Christina Campodonico

It’s 10 a.m. on a Sunday, but the air is filled with the click of laptop keys in a sunken living room of sorts in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. Fingers race, annotating graphs and charts, filling in spreadsheets and populating Word docs. The low-lit, brick-walled space, decorated with banners of Harry Potter’s magical houses and macrame wall art, feels like a cross between a college library and an underground cafe.

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It’s 10 a.m. on a Sunday, but the air is filled with the click of laptop keys in a sunken living room of sorts in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. Fingers race, annotating graphs and charts, filling in spreadsheets and populating Word docs. The low-lit, brick-walled space, decorated with banners of Harry Potter’s magical houses and macrame wall art, feels like a cross between a college library and an underground cafe.

But this is not a coffeehouse nor a sleek coworking spot. This is <a href="https://www.thesfcommons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Commons</a>, a community space where dues-paying members can get together daily for a writing marathon or to discuss the finer points of art, spirituality or technology salon-style in a meditative living area. And those in the know can post up in the members-only space on Sundays, when it’s open to the public.

But this is not a coffeehouse nor a sleek coworking spot. This is <a href="https://www.thesfcommons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Commons</a>, a community space where dues-paying members can get together daily for a writing marathon or to discuss the finer points of art, spirituality or technology salon-style in a meditative living area. And those in the know can post up in the members-only space on Sundays, when it’s open to the public.

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/what-is-cerebral-valley-san-franciscos-nerdiest-new-neighborhood/">“Cerebral Valley</a>” hub bills itself as a “home outside of home” that’s “dedicated to open-ended curiosity, co-created play [and] collective flourishing in the heart of San Francisco.”

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/technology/what-is-cerebral-valley-san-franciscos-nerdiest-new-neighborhood/">“Cerebral Valley</a>” hub bills itself as a “home outside of home” that’s “dedicated to open-ended curiosity, co-created play [and] collective flourishing in the heart of San Francisco.”

As San Francisco has emerged from the pandemic, new spaces for building connections—what sociologists might call “<a href="https://www.pps.org/article/roldenburg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">third places</a>” or “third spaces”—are sprouting up in response to remote work and the “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/20/nyregion/loneliness-epidemic.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epidemic of loneliness</a>” it has fed.

As San Francisco has emerged from the pandemic, new spaces for building connections—what sociologists might call “<a href="https://www.pps.org/article/roldenburg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">third places</a>” or “third spaces”—are sprouting up in response to remote work and the “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/20/nyregion/loneliness-epidemic.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">epidemic of loneliness</a>” it has fed.

Nearly half of Americans <a href="https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported losing touch with at least a few friends</a> during the first year of the pandemic, according to 2021 findings from the Survey Center on American Life. In addition to the isolating impacts of Covid, other factors—such as the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/25/marriage-declining-single-dating-taxes-relationships" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delaying of marriage and children</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/22/us-churches-closing-religion-covid-christianity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the decline of organized religion</a> and <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90350407/the-death-and-unlikely-rebirth-of-the-american-social-club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dropping membership in old-school social clubs</a>—could also be contributing to a generalized feeling of loneliness in our nation.

Nearly half of Americans <a href="https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported losing touch with at least a few friends</a> during the first year of the pandemic, according to 2021 findings from the Survey Center on American Life. In addition to the isolating impacts of Covid, other factors—such as the <a href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/25/marriage-declining-single-dating-taxes-relationships" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delaying of marriage and children</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/22/us-churches-closing-religion-covid-christianity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the decline of organized religion</a> and <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/90350407/the-death-and-unlikely-rebirth-of-the-american-social-club" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dropping membership in old-school social clubs</a>—could also be contributing to a generalized feeling of loneliness in our nation.

Manning Edson, left, and Clair Robinson, enjoy the backyard of Neon, a new neighborhood hub, during a soft opening on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in San Francisco, Calif. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1666" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED01_FriendshipClubs_051023-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165534"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Manning Edson, left, and Clair Robinson enjoy the backyard of Neon, a new neighborhood hub, on Thursday. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED01_FriendshipClubs_051023-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165534"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Manning Edson, left, and Clair Robinson enjoy the backyard of Neon, a new neighborhood hub, on Thursday. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

But the loss of office life may be a particular factor in the Bay Area. While other parts of the country are getting back to the office, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-is-losing-billions-a-year-in-local-spending-to-remote-working/">46% of Bay Area workers are clocking in from home</a>. Is it any wonder many of us are feeling a bit lonely?

But the loss of office life may be a particular factor in the Bay Area. While other parts of the country are getting back to the office, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-is-losing-billions-a-year-in-local-spending-to-remote-working/">46% of Bay Area workers are clocking in from home</a>. Is it any wonder many of us are feeling a bit lonely?

While all of these new private San Francisco social clubs and spaces offer some element of coworking, some are focused on niche circles or serving one neighborhood at a time. Others specifically tout themselves as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/this-new-200-per-month-friendship-startup-already-has-a-waitlist/">venues for making friends</a>. All of them, however, are geared toward building community.

While all of these new private San Francisco social clubs and spaces offer some element of coworking, some are focused on niche circles or serving one neighborhood at a time. Others specifically tout themselves as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/this-new-200-per-month-friendship-startup-already-has-a-waitlist/">venues for making friends</a>. All of them, however, are geared toward building community.

A friend and I visited the Commons on a recent Sunday. After an hour of concentrated writing, the crowd thinned out, but some stayed behind to talk about their epic weekend on the slopes, aspirations of abandoning their “Google money” for a more meaningful vocation or dreams of creating a utopic life of communal living.

A friend and I visited the Commons on a recent Sunday. After an hour of concentrated writing, the crowd thinned out, but some stayed behind to talk about their epic weekend on the slopes, aspirations of abandoning their “Google money” for a more meaningful vocation or dreams of creating a utopic life of communal living.

On the ride-share to our next destination, I asked my friend what she thought of the Commons.

On the ride-share to our next destination, I asked my friend what she thought of the Commons.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t go with there with the intention to write,” she said. “I would go to make friends.”

