- CUBS vs. GIANTS AT WRIGLEY: The Cubs lost the rubber game of last year’s series at home against the Giants, after winning the first and losing the second. Two years ago, they won the third game after losing the first and winning the second, as they did this year. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
- RUN SCORING NOTES: When the Cubs have scored at least three runs, as they did yesterday, their record is an impressive 30-15. They are 2-5 in games with exactly three and 4-16 with two or fewer. They are 18-4 when they have allowed no more than two and 20-6 with no more than three. With at least four, they are 14-25. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
- ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER: The Cubs’ last five games have been decided by one, one, one, 15 and one run. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
- WINNING WHEN COMING FROM BEHIND: The Cubs erased two deficits yesterday, 1-0 and 2-1. It was the third game this season in which they have come from behind twice and they have won them all. The previous two both were walk-offs against the Reds, on May 4 (behind 3-0 and 4-3 before winning in the ninth, 5-4) and May 6 (behind 1-0 and 6-4 before winning in the 10th, 7-6). The Cubs have erased 27 total deficits in 24 different games. They are 15-9 in those games, having won three of four following five straight losses. (Courtesy BCB’s JohnW53)
San Francisco, CA
Review: Acclaimed ’90s rock act visits Bay Area for first time in over 25 years
Mike Doughty sure knows how to get a crowd on his side.
“I just want you to know that you are literally the most attractive people we have ever seen in our lives,” the Soul Coughing frontman said. “You freak me out — too (expletive) beautiful.”
Yet, he didn’t really need the sweet talk to gain the audience’s favor on Saturday night (Sept. 14) at The Fillmore. The thousand-plus fans that filled the legendary San Francisco venue to capacity for the first of two nights were clearly already in his corner and ready to enjoy their first Soul Coughing concert in at least a quarter of a century.
And the vocalist-guitarist and his formerly estranged Soul Coughing mates — keyboardist/sampler Mark Degli Antoni, bassist Sebastian Steinberg and drummer Yuval Gabay — certainly sounded great during this local stop on their long overdue reunion tour, powering through 21 numbers of jazzy hip alt-rock tunes in roughly 90 minutes.
The whole thing felt so natural and, well, necessary that it left one wondering how it could’ve possibly taken the band members 25 years to get this show back on the road. Sure, the New York City outfit parted on acrimonious terms in 2000, after putting out three highly enjoyable records during a five-year span, but other acts have certainly buried the hatchet much quicker than this when there was a payday involved.
Still, the consensus mood at The Fillmore was “better late than never” as fans swayed to the music in the packed room and sang along to Doughty’s curiously appealing vocal work, which mixes goofy Beat poetry, rap, one-liners, scatting, deadpan delivery, repetition for the sake of repetition, pure nonsense and rare insight.
Granted, that latter doesn’t always factor into the equation — as Doughty illustrated, first in English, as he sang “Bus to Beelzebub.”
“Get on to the bus that’s gonna take you back to Beelzebub,” he sang. “Get on to the bus that’s gonna make you stop going rub-a-dub.”
And it didn’t sound any more insightful when he mixed in a little French — “Voulez-vous the bus,” he sang — even though, we know, that usually does the trick.
The Soul Coughing songbook is littered with those type of oddities — this is probably a good place to mention that that same song ends with Doughty just repeating “Yellow No. 5” (yes, as in the controversial food dye) over and over again. Yet, he gets away with those lines — in part, due to that great deadpan delivery, but, probably more so, because he often wears cool Beat poetry/jazz cafe hats.
Taking the stage right around 8:30 p.m., the band kicked off its first Bay Area show of the 21st century with a fine version of “Is Chicago, Is Not Chicago.” It was the first of 10 tracks that hailed from “Ruby Vroom,” the group’s 1994 full-length studio debut that turns 30 later this month.
Continuing into “Down to This” (another “Ruby Vroom” offering), Doughty sold his lyrics almost entirely with pure rhythm and cadence, dropping words like notes plucked from Steinberg’s upright bass. Things got even groovier as the troupe ventured into “Irresistible Bliss” — the 1996 sophomore outing that lives up to its title and stands as the band’s best album — for “Collapse,” which proved to be a fine showcase for Gabay’s towering mix of power and technique on the kit.
