‘A Shot of Salvation’: 1920 Bar, by Deno Gellepes

I first encountered the 1920 Bar by accident one night when I was walking with a friend on our way to a house party near the 4-Star Theater on 23rd and Clement. I realized that all the times I’d walked by 1808 Clement St. it was daytime and the business, with minimal signage, was always closed. So, I was both stunned and psyched to find that a bright and welcoming sports bar was tucked away in the back of the lively Harajuku Sushi restaurant.

Marco Polo’s Last Taraval Scoop

But after 40 years, the iconic neighborhood ice cream shop served its last customer. Though Marco Polo plans to reopen next spring on Noriega and 46th, locals say, “it’s terrible.” John has been around since the day the shop opened until the end of its operation. “I’ve lived here for like 40 years (and I could just) go out my front door and get a cone.”

Commentary: Jen Nossokoff

As you gather together with family and friends in celebration over the winter holidays, you may find that with the excitement and joy comes a backdrop of political polarization. This might look like being on outright opposite ends of the political spectrum, somewhere in between, or it can also look like apathy or indifference.

Diwali Celebration at OSFMM

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is currently celebrated all over the world by over a billion people. San Franciscans take pride in honoring diversity; this includes celebrating Diwali!  On Sunday Nov. 12, 2023, the Outer Sunset Farmers Marker & Mercantile was buzzing with activities including crafts, a cultural exhibit, a sari show, Indian themed dances and a cooking demonstration with food sampling to share this beautiful holiday with the community! This was the first outdoor celebration of Diwali in the Outer Sunset of San Francisco. And, the OSFMM plans to repeat Diwali and other cultural celebrations in the future.

Commentary: Julie Pitta

In news that came as no surprise to anyone, last month Marjan Philhour announced her third run for District 1 supervisor. Knocking out an incumbent – even in a district gerrymandered to improve her prospects – won’t be easy. That said, Philhour will benefit greatly from the largesse of the wealthiest political players in San Francisco, most notably the City’s tech elite.

City Hall: Joel Engardio

I introduced a ballot measure urging San Francisco’s public schools to let kids take algebra by the eighth grade. Now, we make everyone wait until ninth grade because some aren’t ready for algebra sooner. Let’s better prepare all students instead of holding back kids who love math. 

Commentary: Brian Quan

Heading into the holiday season after dwelling on ghosts has me thinking about Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” While winter weather is seemingly far away from San Francisco lately, the tale of Ebenezer being visited by three ghosts leading to his transformation and reformation feels ever closer in relation to what our City is facing.