridiculous taco hat) ordering Crunchwrap Supremes, Twisted Freezes, IPAs, and whiskey shots.

“Are you guys the first ones? Did you win??” I asked

They squinted and told me yes, they were the first ones, with an inflection that implied that they were answering my question with a question.

“Great. Where’s everyone else?”

“Uh, well there’s one guy left, and he’s right behind us.”

One guy left… I did some quick math on my left hand. Yep. 4+1 = 5. I had misheard Fok. It was a 5-person triathlon, not 50. The brainchild of Virginia-born, Bay Area-based serial entrepreneur and adventurer, Elliot Roth, this event was completely grass roots and unofficial.

“Okay, let me get this straight,” I processed the situation aloud. “You organized a triathlon based around Taco Bell locations with the official tri distance, posted it on Twitter and LinkedIn, rented a Uhaul, and actually went through with it.”

“Yeah it was great. Beautiful day!” said Roth.

“And from where do you guys know each other?”

“We met today.”

“So this is five strangers. Then how did you guys find out about it then?” I asked the rest of the group.

Third-place triathlete, Jake Keller responded, “I actually saw it posted on Elliot’s LinkedIn — like the best Linkedin post ever.”

“This is just me wanting to do something ridiculous for the sake of being ridiculous and uh, eating a lot of tacos,” says Roth.

Roth is one of those people who has ideas, doesn’t care how insane they sound, and isn’t bothered by the amount of work it takes to make them happen. He also doesn’t care if it’s for work or for play — goals are goals.

I asked about the logistics of the race, wondering how much they trained and how doable it turned out to be. Did they actually eat Taco Bell 5 times during a single triathlon?

Roth told me the swim was choppy, rough, and cold. But fun.

“Do you normally swim?” I asked

“I know how.” Roth replied, laughing as he cheersed his new bestie, Caleb Roark of Knoxville TN, with a 12-inch slushie alcoholic drink, served only at Taco Bell Cantinas.

“The bike ride in Pacifica was intense. Straight up like 1,000 feet, but it’s the best bike ride you can do because you go along the Great Highway.”

I asked if anyone threw up or shit their pants. “I wanted to but I didn’t,” said Roth.

“I almost did. That second Taco Bell I was close,” echoed Roark, “but some people are just built different.”

Just then the 5th triathlete crossed the finish line (the Taco Bell Cantina Mission Bay door) in sandals and a bowstaff. Apparently, despite Roth’s instructions to bring a wetsuit and proper gear, which would include close-toe shoes to say the least, Ben showed up with no wetsuit, sandals, and a bowstaff. And completed the entire triathlon as so.

I inquired about the menu choices made that day. What’s the best Taco Bell item to eat before you bike 40 kilometers and run 10? Roth told me he ate a different item at each of the five locations, as that was part of the experience.

I asked what inspired the Taco Bell aspect of the tri. Why not In-n-Out? (which would have been my preference).

“I was living on a diet of mostly Taco Bell for a time,” said Roth, “because it really is like, the only affordable food in San Francisco. The calories per dollar — the CPD — is off the charts!” he laughs.

I asked if this was a one-off event to which Roth replied, “This was like a pilot. It’s gonna be official next year. Potentially. And we might even do it again in a few months.”

Roth told me that organizing a triathlon is actually quite low-lift. “We threw this together in like a month,“ he said.

The triathlon was the official tri distance, although they cut part of the run short in the end since they were running a bit late — to be expected when you stop and dine at 5 Taco Bell locations during a race.

I asked about permitting and all the other costs and responsibilities (for example blocking off streets) that would accompany the event if it became official, with potential sponsors or as a team effort with Taco Bell.

“Yeah, probably, but the course itself actually is one of the most beautiful.”

Roth will cross that bridge when he comes to it. For now, his grassroots triathlon lives on in the memories of five strangers who pushed their bodies to the limit in the name of fast food tacos and absurdity. There were no trophies, sponsorships, or fanfare — just the satisfaction of doing something wildly impractical for the sheer joy of it. If Elliot does organize a second triathlon honoring the beloved fast food chain, I hope that Taco Bell steps up to the plate and reciprocates the love.

Courtney Muro is a San Francisco-based content strategist, producer, designer, and creator.

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).