“Honestly, I wouldn’t go with there with the intention to write,” she said. “I would go to make friends.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-commons-college-campus-vibes">The Commons: College Campus Vibes&nbsp;</h2>

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<h2 id="h-the-commons-college-campus-vibes">The Commons: College Campus Vibes&nbsp;</h2>

Creating a clubhouse specifically to foster friendship was not the primary intention behind establishing the Commons, said co-founder Patricia Mou. But just as enduring bonds are often forged on a college campus, the Commons offers a chance for interactions that may have long-lasting effects.

Creating a clubhouse specifically to foster friendship was not the primary intention behind establishing the Commons, said co-founder Patricia Mou. But just as enduring bonds are often forged on a college campus, the Commons offers a chance for interactions that may have long-lasting effects.

The concept for the space, inspired by <a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780195104301.001.0001/acref-9780195104301-e-137" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the European Enlightenment cafes of yore</a>, was born out of a brainstorming session hosted by Mou about a year ago, where people with an interest in shared spaces discussed what they would want their ideal “third place” to look and feel like. Mou teamed up with Adi Melamed, launched a GoFundMe campaign and, by September 2022, <a href="https://www.patriciamou.com/newsletter-archive/the-journey-masterlist-of-3rd-spaces" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opened</a> the for-profit member space.

The concept for the space, inspired by <a href="https://www.oxfordreference.com/display/10.1093/acref/9780195104301.001.0001/acref-9780195104301-e-137" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the European Enlightenment cafes of yore</a>, was born out of a brainstorming session hosted by Mou about a year ago, where people with an interest in shared spaces discussed what they would want their ideal “third place” to look and feel like. Mou teamed up with Adi Melamed, launched a GoFundMe campaign and, by September 2022, <a href="https://www.patriciamou.com/newsletter-archive/the-journey-masterlist-of-3rd-spaces" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">opened</a> the for-profit member space.

Mou was shy about sharing the Commons’ membership rates but said that dues are based on a sliding scale depending on applicants’ financial situations and that the organization offers scholarships for people who can’t afford the full fees. Mou said the Commons isn’t financed by venture capital and uses the funds primarily to pay rent and keep the lights on.

Mou was shy about sharing the Commons’ membership rates but said that dues are based on a sliding scale depending on applicants’ financial situations and that the organization offers scholarships for people who can’t afford the full fees. Mou said the Commons isn’t financed by venture capital and uses the funds primarily to pay rent and keep the lights on.

“We&#8217;re just kind of a small-medium business,” Mou said.

“We're just kind of a small-medium business,” Mou said.

“We&#8217;re just kind of a small-medium business,” Mou said.

The aim, Mou said, is to re-create the intellectual openness and curiosity of the college experience through a physical space where members’ commonalities are shared values rather than shared occupation or industry. Mou is secretive about how members are selected, but applicants must fill out <a href="https://tally.so/r/wM0QE3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a questionnaire</a> that asks about their creative hobbies or “What rabbit holes or curiosities have you been pursuing or would like to go deeper on?” She likens the Commons to a public-private living room.

The aim, Mou said, is to re-create the intellectual openness and curiosity of the college experience through a physical space where members’ commonalities are shared values rather than shared occupation or industry. Mou is secretive about how members are selected, but applicants must fill out <a href="https://tally.so/r/wM0QE3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a questionnaire</a> that asks about their creative hobbies or “What rabbit holes or curiosities have you been pursuing or would like to go deeper on?” She likens the Commons to a public-private living room.

Owner Teddy Kramer with his dog Bea Bea at the soft opening of Neon, a new neighborhood hub on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in San Francisco, Calif. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1878" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED02_FriendshipClubs_051023-2500x1878.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165538"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neon owner Teddy Kramer with his dog, Bea Bea, at the soft opening of his new neighborhood hub in San Francisco. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED02_FriendshipClubs_051023-2500x1878.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165538"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neon owner Teddy Kramer with his dog, Bea Bea, at the soft opening of his new neighborhood hub in San Francisco. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“We are trying to build San Francisco&#8217;s communal living room for people to be able to take a step back from the daily grind of life [&#8230;] to explore their curiosities,” Mou said. “Why does that have to stop post-graduating?”

“We are trying to build San Francisco's communal living room for people to be able to take a step back from the daily grind of life [...] to explore their curiosities,” Mou said. “Why does that have to stop post-graduating?”

“We are trying to build San Francisco&#8217;s communal living room for people to be able to take a step back from the daily grind of life [&#8230;] to explore their curiosities,” Mou said. “Why does that have to stop post-graduating?”

The living room vibe is member Joshua Vounatsos’ favorite part of the Commons. He moved to San Francisco from Berlin to pursue graduate studies in the South Bay and joined the Commons to have a foothold in the city where he could hang out and study outside his tiny studio apartment. He appreciates being able to stop in for a coffee break, wind down after work, take a class or strike up a casual conversation with a fellow member. He wasn’t yearning for friendship when he moved to the city, but, he said, “I would say friendship is a side effect.”

The living room vibe is member Joshua Vounatsos’ favorite part of the Commons. He moved to San Francisco from Berlin to pursue graduate studies in the South Bay and joined the Commons to have a foothold in the city where he could hang out and study outside his tiny studio apartment. He appreciates being able to stop in for a coffee break, wind down after work, take a class or strike up a casual conversation with a fellow member. He wasn’t yearning for friendship when he moved to the city, but, he said, “I would say friendship is a side effect.”

Neon: ‘The Neighborhood Is the New Downtown’&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neon-the-neighborhood-is-the-new-downtown">Neon: ‘The Neighborhood Is the New Downtown’&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 id="h-neon-the-neighborhood-is-the-new-downtown">Neon: ‘The Neighborhood Is the New Downtown’&nbsp;</h2>

Teddy Kramer used to oversee the expansion of WeWork office spaces into new markets. But he insists his new venture on Cow Hollow’s Union Street, Neon, is nothing like a coworking place nor a coffeehouse—although the space, which is replacing a North Face store, will offer unlimited free drip java for patrons.

