Why you should see this documentary about San Francisco’s newest mascot
Our new ambassadors — the cherry-headed conure — recently saw their 2003 film “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill” return to the big screen.
Conures are now the official mascot of San Francisco.
The Roxie Theater recently celebrated the conures’ victory by showing “The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill,” a documentary by Judy Irving that invites us to appreciate the beauty of unexpected relationships with these birds, and the harmony that can exist between humans and wildlife, even in the midst of a bustling metropolis. It’s been updated to 4K and now — as Irving said — she would love the film to find a “big fat streaming platform.” The film’s showing has been extended at Roxie Theater through January 25th.
Read the latest by Saul Sugarman
Love, loss, and the Bay Bridge lights
“I looked up from the path my feet charted and found myself embraced in his arms at the water’s edge. We looked into the sea and watched the lights on the Bay Bridge dance just like us, calm waves twirling the light and scattering it around for all to see. I gasped at its bounty. He stared at its glitter. We held onto each other tightly and let our eyes be teased by every flicker.”
Emily Russell, a PhD candidate in Political Science at Stanford University, writes this short literary story set against the backdrop San Francisco and the Bay Bridge lights.
Where to go when it rains in San Francisco
If God meant for the month of January to be dry, it would not rain so much.
As you’re reading this, rain is likely pouring into open windows, soaking jackets, priming lungs for colds, and generally reminding us what real weather is like. A time to step out into the downpour and seek out those bars whose unstreamlined and ruddy interiors contribute to a sensation that you are wrapping the place around you like a warm, dry coat. Here are five to try this week.
Read the latest by M. T. Eley
What’s cool about SF MoMA’s FOG Design+Art fair
Fort Mason was definitely the place to be seen on Wednesday.
In a city often starving for fashion, it’s rare to witness a place so packed and dressed up at the beginning of the year. Now in its 10th run, the SF Museum of Modern Art’s FOG Design+Art Fair kicked off with hobnobbers, socialites, art aficionados, gallery owners and creators. The Jan. 17 preview gala felt as much about the art as it did about rocking an outfit, and admittedly my favorite moment was spotting this woman casually strolling in a $12,000 Schiaparelli black velvet midi.
Read the latest by Saul Sugarman — it’s a recap of the event that ran through Jan. 21st.
What we’re doing this week
Fashioning San Francisco: A Century of Style
This exhibition boasts one of the most iconic assortments of 20th- and 21st-century women’s clothing in the United States, featuring a hundred collection highlights that includes haute couture lent by local contributors. It is the first major presentation of the de Young’s costume collection in over 35 years, showcasing pieces from renowned French couturiers and Japanese avant-garde designers, along with other influential figures in the fashion industry.
Among the featured designers are Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Christopher John Rogers, Comme des Garçons, and Rodarte.
WHEN: January 20 — August 11
WHERE: The de Young, Golden Gate Park
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
2024 San Francisco Ballet gala
It’s the beginning of the fancy social season for arty and philanthropic types in San Francisco, otherwise known as a night of beautiful dance and partying in some really cool fashion. I’m surprised to see affordable tickets for their after party only — affordable for this event, anyway! This is our recount of last year’s event.
WHEN: January 24, 2024
WHERE: War Memorial Opera House
301 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
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 hits record number of drug overdoses
San Francisco had 806 accidental overdose deaths last year, the most overdoses in a year ever. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, was found in 80 percent of overdose victims. Director of the health department Dr. Grant Colfax attributed the increase to a lack of access to methadone; the availability of supervised drug consumption sites; and an adequate behavioral health workforce.
Dr. Colfax told Maggie Angst of the Chronicle, “San Francisco alone cannot solve this problem of record overdoses deaths. We rely on our city and community partners and our legislators at the local, state and federal level to join us in this moment to continue to tackle this crisis.”
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
Perfectly appropriate that the mascot of San Francisco would be an invasive species.