Liz Lindqwister

Nordstrom employees have confirmed when the store will close for good at the Westfield San Francisco Centre. The department store announced its exit from the Downtown complex in May, saying it would leave when its lease ended.

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<p>Nordstrom employees have confirmed when the store will close for good at the Westfield San Francisco Centre. The department store announced its exit from the Downtown complex in May, saying it would leave when its lease ended.</p>

The Nordstrom flagship store will close on Sunday, Aug. 27, according to two staffers at the mall. They could not be named as they were not authorized to speak to the press.

<p>The Nordstrom flagship store will close on Sunday, Aug. 27, according to two staffers at the mall. They could not be named as they were not authorized to speak to the press.</p>

The retail store said in May it would not renew its lease obligations at the Westfield San Francisco Centre and announced the closure of the nearby Nordstrom Rack, which has already shuttered. The two planned closures <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2023/05/02/nordstrom-rack-closing-san-francisco-westfield.html?utm_source=st&amp;utm_medium=en&amp;utm_campaign=BN&amp;utm_content=fr&amp;ana=e_fr_BN&amp;j=31353004&amp;senddate=2023-05-02" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">represent about 357,500 square feet</a> of retail space, according to the San Francisco Business Times, which first reported Nordstrom&#8217;s plans.

<p>The retail store said in May it would not renew its lease obligations at the Westfield San Francisco Centre and announced the closure of the nearby Nordstrom Rack, which has already shuttered. The two planned closures <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2023/05/02/nordstrom-rack-closing-san-francisco-westfield.html?utm_source=st&amp;utm_medium=en&amp;utm_campaign=BN&amp;utm_content=fr&amp;ana=e_fr_BN&amp;j=31353004&amp;senddate=2023-05-02" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">represent about 357,500 square feet</a> of retail space, according to the San Francisco Business Times, which first reported Nordstrom's plans.</p>

<p>The retail store said in May it would not renew its lease obligations at the Westfield San Francisco Centre and announced the closure of the nearby Nordstrom Rack, which has already shuttered. The two planned closures <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2023/05/02/nordstrom-rack-closing-san-francisco-westfield.html?utm_source=st&amp;utm_medium=en&amp;utm_campaign=BN&amp;utm_content=fr&amp;ana=e_fr_BN&amp;j=31353004&amp;senddate=2023-05-02" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">represent about 357,500 square feet</a> of retail space, according to the San Francisco Business Times, which first reported Nordstrom&#8217;s plans.</p>

Yet even as Nordstrom plans to pull out of San Francisco, the store announced plans to grow its footprint across California with the opening of <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nordstrom-rack-to-open-five-new-california-stores-in-davis-elk-grove-gilroy-oceanside-and-san-mateo-301796511.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">five new Nordstrom Rack locations</a> across the state, including one in San Mateo.

<p>Yet even as Nordstrom plans to pull out of San Francisco, the store announced plans to grow its footprint across California with the opening of <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nordstrom-rack-to-open-five-new-california-stores-in-davis-elk-grove-gilroy-oceanside-and-san-mateo-301796511.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">five new Nordstrom Rack locations</a> across the state, including one in San Mateo.</p>

<strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/04/nordstrom-wasnt-just-a-retail-anchor-it-also-boasted-the-best-restroom-in-town/">Nordstrom Wasn’t Just a Retail Anchor—It Also Boasted the Best Restroom in SF</a>

Nordstrom wasn&#8217;t just a retail anchor—it also boasted the best restroom in SF

<p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/04/nordstrom-wasnt-just-a-retail-anchor-it-also-boasted-the-best-restroom-in-town/">Nordstrom Wasn’t Just a Retail Anchor—It Also Boasted the Best Restroom in SF</a></p>

The Westfield and its owner, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said in a May statement that the planned closure &#8220;underscores the deteriorating situation in Downtown San Francisco.&#8221;

<p>The Westfield and its owner, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said in a May statement that the planned closure "underscores the deteriorating situation in Downtown San Francisco."</p>

<p>The Westfield and its owner, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said in a May statement that the planned closure &#8220;underscores the deteriorating situation in Downtown San Francisco.&#8221;</p>

&#8220;A growing number of retailers and businesses are leaving the area due to the unsafe conditions for customers, retailers and employees, coupled with the fact that these significant issues are preventing an economic recovery of the area,&#8221; the statement said.

<p>"A growing number of retailers and businesses are leaving the area due to the unsafe conditions for customers, retailers and employees, coupled with the fact that these significant issues are preventing an economic recovery of the area," the statement said. </p>

<p>&#8220;A growing number of retailers and businesses are leaving the area due to the unsafe conditions for customers, retailers and employees, coupled with the fact that these significant issues are preventing an economic recovery of the area,&#8221; the statement said. </p>

Numerous stores have closed in San Francisco&#8217;s Downtown core, many of which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">cited unsafe conditions</a> in the area. A new Ikea store slated to open this year on Market Street <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/17/new-downtown-sf-ikea-will-have-nonstop-security-company-says-after-whole-foods-shutters/">announced in April that the store will feature</a> round-the-clock security.