Teddy Kramer used to oversee the expansion of WeWork office spaces into new markets. But he insists his new venture on Cow Hollow’s Union Street, Neon, is nothing like a coworking place nor a coffeehouse—although the space, which is replacing a North Face store, will offer unlimited free drip java for patrons.

Kramer describes his space as a “neighborhood hub” where anyone can hang out. Unlike a traditional coworking space or social club, patrons don’t pay a membership fee for the right to use a desk. Neon merely asks visitors for $5 per hour to hook up to the internet or $25 to surf the web all day. Otherwise, it’s free to take up space as you wish during business hours.

Kramer describes his space as a “neighborhood hub” where anyone can hang out. Unlike a traditional coworking space or social club, patrons don’t pay a membership fee for the right to use a desk. Neon merely asks visitors for $5 per hour to hook up to the internet or $25 to surf the web all day. Otherwise, it’s free to take up space as you wish during business hours.

Yes, you could pop open your laptop and work, or sneak into a phone booth to take a call, but you could also sit and read a book, sip on that free coffee or chat with your neighbors. You could say this is Kramer’s answer <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/techies-taken-over-san-francisco-cafe-17875890.php#:~:text=The%20interior%20of%20Cafe%20Reveille,Thursday%2C%20March%2030%2C%202023.&amp;text=San%20Francisco's%20Cafe%20Reveille%20is,photo%20of%20it%20on%20Instagram." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to the coffee shop co-opted by headphoned techies</a> or elite coworking spaces, like the Ferry Building’s <a href="https://www.shack15.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shack15</a>.

Yes, you could pop open your laptop and work, or sneak into a phone booth to take a call, but you could also sit and read a book, sip on that free coffee or chat with your neighbors. You could say this is Kramer’s answer <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/techies-taken-over-san-francisco-cafe-17875890.php#:~:text=The%20interior%20of%20Cafe%20Reveille,Thursday%2C%20March%2030%2C%202023.&amp;text=San%20Francisco's%20Cafe%20Reveille%20is,photo%20of%20it%20on%20Instagram." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to the coffee shop co-opted by headphoned techies</a> or elite coworking spaces, like the Ferry Building’s <a href="https://www.shack15.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shack15</a>.

“This is not a Soho House where your stature in this world is what gets you in the door,” Kramer said. “What gets you in the door is just opening the door and saying &#8216;Hi&#8217; and introducing yourself.”

“This is not a Soho House where your stature in this world is what gets you in the door,” Kramer said. “What gets you in the door is just opening the door and saying 'Hi' and introducing yourself.”

“This is not a Soho House where your stature in this world is what gets you in the door,” Kramer said. “What gets you in the door is just opening the door and saying &#8216;Hi&#8217; and introducing yourself.”

Owner Teddy Kramer, at his new neighborhood hub, Neon, during a soft opening on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in San Francisco, Calif. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="2135" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED04_FriendshipClubs_051023-2500x2135.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165545"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Teddy Kramer aims to host art classes, trivia nights and more at Neon. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED04_FriendshipClubs_051023-2500x2135.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165545"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Teddy Kramer aims to host art classes, trivia nights and more at Neon. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

When Neon officially opens in June, Kramer plans to host community-building events and activities, like art classes, open mics, charity info sessions and trivia nights. Staff will function like neighborhood concierges offering recommendations for lunch at nearby restaurants.

When Neon officially opens in June, Kramer plans to host community-building events and activities, like art classes, open mics, charity info sessions and trivia nights. Staff will function like neighborhood concierges offering recommendations for lunch at nearby restaurants.

Kramer also plans to turn Neon into a commission-free gallery and boutique space where local artists and artisans can display their works and wares without having to give the space a cut of sales, and the business will offer event space to local nonprofits for free. The venture plans to make money by renting out its space to commercial businesses for a few thousand dollars per event and by being an ambassador for the neighborhood.

Kramer also plans to turn Neon into a commission-free gallery and boutique space where local artists and artisans can display their works and wares without having to give the space a cut of sales, and the business will offer event space to local nonprofits for free. The venture plans to make money by renting out its space to commercial businesses for a few thousand dollars per event and by being an ambassador for the neighborhood.

“If we bring more people to Union Street, not only do we flourish, but the businesses around us flourish,” Kramer said.

“If we bring more people to Union Street, not only do we flourish, but the businesses around us flourish,” Kramer said.

Like his self-funded <a href="https://www.smallbusinessboogie.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Small Business Boogie</a>—a monthly roving shopping crawl that spotlights four to five small businesses on a walking tour and concludes at a neighborhood watering hole with raffle giveaways and a round of free drinks—Kramer hopes to replicate Neon’s concept in other neighborhoods throughout the city.

Like his self-funded <a href="https://www.smallbusinessboogie.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Small Business Boogie</a>—a monthly roving shopping crawl that spotlights four to five small businesses on a walking tour and concludes at a neighborhood watering hole with raffle giveaways and a round of free drinks—Kramer hopes to replicate Neon’s concept in other neighborhoods throughout the city.

“We are believers that the neighborhood is the new downtown,” Kramer said. “I am completely, completely bullish on Downtown. It will bounce back. It will reinvent itself. But as of today, the neighborhood is where people are.”

“We are believers that the neighborhood is the new downtown,” Kramer said. “I am completely, completely bullish on Downtown. It will bounce back. It will reinvent itself. But as of today, the neighborhood is where people are.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-groundfloor-get-out-of-your-pajamas">Groundfloor: Get Out of Your Pajamas</h2>

<h2 id="h-groundfloor-get-out-of-your-pajamas">Groundfloor: Get Out of Your Pajamas</h2>

Jamie Snedden, the CEO and co-founder of the friendship-focused gathering space Groundfloor, is less bullish on the idea that venues like his will save beleaguered centers of commerce like Downtown, but he does think they have their part to play in the revitalization of San Francisco’s neighborhoods post-pandemic—namely by getting people out of their pajamas and into the world.