What we’re doing this week

Beetlejuice onstage

The Beetlejuice stage production, based on Tim Burton’s cult classic film, is heading to San Francisco for a limited run. Known for its quirky humor, impressive visuals, and an energetic score, the musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a teenager whose life becomes intertwined with a mischievous ghost and a pair of recently deceased spirits. With a blend of sharp wit and over-the-top antics, the show has earned a reputation as a darkly funny theatrical experience.

WHEN: December 24–29, 2024
WHERE: Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Tickets and details

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Celebrate the holiday season with a special screening of A Charlie Brown Christmas at San Francisco's historic 4-Star Theater. This cherished 1965 animated special follows Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the Peanuts gang as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas, accompanied by Vince Guaraldi's timeless jazz score. The 4-Star Theater, known for its eclectic film selections and community-focused events, offers a cozy setting to enjoy this classic tale.

WHEN: December 22, 2024, 10 AM to 7:30 PM
WHERE: 4-Star Theater, 2200 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121

More details

The day started with a phone alert that sounded like the end of the world: San Francisco’s first-ever tornado warning. Tornadoes, in this city? It’s like hearing the Golden Gate Bridge announced its plans to pack up and move to Fresno — absurd, and yet, somehow, today’s reality.

Maybe I’d finally reached the point where San Francisco’s weird weather moods would defeat me. But no, it was SantaCon, and I wasn’t about to miss it. I’d heard all the stories about drunken debauchery, public urination, and bad behavior — SantaCon’s reputation precedes it. I half-expected to hate it, but instead discovered an oddly chill afternoon, even when the weather couldn’t decide its own mood.

Read the latest and see all the photos by Courtney Muro

Demi Moore, Austin Butler, and Zac Posen take on The Bay (sort of)

It’s not every day we see Demi Moore, Austin Butler, and Denis Villeneuve in San Francisco — because we’re the city where fog never ends. We’re more likely to rub elbows with engineers in Allbirds than to ever encounter a member of Hollywood royalty.

But rub elbows we did, sort of. SFFILM is a great place to find an indie flick and also the ultimate one to clout chase in The Bay. Their red carpet on Monday served up many orchestrated meet-cutes for The Bold Italic. Demi Moore was too good for us while holding onto her tiny dog, but Austin Butler, Zac Posen and Denis Villeneuve all had choice things to say about San Francisco, our fashion choices and the national film industry.

This was Santa Skivvies 2024

It all started with a text from my editor: “Want to watch half-naked men don Santa hats and harnesses while they prance through the Castro?”

My immediate response? “Obviously.” Because any day that starts with a promise of leather, red jockstraps, and antler headbands can only end in peppermint schnapps and shame. And also prove once again that San Francisco knows how to do the holidays better — and weirder — than anywhere else.

Read the latest and see photos by Courtney Muro

SF Ballet’s Nutcracker is a dazzling tradition that’s thankfully not going away

There was a buzz in the air — it felt like a mixture of excitement for the debut of the beloved story ballet and relief that the performance was happening. If you need a jolt of holiday cheer, see this excellent presentation.

The Nutcracker has a special relationship with San Francisco: It was first performed in the United States here in 1944. Over the past 80 years, the show has had five versions. The current variation is celebrating its 20th year in production. Former Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson staged it in 2004, and it has since become a Bay Area classic known for being set in San Francisco in 1915. The scenery and costumes, designed by Michael Yeargan and Martin Pakledinaz, respectively, reflect this period.

Read the latest by Katie Sweeney

What we’re doing this week

‘Tis the season to be laughing

Enjoy a festive night of laughter at the Holiday Special Stand-Up Comedy Night featuring Alejandro Ochoa, Julie Ash, Big T, Sean Felipe, and Allison Hooker. With a two-drink minimum, you’re guaranteed to be laughing—whether it’s at the jokes or your bar tab.

WHEN: Wednesday, December 18th, doors at 6 PM, Show at 7 PM
WHERE: Monarch, 101 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Tickets and details

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

Join drag superstars Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme for their acclaimed holiday extravaganza. This festive performance combines comedy, music, and dazzling costumes, promising an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer.

WHEN: December 18th & 19th, 8:00 PM
WHERE: The Warfield, 982 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Tickets

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.

Bay Bridge lights will soon brighten our night sky again

The Bay Bridge lights are set to turn back on after a two-year absence. Crews began installing 50,000 LED lights this week, marking the latest step in a long journey to bring back the Bay Bridge’s sparkle. No official launch date has been announced, but we’re hearing it might be as early as January 2025.

