Curious to know more about our beloved “Baghdad By The Bay”? Do you love a good tale of a robber baron turned socialite, or a yarn about Emperor Norton’s shenanigans? Here are a few (free and cheap!) ways to get hands-on with the *very* colorful history of San Francisco!
Walking Tours
SF City Guides –100% FREE (donations appreciated) Guides train for months before leading these fascinating tours. Explore neighborhoods from Marina to the Castro, learn about Market Street’s booms and busts, or revisit the 1906 earthquake and it’s physical and political aftermath.
SF Chinatown Ghost Tours – For something a little edgier with some dark twists…. Check out the highly-rated Haunted History tours of Chinatown’s famous secret alleyways.
Barbary Coast Trail – One of our team’s “Top 10 Things To Do When Family Visits SF”! Ever wonder about those gold compasses in the sidewalks around downtown? They’re markers for The Barbary Coast Trail; a walk through Gold Rush history. There are audio tours and guided tours, but we’re partial to the good old-fashioned paper map, which you can order online or buy in person at a few select locations. A perfect end-up to the tour is a cocktail at Comstock Saloon (when they open back up).
A Good Read
Bay Lexicon Book – This newly-published book is turning heads. Billed as “A field guide to San Francisco’s shoreline”, it explores cross-sections of our local cultural history, geography, urban ecology and more. On October 6th, City Lights Books hosts a conversation with the author, Jane Wolff.
And you can visit the related Exploratorium Exhibit for a more interactive experience.
Great for Kids
The Bay Model – Have you been here yet? No? What are you waiting for?! This HUGE to-scale model of the entire SF Bay is decidedly retro but also astonishingly cool and one-of-a-kind. However big you’re thinking it is… it’s bigger. You really must see it in person. View the mountains and valleys of the bay floor, and watch the rushing tides come in and out under the Golden Gate Bridge. Bonus history: Rad WW2 memorabilia also resides in the building. Free admission!
Randall Museum – Explore the WAY way back history of our city, with a look underground. Learn about the geologic formations of our famous hills, and what causes our famous seismic activity. The oft-overlooked and locally-treasured Randall Museum is temporarily closed for COVID, but keep an eye on their website for re-opening.
(NOTE: info as of September, 2021)
When we talk to our clients about how rent control might affect their property rights, we usually hear: “Wow, I had no idea!” Here’s some vital info for landlords and potential landlords to consider:
- Effective January 2020, San Francisco extended eviction control to ALL properties, even those built after 1979. Check out the new law here: https://sfrb.org/article/new-ordinance-amendments-extending-eviction-controls-new-construction-and-sub-rehab-units
- COVID-related eviction moratoriums were extended yet again. This is a date in flux for the time being, so always double-check the latest info. There are some exemptions for non-payment of rent, etc. It’s always possible that the Board of Supervisors will extend it again in SF, and/or that the state will extend. The Supreme Court ruled against the Federal eviction moratorium; that may or may not affect things on a local level.
- Many properties in SF are subject to restrictions on raising the rent in addition to restrictions on evictions. You should be aware of both state AND local guidelines. Download a FREE helpful summary here: https://g3mh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2020-Landlord-Tenant-Issues3.pdf
(published by g3mh – Local attorneys specializing in tenant/landlord issues in SF)
- Generally, if you move out of your property in SF and rent it out, it can be very difficult to move back in in the future.
Rent and eviction control in California was multi-layered before COVID, and now is even more complex. One thing for sure: You should understand the rules so you don’t accidentally break them. Your mid- and long-term plans for the property might not be feasible under rent control.
Before turning a property into a rental, or trying to regain possession of a current rental, an attorney consult is essential. Contact us anytime with questions or for an introduction to a seasoned attorney. We’re here to help!
Whether you’re looking to get something or give something, “Buy Nothing Groups” are an elegant and community-minded way to reduce waste. Upcycling is more than just trendy – it’s a way to save the earth and save money at the same time.
During the pandemic we noticed a surging in purging. Being stuck inside made a Marie Kondo life look pretty sweet. And many donation centers are still closed. So what to do with the things you’re no longer using?
Likely there is someone in your community that would *love* to have those board games you don’t play anymore, the rug that doesn’t match your new sofa, or even the houseplant that’s wilting in that shady corner of the house. You post it, a neighbor picks it up and re-homes it. It’s win-win for days.
If you’re freshening up your home’s look or even doing a big renovation, you can find surprisingly quality items online. For FREE. In the past year, members of our team have scored a washer/dryer, light fixtures, cabinet pulls, and more. Instead of heading to the landfill, these items now have years of useful life ahead of them.
The “free” section on Craigslist is the OG, but Buy Nothing groups have taken this “one man’s trash…” idea to the next level. Click here for more info on how to find and join your local group, in San Francisco or elsewhere.
Soon you’ll be able to check out the photos of our team’s very own “Buy Nothing” kitchen renovation! It is currently underway, and is being done with as many upcycled products as we can find. To see the pics and the progress, follow us on Instagram @pacificedgesf.