Jamie Snedden, the CEO and co-founder of the friendship-focused gathering space Groundfloor, is less bullish on the idea that venues like his will save beleaguered centers of commerce like Downtown, but he does think they have their part to play in the revitalization of San Francisco’s neighborhoods post-pandemic—namely by getting people out of their pajamas and into the world.

Snedden founded Groundfloor in March 2022 because he missed the social interactions of the office and wanted to fill the socialization void left by the rise of remote work. According to 2021 findings from the Survey Center on American Life, Americans are <a href="https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more likely to make friends at work than any other way</a>.

Snedden founded Groundfloor in March 2022 because he missed the social interactions of the office and wanted to fill the socialization void left by the rise of remote work. According to 2021 findings from the Survey Center on American Life, Americans are <a href="https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more likely to make friends at work than any other way</a>.

“I think people have got their home [office] set up down,” Snedden said. “They need a compelling reason to leave the house. For us, it&#8217;s finding friendship.”

“I think people have got their home [office] set up down,” Snedden said. “They need a compelling reason to leave the house. For us, it's finding friendship.”

“I think people have got their home [office] set up down,” Snedden said. “They need a compelling reason to leave the house. For us, it&#8217;s finding friendship.”

The membership-based community, which charges $200 per month and is currently capped out at about 1,000 members across its Mission and Oakland locations, hosts several events each week—many of them member-led—and even offers fitness classes, health and wellness workshops, movie nights, supper clubs, book discussion groups and game nights.

The membership-based community, which charges $200 per month and is currently capped out at about 1,000 members across its Mission and Oakland locations, hosts several events each week—many of them member-led—and even offers fitness classes, health and wellness workshops, movie nights, supper clubs, book discussion groups and game nights.

These social networks bridge into the digital world through Groundfloor’s app and Discord channels, which host an array of dashboards for members’ interest-based sub-clubs. Groundfloor even helps facilitate connections between members and tracks whether those setups panned out quantitively or qualitatively.

These social networks bridge into the digital world through Groundfloor’s app and Discord channels, which host an array of dashboards for members’ interest-based sub-clubs. Groundfloor even helps facilitate connections between members and tracks whether those setups panned out quantitively or qualitatively.

Groundfloor’s Mission location offers standard-issue coworking amenities, like phone booths, a few desks, WiFi and an espresso machine—even a library and small gym—all in beautifully designed spaces. Part of Groundfloor’s pitch for membership is that it costs less than a typical coworking space but also rolls in the amenities of a gym membership and other recreational perks like events and classes. But Snedden says the primary purpose of Groundfloor is to build intentional communities at the neighborhood level. And he thinks the concept could scale.

Groundfloor’s Mission location offers standard-issue coworking amenities, like phone booths, a few desks, WiFi and an espresso machine—even a library and small gym—all in beautifully designed spaces. Part of Groundfloor’s pitch for membership is that it costs less than a typical coworking space but also rolls in the amenities of a gym membership and other recreational perks like events and classes. But Snedden says the primary purpose of Groundfloor is to build intentional communities at the neighborhood level. And he thinks the concept could scale.

Customers enjoy Neon, a new neighborhood hub, during a soft opening on Thursday, May 25, 2023, in San Francisco, Calif. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1666" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED03_FriendshipClubs_051023-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165542"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Customers socialized at Neon during a soft opening on Thursday. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED03_FriendshipClubs_051023-2500x1666.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-165542"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Customers socialized at Neon during a soft opening on Thursday. | Paul Kuroda for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“There is this universal need for friendship,” Snedden said. “And if employers aren&#8217;t helping, then it falls to others to fill the gaps, and I think that&#8217;s the opportunity we see.”

“There is this universal need for friendship,” Snedden said. “And if employers aren't helping, then it falls to others to fill the gaps, and I think that's the opportunity we see.”

“There is this universal need for friendship,” Snedden said. “And if employers aren&#8217;t helping, then it falls to others to fill the gaps, and I think that&#8217;s the opportunity we see.”

Groundfloor is currently backed <a href="https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/groundfloor-620d">by $2 million</a> in venture capital, according to Crunchbase, and has plans to expand to San Rafael in Marin County and Los Angeles later this year. Snedden says he thinks the model could help revive American cities by setting up community-focused centers in residential neighborhoods rife with retail vacancies and suburbs far removed from urban amenities, like a flagship central library in a city’s downtown core.

Groundfloor is currently backed <a href="https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/groundfloor-620d">by $2 million</a> in venture capital, according to Crunchbase, and has plans to expand to San Rafael in Marin County and Los Angeles later this year. Snedden says he thinks the model could help revive American cities by setting up community-focused centers in residential neighborhoods rife with retail vacancies and suburbs far removed from urban amenities, like a flagship central library in a city’s downtown core.

“Many U.S. cities are not geared up for community,” Snedden said. “There&#8217;s lots of former retail spaces that don&#8217;t have an obvious future. [&#8230;] Maybe we can make them into these new versions of what a library maybe should be.”

“Many U.S. cities are not geared up for community,” Snedden said. “There's lots of former retail spaces that don't have an obvious future. [...] Maybe we can make them into these new versions of what a library maybe should be.”

“Many U.S. cities are not geared up for community,” Snedden said. “There&#8217;s lots of former retail spaces that don&#8217;t have an obvious future. [&#8230;] Maybe we can make them into these new versions of what a library maybe should be.”

He also thinks the Groundfloor model could do for friendship what apps like Bumble, Tinder and Hinge did for online dating.

He also thinks the Groundfloor model could do for friendship what apps like Bumble, Tinder and Hinge did for online dating.

“People are walking around the world looking for romantic relationships with a ton of ammunition in their back pocket,” Snedden said. “If you think about friendship and platonic relationships, it&#8217;s not the case.”

“People are walking around the world looking for romantic relationships with a ton of ammunition in their back pocket,” Snedden said. “If you think about friendship and platonic relationships, it's not the case.”