Nordstrom&#8217;s exit from San Francisco calls downtown mall&#8217;s future into question

New downtown SF IKEA will have nonstop security, company says after Whole Foods shutters

<p>Numerous stores have closed in San Francisco's Downtown core, many of which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">cited unsafe conditions</a> in the area. A new Ikea store slated to open this year on Market Street <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/17/new-downtown-sf-ikea-will-have-nonstop-security-company-says-after-whole-foods-shutters/">announced in April that the store will feature</a> round-the-clock security. </p>

<p>Numerous stores have closed in San Francisco&#8217;s Downtown core, many of which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/02/nordstroms-exit-from-san-francisco-calls-downtown-malls-future-into-question/">cited unsafe conditions</a> in the area. A new Ikea store slated to open this year on Market Street <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/17/new-downtown-sf-ikea-will-have-nonstop-security-company-says-after-whole-foods-shutters/">announced in April that the store will feature</a> round-the-clock security. </p>

Law enforcement dispatch data shows police regularly patrolled the Westfield. Officers logged almost 560 “passing calls”—when officers patrol an area to demonstrate a police presence—at the mall from May 1, 2022, to May 1, 2023.

<p>Law enforcement dispatch data shows police regularly patrolled the Westfield. Officers logged almost 560 “passing calls”—when officers patrol an area to demonstrate a police presence—at the mall from May 1, 2022, to May 1, 2023.</p>

San Francisco’s emergency dispatchers also received reports of hundreds of potential crimes during the same period. The data shows reports of 118 petty theft incidents, 64 fights, 41 grand thefts and 24 burglaries.

<p>San Francisco’s emergency dispatchers also received reports of hundreds of potential crimes during the same period. The data shows reports of 118 petty theft incidents, 64 fights, 41 grand thefts and 24 burglaries.</p>

But the troubles plaguing Westfield started well before Nordstrom’s planned closure. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">pandemic and remote work decimated foot traffic</a> in Downtown San Francisco, accelerated by the rise of online shopping. In the last year, city officials have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/24/san-franciscos-answer-to-safety-concerns-is-more-community-ambassadors/">increased community ambassadors</a> and safety efforts in the Mid-Market area.

San Francisco’s answer to safety concerns is more community ambassadors

<p>But the troubles plaguing Westfield started well before Nordstrom’s planned closure. The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/downtown-san-francisco-vacancies-hit-record-high-as-city-nears-breaking-point/">pandemic and remote work decimated foot traffic</a> in Downtown San Francisco, accelerated by the rise of online shopping. In the last year, city officials have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/10/24/san-franciscos-answer-to-safety-concerns-is-more-community-ambassadors/">increased community ambassadors</a> and safety efforts in the Mid-Market area. </p>

A June analysis by The Standard showed that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/westfield-mall-san-francisco-centre-union-square-stores-closing/">45 stores, or 46% of the mall’s 97 pre-pandemic retailers</a>, have closed since 2020. While 21 new stores opened in the past three years, the wave of closures left the shopping center with many vacant storefronts.

Westfield’s San Francisco Centre mall lost 46% of its stores since 2020

<p>A June analysis by The Standard showed that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/06/13/westfield-mall-san-francisco-centre-union-square-stores-closing/">45 stores, or 46% of the mall’s 97 pre-pandemic retailers</a>, have closed since 2020. While 21 new stores opened in the past three years, the wave of closures left the shopping center with many vacant storefronts. </p>

Nordstrom and Westfield did not respond to requests for comment.

<p>Nordstrom and Westfield did not respond to requests for comment. </p>

Here’s when downtown San Francisco’s Nordstrom will close its doors

Emily Dreyfuss

Do you ever get the feeling everyone is hanging out without you?

<p>Do you ever get the feeling everyone is hanging out without you? </p>

The last two weekends, I discovered where they all were: a new, windowless arcade-slash-teenage-playground the size of a football field submerged under the parking lot of Stonestown Galleria.&nbsp;

<p>The last two weekends, I discovered where they all were: a new, windowless arcade-slash-teenage-playground the size of a football field submerged under the parking lot of Stonestown Galleria.&nbsp;</p>

I found hordes of people, young and younger, who are spending their weekends at Round 1, the latest Northern California location of a Japanese arcade and bowling alley chain.&nbsp;High schoolers, college students, canoodling couples, competitive gamers, children on playdates — everybody who loves a joystick or a dance battle is flocking here. The arcade, which opened in November in the former Nordstrom basement space, gets so crowded on weekends after 6 p.m. that it feels like half of Northern California has descended on this boisterous bunker.

<p>I found hordes of people, young and younger, who are spending their weekends at Round 1, the latest Northern California location of a Japanese arcade and bowling alley chain.&nbsp;High schoolers, college students, canoodling couples, competitive gamers, children on playdates — everybody who loves a joystick or a dance battle is flocking here. The arcade, which opened in November in the former Nordstrom basement space, gets so crowded on weekends after 6 p.m. that it feels like half of Northern California has descended on this boisterous bunker.</p>

Rico Smith, a City College graduate who was playing air hockey Friday, came from Roseville “to hang out with my friend who lives here and to check this place out.” Yes, Roseville already has its own Round 1, but Smith feels the new Stonestown location is “more low-key.”&nbsp;

<p>Rico Smith, a City College graduate who was playing air hockey Friday, came from Roseville “to hang out with my friend who lives here and to check this place out.” Yes, Roseville already has its own Round 1, but Smith feels the new Stonestown location is “more low-key.”&nbsp;</p>

Zoe Freeman and Ke’Maryie Amons play at Round 1 in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-13.jpg" alt="Two excited people play an arcade racing game, cheering with raised arms. Bright screens and vivid colors surround them, capturing a lively atmosphere." class="wp-image-342325"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">High school seniors Zoe Freeman and Ke’Maryie Amons play a racing game.</figcaption></figure>


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<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-13.jpg" alt="Two excited people play an arcade racing game, cheering with raised arms. Bright screens and vivid colors surround them, capturing a lively atmosphere." class="wp-image-342325"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">High school seniors Zoe Freeman and Ke’Maryie Amons play a racing game.</figcaption></figure>

It’s hard to imagine something more high-key than this. The place is huge and fun and loud. Very, very loud. Squeals of laughter, peals of digital music, flashing lights, and primary colors fill the enormous space — a 50,000-square-foot dopamine hit. There is no day or night in Round 1, just neon.