Even the second (and third) tier Soul Coughing material — “White Girl,” “Sugar Free Jazz,” etc. — was well worth hearing on this night, since the band was operating in such a zone and, well, it just felt so good to be hearing Soul Coughing back in the live arena.
Doughty can be quite chatty in his solo shows, which might have something to do with the fact that there is a lot of space to fill when it’s just you and a guitar up there on the stage, but he was pretty quiet, for the most part, between songs.
He also seemed to downplay the whole front man vibe, instead just coasting through the gig in low gear and showing relatively little energy. I kept wanting him to cut loose, and take the whole thing to a higher level, but he never did — even during what should have been a barnburner of a encore with the Soul Coughing anthem “Super Bon Bon.”
Yet, there were so many highlights — including “Casiotone Nation,” “St. Louise Is Listening” and the main-set-ending “Screenwriter’s Blues” — that it would be wrong to categorize this show as anything but a success, as Soul Coughing rose from its long slumber to once again delight Bay Area fans.
Here’s hoping this is a reunion with legs.
Setlist
1. “Is Chicago, Is Not Chicago”
2. “Down to This”
3. “Collapse”
4. “White Girl”
5. “Sugar Free Jazz”
6. “The Idiot Kings”
7. “Blue Eyed Devil”
8. “Disseminated”
9. “Rolling”
10. “Lazybones”
11. “Misinformed”
12. “Bus to Beelzebub”
13. “Casiotone Nation”
14. “St. Louise Is Listening”
15. “True Dreams of Wichita”
16. “Mr. Bitterness”
17. “I Miss the Girl”
18. “Moon Sammy”
19. “Screenwriter’s Blues”
Encore
20. “Circles”
21. “Super Bon Bon”
Originally Published:
See some of USA TODAY’s top culturally significant landmarks
From the Hoover Dam to Lady Liberty, discover some of USA TODAYs Most Treasured Views in America for 2026.
Scenic views stretch across California — from rugged coastlines and towering forests to landmarks that shape its cities and culture. Whether you’re chasing a quiet moment, a sense of awe or the perfect photo, the Golden State offers no shortage of places worth the trip.
This story is part of USA TODAY’s Most Treasured Views series, a nationwide project highlighting breathtaking — and sometimes overlooked — sights across the country.
In California, those views span the full landscape, blending natural wonders with historic and architectural icons. Some are world-famous, others invite quieter reflection — all offering a window into what makes the state unforgettable. Here are some of those California treasured views:
17‑Mile Drive, Pebble Beach
This iconic coastal drive delivers one postcard moment after another along the Monterey Peninsula. Visitors wind past rugged cliffs, white-sand beaches and wind‑shaped cypress trees, with sweeping Pacific views at nearly every turn.
Landmarks like the Lone Cypress and crashing surf at Point Joe make this one of California’s most photographed stretches of coastline.
Santa Monica Pier
Jutting out into the Pacific, the Santa Monica Pier blends ocean views with classic California boardwalk energy. It’s known for its sweeping coastal vistas, historic charm and the unmistakable Ferris wheel skyline.
Whether you’re watching the sunset or strolling the planks, it’s a front‑row seat to Southern California beach life.
Order our Most Treasured Views coffee table book
Coit Tower, San Francisco
From atop Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower offers panoramic views of San Francisco and the bay, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
The 1930s landmark also features historic murals inside, merging art and scenery into one of the city’s most recognizable viewpoints.
Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
Perched in Griffith Park, the observatory delivers sweeping views of Los Angeles, from downtown skyscrapers to the Hollywood Sign.
It’s a favorite for visitors chasing cinematic moments — especially at sunset, when the city begins to glow.
Hearst Castle, San Simeon
Set high above the Central Coast, Hearst Castle pairs ocean views with opulent architecture. Visitors look out over rolling hills and the Pacific while touring one of the most lavish estates in the country.
The property’s grand design and history make the scenery feel as dramatic as the setting.
Yosemite Valley
Few places in California rival the scale of Yosemite Valley. Granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome rise above forests and meadows, creating some of the most iconic views in the country.
Waterfalls, cliffs, and open skies make it a defining feature of the Sierra Nevada landscape.