“People are walking around the world looking for romantic relationships with a ton of ammunition in their back pocket,” Snedden said. “If you think about friendship and platonic relationships, it&#8217;s not the case.”

Michael Kahan, the co-director of Stanford’s Program on Urban Studies and a senior lecturer in sociology at the university, is not surprised that venues like Groundfloor have arisen in the last few years.

Michael Kahan, the co-director of Stanford’s Program on Urban Studies and a senior lecturer in sociology at the university, is not surprised that venues like Groundfloor have arisen in the last few years.

“There&#8217;s great difficulty in meeting people,” Kahan said. “And so I think it&#8217;s understandable that these ‘friendship clubs,’ or whatever you want to call them, [&#8230;] are trying to fill that void.”

“There's great difficulty in meeting people,” Kahan said. “And so I think it's understandable that these ‘friendship clubs,’ or whatever you want to call them, [...] are trying to fill that void.”

“There&#8217;s great difficulty in meeting people,” Kahan said. “And so I think it&#8217;s understandable that these ‘friendship clubs,’ or whatever you want to call them, [&#8230;] are trying to fill that void.”

But could a network of private social clubs actually revive a commercial corridor as consequential as Downtown San Francisco? Kahan thinks that would be a bit of stretch.

But could a network of private social clubs actually revive a commercial corridor as consequential as Downtown San Francisco? Kahan thinks that would be a bit of stretch.

“I do think downtowns are going to have to be creative, and they&#8217;re going to have to have probably many different kinds of new purposes, and maybe this will be one of them,” Kahan said.

“I do think downtowns are going to have to be creative, and they're going to have to have probably many different kinds of new purposes, and maybe this will be one of them,” Kahan said.

“I do think downtowns are going to have to be creative, and they&#8217;re going to have to have probably many different kinds of new purposes, and maybe this will be one of them,” Kahan said.

Manny Yekutiel, who’s run his eponymous civic events space and cafe in the Mission for nearly five years, thinks that more community-oriented spaces are a great addition to San Francisco’s neighborhoods. But he is wary of membership-based coworking spaces calling themselves true third spaces, because they are centered on work and not open to the general public.

Manny Yekutiel, who’s run his eponymous civic events space and cafe in the Mission for nearly five years, thinks that more community-oriented spaces are a great addition to San Francisco’s neighborhoods. But he is wary of membership-based coworking spaces calling themselves true third spaces, because they are centered on work and not open to the general public.

While Manny’s makes its revenue from food, beverage and event ticket sales, as well as the patronage of sponsors, Yekutiel values that Manny’s is open to anyone.

While Manny’s makes its revenue from food, beverage and event ticket sales, as well as the patronage of sponsors, Yekutiel values that Manny’s is open to anyone.

“I do think that people are looking for more than just places to tap on their keyboards,&#8221; Yekutiel said. &#8220;They want wine clubs, and they want movie nights, and they want yoga, and they want conversations, and they want to be inspired, and they want to actually make friends.”

“I do think that people are looking for more than just places to tap on their keyboards," Yekutiel said. "They want wine clubs, and they want movie nights, and they want yoga, and they want conversations, and they want to be inspired, and they want to actually make friends.”

“I do think that people are looking for more than just places to tap on their keyboards,&#8221; Yekutiel said. &#8220;They want wine clubs, and they want movie nights, and they want yoga, and they want conversations, and they want to be inspired, and they want to actually make friends.”

Manny Yekutiel introduces US Presidential candidate Tom Steyer during Steyer's appearance at Manny's in San Francisco.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1298782072-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Manny Yekutiel introduces US Presidential candidate Tom Steyer at Manny&#8217;s in San Francisco, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. | Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1298782072-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Manny Yekutiel introduces US Presidential candidate Tom Steyer at Manny's in San Francisco, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. | Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/GettyImages-1298782072-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166440"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Manny Yekutiel introduces US Presidential candidate Tom Steyer at Manny&#8217;s in San Francisco, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. | Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

But, he said, “you need spaces that it does not matter if you are a member, you can still go inside.”

But, he said, “you need spaces that it does not matter if you are a member, you can still go inside.”

Groundfloor member Ning Recio, a longtime Mission resident and Bay Area native, was skeptical of the concept at first but decided to give the membership a go as a self-described early adopter. A voice actor, speaking coach and singer-songwriter, Recio was looking for a way to get out of the house, too—where she works primarily—when she joined the club as one of its first members.

Groundfloor member Ning Recio, a longtime Mission resident and Bay Area native, was skeptical of the concept at first but decided to give the membership a go as a self-described early adopter. A voice actor, speaking coach and singer-songwriter, Recio was looking for a way to get out of the house, too—where she works primarily—when she joined the club as one of its first members.

She says that joining the club has substantially improved her social life since much of her friend circle shifted to phone and Zoom calls during the pandemic. She estimates that she’s made eight close friends and dozens of friendly acquaintances since joining.

She says that joining the club has substantially improved her social life since much of her friend circle shifted to phone and Zoom calls during the pandemic. She estimates that she’s made eight close friends and dozens of friendly acquaintances since joining.

She feels a closer connection to her community just by walking down the street and running into fellow Groundfloor members in the neighborhood.

She feels a closer connection to her community just by walking down the street and running into fellow Groundfloor members in the neighborhood.

“You know, when the show Friends was such a popular show,” Recio said, “we all wanted this feeling of like, ‘Oh, my friends are just across the hall, and our coffee shop is just downstairs.’ I think Groundfloor is picking locations where people really do live in the city. [&#8230;] And so it has that Friends feel of like, ‘Oh, my friends are just over there, and we can grab a coffee.’”

“You know, when the show Friends was such a popular show,” Recio said, “we all wanted this feeling of like, ‘Oh, my friends are just across the hall, and our coffee shop is just downstairs.’ I think Groundfloor is picking locations where people really do live in the city. [...] And so it has that Friends feel of like, ‘Oh, my friends are just over there, and we can grab a coffee.’”