Illuminate, the nonprofit behind the project, has said the updated display will feature twice as many lights as the original, which ran for a decade and went dark in March last year. The original lights struggled under typical winds and rain, not to mention the strain of running every night for 10 years.

To re-launch, Illuminate worked to secure $11 million in order to update the system and improve its visibility. The new version will be visible to San Francisco, Marin and the East Bay.

“We hope you will join us on the waterfront,” Illuminate posted in an update on their website.

It’s exciting to bring back a beloved fixture of the Bay Area skyline. For those who missed the decade-long show, you won’t be disappointed.

Join us for the GrowSF Election Victory Party

Join us for the GrowSF Election Victory Party at ANINA. We're having a celebration to honor all the hard work that went into this election season.

​We're thrilled to announce that Supervisors-elect Bilal Mahmood and Danny Sauter will be joining us, and who knows, maybe a few other surprise guests will pop in too! See you there!

WHEN: Tuesday, December 17 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
WHERE: ANINA, 482 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

RSVP here

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

By Katie Sweeney

The Nutcracker Ballet has been a holiday tradition I’ve enjoyed my entire life. As a child, I danced in Petaluma School of Ballet’s annual production every December, even portraying the coveted role of Clara. As an adult, I look forward to seeing San Francisco Ballet’s version of the Christmas classic each winter.

So imagine my surprise when I opened Instagram two days before Thanksgiving and discovered this post from @dancersofsfballet. Among many demands, ballerinas and stage managers wanted better wages, more health and safety precautions, and less use of unpaid students. Luckily, an agreement was reached last Thursday, and the curtain went up on the spectacular show on Friday night!

There was a buzz in the air — it felt like a mixture of excitement for the debut of the beloved story ballet and relief that the performance was happening. If you need a jolt of holiday cheer, see this excellent presentation.

The Nutcracker has a special relationship with San Francisco: It was first performed in the United States here in 1944. Over the past 80 years, the show has had five versions. The current variation is celebrating its 20th year in production. Former Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson staged it in 2004, and it has since become a Bay Area classic known for being set in San Francisco in 1915. The scenery and costumes, designed by Michael Yeargan and Martin Pakledinaz, respectively, reflect this period.

Victorian-era toys, architectural elements, and chic gowns are seen throughout Act 1. The little girl who played Clara, Mitsuki Kobayashi Denman, was demure and well-acted, but her brother Fritz, portrayed by Mateo Wexler, stole the show. He was superb — mischievous and boyish, a star in the making. Joshua Jack Price, as the Jack-in-the-Box, was agile and quick, fluid and flexible — he could have been a toy. As the Ballerina Doll, Julia Rowe was equally adept, pretty, and precious, with stiff movements reminiscent of a mechanical robot. With its live cannon and menacing Mouse King, the fight scene was a flurry of activity and intensity.

My favorite part of The Nutcracker is the snow scene, and SF Ballet’s involves 200 pounds of paper snow. As it falls, the snowflakes twirl and jump, and my heart races, worried that a dancer might fall on the thickening layer of paper on the stage. Last season’s newly appointed star principal, Snow Queen Jasmine Jimison, was luminous and elegant. Her King, Fernando Carratalá Coloma, performing the role for the first time, was commanding and powerful. He and Jimison make a regal pairing, exuding effortless grace while commanding the stage.

In the second act, Sasha de Sola was flawless as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Her technical prowess is unmatched — no one can spin as fast as she twirls around the stage. Other standout dancers include Sasha Mukhamedov as the seductive genie who emerges from a golden teapot during Arabian, Pemberley Ann Olson as a French cancan girl with a pink ribbon, and Russian’s Alexis Francisco Valdes, whose consecutive toe touches had the audience cheering.

One visual effect that worked exceptionally well was when Clara transforms into an adult princess and dances with her Nutcracker prince during the grand pas de deux. Principal Wona Park looked like a grown-up version of Kobayashi Denman, and it was a believable trompe l’oeil. Park’s performance alongside cavalier Wei Wang was majestic and magical.

As a whole, the entire show was a triumph. There was not even a misplaced finger and no significant errors. The Nutcracker was a joyous celebration of dance, proving that the SF Ballet team isn’t going anywhere but where they should be: performing in front of an adoring audience. Here’s to an exciting season to come.

Katie Sweeney is a San Francisco-based writer.

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).

