Why I love Mission Bay
A place where a Michelin-star chef works next to a hot dog stand, and where you drop $20 on juice before heading to a free circus show.
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!
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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
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)
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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.
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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