“You know, when the show Friends was such a popular show,” Recio said, “we all wanted this feeling of like, ‘Oh, my friends are just across the hall, and our coffee shop is just downstairs.’ I think Groundfloor is picking locations where people really do live in the city. [&#8230;] And so it has that Friends feel of like, ‘Oh, my friends are just over there, and we can grab a coffee.’”

As for Groundfloor’s price tag, the membership, she said, is worth its weight in gold.

As for Groundfloor’s price tag, the membership, she said, is worth its weight in gold.

“I can&#8217;t put a dollar value on it,” Recio said. “It&#8217;s been such an amazing sociology experiment for myself.”

“I can't put a dollar value on it,” Recio said. “It's been such an amazing sociology experiment for myself.”

“I can&#8217;t put a dollar value on it,” Recio said. “It&#8217;s been such an amazing sociology experiment for myself.”

Can ‘friendship clubs’ cure the loneliness created by the remote work era?

Joe DiMento

Joe DiMento is a renter in San Francisco and a volunteer with SF YIMBY, a grassroots organization that covers the region’s evolving architecture, construction and real estate from a pro-growth perspective.

Joe DiMento is a renter in San Francisco and a volunteer with SF YIMBY, a grassroots organization that covers the region’s evolving architecture, construction and real estate from a pro-growth perspective.

Just west of Twin Peaks, the San Francisco neighborhood of St. Francis Wood feels like a suburban idyll teleported from the past, with wide, leafy streets, large lawns fronting even larger homes—and even, in perpetually drought-stricken California, intersections boasting fountains. It’s an enclave of real estate excess, tucked away in a city teeming with the unhoused, in a state with a decades-developing housing crisis.&nbsp;

Just west of Twin Peaks, the San Francisco neighborhood of St. Francis Wood feels like a suburban idyll teleported from the past, with wide, leafy streets, large lawns fronting even larger homes—and even, in perpetually drought-stricken California, intersections boasting fountains. It’s an enclave of real estate excess, tucked away in a city teeming with the unhoused, in a state with a decades-developing housing crisis.&nbsp;

And, using a loophole in a hard-fought state housing law, St. Francis Wood is hoping to stay exclusive and unchanged. A group of homeowners calling themselves the St. Francis Homes Association has <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/YIMBYs-accuse-wealthy-S-F-neighborhood-of-trying-17137824.php">filed for historic designation status with the National Register of Historic Places</a>, which would exempt the neighborhood from getting any denser. <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB9">California Senate Bill 9 (SB 9)</a>—passed last year after multiple similar, and thwarted, attempts in the legislature—allows homeowners to divide single-family lots into two to enable the construction of smaller units, increasing the densification of cities and neighborhoods previously zoned solely for single-family housing.

And, using a loophole in a hard-fought state housing law, St. Francis Wood is hoping to stay exclusive and unchanged. A group of homeowners calling themselves the St. Francis Homes Association has <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/YIMBYs-accuse-wealthy-S-F-neighborhood-of-trying-17137824.php">filed for historic designation status with the National Register of Historic Places</a>, which would exempt the neighborhood from getting any denser. <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB9">California Senate Bill 9 (SB 9)</a>—passed last year after multiple similar, and thwarted, attempts in the legislature—allows homeowners to divide single-family lots into two to enable the construction of smaller units, increasing the densification of cities and neighborhoods previously zoned solely for single-family housing.

SB 9 was passed to help alleviate California’s housing crisis, and to make up for the sins of single-family zoning—which, while the aspirational residential experience for millions in the postwar 20th century, was often used to exclude nonwhites from homeownership. (This is the case in St. Francis Wood, which, when it was founded in 1912, <a href="https://www.stfranciswood.org/history">explicitly prohibited</a> the inclusion of Black and Asian families.)&nbsp;

SB 9 was passed to help alleviate California’s housing crisis, and to make up for the sins of single-family zoning—which, while the aspirational residential experience for millions in the postwar 20th century, was often used to exclude nonwhites from homeownership. (This is the case in St. Francis Wood, which, when it was founded in 1912, <a href="https://www.stfranciswood.org/history">explicitly prohibited</a> the inclusion of Black and Asian families.)&nbsp;

Restrictive covenants were explicitly outlawed by the federal government in 1968 under the Fair Housing Act. Still, high housing prices throughout the state—particularly in San Francisco, where the median home price <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/bay-area-home-prices-17089346.php">climbed 12% this year to an astonishing $1.58 million</a>—make homeownership unattainable to many families who haven’t been able to amass generational wealth. St. Francis Wood has a median home price of $3.4 million, making it among the most expensive neighborhoods in San Francisco, which is already the<a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/603612/15-us-cities-with-the-highest-average-home-prices"> second-most expensive major city</a> in the country (behind only New York’s borough of Manhattan).&nbsp;

Restrictive covenants were explicitly outlawed by the federal government in 1968 under the Fair Housing Act. Still, high housing prices throughout the state—particularly in San Francisco, where the median home price <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/bay-area-home-prices-17089346.php">climbed 12% this year to an astonishing $1.58 million</a>—make homeownership unattainable to many families who haven’t been able to amass generational wealth. St. Francis Wood has a median home price of $3.4 million, making it among the most expensive neighborhoods in San Francisco, which is already the<a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/603612/15-us-cities-with-the-highest-average-home-prices"> second-most expensive major city</a> in the country (behind only New York’s borough of Manhattan).&nbsp;

Since SB 9’s passage, we’ve seen several wealthy, exclusive cities try to circumvent the spirit of the law by throwing up excuses—like <a href="https://www.almanacnews.com/news/2022/02/02/woodside-freezes-sb-9-projects-with-town-citing-excemption-for-mountain-lion-habitats">Woodside’s mountain lion ploy</a>, or the Palo Alto City Council’s attempt to <a href="https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2022/03/22/citing-sb9-concerns-palo-alto-moves-to-expand-historic-registry">unilaterally categorize homes as historic</a> rather than allowing homeowners to submit their homes for the designation. These ultra-affluent enclaves are using exemptions in SB 9—written with the very interest of getting the law passed despite the <a href="https://www.livablecalifornia.org/act-to-oppose-sb-9-and-sb-10/">powerful homeowners’ lobby</a>—to negate its impact. (State Sen. Scott Wiener, author of SB 9, <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1520426148823330816?s=20&amp;t=JUmjzRj4C_YwbimLN1e6xA">tweeted that</a> “Historic districts &amp; homeowners associations shouldn’t be exempt from state housing laws.”)