What we’re doing this week

Your Fucked Up Relationship

Since 2011, this San Francisco improv show has been turning heartbreak into belly laughs. Share your cringiest, wildest love stories, and watch the cast spin them into hilarious, unscripted scenes. No pressure to share—but if you do, we promise to make your ex look even worse. Come for the laughs, stay for the chaos, and leave knowing you’re not alone in the dating Dumpster fire.

WHEN: December 6-14, and more dates as they roll in.
WHERE: Endgames Improv Theater, 2965 Mission St San Francisco, CA 94110

Tickets and details

Holiday Gaiety with the San Francisco Symphony

Join conductor Edwin Outwater and drag performer Peaches Christ for a night of festive music and irreverent humor. This one-of-a-kind concert blends classical pieces with campy holiday fun, offering something for every musical taste. The performances range from holiday classics to unexpected twists, ensuring surprises around every corner. It’s a glamorous, hilarious, and memorable evening that captures the quirky spirit of San Francisco.

WHEN: December 13, 2024, 7:30 PM
WHERE: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco

Tickets and details

San Francisco is a city that thrives on secrets. Beneath its postcard-ready hills and Instagrammable views lies a labyrinth of hidden treasures, quietly offering refuge to the initiated. But this isn’t another love letter to Sutro Baths or the secret speakeasy tucked behind a laundromat. No, today we’re talking about the city’s tiniest, quirkiest parks — those blink-and-you’ll-miss-them green spaces that feel more like Easter eggs than actual parks.

‘Golden Girls Live’ bets on a bigger stage — and it pays off

Somewhere between Coco Peru’s excellent impersonation and the Curran Theatre’s holiday feel, The Golden Girls Live has become an annual winter tradition that’s not to be missed. I’ve been idly wondering lately if I entered my bitch phase as a reviewer, but I’m happy to report almost no critique here; It was a splendid show with lots of funny moments mixed with great acting and impersonations.

Read the latest by Saul Sugarman

From Gozu to The Wild: A Michelin-worthy evolution in San Francisco dining

Change is hard, especially when a beloved restaurant, Gozu, morphs into something entirely new: The Wild, starting September 2024.

Thankfully, what made Gozu great remains at the new Wild: a passionate team of servers and staff, including chef de cuisine Peggy Tan and pastry chef Mark Lieuw, who Zimmerman has been working with for years. Also, those charcoal walls, large binchotan grill and live fire cooking, giving the spare few diners front row views of the cooking from the counter-only “table.”

Read the latest by Virginia Miller

‘Drag on Ice’ deepened my love for San Francisco

I just finished my fourth year performing in Drag on Ice.

I’m mad at the world, yet find it suddenly so easy to be in love with San Francisco. I’ve sensed a shift after the 2024 presidential election. There’s a battening down and huddling in feeling. As we all prepare for Washington D.C. to become much more conservative, San Franciscans seem more appreciative of our own culture and less likely to knock it. We’re in a bubble. We may as well make it nice, right?

Read the latest by Joe Wadlington

‘A Man On The Inside’ doesn’t give SF enough screen time

As shameless civic boosters of all things San Francisco, we here at The Bold Italic relish any opportunity to see our fair city on screen, whether it be in movies or on television. After all, despite the spate of “doom loop” stories in the national press, we all smugly know that we live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our unique hills, bridges, and cable cars always make for a scenic backdrop.

So we were excited to see just how much screen time SF gets in the new Netflix series, A Man On The Inside, starring an affable Ted Danson as a lonely, 76-year-old widower who gets hired by a private investigator to be an undercover mole at a retirement community, in order to help solve a case of a missing necklace.

Read the latest by Adriana Roberts

What we’re doing this week

Parol Lantern Festival

San Francisco's 22nd Annual Parol Lantern Festival, scheduled for December 14, 2024, at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, celebrates the Filipino tradition of crafting star-shaped lanterns known as parols, symbols of hope and blessings during the holiday season. The event features a "Taste of Christmas" with traditional Filipino holiday dishes, live music, and performances by local artists. Attendees can participate in the Parol Stroll, a parade of illuminated lanterns through Yerba Buena Gardens, and view entries in the Tala Awards, a competition recognizing the best handmade parols.

WHEN: December 14, 2024
WHERE: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA

More details

SantaCon 2024

Throw on a Santa suit and join thousands of merrymakers for a day of bar hopping, public pranks, and plenty of liquid holiday cheer. Expect irreverent costumes, questionable Santas, and an ever-growing trail of candy canes and chaos. With its roots in SF, SantaCon is the ultimate anti-holiday tradition for the unapologetically festive. Read our review of last year’s SantaCon.