<p>It’s hard to imagine something more high-key than this. The place is huge and fun and loud. Very, very loud. Squeals of laughter, peals of digital music, flashing lights, and primary colors fill the enormous space — a 50,000-square-foot dopamine hit. There is no day or night in Round 1, just neon. </p>

The food is highly skippable, as confirmed by the many <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/round1-bowling-and-arcade-san-francisco?rr=1">one-star Yelp reviews</a>. The kitchen works at a sloth&#8217;s pace. The bartenders have braces and don’t know what hard cider is. But none of that is the point. The point is the games. And the rows and rows of claw machines. And the bowling alley. And the billiards. And the vibe.

<p>The food is highly skippable, as confirmed by the many <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/round1-bowling-and-arcade-san-francisco?rr=1">one-star Yelp reviews</a>. The kitchen works at a sloth's pace. The bartenders have braces and don’t know what hard cider is. But none of that is the point. The point is the games. And the rows and rows of claw machines. And the bowling alley. And the billiards. And the vibe.</p>

<p>The food is highly skippable, as confirmed by the many <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/round1-bowling-and-arcade-san-francisco?rr=1">one-star Yelp reviews</a>. The kitchen works at a sloth&#8217;s pace. The bartenders have braces and don’t know what hard cider is. But none of that is the point. The point is the games. And the rows and rows of claw machines. And the bowling alley. And the billiards. And the vibe.</p>

It makes sense that this hangout headquarters is at Stonestown, which over the past few years has emerged as an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-stonestown-japanese-retail-shopping/">unlikely cultural heart</a> of San Francisco. “I wrote a petition to Stonestown asking them to bring Round 1 to the mall years ago,” said Neil Dulce, a recent San Francisco State graduate whom I met by the “Dance Dance Revolution” corner.&nbsp;

Stonestown Galleria has quietly become San Francisco&#8217;s second Japantown

<p>It makes sense that this hangout headquarters is at Stonestown, which over the past few years has emerged as an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/06/san-francisco-stonestown-japanese-retail-shopping/">unlikely cultural heart</a> of San Francisco. “I wrote a petition to Stonestown asking them to bring Round 1 to the mall years ago,” said Neil Dulce, a recent San Francisco State graduate whom I met by the “Dance Dance Revolution” corner.&nbsp;</p>

Things were getting serious over there. Two men dripping with sweat and dancing extremely quickly had attracted a crowd. But when I told them they were super good at the game, they demurred and pointed to a guy who was just getting started: “We’re amateurs. He’s the one you want to talk to. He’s sick.”&nbsp;

<p>Things were getting serious over there. Two men dripping with sweat and dancing extremely quickly had attracted a crowd. But when I told them they were super good at the game, they demurred and pointed to a guy who was just getting started: “We’re amateurs. He’s the one you want to talk to. He’s sick.”&nbsp;</p>

Daniel Rivas and Mateo Parra-Bautista play Dance Dance Revolution at Round 1 in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-17-edited.jpg" alt="A person wearing green Nike sneakers and dark jeans stands on a colorful arcade dance machine platform, with red railings and bright patterns visible." class="wp-image-344115"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Rivas and Mateo Parra-Bautista fly through a &#8220;Dance Dance Revolution&#8221; set.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-17-edited.jpg" alt="A person wearing green Nike sneakers and dark jeans stands on a colorful arcade dance machine platform, with red railings and bright patterns visible." class="wp-image-344115"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Rivas and Mateo Parra-Bautista fly through a "Dance Dance Revolution" set.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-17-edited.jpg" alt="A person wearing green Nike sneakers and dark jeans stands on a colorful arcade dance machine platform, with red railings and bright patterns visible." class="wp-image-344115"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Daniel Rivas and Mateo Parra-Bautista fly through a &#8220;Dance Dance Revolution&#8221; set.</figcaption></figure>

The sick guy, Austin Huynh, was dressed to compete in a gray tank top, gray sweatpants, and a fresh pair of dancing Nikes. He and his friend knew exactly which expert-level song they wanted to battle to, clicking through the setup buttons with the kind of blasé that comes from 10,000 hours of experience, give or take. A group of people standing behind Huynh, ogled his footwork.

<p>The sick guy, Austin Huynh, was dressed to compete in a gray tank top, gray sweatpants, and a fresh pair of dancing Nikes. He and his friend knew exactly which expert-level song they wanted to battle to, clicking through the setup buttons with the kind of blasé that comes from 10,000 hours of experience, give or take. A group of people standing behind Huynh, ogled his footwork.</p>

“I’ve just been playing three days a week, four days a week, sometimes five days a week, almost like a job,” he told me between sets. He used to play at Dave &amp; Busters in Daly City, but this is the new spot for crews from the East Bay, San Jose, and the city to meet up — convenient for him, because it’s closer to San Francisco State, where he goes to school. He often comes right after class. And it has paid off —&nbsp; he has a couple of high scores on the board.

<p>“I’ve just been playing three days a week, four days a week, sometimes five days a week, almost like a job,” he told me between sets. He used to play at Dave &amp; Busters in Daly City, but this is the new spot for crews from the East Bay, San Jose, and the city to meet up — convenient for him, because it’s closer to San Francisco State, where he goes to school. He often comes right after class. And it has paid off —&nbsp; he has a couple of high scores on the board.</p>

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“I think this place was a long time coming,” he said. “Stonestown has not had an arcade for as long as I’ve lived here, and now that there is one here, it feels in theme with how Stonestown is trying to improve as a mall.”&nbsp;

<p>“I think this place was a long time coming,” he said. “Stonestown has not had an arcade for as long as I’ve lived here, and now that there is one here, it feels in theme with how Stonestown is trying to improve as a mall.”&nbsp;</p>

In fact, the arcade feels in theme with how San Francisco is trying to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/06/an-francisco-vibe-shift-is-permanent/">improve as a whole</a>, as we emerge from our pandemic hidey-holes and reengage in the active life of the city. Being at Round 1 with so much joyful energy all around me, it felt like the before times.

