San Francisco has been bustling with activity as the city embraces new openings and ongoing social movements.
The week of June 9–15 saw significant developments, including the legalization of open containers five days a week along Valencia Street, eliminating the need for brown bags.
In exciting local news, the historic Clay Theater is set for a revamp thanks to a local billionaire, promising new life for the cherished cinema.
In SoMa, residents can look forward to the “Four Seasons of bathhouses,” a new establishment poised to offer a unique bathing experience in the heart of the city.
Meanwhile, Rikki’s has made its debut as the Castro’s first women’s sports bar and the first lesbian bar in decades, marking a milestone for inclusive nightlife in the community.
On the cultural front, San Francisco is on the hunt for its next Drag Laureate, continuing its long tradition of celebrating LGBTQ+ artistry and leadership.
In a separate digital controversy, author Rebecca Solnit had her Facebook account briefly suspended after she posted an essay about the recent protests in Los Angeles, only to be reinstated shortly afterward.
In the arts, a musical titled Co-Founders, set in the Bay Area, premiered this week in San Francisco, adding a new layer to the city’s cultural offerings.
However, not all news is celebratory; Alioto’s, a well-known local establishment, is set to be demolished, and the controversial Vaillancourt Fountain at Embarcadero Plaza has been declared a public hazard.
There is hope among locals that the new renegade benches will be allowed to remain as a pop-up feature in the city.
In more community-driven developments, the Dogpatch neighborhood will welcome a “multisensory playground” for adults at Pier 70 next year, designed to engage visitors in new and exciting ways.
The political landscape has also seen significant turmoil as protests against ICE continue to escalate this week.
The upcoming “No Kings” demonstration drew crowds and attention to ongoing immigration policies, leading to Waymo suspending its services in parts of San Francisco and Los Angeles during these protests.
In a troubling incident, two Daily Cal journalists were detained, and a Chronicle reporter faced aggressive police action while documenting the protests.
The immigration courts in San Francisco and Concord unexpectedly closed on Tuesday, leaving many cases unresolved, and two Palestinian men with valid visas were denied entry to the U.S. shortly thereafter.
California Senator Alex Padilla faced physical altercations when he was forcibly removed from a Homeland Security event in Los Angeles, following which he launched into a media blitz.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Donald Trump this week, denouncing his deployment of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles as an act of authoritarianism.
Meanwhile, San Francisco District Attorney Lurie received backlash for his controversial stance on not addressing the immigration situation proactively, despite threatening to enact significant arrests during the “No Kings” protests.
On the humanitarian front, nonprofits rallied at City Hall on Wednesday to oppose Lurie’s proposed cuts to homeless services, highlighting a growing concern over homelessness in the city.
In another encouraging update, Santa Clara County is planning to allocate reserve funds to continue providing gender-affirming care to its transgender residents, a crucial step in supporting LGBTQ+ health services.
On a more logistical note, multiple incidents affected BART service this week, with a person struck by a train at North Berkeley station on Monday and major service delays following medical emergencies at Hayward and North Berkeley stations.
As the city looks ahead to the week of June 16–22, numerous exciting events are lined up for locals and visitors alike.
On Tuesday, June 17, attendees can enjoy a lively atmosphere at the Tuesday Night Roller Disco hosted by D. Miles Jr. at the Church of 8 Wheels, featuring themed nights and rotating DJs.
The following evening, Wednesday, June 18, the Faight Collective will host a live jazz and funk session with Waters Trio and friends, complemented by natural wines from Massanois Imports.
Then on Thursday, June 19, Drag Bingo returns, hosted by fabulous drag queens delivering a night of entertainment filled with comedy, performances, and audience engagement at 358 Ocean Ave.
Friday, June 20, brings the charm of Circus Bella’s “Hoopla” to the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, offering a one-ring circus experience with acrobats, aerialists, and clowns in a modern, open-air performance.
On Saturday, June 21, the Bay Area & Sacramento Short Film Festival (The BASH) will showcase 22 local short films, complete with filmmaker Q&As, audience voting, and trophy awards at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture.
That same evening, the Global Drum Circle will encourage community connection through group drumming at the Unity Spiritual Center, providing instruments for all participants.
Finally, on Sunday, June 22, Litquake and Lit Camp will present a Pride-month author panel, featuring discussions on queer fiction that uplifts themes of joy, romance, and adventure at Page Street Co-Working.
This coming week in San Francisco promises to be filled with joy, creativity, and community engagement, as residents and visitors alike take part in the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
image source from：https://sfist.com/2025/06/15/last-week-this-week-litquake-drag-bingo-roller-disco-and-circus-bella/
