San Francisco

a sci-fi novel by Annalee Newitz called A Wall Is Also a Road, an author photo of a person smiling with dark short hair, round dark glasses, a yellow shirt, blue tie, and gray suit jacket

Culture

Excerpt: ‘A Wall Is Also a Road’

The new novel from San Francisco sci-fi writer Annalee Newitz is a thought-provoking meditation on human nature, told from the perspective of an adventurous alien amoeba.

Annalee Newitz Sep 28, 2026

Culture

Amid Anti-Trans Uproar in the WNBA, the Valkyries Are Standing Their Ground. Is That Enough?

For Valkyries fans, the inclusiveness of Ballhalla is sacred — even moreso as the culture war comes for the WNBA.

Marisa Ingemi Sep 25, 2026

two people stand in front of colorful art in a gallery while other people smile around them at a gallery party

Culture

Forget Lurie’s Boosterism. SF Artists Say Only DIY Organizing Can Save the Scene

While the mayor boasts about Vogue World as a win for the local “creative community,” one thing’s never been more clear: A healthy art scene can’t depend on politicians or wealthy donors.

Max Blue Sep 17, 2026

an aerial drone image of an Oakland intersection

Power

An Oakland Photographer Surveils the Surveillance State

Cara Esten Hurtle’s drone-based art project shows the difference between being seen and being spotted.

Rahawa Haile Sep 15, 2026

Woman in red shirt playing piano in front of brass instrument players and a group of standing people

Culture

Magik*Magik Orchestra Cordially Invites You to a Slumber Party

Listen up and wind down at Gray Area on Sept. 26.

Emma Silvers Sep 8, 2026

Group of people, many in brown robes, standing or sitting in front of an office building. A sign reads, "We Inter-Are."

Power

The Buddhist Community Calling Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff to Action

Zen Master Thích Nhất Hạnh had a “dramatic influence” on Benioff. On Tuesday, the monk's students delivered an open letter to Salesforce Plaza, petitioning the CEO to end contracts with ICE and voice support for democratic elections.

Amalia Madrid-Lilly Sep 1, 2026

Person in a blow-up suit shaped like Pikachu wearing a pride flag marches down a main street next to a person in a white tank top and rainbow hair decor.

Culture

Pokémon Is for the Gays

This year, the Pokémon World Championships are in San Francisco — so here are the many reasons why Pokémon is gay as hell.

Marisa Ingemi Aug 28, 2026

Dolores Park in San Francisco with a blue sky

Power

San Francisco’s Parks Are Incredible. Why Is the Rec and Park Website So Bad?

One frustrated parent’s journey into the heart of darkness that is municipal web design.

Emma Silvers Aug 24, 2026

A radiant Black person with a shaved head and a septum piercing standing in the sun against a verdant background. A red flower is tucked behind their right ear.

Culture

golden lionheart collier’s ‘Hidden Currents’ Is a Masterpiece of Spatial Composition

At SF's Audium, 176 speakers tell the history of Black sound in the Americas through modular synthesis.

Rahawa Haile Aug 13, 2026

an older white man stands on the porch of a shop with a red and white sign that reads 'Rooky Ricardo's Records.' he is wearing a gray coat and black pants and waving

Culture

Dick Vivian Knew the Right Record Could Change Your Life

The beloved owner of Rooky Ricardo’s Records died in July at 78. But the Haight St. shop’s new owners — and Vivian’s countless musical disciples — say his legacy lives on.