SF’s comeback summer could be permanent

<p>In fact, the arcade feels in theme with how San Francisco is trying to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/06/an-francisco-vibe-shift-is-permanent/">improve as a whole</a>, as we emerge from our pandemic hidey-holes and reengage in the active life of the city. Being at Round 1 with so much joyful energy all around me, it felt like the before times.</p>

Arcade fans have been waiting anxiously for Round 1 to open since those beforetimes. Dulce, who first <a href="https://www.change.org/p/conversion-from-macy-s-to-round-1-bowling-amusement-at-stonestown-galleria?recruiter=889673187&amp;recruited_by_id=6b7b94b0-8acd-11e8-a454-bbcb56eef63c&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&amp;utm_medium=copylink">petitioned</a> the mall to get Round 1 way back in 2018, said his Discord group for Bay Area players of “rhythm games” like “DDR” and “Pinky Crush” first noticed in 2022 that the company’s website had shared Stonestown as a future location. They learned of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/06/japanese-bowling-center-and-arcade-is-coming-to-san-francisco-mall/">concrete opening date </a>in 2023, when a superfan <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ronald.davis/posts/pfbid02jVMweDsYZy2FFQYrVXP46tM8GsZ9dFvyxELBJbSNsAS3KHV3RYyYu9TkeQLGc3h1l">posted</a> on Facebook about the company’s annual financial report.&nbsp;

Japanese bowling center and arcade is coming to San Francisco mall

<p>Arcade fans have been waiting anxiously for Round 1 to open since those beforetimes. Dulce, who first <a href="https://www.change.org/p/conversion-from-macy-s-to-round-1-bowling-amusement-at-stonestown-galleria?recruiter=889673187&amp;recruited_by_id=6b7b94b0-8acd-11e8-a454-bbcb56eef63c&amp;utm_source=share_petition&amp;utm_campaign=petition_dashboard&amp;utm_medium=copylink">petitioned</a> the mall to get Round 1 way back in 2018, said his Discord group for Bay Area players of “rhythm games” like “DDR” and “Pinky Crush” first noticed in 2022 that the company’s website had shared Stonestown as a future location. They learned of a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/06/japanese-bowling-center-and-arcade-is-coming-to-san-francisco-mall/">concrete opening date </a>in 2023, when a superfan <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ronald.davis/posts/pfbid02jVMweDsYZy2FFQYrVXP46tM8GsZ9dFvyxELBJbSNsAS3KHV3RYyYu9TkeQLGc3h1l">posted</a> on Facebook about the company’s annual financial report.&nbsp;</p>

The rhythm game section at Round 1 definitely has the most serious players. Dulce’s choice is “Sound Voltex,” a music game with knobs and buttons. As he waited his turn, he watched the man ahead of him intently, holding his hands out in the air and miming the moves. I was surprised to learn that this (to my eyes) incredible “Sound Voltex” athlete wasn’t on the leaderboard — but that’s how popular and competitive the game is.

<p>The rhythm game section at Round 1 definitely has the most serious players. Dulce’s choice is “Sound Voltex,” a music game with knobs and buttons. As he waited his turn, he watched the man ahead of him intently, holding his hands out in the air and miming the moves. I was surprised to learn that this (to my eyes) incredible “Sound Voltex” athlete wasn’t on the leaderboard — but that’s how popular and competitive the game is.</p>

Neil Dulce plays Sound Voltex at Round 1 in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-4.jpg" alt="Two hands are interacting with a rhythm game machine, pressing large white buttons labeled BT-A to BT-D and FX-R, under vibrant blue and pink lighting." class="wp-image-342322"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neil Dulce smashes the keys on &#8220;Sound Voltex&#8221; as quickly as he can.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-4.jpg" alt="Two hands are interacting with a rhythm game machine, pressing large white buttons labeled BT-A to BT-D and FX-R, under vibrant blue and pink lighting." class="wp-image-342322"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neil Dulce smashes the keys on "Sound Voltex" as quickly as he can.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-4.jpg" alt="Two hands are interacting with a rhythm game machine, pressing large white buttons labeled BT-A to BT-D and FX-R, under vibrant blue and pink lighting." class="wp-image-342322"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Neil Dulce smashes the keys on &#8220;Sound Voltex&#8221; as quickly as he can.</figcaption></figure>

Same with “Pinky Crush,” a DJ game. I found Michael Garcia playing with such adroitness that the clacking of the keys sounded like music.

<p>Same with “Pinky Crush,” a DJ game. I found Michael Garcia playing with such adroitness that the clacking of the keys sounded like music.</p>

“I’ve been playing it since high school, so around 14 years,” Garcia said, but “I’m not even close to the high score.” Garcia is a media operator for Disney and comes to Round 1 on his days off. “It’s cool having a local arcade, but at the same time, I’m an old-school nut for pinball, so it sucks that there’s not really pinball here,” he said. Garcia goes to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/23/pinball-machines-san-francisco-london-breed/">Free Gold Watch</a> in the Haight or the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda for his fix.