WHEN: December 14, 2024, starting at 12:00 pm
WHERE: Union Square, San Francisco, CA

More details

San Francisco Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the San Francisco Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker. This cherished production, celebrating its 20th anniversary under Helgi Tomasson's direction, transports audiences to a fantastical world where snowflakes dance and the Sugarplum Fairy reigns.

WHEN: December 6–29, 2024
WHERE: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA

Details and tickets

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.

San Francisco streets are deadlier than ever

21 pedestrians have been killed so far in 2024, making it the second-deadliest year since the city pledged to eliminate traffic deaths in 2014 with “Vision Zero.” SF has implemented measures like daylighting, slow streets, and elevated crosswalks, but it hasn’t yet curbed the problem.

According to the Standard, “San Francisco’s Vision Zero data suggest that in recent years, drivers were at fault for most pedestrian deaths caused by cars.”

According to our poll this past summer, San Franciscans are united on what they think we should do to improve safety: 77% want protective barriers at crosswalks, 76% want red light cameras, 71% want speed cameras, and 65% want more residential speed humps.

• Add speed humps: Residential streets across the city, especially the ultra-wide streets in the outer neighborhoods, need these.

• Enhance traffic law enforcement: Increase police presence in high-risk areas to stop reckless driving and strictly enforce existing traffic laws.

• Implement speed & red light cameras: Install automated speed cameras everywhere to discourage and issue citations for speeding and running red lights.

• Ban right-turn-on-red: Pedestrian fatality data indicates that the huge majority of car vs person fatalities happen during right turns.

• Redesign high-injury corridors: Focus on reconstructing streets with a history of accidents, with a focus on traffic calming, protected bike lanes, and protected pedestrian infrastructure.

Join us for the GrowSF Election Victory Party

Join us for the GrowSF Election Victory Party at ANINA. We're having a celebration to honor all the hard work that went into this election season.

​We're thrilled to announce that Supervisors-elect Bilal Mahmood and Danny Sauter will be joining us, and who knows, maybe a few other surprise guests will pop in too! See you there!

WHEN: Tuesday, December 17 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
WHERE: ANINA, 482 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

RSVP here

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

By Adriana Roberts

As shameless civic boosters of all things San Francisco, we here at The Bold Italic relish any opportunity to see our fair city on screen, whether it be in movies or on television. After all, despite the spate of “doom loop” stories in the national press, we all smugly know that we live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Our unique hills, bridges, and cable cars always make for a scenic backdrop.

So we were excited to see just how much screen time SF gets in the new Netflix series, A Man On The Inside, starring an affable Ted Danson as a lonely, 76-year-old widower who gets hired by a private investigator to be an undercover mole at a retirement community, in order to help solve a case of a missing necklace.

Based on the Oscar-nominated documentary, The Mole Agent, a 2020 Spanish-language film from Chile, the show is a cozy, low-stakes dramedy with a charming ensemble cast of older actors, a refreshing change of pace from most youth-oriented television fare.

Created by Michael Schur, whose previous credits include Parks And Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place, the new series continues his pleasant brand of breezy, goodhearted vibes, and with a 97 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.8 stars out of 10 on IMDb, it’s easy to see why.

With only eight 30-minute episodes, it’s a quick binge watch, which we did in one night, hoping to catch on screen as many local sights as possible, playing a game of “spot the shooting locale.”

The beautiful Cathedral Apartments on Nob Hill at California and Jones, built in the 1920s by noted California architect W.H. Weeks, is the stand-in for the fictional Pacific View Retirement Community. However, unless the show runs for 8 seasons like a certain ‘80s/‘90s sitcom, it will never reach the same iconic status as the Victorian in Lower Pacific Heights known as “the Full House house.”

And as much as I want to say something like, “Sure, Ted Danson is wonderful in this, but the real star of the show is San Francisco,” it’s just… NOT.

With 99% of the action taking place either inside the retirement home or other interiors, we’re mostly treated to brief glimpses of San Francisco B-roll footage you’d expect: the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, long lens vistas of hills and cityscapes.

Sharp-eyed viewers will even spot a half-built Salesforce Tower in a sweeping skyline shot, obviously stock B-roll footage shot several years ago while the building was still under construction. This, in spite of one of the retirees having a son who works in the tower as a “senior cloud solutions architect for Salesforce.” “What’s that mean?” asks Danson’s character. “NO idea,” replies his new elderly friend. “All I know is he’s important and he owns his house.”

