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San Francisco bookstores drop J.K. Rowling titles in stand for trans rights

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San Francisco bookstores drop J.K. Rowling titles in stand for trans rights


One bookstore in San Francisco is taking a stand against a worldwide-renowned author.

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Books by J.K. Rowling, who penned the “Harry Potter” series, have come off the shelves at BookSmith on Haight. Now, another bookstore is following its lead.

Marcus Ewert with Fabulosa Books on Castro Street is also an accomplished author.

“This was my very first one in 2008,” Ewert said. “It was the first kids’ book to have any transgender content, let alone a transgender kid main character.”

Ewert says while the book, 10,000 Dresses, has been embraced by the queer community, it has been banned and challenged by others. So the decision to take J.K. Rowling’s series of Harry Potter books off the shelf wasn’t taken lightly. Ewert says he did what felt right to him.

“Just setting an example of there are things to resist,” he said. “Choices to make and actions to take. We all need more courage right now.”

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The idea originally came from Booksmith on Haight Street. The owners of Booksmith would not talk on camera but sent over a statement saying they sell a number of titles by authors they don’t agree with, but this case was different because Rowling has pledged to fund legislation and campaigns that would harm the trans community.

Camden Avery, the co-owner of Booksmith wrote, “We’re one private business making a decision to align our business practice with our own values and our customers’ values, the freedom to do which, if I’m honest, is the one of the most rewarding parts of operating as a truly independent bookstore.”

Fabulosa Books says it couldn’t agree more.

“Seeing that people were like this is important,” Ewert said. “Somebody took a stand. Actually, we wanted to be counted too, so it’s not just one lone bookstore.”

Some on social media have criticized the bookstore’s actions, saying that it’s equivalent to banning books. Ewert says this is just a show of solidarity to stand for the community he serves.

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“It’s so much better to use language to broaden people’s hearts. Broaden the world and not to condemn and vilify.”



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San Francisco, CA

Animal control locates mountain lion in San Francisco

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Animal control locates mountain lion in San Francisco


A young mountain lion that was spotted Monday night in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood has been located, city officials said.

Around 6:20 a.m. Tuesday, city officials said San Francisco Animal Care and Control found the mountain lion and that they are working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to manage the situation. No injuries were reported.

A biologist is on their way to the scene, with the plan to tranquilize the animal and move it to a suitable location, officials said.

The mountain lion was first reported Monday night after being seen near Octavia Street and Pacific Avenue, according to an alert from the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management.

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Animal Care and Control officials said experts believe the animal is about a year old. It had also been seen earlier Monday morning near Lafayette Park, just a few blocks from the later sighting.

City officials said the mountain lion was likely lost and may have been trying to move south out of the city.



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San Francisco Unified educators nearing final days for vote on whether to strike

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San Francisco Unified educators nearing final days for vote on whether to strike


After months of back and forth between educators and the San Francisco school district, Georgie Gibbs is ready to strike. 

“But every year we have to figure out what staffing we’re going to have at our school, and every year there’s less money to staff our site, and that’s hard,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs is an elementary school teacher and a member of the United Educators of San Francisco, a union for school staff. Since March, they’ve requested higher wages, stable health insurance, and more support for special education teachers.

“At our site, we have special day classes which are self-contained, special education classrooms, and those, one of our classrooms has not had a full-time teacher for a whole entire year in three years,” Gibbs said.  

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In their latest offer in January, the district proposed the following three-year stabilization plan.

The district proposed a path to fully funded family health benefits, a 6 percent raise over three years, along with addressing staffing shortages for special education. The union rejected it.

  • Identifying a fiscal pathway for the District to fully fund family health benefits
  • 6% raise over three years (2% each year for next three years)
  • Salary rate augmentations for hard-to-staff special education paraeducators
  • Solutions to address special education workload with a focused pilot program

Union president Cassandra Curiel says members are casting their final round of votes for a strike. 

“The district hasn’t changed their position since May of 2025. That is an untenable condition for us to be in,” Curiel said. 
If both groups don’t come to an agreement, the union’s more than 6,000 members will strike for the first time in nearly 50 years. 