The secret history of a pinball mecca

<p>“I’ve been playing it since high school, so around 14 years,” Garcia said, but “I’m not even close to the high score.” Garcia is a media operator for Disney and comes to Round 1 on his days off. “It’s cool having a local arcade, but at the same time, I’m an old-school nut for pinball, so it sucks that there’s not really pinball here,” he said. Garcia goes to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/23/pinball-machines-san-francisco-london-breed/">Free Gold Watch</a> in the Haight or the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda for his fix.</p>

Like their pinball-playing ancestors, high school students are coming to the arcade in droves. Zoe Freeman and Ke’Maryie Amons, seniors at&nbsp; Abraham Lincoln High School, came with a group of friends after they saw TikTok videos about the new arcade. They bowled and played racing games, which Zoe said she’d “been winning all night,” though Ke’Maryie disagreed with a laugh.&nbsp;

<p>Like their pinball-playing ancestors, high school students are coming to the arcade in droves. Zoe Freeman and Ke’Maryie Amons, seniors at&nbsp; Abraham Lincoln High School, came with a group of friends after they saw TikTok videos about the new arcade. They bowled and played racing games, which Zoe said she’d “been winning all night,” though Ke’Maryie disagreed with a laugh.&nbsp;</p>

Fiona, a student at&nbsp; Lincoln High who declined to give her last name, said the arcade is a perfect place to blow off steam during the stress of college application season.

<p>Fiona, a student at&nbsp; Lincoln High who declined to give her last name, said the arcade is a perfect place to blow off steam during the stress of college application season.</p>

Tony Dang wins a toy at a crane machine at Round 1 in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. Dang said he won a bunch of toys for himself and his friends after spending about $70 on the machines that night.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-15.jpg" alt="A group of smiling people in an arcade holds plush toys near a claw machine; one person in a hoodie holds a drink and a small pink plush." class="wp-image-342326"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tony Dang won a bunch of toys after spending about $70 on the crane, aka claw, machines.</figcaption></figure>


The claw machines are a source of great joy and even more consternation.&nbsp; Children cried after failing to secure any loot. But Tony Dang from Galileo High School was riding high after winning a ton of Squishmallows for his friends — no easy feat, I can attest, after losing at least 28 credits attempting to get some for my kids.&nbsp;

<p>The claw machines are a source of great joy and even more consternation.&nbsp; Children cried after failing to secure any loot. But Tony Dang from Galileo High School was riding high after winning a ton of Squishmallows for his friends — no easy feat, I can attest, after losing at least 28 credits attempting to get some for my kids.&nbsp;</p>

“We spent a lot of money to win these,” he said, noting that the trick is to use one stuffed animal as leverage to push another into the hole. His friend estimated they spent $70 to get a handful, but their smiles made it clear it was worth it. Dang had never won so many.

<p>“We spent a lot of money to win these,” he said, noting that the trick is to use one stuffed animal as leverage to push another into the hole. His friend estimated they spent $70 to get a handful, but their smiles made it clear it was worth it. Dang had never won so many.</p>

Rachel, who declined to give her last name, was the unmistakable claw machine queen while I was there. With great concentration, she rapidly won four Squishmallows. Her daughter Remi, an internationally ranked “Guilty Gear” player, brought her to Round 1 recently to celebrate her birthday. Remi estimates that her mom has won around 800 stuffed animals from claw machines over the years. “I live in an apartment, and I wait until I get a lot, and then I put them out for people to take. The kids love them,” Rachel said.

<p>Rachel, who declined to give her last name, was the unmistakable claw machine queen while I was there. With great concentration, she rapidly won four Squishmallows. Her daughter Remi, an internationally ranked “Guilty Gear” player, brought her to Round 1 recently to celebrate her birthday. Remi estimates that her mom has won around 800 stuffed animals from claw machines over the years. “I live in an apartment, and I wait until I get a lot, and then I put them out for people to take. The kids love them,” Rachel said.</p>

Asa Dreyfuss plays a shooting game with his brother Huxley at Round 1 in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-1-edited.jpg" alt="Two children are playing an arcade shooting game. One child in a blue Sonic t-shirt is in focus, holding a gun controller, with colorful lights around them." class="wp-image-344118"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The author&#8217;s kids have a plan for their second visit: Start on the &#8220;blaster games,&#8221; then work the room counterclockwise, ending with air hockey.</figcaption></figure>


<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-1-edited.jpg" alt="Two children are playing an arcade shooting game. One child in a blue Sonic t-shirt is in focus, holding a gun controller, with colorful lights around them." class="wp-image-344118"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The author's kids have a plan for their second visit: Start on the "blaster games," then work the room counterclockwise, ending with air hockey.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241202-newstonestownarcade-1-edited.jpg" alt="Two children are playing an arcade shooting game. One child in a blue Sonic t-shirt is in focus, holding a gun controller, with colorful lights around them." class="wp-image-344118"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The author&#8217;s kids have a plan for their second visit: Start on the &#8220;blaster games,&#8221; then work the room counterclockwise, ending with air hockey.</figcaption></figure>

At the end of my visit, I got a hot tip from a father of two boys at the “Minecraft” machine: There’s $1 ice cream at the concession stand. As my kids and I waited for our cones, we saw multigenerational families playing billiards, couples posing for photos, teens running around like they owned the place. As the night goes on, Round 1 just gets more crowded; after 10 p.m. anyone under 18 has to leave, and after midnight it’s open only to 21 and over. The bar closes at 2 a.m.