There are a few other tossed-off jokes about fog and how expensive San Francisco is, but for the most part, A Man On The Inside could be set in just about any city in North America. It’s not until the penultimate episode 7 that we finally get out of the retirement community enough to have what could properly be termed “a love letter to San Francisco.”

In this episode, Ted Danson’s character takes his new friend around town to show him his favorite spots. As a former engineering professor who wrote a book about the Golden Gate Bridge, of course that’s the first stop. But we also get a ferry ride around Alcatraz, a baseball game at Oracle Park, sitting under the oldest tree in Armstrong Redwoods park, hanging out the Palace of Fine Arts, and finally, drinking wine at Tony Nic’s Cafe in North Beach.

It’s not a montage though. Along the way, these two retirees ruminate on the perils of aging, surviving the heartbreaking death of a spouse, dealing with memory loss and dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, and more. Despite the show’s high-concept “doddering old guy becomes an unlikely spy” set-up, these difficult subjects — not common material for a lighthearted sitcom — are really the heart of the story, and they’re delivered with warmth, care, and grace.

As a San Franciscan, it’s certainly fun to watch A Man On The Inside for all the location spotting. But by the end, you’ll want to binge the series for its cozy, feel-good vibes. And while the storyline gets wrapped up with a bow by the end, Schur and Danson have set it up for a possible ongoing series. Perhaps if Netflix orders a second season, we’ll get a more San Fran-centric storyline befitting of its setting.

Adriana Roberts is a DJ and performer with her Bootie Mashup parties, as well as a writer and trans influencer.

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).

What we’re doing this week

Your Fucked Up Relationship

Since 2011, this San Francisco improv show has been turning heartbreak into belly laughs. Share your cringiest, wildest love stories, and watch the cast spin them into hilarious, unscripted scenes. No pressure to share—but if you do, we promise to make your ex look even worse. Come for the laughs, stay for the chaos, and leave knowing you’re not alone in the dating Dumpster fire.

WHEN: December 6-14, and more dates as they roll in.
WHERE: Endgames Improv Theater, 2965 Mission St San Francisco, CA 94110

Tickets and details

Holiday Gaiety with the San Francisco Symphony

Join conductor Edwin Outwater and drag performer Peaches Christ for a night of festive music and irreverent humor. This one-of-a-kind concert blends classical pieces with campy holiday fun, offering something for every musical taste. The performances range from holiday classics to unexpected twists, ensuring surprises around every corner. It’s a glamorous, hilarious, and memorable evening that captures the quirky spirit of San Francisco.

WHEN: December 13, 2024, 7:30 PM
WHERE: Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco

Tickets and details

Yesterday’s Collective North Beach Vintage Market

Shop vintage goods at this wonderful North Beach market featuring 25 carefully curated vendors. The market lasts late into the evening, so you can stop by after work and make it part of a fun night out.

WHEN: December 6, 2024 (4:00–10:00 PM)
WHERE: 524 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94133

More details on their Instagram

Q Bar has risen from the ashes — literally. The storied watering hole finally reopened a few weeks ago after an intense fire sent the bar on a 5-year hiatus. Now in its triumphant return, Q Bar’s dance floor is already packed with energy and nostalgia.

With dreaded Thanksgiving family time hanging in the air, Juanita More provided space to drink ourselves stupid with Booty Call Wednesdays, an OG party with drinks, sweaty bodies, and a high-end photo booth run by Cabure Bonugli and other queer nightlife photographers. It’s a simple setup that was insanely popular in the 2000s and 2010s — enough to charge a $10 cover on a weekday just to peer inside last week. And the small space was packed to the gills.

Read the latest by Christopher J. Beale

The legacy of SF Oasis will live on, following its successful gala

I remember a different Oasis that opened 10 years ago. The raw space on 11th and Folsom was sparsely decorated, with events that likewise gave attendees many unvarnished, heartfelt drag performances. But the club’s lifeblood pumped through the hearts of owners Heklina and D’Arcy Drollinger — ambitious queens with their eyes on business, fame, creating community, and supporting artists.