Since SB 9’s passage, we’ve seen several wealthy, exclusive cities try to circumvent the spirit of the law by throwing up excuses—like <a href="https://www.almanacnews.com/news/2022/02/02/woodside-freezes-sb-9-projects-with-town-citing-excemption-for-mountain-lion-habitats">Woodside’s mountain lion ploy</a>, or the Palo Alto City Council’s attempt to <a href="https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2022/03/22/citing-sb9-concerns-palo-alto-moves-to-expand-historic-registry">unilaterally categorize homes as historic</a> rather than allowing homeowners to submit their homes for the designation. These ultra-affluent enclaves are using exemptions in SB 9—written with the very interest of getting the law passed despite the <a href="https://www.livablecalifornia.org/act-to-oppose-sb-9-and-sb-10/">powerful homeowners’ lobby</a>—to negate its impact. (State Sen. Scott Wiener, author of SB 9, <a href="https://twitter.com/Scott_Wiener/status/1520426148823330816?s=20&amp;t=JUmjzRj4C_YwbimLN1e6xA">tweeted that</a> “Historic districts &amp; homeowners associations shouldn’t be exempt from state housing laws.”)

The St. Francis Wood Homes Association, the group pushing for the designation, is <a href="https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/CA_San%20Francisco%20County_St%20Francis%20Wood_DRAFT.pdf">citing</a> the neighborhood’s unique design and landscaping as reason for the attempted designation.&nbsp;

The St. Francis Wood Homes Association, the group pushing for the designation, is <a href="https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/CA_San%20Francisco%20County_St%20Francis%20Wood_DRAFT.pdf">citing</a> the neighborhood’s unique design and landscaping as reason for the attempted designation.&nbsp;

But there’s nothing stopping homeowners or small developers from subdividing lots in the neighborhood and designing the smaller homes with a similar aesthetic to the prevailing one.&nbsp;

But there’s nothing stopping homeowners or small developers from subdividing lots in the neighborhood and designing the smaller homes with a similar aesthetic to the prevailing one.&nbsp;

Lee Adams III, one of the State Historical Resources Commissioners who voted in favor of the designation, said of St. Francis Wood that “it’s not open to everyone…but neither [are] many parts of the Bay Area, or other parts of California. I’m sorry about our exclusionary past, but St. Francis Wood isn’t the only place that’s had that.”&nbsp;

Lee Adams III, one of the State Historical Resources Commissioners who voted in favor of the designation, said of St. Francis Wood that “it’s not open to everyone…but neither [are] many parts of the Bay Area, or other parts of California. I’m sorry about our exclusionary past, but St. Francis Wood isn’t the only place that’s had that.”&nbsp;

To translate that comment: Sorry, but the region is expensive and exclusive, so this community can become even more exclusive and expensive by bypassing state law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To translate that comment: Sorry, but the region is expensive and exclusive, so this community can become even more exclusive and expensive by bypassing state law.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This has not gone unnoticed. An <a href="https://twitter.com/_fruchtose/status/1520097867167195136?s=20&amp;t=JUmjzRj4C_YwbimLN1e6xA">overwhelming majority of the public comments</a> at the State Commission hearing decried the designation. Even the Commissioners themselves alluded to the racist history of St. Francis Wood and the housing crisis from which it seeks exemption. But like so much that has contributed to our state’s housing crisis, they didn’t take responsibility for the contribution, and approved the request anyway, which is now on its way to the federal government. Specifically, it’s heading to the desk of Joy Beasley, the<a href="https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/joy-beasley-named-national-park-service-associate-director-of-cultural-resources-partnerships-and-science.htm"> National Park Services Director responsible</a> for the historic designation of American landmarks. (Anyone can submit public comment to Beasley<a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/contactus.htm"> through the National Register of Historic Places</a>.)&nbsp;

This has not gone unnoticed. An <a href="https://twitter.com/_fruchtose/status/1520097867167195136?s=20&amp;t=JUmjzRj4C_YwbimLN1e6xA">overwhelming majority of the public comments</a> at the State Commission hearing decried the designation. Even the Commissioners themselves alluded to the racist history of St. Francis Wood and the housing crisis from which it seeks exemption. But like so much that has contributed to our state’s housing crisis, they didn’t take responsibility for the contribution, and approved the request anyway, which is now on its way to the federal government. Specifically, it’s heading to the desk of Joy Beasley, the<a href="https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/joy-beasley-named-national-park-service-associate-director-of-cultural-resources-partnerships-and-science.htm"> National Park Services Director responsible</a> for the historic designation of American landmarks. (Anyone can submit public comment to Beasley<a href="https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/contactus.htm"> through the National Register of Historic Places</a>.)&nbsp;

St. Francis Wood is already exclusive—with <a href="https://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Saint-Francis-Wood-San-Francisco-CA.html">38% of the population density</a> of the rest of San Francisco. If it were allowed to avoid the densification brought about by SB 9, while the remainder of the city began subdividing lots, it would only grow more so. San Francisco has until next year to create a plan for 82,000 new housing units, under the terms of the looming, <a href="https://www.sfhousingelement.org/about-housing-element">updated Housing Element</a>, a wonkily named process by which the city has to account for its housing deficit or risk being penalized.

St. Francis Wood is already exclusive—with <a href="https://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Saint-Francis-Wood-San-Francisco-CA.html">38% of the population density</a> of the rest of San Francisco. If it were allowed to avoid the densification brought about by SB 9, while the remainder of the city began subdividing lots, it would only grow more so. San Francisco has until next year to create a plan for 82,000 new housing units, under the terms of the looming, <a href="https://www.sfhousingelement.org/about-housing-element">updated Housing Element</a>, a wonkily named process by which the city has to account for its housing deficit or risk being penalized.