<p>At the end of my visit, I got a hot tip from a father of two boys at the “Minecraft” machine: There’s $1 ice cream at the concession stand. As my kids and I waited for our cones, we saw multigenerational families playing billiards, couples posing for photos, teens running around like they owned the place. As the night goes on, Round 1 just gets more crowded; after 10 p.m. anyone under 18 has to leave, and after midnight it’s open only to 21 and over. The bar closes at 2 a.m.</p>

I don’t stay out that late these days, but I love knowing where all the fun is happening. I’m not a gamer, but my kids have a playdate this weekend at the arcade, and I can’t wait to drink a hard cider and chat while they have the time of their lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<p>I don’t stay out that late these days, but I love knowing where all the fun is happening. I’m not a gamer, but my kids have a playdate this weekend at the arcade, and I can’t wait to drink a hard cider and chat while they have the time of their lives.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Stonestown just opened SF’s largest arcade — and it’s already packed

The Standard Staff

With polls now open, the Election Day drama could not be more intense. Never before have San Francisco voters <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/05/san-francisco-election-2024-live-results/">chosen a mayor during a presidential year</a>, and races at both the federal and local levels appear extremely tight during this final push.&nbsp;

Live blog: Connie Chan wins in D1, and other election updates

<p>With polls now open, the Election Day drama could not be more intense. Never before have San Francisco voters <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/05/san-francisco-election-2024-live-results/">chosen a mayor during a presidential year</a>, and races at both the federal and local levels appear extremely tight during this final push.&nbsp;</p>

Even as many residents have mailed in their ballots already, candidates for mayor and supervisor are making their final appeals at prominent intersections around town. Meanwhile, hot-button ballot measures over city commissions and the future of the Great Highway have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/31/sf-election-2024-prop-k-great-highway/">driven sign-waving supporters and opponents alike into the streets</a>.

Prop. K passes; stretch of Great Highway will close to cars

<p>Even as many residents have mailed in their ballots already, candidates for mayor and supervisor are making their final appeals at prominent intersections around town. Meanwhile, hot-button ballot measures over city commissions and the future of the Great Highway have <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/31/sf-election-2024-prop-k-great-highway/">driven sign-waving supporters and opponents alike into the streets</a>.</p>

Looming it over it all is the contest for the highest office in the land. Vice President Kamala Harris — who was, of course, a San Francisco district attorney — is locked in a heated race against former President Donald Trump, who city voters rejected by more than 70 points in 2020. Will SF witness massive spontaneous parties, or open weeping? We’ll keep you updated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/05/sf-election-mayor-president-race-calls/">throughout the day and well into the night</a>. In the meantime, make sure you vote!

Election 2024: When will we know the outcome of the presidential and mayoral contests?

<p>Looming it over it all is the contest for the highest office in the land. Vice President Kamala Harris — who was, of course, a San Francisco district attorney — is locked in a heated race against former President Donald Trump, who city voters rejected by more than 70 points in 2020. Will SF witness massive spontaneous parties, or open weeping? We’ll keep you updated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/11/05/sf-election-mayor-president-race-calls/">throughout the day and well into the night</a>. In the meantime, make sure you vote!</p>

Carie Howard watches election results at Manny’s in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a5479.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A woman with light hair gazes upward thoughtfully, her finger resting on her cheek. The background is softly blurred, with warm lighting and indistinct figures." class="wp-image-329379"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kamala Harris supporter Carie Howard watches election results at Manny’s in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>


Aaron Peskin claps his hands as he is lit by television cameras after an interview at Washington Square on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20242910-peskinelectionparty-photo-jk-05.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with glasses and a beard is smiling and clapping, illuminated by a bright light in the background. It appears to be night with blurred lights around." class="wp-image-329415"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Aaron Peskin claps his hands as he is lit by television cameras after an interview at Washington Square on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.</figcaption></figure>


A jubilant crowd packed the Mayor candidate Daniel Lurie election party at The Chapel in the Mission District on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a5544.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A large crowd gathers in an auditorium with red walls, watching a stage displaying &quot;San Francisco&quot; with two flags and a sign reading &quot;Lurie for Mayor.&quot;" class="wp-image-329459"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A jubilant crowd packed the Mayor candidate Daniel Lurie election party at The Chapel in the Mission District on Election Day.</figcaption></figure>


People watch election results at Manny’s in the Mission District in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a5006.jpeg?w=2500" alt="The image depicts an election watch party with people seated, balloons, a CNN map on TV, and campaign materials including a &quot;HARRIS WALZ&quot; sign." class="wp-image-329252"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People watch election results at Manny’s in the Mission District in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday night.</figcaption></figure>


Steve Ibarra, 61, with his fingers crossed watches the election results at Manny’s in the Mission District of San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a5108.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man wearing a hat and a black shirt with colorful writing sits on a couch, surrounded by other people watching an event. Some hold popcorn and wear casual attire." class="wp-image-329258"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steve Ibarra, 61, with his fingers crossed watches the election results at Manny’s in the Mission District.</figcaption></figure>


Media wait inside Manny’s for election results in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a5015.jpeg?w=2500" alt="A man in a yellow shirt stands next to a cutout of a woman. Blue and silver balloons and shiny red, blue, and silver streamers decorate the background. A sign says &quot;Harris Walz.&quot;" class="wp-image-329255"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Media wait inside Manny’s for election results in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>


A person watches presidential election updates at the SF Democratic headquarters in the former Nordstrom Rack building at 5th and Market streets in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Election Day in San Francisco is an all-day affair; residents are visiting their neighborhood polling sites to cast their ballots, mayoral and supervisorial candidates are making last-minute campaign stops to rally support from their constituents and hosting watch parties late into the night, all while the anxiety of the presidential race looms over our heads.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20242910-democraticelectionwatchparty-photo-me-1.jpg?w=1667" alt="A TV screen shows Pennsylvania election results: Kamala Harris at 72% and Donald Trump at 26.9%. The display reads &quot;Too Early to Call&quot; with a person in silhouette." class="wp-image-329279"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A person watches presidential election updates at the SF Democratic headquarters in the former Nordstrom Rack in San Francisco on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>


