SF Officials Will Arrest You for Partying in SoMa, Also Really Want You to Come Party in SoMa

Two inbox items this Thursday, presented without comment (except for bold emphasis on a few words):

July 23, 2026 Press release from San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins's office:

18 CHARGED IN CONNECTION TO UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY ON HOWARD AND WASHBURN STREET

Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that 18 individuals have been charged in connection to an unsanctioned and unpermitted block party in SOMA.

All 18 individuals are scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at the Hall of Justice in Department 17.

All 18 individuals are charged with unlawful assembly (PC 407), failure to disperse at an unlawful assembly (PC 409), and resisting, obstructing, delaying a peace officer (PC 148(a)(1)).

According to San Francisco Police on June 27, 2026, at approximately 10:58 p.m., officers encountered an unsanctioned and unpermitted block party on the 100 block of Kissling Street. Officers gave an order to disperse for the unlawful assembly and also directed the DJ who was performing at the event to vacate the premises. The DJ eventually stopped performing and left. Eventually, the street was cleared of the unlawful assembly.

Within an hour, many of the same people from the earlier gathering reconvened on the unit block of Washburn Street and began a second unsanctioned and unpermitted block party with a crowd of approximately 200 individuals. Officers formulated a plan to stop the unlawful assembly and address the continuing offense. During this incident 18 individuals were arrested. Two officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries during this incident. Throughout both locations, anti-police graffiti was observed spray-painted on walls, and makeshift barricades had been erected in an effort to prevent officers from entering the area.

July 23, 2026 Press release from San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey's office:

SUPERVISOR MATT DORSEY, CITY AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS LAUNCH WEST SOMA ENTERTAINMENT ZONE

Supervisor Matt Dorsey’s office, in partnership with Mayor Daniel Lurie, the SOMA West Community Benefit District, the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District, and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, launched the West SoMa Entertainment Zone to support local businesses, strengthen neighborhood nightlife, and bring more activity to the West SoMa neighborhood and its commercial corridors.  

Entertainment zones authorized by Senator Scott Wiener’s SB 76 (2023) and SB 969 (2024) allow cities and counties to designate outdoor areas where open alcoholic beverages may be consumed during permitted events. Under this framework, the West SoMa Entertainment Zone allows participating restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries to sell “to‑go” drinks for enjoyment on the sidewalk within marked boundaries.  

“West SoMa is home to a rich LGBTQ and Leather history that continues to shape San Francisco’s cultural identity,” said Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “This Entertainment Zone honors that legacy while creating new opportunities for the community to gather, celebrate, and experience the venues and institutions that have made the neighborhood a destination. It is an investment in the future of West SoMa as a vibrant, welcoming, and unmistakably San Francisco center of nightlife and culture.”  

“San Francisco’s entertainment zones give life to our neighborhoods and support the small businesses that make our city special,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “The West SoMa Entertainment Zone will bring more people to the Folsom Street corridor, creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to come together while supporting local businesses. The city's approach to SoMa has been limited to drugs for years—as we continue that work, we’re going to invest in the energy and economic activity of this incredible neighborhood too.” 

Led by the SOMA West Community Benefit District and the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District, the zone took effect earlier this month on Thursday, July 9, with sidewalk activation operating Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., giving visitors an easy way to enjoy West SoMa’s nightlife corridor throughout the week. The zone may also operate expanded street‑closure activations during major events such as Folsom Street Fair, Bearrison Street Fair, and the Up Your Alley block party. 

“Last year, we had a smaller Entertainment Zone to support the Community Benefit District’s SOMA Nights activation, and it was so much fun the whole neighborhood wanted in!” said Alex Ludlum, Executive Directors of the SOMA West Community Benefit District. “With this expansion, nearly the entire length of West SoMa is now covered, creating more opportunities to support local businesses and bring the neighborhood together.” 

“The LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District is delighted to see the Entertainment Zone activated in SoMa,” said Bob Goldfarb, Executive Director of the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District. “ Similar zones in other parts of the city have been a tremendous success, drawing more people to their neighborhoods and providing an important boost to local businesses. We look forward to seeing those same benefits in SoMa and encourage everyone to come out and enjoy all that our district has to offer.” 

"Entertainment Zones are helping reimagine how San Franciscans experience our neighborhoods while creating new opportunities for local businesses to thrive," said Anne Taupier, Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. "The West SoMa Entertainment Zone will bring new energy to one of San Francisco's most distinctive neighborhoods and reinforce West SoMa as one of San Francisco's premier nightlife destinations." 

Twelve bars are currently registered to participate in the West SoMa Entertainment Zone, and any eligible business within the zone may join at any time by meeting the participation requirements. Buyers must be of legal drinking age, show ID, and wear a wristband from the venue where they purchase their drink. All beverages must be served in approved compostable cups—no glass or metal—and must remain within the activated sidewalk area; they cannot be taken into other businesses or outside the zone.