“Being in our schools is the place we want to be, but working for San Francisco Unified can be complicated at best,” Curiel said. 

Officials say the district is planning for more budget cuts in the next school year, which plays a role in negotiations.

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A spokesperson for the district wrote:

“We know many of you are closely following the ongoing negotiations between our district and United Educators of San Francisco (UESF). 

We are disappointed to share that we did not reach an agreement with UESF after today’s fact-finding session (part of the formal bargaining process). SFUSD remains committed to negotiating in good faith with our labor partners and to reaching an agreement that honors our educators while also balancing the need to be fiscally responsible.

Our goal is to have a stable district. We want to reach an agreement that supports our valued educators. However, we must also be able to afford the agreement long-term so that we can continue serving students now and in the future.”

Havah Kelley told CBS News Bay Area that her son, who has a learning disability, was transferred outside of the district because there aren’t enough special needs teachers. 

“Especially since COVID, the high teacher turnover, the shortages, and just a myriad of other reasons, he was not getting the services that he needed,” Kelley said. 

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That experience makes her feel a strike is necessary, but she knows there would be real-life consequences.

“It would be ideal if we could avoid a strike. That’s a definite, and I’m not going to say otherwise,” Kelly said. “Any type of disruption, for our kids, we have almost immediate regression.” 

Union members are holding their final vote to authorize a strike. If the majority votes yes, it is likely SFUSD educators will strike for the first time since 1979. The last day to vote is Jan. 28.



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The 14 Best San Francisco Hotels

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The 14 Best San Francisco Hotels


When the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks kick off Super Bowl LX on February 8, football fans’ eyes will be fixed on Levi’s Stadium. While the action takes place on the turf in Santa Clara, the real pre- and post-game celebrations will happen more than 40 miles away in San Francisco.

Whether you are flying in to catch the big game or are planning a getaway to coincide with the Super Bowl’s 60th anniversary festivities, finding the right home base is a key play for the weekend.

To discover the best hotels in San Francisco, Forbes Travel Guide’s incognito inspectors posed as ordinary guests and stayed multiple nights at each property. The inspectors tested hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, which accounts for 70% of a property’s rating. The remaining 30% comes from the quality and condition of the facilities. FTG does not require a business relationship from the properties it rates, and it does not earn a commission if you book one of the following hotels.

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Five-Star Hotels in San Francisco

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Sitting atop a dramatic bluff, The Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay gives you a beautiful coastal setting, verdant golf courses, ocean-view dining and impeccably warm service about 20 miles south of San Francisco International Airport.

With a robust calendar of outdoor activities (golf, guided hikes) and indoor pursuits (baking classes, a Four-Star spa), any time is a great time for a romantic getaway at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. See more.

The St. Regis San Francisco

Since opening in 2005, The St. Regis San Francisco has been refining the concept of luxury, retaining the detail-oriented service focus and continuing its legacy of timeless elegance.

Get a taste of the hotel’s sophisticated vibe during Tini Tuesday at the legendary St. Regis Bar. Guests are invited to craft their perfect martini, set to a soundtrack of live jazz provided by Conservatory students. See more.

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Four-Star Hotels in San Francisco

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

San Francisco does not experience four distinct seasons — it’s pretty mild no matter when you visit. Likewise, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco provides posh lodgings all year long.

If you want to sightsee by day and live in luxury by night, it’s hard to beat this property sitting just minutes from Union Square, Chinatown and other city attractions. See more.

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto

Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto is ideally situated for both business and relaxation. Step into the intimate lobby, and you’ll notice it feels smart and modern with a lush color scheme, digital art and an inviting, cozy vibe.

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The hotel makes the most of its Northern California location by regularly pairing Napa Valley’s top wine producers with seasonal four-course menus at signature eatery, Quattro. See more.

Hotel Nikko San Francisco

The ultra-modern Hotel Nikko San Francisco is in downtown San Francisco, just blocks from Union Square. The luxury address has a sleek, modern design style. Asian touches throughout, including a stream of flowing water greeting guests in the lobby, help create an initial Zen atmosphere.

