The GrowSF Report: Reckless driving takes over SF streets
PLUS: San Francisco office space could take decades to fill.
What You Need To Know
Here’s what happened around the city for the week of June 10, 2024:
- Reckless driving takes over SF streets
- It could take 2 decades to fill our vacant office space
- Mayor Breed and Aaron Peskin reach $390M bond agreement
- New floating light show could solve downtrodden Powell St.
Recent & upcoming openings:
- Little Original Joe’s heads to Marina
- More night markets are on their way
Reckless driving takes over SF streets
Dangerous maneuvers, illegal fireworks, and cars set aflame created a surreal and hazardous environment Sunday, but no arrests were made in San Francisco. (Several were in Oakland, though.)
These sideshows wreaked havoc in San Francisco and Oakland; Videos on Reddit showed reckless displays at Embarcadero and Washington streets, and Valencia and Cesar Chavez streets, with hundreds of spectators.
What are police doing? We’re seeing this because people know there will be no consequences (just see our latest street safety poll!). We need police to step up enforcement, make arrests, and hold participants accountable to deter future sideshows and ensure community safety.
It could take 2 decades to fill our vacant office space
The city's office buildings might not fill up for 18+ years, and right now, the situation’s pretty bleak with vacancies at over 30 percent — the highest in the country. Even with the boost from A.I. startups and a few new leases thanks to discounted rents, the city has not yet achieved net positive office absorption, said Kevin V. Nguyen for the SF Standard.
We have a long road ahead of us. With so many companies embracing flexible work setups, the demand for traditional office space might never bounce back to pre-pandemic levels. The city will have to adapt creatively—maybe by repurposing office spaces or reimagining how we use these buildings altogether.
New floating light show could solve downtrodden Powell St.

Powell Street could get a facelift with a design described as “practical, with a twist.” Picture upgraded sidewalks, street trees, ceremonial lighting, and a stunning “golden lantern” above the cable car turntable. If the $30 million funding comes through, it’ll be the biggest overhaul since 1973. The Union Square Alliance is pushing for this, believing it’ll help revive the area and boost the local economy.
“We want to make this place feel like something where you want to be,” said Richard Kennedy, who is working on the project, to the SF Chronicle. “If San Francisco is going to rebound and recover, Powell Street is going to play an important role.”
Mayor Breed and Aaron Peskin reach $390M bond agreement
Mayor London Breed just got a big win for her $390 million bond proposal for the November ballot. Her political rival, Aaron Peskin, surprisingly decided to back the plan, which could allocate funds for vital infrastructure improvements at San Francisco General Hospital and Laguna Honda nursing home.
The agreement also includes money for other public projects, increasing the chances that voters will see the bond on the ballot. With Peskin on board, Breed now has seven out of the eight needed co-sponsors, and she's just one short of getting it submitted by the late July deadline.
Partnerships like these can lead to substantial community benefits, proving that politics doesn’t always have to be divisive.
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Recent & upcoming openings
A great city is constantly changing and growing, let’s celebrate what’s new!
Little Original Joe’s heads to Marina

The second location of Little Original Joe's just opened its doors in the Marina neighborhood. Nestled on Chestnut Street, this new addition brings a modern touch to the beloved Original Joe's legacy, with stylish decor and an inviting ambiance that effortlessly blends classic elegance with contemporary flair.
We can't wait to try their mafalde cacio e macha, delicious pizzas, and inventive takes on classic Italian dishes in the vibrant Marina neighborhood. The newest location is 2301 Chestnut St., San Francisco, CA.
More night markets are coming
The Sunset Night Market is back on Aug. 30 after last year's success, filling Irving Street with food vendors and family activities. Supervisor Joel Engardio announced three "Sunset Nights" markets, including a beach party edition on Sept. 21.
The whole idea is pretty exciting. Night markets like these bring a fun, bustling vibe to the city, giving folks a great way to enjoy the local scene, and it’s a brilliant way to support local businesses and create memorable community experiences.
The Spirit of San Francisco
There’s a lot to love about our city and the Bay Area. Here’s what makes it great. Brought to you by The Bold Italic.
What we’re doing this week
’Rhapsody in Blue’ at Grace Cathedral
As the sunlight fades from the glittering stained glass windows, revel in a gorgeous rendition of “Rhapsody in Blue,” performed by virtuosic pianist and producer Ronny Michael Greenberg, with the Telegraph Quartet. And continuing this breathtaking tribute to Gershwin, the mesmerizing and fiery mezzo and aerialist Nikola Printz will sing a “blue”-themed program including classic Gershwin hits, while performing on a trapeze in mid-air above the cathedral labyrinth.
WHEN: Thursday, June 20 at 8 P.M.
WHERE: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St. San Francisco, CA
Drag Gala with Impulse SF
Celebrate the art of drag and stand against the bans targeting LGBTQ+ culture at the Impulse Drag Gala. All attendees are encouraged to come in drag, embracing RuPaul’s iconic phrase: “We are all born naked and the rest is drag.”
Enjoy dazzling performances by the fabulous Nicki Jizz, with DJ Namhab providing beats to keep the energy high and the dance floor packed. The event features exciting stations like a glitter and gem station, caricaturist, photobooth, and more. Tickets are free.
When: Today, June 15, 2024 8 PM — 1 AM
Where: Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
What we’re writing about
From fairytales to madness: SF Symphony’s bold new performance
We stepped inside Davies Symphony Hall last week, finding a blend of enchanting music and haunting dance by Alonzo King Lines Ballet and Peter Sellars. Highlights included the mesmerizing movements of the Alonzo King Lines dancers and Mary Elizabeth Williams' powerful soprano performance in Schoenberg's Erwartung, showcasing the Symphony's dedication to innovative and thought-provoking artistry.
The ‘Full House’ house is up for sale — again
If walls could talk, this OG Victorian would spill tales of TV fame and its storied past — now it’s up for sale at $6.5 million. San Francisco’s classic homes are no strangers to attention, but this particular Victorian at 1709 Broderick Street holds a special place in our hearts as the iconic façade of the Tanner family’s home in “Full House.”
At The Bold Italic, we’ve ventured inside one of these postcard-perfect homes, and what we found was an idyllic slice of San Francisco: The top floor, once the maid’s quarters, had been turned into a tiny museum. Notable items include a ticket from the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge, a photo of the family’s first house in the Mission, and a photo of people gathered in Alamo Square park as the city burned after the 1906 earthquake.
Scenes from 2024 Juneteenth parade in San Francisco
We love to see history come alive in San Francisco. The Juneteenth Parade on June 8th was a colorful tribute to African American culture and freedom. We spotted community leaders, performers, and dignitaries, including soul singer Goapele, poet and activist Tongo Eisen-Martin, rapper Stunnaman02, and the SF Jazz Ambassadors. Mayor London Breed led the festivities alongside state Sen. Scott Wiener.
Beyond the Big Top: San Francisco’s Church of Clown
The Church of Clown about community, the joy of connection, and laughter. With the stage alarmingly close, we were treated to intimate, laugh-out-loud performances by John Norris and Claire Woolner, who masterfully played off the venue’s charming quirks. The brainchild of Dan Griffiths, the Church of Clown is much more than just comedy.
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