A bus supporting Mayor London Breed drove through the Castro in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a4838.jpeg?w=2500" alt="People on a San Francisco trolley hold campaign signs for Mayor London Breed, with a large banner displaying her image and name prominently." class="wp-image-329209"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A bus of supporters of Mayor London Breed drove through the Castro in San Francisco at dusk during Election Day.</figcaption></figure>


Ronnie Rodriguez wears an array of political buttons pinned to his blazer at  the SF Democratic headquarters in the former Nordstrom Rack building at 5th and Market streets in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Election Day in San Francisco is an all-day affair; residents are visiting their neighborhood polling sites to cast their ballots, mayoral and supervisorial candidates are making last-minute campaign stops to rally support from their constituents and hosting watch parties late into the night, all while the anxiety of the presidential race looms over our heads.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20242910-democraticelectionwatchparty-photo-me-7.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person wears a blue jacket adorned with campaign buttons promoting Mayor London Breed, over a yellow shirt with a rainbow bridge graphic and text." class="wp-image-329278"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ronnie Rodriguez wears an array of political buttons pinned to his blazer at  the SF Democratic headquarters in the former Nordstrom Rack building at 5th and Market.</figcaption></figure>


Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell speaks to a reporter at his campaign headquarters in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Farrell was hit with a six-figure ethics fine on the eve of the election.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20242910-farrellelectionparty-photo_aar_5.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man is shown in partial sunlight, wearing an orange jacket over a white shirt. His expression is neutral, and the background is blurry." class="wp-image-329128"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell speaks to a reporter at his campaign headquarters in San Francisco on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>


Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell supporters and staff members ride around on a double decker bus with a bubble machine near his campaign headquarters in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Farrell was hit with a six-figure ethics fine on the eve of the election.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20242910-farrellelectionparty-photo_aar_23.jpg?w=2500" alt="A smiling person in sunglasses holds a &quot;Mark Farrell for Mayor&quot; sign while sitting on a vehicle surrounded by sunlight and soap bubbles." class="wp-image-329139"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Supporters for Mayoral candidate Mark Farrell ride around on a double decker bus with a bubble machine near his campaign headquarters in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. </figcaption></figure>


Evan Kushner, 59, left, and Jason Minix, 33, hold signs supporting mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie at Castro and Market Streets in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. T. Kushner said he “wasn’t happy with the way the city was going, and wanted someone new.” The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a4633.jpeg?w=2500" alt="Two people hold colorful signs saying, &quot;DANIEL CURIOUS? Visit DanielLurie.com&quot; outside a venue. A pole is covered in event posters." class="wp-image-329155"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Evan Kushner, 59, left, and Jason Minix, 33, hold signs supporting mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie at Castro and Market Streets in San Francisco on Election Day.</figcaption></figure>


Pro Trump supporters talk to Jim Martinez, a Pro Kamala Harris supporter, at Civic Center Plaza on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Large crowds of San Francisco voters and mayoral candidates Daniel Lurie and Mayor London Breed casted their ballots at City Hall on Election Day.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11042024-cityhallmayorvotes_manuel-68.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a vibrant portrait of a woman with curly hair, smiling brightly against a swirling blue background, surrounded by people in Trump-themed attire." class="wp-image-329077"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pro Trump supporters talk to Jim Martinez, a Pro Kamala Harris supporter, at Civic Center Plaza on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>


Rob Costin phone banks at Democratic Party Headquarters in San Francisco on Tuesday.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20240511-demhq_aar_9.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man sits with a laptop, talking on the phone, in front of a wall covered with blue campaign signs saying &quot;HARRIS WALZ&quot; and &quot;WHEN WE VOTE WE WIN.&quot;" class="wp-image-329153" style="width:670px;height:auto"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rob Costin phone banks at Democratic Party Headquarters in San Francisco on Tuesday. </figcaption></figure>


Competing merchandise booths for the presidential candidates are set up in front of Union Square Plaza in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Election Day in San Francisco is an all-day affair; residents are visiting their neighborhood polling sites to cast their ballots, mayoral and supervisorial candidates are making last-minute campaign stops to rally support from their constituents and hosting watch parties late into the night, all while the anxiety of the presidential race looms over our heads.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241105_trumpkamalamerch-me-14.jpg?w=2500" alt="The image shows a vibrant, stylized portrait of a smiling woman. In the background is a banner with Roman-themed imagery and the words &quot;VENI VIDI VICI TRUMPICCI.&quot;" class="wp-image-329079"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Competing merchandise booths for the presidential candidates are set up in front of Union Square Plaza in San Francisco on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>


People vote at the San Francisco Columbarium &amp; Funeral Home on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Today is election day, and San Francisco is bustling: San Franciscan’s are voting and dropping off ballots, candidates are campaigning in a last-ditch effort to get more votes, and people are coming together to pay attention to — or specifically avoid — the presidential election.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241029-electiondayvote-es-file-28.jpg?w=2500" alt="People are voting at booths in a dimly lit, ornate room with a large American flag hanging and a stained glass window in the background." class="wp-image-329067"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People vote at the San Francisco Columbarium &amp; Funeral Home on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>


Marty Brewer waves flags in support of Democratic Party presidential candidate Kamala Harris in front of Civic Hall on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Large crowds of San Francisco voters and mayoral candidates Daniel Lurie and Mayor London Breed casted their ballots at City Hall on Election Day.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11042024-cityhallmayorvotes_manuel-71.jpg?w=2500" alt="Three colorful campaign flags flutter against a twilight sky, displaying &quot;Harris 2024&quot; and &quot;Walz&quot; with a domed building silhouetted in the background." class="wp-image-329061"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Marty Brewer waves flags in support of Democratic Party presidential candidate Kamala Harris in front of Civic Hall on Election Day.</figcaption></figure>