Today we’ll see the next chapter of their dream thanks to its first gala that raked in more than $200,000. That money supports a much grander Oasis of today, one with a flashy runway, rooftop space, and sparks that fly while drag queens do death drops. Notably though, it’s the new nonprofit arm that attendees threw their dollars at — Oasis Arts — which wants queer film and theater to thrive in a city that’s often too expensive to encourage it.

Read the latest by Saul Sugarman

The Boomers and Gen X love Cyndi Lauper — I thought she was fine

Cyndi Lauper — known for her unique voice, activism, and bleach-blonde 80s hairstyles — delivered less of a self-sendoff and more of a Sesame Street variety hour on Tuesday night at the Chase Center. Did I hate it? No. I genuinely liked the show, but I didn’t love it. This concert delivered some high notes amid a simple setup that needed editing and a few more frills. And since the good vibes are overflowing in other reviews, I’m mostly here to spill some tea.

Read the latest by Saul Sugarman

What we’re doing this week

Civic Center Tree Lighting

The annual Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting in San Francisco is scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, featuring performances led by Boxcar Theatre's Artistic Director Nick A. Olivero, including music, theatrical acts, and appearances by Santa Claus. Attendees can enjoy artificial snow flurries and a toy giveaway for the first 400 children aged 12 and under, organized by Another Planet Entertainment in collaboration with the San Francisco Police Foundation and the Civic Center Community Benefit District.

The 50-foot noble fir tree will be illuminated at 5:30 p.m., set against the backdrop of the illuminated City Hall.

When: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 4–7 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Plaza, 335 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

More details

Let’s Glow SF

San Francisco’s iconic architecture becomes a canvas for massive holiday-themed light projections. Stroll through downtown and watch as art and animation light up the night in spectacular fashion. This event is perfect for an evening walk with friends or family, soaking in the beauty of winter without the chill. Read our review of last year’s Let’s Glow SF.

When: December 6–15, 2024
Where: Various downtown San Francisco buildings

More details

Santa Skivvies Run

Strip down to your festive underwear and join hundreds in this cheeky charity run through the Castro. It’s a fun, body-positive event that supports the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, with participants often decked out in creative holiday-themed lingerie. Expect a lively crowd, music, and a lot of good-natured laughs as runners race to spread awareness and joy. It’s one of the most lighthearted and visually festive ways to give back during the holidays.

When: December 8, 2024, 9:00 AM
Where: Castro District, San Francisco

More details

The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes

Experience the classic TV show’s holiday episodes performed live on stage by an all-drag cast. This hilarious tribute combines nostalgia with outrageous performances, offering a fresh perspective on your favorite Golden Girls moments. The drag performances are both affectionate and over-the-top, turning this into a unique holiday tradition. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the show, this production will leave you laughing and humming along to its theme song.

When: December 5–22, 2024 (various times)
Where: The Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Tickets and details

San Francisco Ballet's "The Nutcracker"

Experience the magic of the holiday season with the San Francisco Ballet's rendition of The Nutcracker. This cherished production, celebrating its 20th anniversary under Helgi Tomasson's direction, transports audiences to a fantastical world where snowflakes dance and the Sugarplum Fairy reigns.

WHEN: December 6–29, 2024
WHERE: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA

Details and tickets

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.

Noe Valley’s literary heart beats again

After seven months without a bookstore, Noe Valley is celebrating the grand return of a beloved space. Rising from the closure of Folio Books, the new Noe Valley Books opened with a $150,000 crowdfunding boost from 700 devoted donors. Former manager Katerina Argyres spearheaded the revival just in time for the holidays, transforming the shop into a vibrant hub for everything from queer romance to escapist fantasy.

For Argyres, who has spent her life in bookstores, the project is deeply personal. “Maybe you just want dragons drinking tea,” she said in the SF Standard, summing up the cozy, inclusive vibe. Locals didn’t let a rainy day stop them from pouring in to explore the eclectic collection.

Stanford’s Terry Karl was among the visitors, shopping for children’s books while celebrating her birthday and a human rights award. “I love this bookstore,” she said, echoing the joy shared by the neighborhood as its literary cornerstone returns.

Join us for the GrowSF Election Victory Party

Join us for the GrowSF Election Victory Party at ANINA. We're having a celebration to honor all the hard work that went into this election season.

​We're thrilled to announce that Supervisors-elect Bilal Mahmood and Danny Sauter will be joining us, and who knows, maybe a few other surprise guests will pop in too! See you there!

WHEN: Tuesday, December 17 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
WHERE: ANINA, 482 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

RSVP here

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