Alcatraz Island
Set in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz offers striking views of both the city skyline and the surrounding waters.
The former prison’s isolation — and its layered history of incarceration and protest — adds weight to the scenery.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Home to some of the largest trees on Earth, these parks offer views that feel both towering and humbling.
The giant sequoias dominate the landscape, with mountain vistas and deep canyons stretching beyond them.
Carmel Mission
In the coastal town of Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, this historic mission blends architecture, gardens and coastal light.
Its preserved design and peaceful setting offer a quieter, reflective California view rooted in the state’s early history.
Hollywood Sign viewpoints
Seeing the Hollywood Sign up close — or from scenic overlooks — is a classic Los Angeles experience.
The landmark sits against the hills above the city, offering a mix of urban and natural scenery that defines the region.
Manzanar National Historic Site
Set against the stark beauty of the Eastern Sierra, Manzanar is both scenic and sobering. The site tells the story of Japanese Americans incarcerated here during World War II.
The wide‑open desert landscape contrasts with that history, making it one of California’s most powerful places to visit.
Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park showcases where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet, with twisted Joshua trees and striking rock formations.
Wide-open desert terrain shifts from flat valleys to scenic lookouts, with wildlife and seasonal wildflowers adding to the landscape.
Designated an International Dark Sky Park, it’s just as impressive at night, offering some of California’s best stargazing far from city lights.
Explore more amazing locations that helped define American history with USA 250 Most Treasured Views.
Jameson Taillon, RHP vs. Trevor McDonald, RHP
Jameson Taillon has had a rough year, but also has made some very good starts, including last time out, last Tuesday against the A’s. Hope that continues.
Current Giants are batting .169 (11-for-65) against Taillon, though with four home runs (two by Rafael Devers, one each by Matt Chapman and Willy Adames). That should not surprise you.
Keep the ball in the yard tonight, Jamo.
Trevor McDonald is making his ninth MLB start. Of the previous eight, six have come this year, so he comes in with just 52 innings of MLB experience. He was the Giants’ 11th round pick out of George County High School in Lucedale, Mississippi in 2019, and I mention the specific school because that’s the same school that produced Justin Steele.
Of his six starts this year, five were decent to good, he got pounded in the other one May 22 by the White Sox (seven runs in 3.2 innings).
McDonald has never faced the Cubs. The only Cub who’s seen him is Michael Conforto (1-for-3).
Here is the weather forecast for the area around Wrigley Field.
Today’s game is on NBC (full national broadcast, no blackouts). It’s also streaming on Peacock. Announcers: Jason Benetti, Jim Deshaies and Hunter Pence. Anthony Rizzo is the dugout reporter.
Here is the complete MLB.com live streaming page for today.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Giants site McCovey Chronicles. If you do go there to interact with Giants fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.
The 2026 game discussion procedure has been changed, so please take note.
You’ll find the game preview, like this one, posted separately on the front page two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).
At the same time, a StoryStream containing the preview will also post on the front page, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game.
The Live! (formerly “First Pitch”) thread will still post at five minutes to game time. It will also post to the front page. That will be the only live game discussion thread. After the game, the recap and Heroes and Goats will also live on the front page as separate posts.
You will also be able to find the preview, Live! thread, recap and Heroes and Goats in this section link. The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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San Francisco police say they’re likely dealing with a first in the city: a burglar who used a driverless car as his getaway ride. What’s more, he got away with it. In under three minutes, a man slipped into Hot 8 Yoga in the Marina District, grabbed an armful of athletic wear, loaded it into the trunk of a waiting Waymo robotaxi, then rode off into the dark, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. The burglary happened back in January and is just coming to light. Police have made no arrests.
Investigators got a search warrant forcing Waymo to turn over the rider’s account details and video from the white Jaguar used in the caper, but Sgt. Tim Faye says the account info didn’t point to a suspect—likely because of stolen data or a burner phone. It’s not clear how long Waymo keeps its interior video, but it was wiped by the time the warrant was filed, notes TechCrunch. Waymo equips its latest cars with 29 cameras, though it does not use facial recognition or similar techniques to identify people. In a Los Angeles incident last year, police chased a suspect leaving a grocery robbery, and the robotaxi pulled itself over because of the police lights. The San Fran robber appears to have absconded with men’s shorts.
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