Eighty-two thousand units is a lot of new housing—urgently needed housing, at that. There’s no way for San Francisco to reach its state-mandated goal if neighborhoods like St. Francis Wood are allowed to opt out of their contribution.&nbsp;

Eighty-two thousand units is a lot of new housing—urgently needed housing, at that. There’s no way for San Francisco to reach its state-mandated goal if neighborhoods like St. Francis Wood are allowed to opt out of their contribution.&nbsp;

In the summer of 2020, Black Lives Matter protesters toppled statues that commemorated our racist past. Why should we now enshrine housing monuments to our racist housing past?&nbsp;

In the summer of 2020, Black Lives Matter protesters toppled statues that commemorated our racist past. Why should we now enshrine housing monuments to our racist housing past?&nbsp;

Follow Joe on Twitter at @DiMentor&nbsp;

Follow Joe on Twitter at @DiMentor&nbsp;

Let’s topple the housing monuments of our racist past, starting with St. Francis Wood

Opinion: Let’s topple the housing monuments of our racist past, starting with St. Francis Wood

The Standard Staff

From Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest to San Francisco metal pioneers Deafheaven; from Drunken Master to Drunken Master II (both starring Jackie Chan)—we have yet another action-packed weekend in San Francisco on our hands.

From Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest to San Francisco metal pioneers Deafheaven; from Drunken Master to Drunken Master II (both starring Jackie Chan)—we have yet another action-packed weekend in San Francisco on our hands.

Also this weekend, Dave Eggers’ local literary nonprofit 826 Valencia celebrates its 20th anniversary 20th with a block party birthday bash and Spark Social in Mission Bay hosts the grand opening of a new type of fast-casual restaurant—one where the robots serve the food.

Also this weekend, Dave Eggers’ local literary nonprofit 826 Valencia celebrates its 20th anniversary 20th with a block party birthday bash and Spark Social in Mission Bay hosts the grand opening of a new type of fast-casual restaurant—one where the robots serve the food.

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<a href="#Thursday">Thursday</a> | <a href="#Friday">Friday</a> | <a href="#Saturday">Saturday</a> | <a href="#Sunday">Sunday</a>

<a href="#Thursday">Thursday</a> | <a href="#Friday">Friday</a> | <a href="#Saturday">Saturday</a> | <a href="#Sunday">Sunday</a>

Thursday, Aug. 25

<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="Thursday">Thursday, Aug. 25</h2>

<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="Thursday">Thursday, Aug. 25</h2>

<a href="https://www.augusthallsf.com/event/11984945/jazz-is-dead-the-tour/">Jazz Is Dead: The Tour</a>&nbsp;

August Hall, 420 Mason St. 8 p.m.&nbsp; | <a href="https://www.augusthallsf.com/event/11984945/jazz-is-dead-the-tour/">$30</a>

August Hall, 420 Mason St. 8 p.m.&nbsp; | <a href="https://www.augusthallsf.com/event/11984945/jazz-is-dead-the-tour/">$30</a>

<a href="https://thebrianjackson.bandcamp.com/album/brian-jackson-jid008">Brian Jackson JID008 by Brian Jackson, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Adrian Younge</a>

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As the longtime arranger and right hand man for Gil Scott-Heron, Oakland’s Brian Jackson etched his name in music history. But to many, the breadth and beauty of the pianist’s legacy was something that needed full immersion and a desire to dip into music history to appreciate. With their Jazz Is Dead Series, multi-instrumentalists Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad have forged entire albums of new compositions with legends like Jackson to introduce new generations to the wonders of his mastery. Across 14 volumes and counting, they’ve done the same with people like bassist Henry Franklin, organist Doug Carn and now even with surging LA jazz collective Katalyst on the paradigm-shifting JID013 album. The first Jazz Is Dead tour comes to San Francisco for a night that’s honoring the past, but undoubtedly looking towards the future of jazz. (AS)

As the longtime arranger and right hand man for Gil Scott-Heron, Oakland’s Brian Jackson etched his name in music history. But to many, the breadth and beauty of the pianist’s legacy was something that needed full immersion and a desire to dip into music history to appreciate. With their Jazz Is Dead Series, multi-instrumentalists Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad have forged entire albums of new compositions with legends like Jackson to introduce new generations to the wonders of his mastery. Across 14 volumes and counting, they’ve done the same with people like bassist Henry Franklin, organist Doug Carn and now even with surging LA jazz collective Katalyst on the paradigm-shifting JID013 album. The first Jazz Is Dead tour comes to San Francisco for a night that’s honoring the past, but undoubtedly looking towards the future of jazz. (AS)

<a href="https://sfpff.pinklabel.tv/">San Francisco Porn Film Festival</a>

<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-san-francisco-porn-film-festival"><a href="https://sfpff.pinklabel.tv/">San Francisco Porn Film Festival</a></h3>

<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-san-francisco-porn-film-festival"><a href="https://sfpff.pinklabel.tv/">San Francisco Porn Film Festival</a></h3>

Brava Theater, 2781 4th St. Through Aug. 27 | $15+

Brava Theater, 2781 4th St. Through Aug. 27 | $15+

Can ‘friendship clubs’ cure the loneliness created by the remote work era?

Opinion: Let’s topple the housing monuments of our racist past, starting with St. Francis Wood

The Standard weekend guide to SF events & entertainment—Aug. 25-28

Does Gov. Gavin Newsom have what it takes to be president?

Two state bills could help chip away at San Francisco’s housing shortage—gradually

Search Results for: bill scott

Can ‘friendship clubs’ cure the loneliness created by the remote work era?

Opinion: Let’s topple the housing monuments of our racist past, starting with St. Francis Wood

The Standard weekend guide to SF events & entertainment—Aug. 25-28

Does Gov. Gavin Newsom have what it takes to be president?

Two state bills could help chip away at San Francisco’s housing shortage—gradually