For a true Bay Area introduction, be sure to visit Kanpai Lounge for a new cocktail program inspired by the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods. Explore The Mission features tequila, G.E. Massenez bird’s-eye chili liqueur, lime and hibiscus mango while Coit Tower consists of rye whiskey, Fernet-Branca, pineapple gomme and ginger beer. See more.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Even the most blasé traveler will be impressed by this stately mansion atop Nob Hill. Built in 1909 as the headquarters of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco has maintained its palatial polish, preserving its neoclassical façade while offering a renovated modern-classic haven inside.

And even more than a 100 years later, there are still new things to celebrate: The Lounge was included on Forbes Travel Guide’s inaugural list of Star Bars. See more.

Taj Campton Place

Taj Campton Place fits into the rolling cityscape of San Francisco and is just one block away from Union Square. The prime location allows convenient access to the city’s many art galleries and museums, and the 110-room boutique hotel offers a quaint respite from the busy city.

A recent renovation breathed new life into the hotel’s beloved dining outlets. Campton Bar + Bistro infuses American bistro-style cuisine with Indian flair. Meanwhile, Bombay Brasserie, led by chef Thomas George, serves Indian cuisine with a French accent. See more.

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Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Hotels in San Francisco

The Clement Palo Alto

The all-inclusive hotel of the future, where everything is customized to your individual preference and a personal chef and concierge come standard, has arrived with The Clement Palo Alto.

The hotel strives to be a home away from home and invites you to think of the shared spaces — a living room, library and kitchen — as your own. Here, you won’t ever have to lift a finger — unless it’s to pick up a fork while you’re eating at the Dining Room. See more.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero

Walking into the intimate lobby of Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero is like entering a sleek sanctuary. The bustle of downtown fades away in the quiet round room filled with white marble, bright lighting and a pleasant aroma.

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Friendly staff members stand ready to check you in, help with your luggage or anything else you may need. This includes providing curated city guides that offer insider recommendations for self-guided tasting tours of the Ferry Building, tailored shopping suggestions and a map illustrated by artist Tanu Vasu that highlights the best local spots. See more.

Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights

Everything about Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights, from the understated elegance of its Edwardian heritage to the spacious bathrooms with heated floors, is chic, sophisticated and comfortable.

Daily rituals like the evening wine reception (local pours are paired with elevated light bites) accentuate the former boarding house’s welcoming warmth. See more.

JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square

JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square is a colorful and urbane hotel just steps from San Francisco’s bustling Financial District, the Embarcadero and other popular stops.

But beyond its ideal location, the property delivers top cuisine (Level III Restaurant), creative cocktails (Level III Bar) and a sleek space to work on your cardio (a state-of-the-art fitness center).

Omni San Francisco Hotel

In the busy Financial District, Omni San Francisco Hotel feels like a throwback to a simpler, grander time. The cheerful doorman smiles warmly and helps you with your things. The front desk attendant graciously meets you at the bottom of the glamorous wrought-iron staircase. It’s all so beautiful and calming that even the most harried person will feel relaxed. See more.

Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco

When you walk up the stairs at downtown’s Palace Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, the first thing you’ll notice are the elaborate wrought-iron doors with ornate hand-painted gold details.

Just beyond those touches is something even more breathtaking: the hotel’s Garden Court. A grand ballroom with marble columns, glass ceilings and chandeliers that date to the late 1800s, the Garden Court is the hotel’s energetic hub. Such grand surroundings provide the ideal backdrop for the Saturday tea, served for the last century.

For a memorable dinner, visit the wood-paneled Pied Piper (named for the famous Maxfield Parrish mural behind the bar) for seasonal, California dishes and exceptional drinks. See more.

San Francisco Proper Hotel

The flagship property of the Proper brand, San Francisco Proper Hotel showcases celebrity interior designer Kelly Wearstler’s sophisticated style. The hotel resides in a historic flatiron building that dates to 1904, and its Old World charm is juxtaposed with sleek, modern accents.

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The trendy atmosphere of the hotel extends beyond the guest rooms to its two dining venues. Villon, which is also designed by Wearstler, serves contemporary California cuisine for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Meanwhile, the atmospheric rooftop lounge, Charmaine’s, offers small plates, bubbles and bold cocktails. See more.

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