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SF paid a hotel millions to fix homeless damage. It’s still closed

For the amount of public money spent, the city could have purchased the Hotel Whitcomb.

Bloomingdale’s to exit downtown San Francisco Centre mall

The department store, owned by Macy’s Inc., will close its flagship on Market Street at the end of March.

SF chef Charles Phan of the Slanted Door dies of cardiac arrest at 62

The James Beard Award winner launched his pioneering restaurant in 1995 and was slated to reopen it at the original location this summer.

174-year-old Bay Area bookstore files for bankruptcy, closes Berkeley location

Books Inc. “isn’t going anywhere,” the largest independent bookseller in the Bay Area said.

In hot water: Man caught taking bath during home break-in

Arrest made after teenage girl discovers a man in her bathroom during a “hot prowl” burglary.

California sues Trump over birthright citizenship executive order

The state was a lawsuit machine during his first term. That’s likely to be the case for the next four years.

Tesla driver suspected in deadly multi-vehicle crash

A line of cars waiting at a light was hit from behind by a speeding vehicle Sunday in SoMa.

I’ve seen it all: Geary CVS stores lock up chips and drinks now

The snack lockdown continues, even as Walgreens admits putting items under lock and key hurts sales. Customers say they’re frustrated.

Donald Trump’s tiny San Francisco army is ready to celebrate

Some loyalists hope to make an impact in local politics. Others will wield considerable power in the new president’s administration.

Company to pay $97M in Hunters Point Shipyard environmental lawsuit

Tetra Tech EC agreed to a massive payout to the federal government to resolve a legal battle over remediation practices.

SF’s biggest Trumper sells dinner with the Donald to crypto elites for $1 million

Top-tier tickets to a VIP reception hosted by David Sacks include an invitation for a date with the president.

Ex-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao indicted on bribery charges

Federal prosecutors said she received kickbacks in exchange for political favors.

Crypto startups are getting a warm welcome in Davos — thanks to Trump

After years of attending as outsiders, industry members are welcomed into the summit’s inner circle to talk policy and deals.

Feds sue SVB leaders for ‘gross negligence’ over massive collapse

FDIC questions the bank’s move to pay a $300 million dividend at a time of extreme financial distress.

This shop sells only toy ducks — and business is booming

Two former coworkers banded together to start a “completely silly” store.

SF keeps trying to tax away vacancies — but just can’t get it right

An empty homes tax was struck down by a judge, and an ordinance for storefronts has fallen flat.

For Bay area teens, TikTok ban is a political awakening

For many young people in and around San Francisco, the ban confirms their worst fears about government censorship.

Director Cord Jefferson on winning an Oscar and writing for love

The Oscar- and Emmy-winning director and writer shares how a wild array of music shaped his journey from angsty teenager to acclaimed filmmaker.

California’s most elusive mammal caught on camera for the first time

The camera-shy Mount Lyell shrew lives only in Yosemite National Park. Until now, no one’s documented a living specimen.

Kawakami: Where it all went wrong for the Warriors — starting with the 2022 title

The Warriors built their dynasty on a formula that doesn’t work anymore. They need to unlock a new style of playing — and team-building.

It’s the Dodgers’ world now. So what can the Giants do about it?

The Dodgers didn’t build a juggernaut overnight. It started with a key acquisition, and grew from there. The Giants can learn a lesson from that.

The $60 million man? Running the numbers on Brock Purdy’s 49ers contract

Where will his contract land? Will he reset the QB market? How will the 49ers fit a big deal into their salary-cap structure? Those are the simmering questions.

Kawakami: Why missing the playoffs might not be so bad for the Warriors

They’re not going to win the championship this season. They need at least one big trade and more secondary talent to get back into contention. So it’s time to wait.

Watching Trump’s inauguration with SF’s emboldened MAGA techies

While tech CEOs splashed out at balls and private parties in Washington, the rank and file ate pancakes and drank champagne out of paper cups.

Photos: Elephant seals are giving birth in record numbers in Point Reyes right now

Northern elephant seals are in Point Reyes for their annual breeding season, which this year is off the charts.

The Standard’s farewell to TikTok: A look back at our greatest hits

We reflect on the platform’s cultural impact, community, and unforgettable moments before it fades into history.

At 73, Michael Jang has become an art-world star. His house is ready for its closeup

The iconoclastic artist’s Richmond home is a work of art five decades in the making.

How Balboa Street (seriously?) became SF’s unlikely arbiter of cool

Natural wine, smashburgers, mustaches, dad hats — a stretch of the Outer Richmond is now the place to eat and drink.

Saison’s bar menu is the best fine-dining deal in San Francisco

A petite, five-course menu costs less than 100 bucks.

The savior of Seal Rock brings an oceanfront classic back to life

Chef Alfred Schilling was once the “chocolate king” of San Francisco. Now, he’s back to give new life to a beloved restaurant.

One man’s fanatical quest to make the best baklava this side of Turkey

Tolgay Karabulut of Baklavastory is a man obsessed — and his stumble-upon bakery on the edge of the Mission is a revelation.

Addicted to rules: How to slay the bureaucratic beast, from SF to DC

Bureaucratic bloat is real, but we won’t fix it by cutting half the federal workforce. A philosopher has a different idea.

No truth? No problem! Meta’s embrace of misinformation will cause real-world harm

Meta’s decision to slash content moderation will flood its platforms with hate, writes Sen. Scott Wiener. Nobody will be targeted more than LGBTQ people.

What Daniel Lurie said — and didn’t say — in his inaugural address

In his first remarks as San Francisco mayor, Lurie showed his oratorical weakness. But he still brought some heat.

Lurie’s four czars will have vast power — but will they know how to wield it?

A foursome of policy chiefs will attempt what a legion of veteran bureaucrats have been unable to accomplish: Make SF run efficiently.