Arjun Sodhani sells Donald Trump merchandise in front of Union Square Plaza in San Francisco on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Election Day in San Francisco is an all-day affair; residents are visiting their neighborhood polling sites to cast their ballots, mayoral and supervisorial candidates are making last-minute campaign stops to rally support from their constituents and hosting watch parties late into the night, all while the anxiety of the presidential race looms over our heads.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241105_trumpkamalamerch-me-17.jpg?w=2500" alt="A gold bust, an American flag pattern, and a black bottle are alongside a dark blue shirt with &quot;Trump 2024&quot; and &quot;Make America Great Again&quot; in bold letters." class="wp-image-329084"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Arjun Sodhani sells Donald Trump merchandise in front of Union Square Plaza in San Francisco on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>


Rachael Tanner, 38, who lives in District 6, wears a hat supporting Bilal Mahmoud and Harris/ Walz on the 22 bus in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a4595-edited.jpeg" alt="A person wearing sunglasses and a camo cap with an orange logo sits on a bus. A flyer with a photo of a smiling person is tucked into the side of the cap." class="wp-image-329046"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rachael Tanner, 38, who lives in District 6, wears a hat supporting Harris / Walz that includes a Bilal Mahmood cutout on the 22 bus.</figcaption></figure>


District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston campaigns for “Yes on L” on Fillmore and McAllister streets in San Francisco on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The November 5th election included the highly contested San Francisco Mayoral race, a few local Supervisor races and the Presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and Former President Donald Trump.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/9p3a45801.jpg?w=2273" alt="A person in a suit hands out flyers on a sidewalk, approaching another person with a large campaign sign advocating for funding public transportation." class="wp-image-329044"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston campaigns for “Yes on L” on Fillmore and McAllister streets.</figcaption></figure>


Former member of the Board of Supervisors Jane Kim has her photo taken before casting her ballot outside of City Hall on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Large crowds of San Francisco voters and mayoral candidates Daniel Lurie and Mayor London Breed casted their ballots at City Hall on Election Day.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/11042024-cityhallmayorvotes_manuel-63_4b6313-edited.jpg" alt="A woman in a bright pink suit stands on a city sidewalk, smiling at a colorful &quot;I Voted!&quot; sign. A ballot drop box with an American flag is nearby." class="wp-image-328945"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former member of the Board of Supervisors Jane Kim has her photo taken before casting her ballot outside of City Hall.</figcaption></figure>


Citizens cast their votes for presidential and congressional elections at Department of Elections in the City Hall of San Francisco on November 5, 2024. Millions of Americans are starting to cast their ballots Tuesday as polling stations begin to open across the US with the future of the American presidency coming down to a nail-biter race between Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/gettyimages-21824977321.jpg?w=2500" alt="People are lined up at voting booths in a hallway, with a small white dog on a leash sitting near one of the voters." class="wp-image-328944"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Citizens vote at City Hall.</figcaption></figure>


XXX during an election party at John’s Grill in San Francisco on November 5, 2024. The party, which has become an Election Day tradition, offers free food and attracts people from all walks of life, including reporters, politicos and passersby.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241029-johnsgrillelection-photo_aar_9-1.jpg?w=2500" alt="A person in a colorful outfit and rainbow umbrella interacts with seated people at a table. The scene is lively with onlookers and a street setting." class="wp-image-328838"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gaybraham Lincoln, left, talks to people attending the free lunch and election day party at John’s Grill.</figcaption></figure>


Former Mayor Willie Brown greets Ann Scott during an election party at John’s Grill in San Francisco on November 5, 2024. The party, which has become an Election Day tradition, offers free food and attracts people from all walks of life, including reporters, politicos and passersby.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241029-johnsgrillelection-photo_aar_4-edited.jpg" alt="A man wearing a pink hat and plaid jacket is joyfully shaking hands with a woman in a navy outfit holding a pink phone, both standing indoors." class="wp-image-328856"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Former Mayor Willie Brown, left, greets Ann Scott during an election party at John’s Grill.</figcaption></figure>


Parla Pierrot poses with an effigy of former president Donald Trump during an election party at John’s Grill in San Francisco on November 5, 2024. The party, which has become an Election Day tradition, offers free food and attracts people from all walks of life, including reporters, politicos and passersby.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241029-johnsgrillelection-photo_aar_20-2.jpg?w=2500" alt="A colorful clown with a pink and blue wig and white face paint poses next to a large paper-mâché figure wearing a sign with the text &quot;LOCK HIM UP.&quot;" class="wp-image-328942"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Parla Pierrot poses with an effigy of former President Donald Trump during an election party at John’s Grill on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>


Donna Huggins wears a handmade hat in honor of Vice President Kamala Harris during an election party at John’s Grill in San Francisco on November 5, 2024. The party, which has become an Election Day tradition, offers free food and attracts people from all walks of life, including reporters, politicos and passersby.


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/20241029-johnsgrillelection-photo_aar_3-1.jpg?w=1667" alt="A woman wearing a black hat with a jeweled band has a pinned, framed photo of a smiling woman on it. The hat and framed photo are the focus." class="wp-image-328839"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Donna Huggins wears a handmade hat in honor of Vice President Kamala Harris during an election party at John’s Grill.</figcaption></figure>


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Here’s when downtown San Francisco’s Nordstrom will close its doors

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Photos: Election Day around the Bay

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