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San Francisco’s North Beach divided over proposal to loosen zoning rules

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San Francisco’s North Beach divided over proposal to loosen zoning rules


Residents are worried that a change in zoning could mean that neighborhood staples like Molinari Delicatessen on Columbus Avenue could lose protections that have helped them survive.

Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

In San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood, where espresso bars and old jazz clubs still echo the city’s bohemian past, new rules could soon change what types of businesses call the storied area home — stirring both hopes of renewal and fears about losing what has long made it special.

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“It’s a really unique ecosystem that allows there to be, on one block, a record store next to a flower shop, a candle shop, a souffle restaurant and a jewelry store,” said local business owner Stuart Watts, who is also the president of the North Beach Business Association. “That’s unheard of in most neighborhoods because … it can become really expensive for micro businesses like that to operate.”

In recent months, Watts joined the chorus of more than 50 small business owners who opposed legislation authored by the area’s supervisor, Danny Sauter, that stands to set aside longstanding zoning restrictions meant to protect the diverse mix of small, locally-owned businesses in North Beach and several surrounding neighborhoods, in favor of more permissive regulations. 

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The legislation, called “District 3 Thrives,” would, among other things, expand the types of commercial uses allowed in North Beach and the neighboring Nob Hill and Jackson Square neighborhoods and permit the merging of small storefronts into larger storefronts.

Patricia Lanao sells flowers to Arielle Christian on Columbus Avenue in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood in 2023. Some residents worry that a change in zoning could threaten small businesses.

Patricia Lanao sells flowers to Arielle Christian on Columbus Avenue in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood in 2023. Some residents worry that a change in zoning could threaten small businesses.

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Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

On Monday, Watts and other opponents were dealt a blow: A City Hall committee advanced the controversial legislation to the city’s Board of Supervisors, which is expected to hold a hearing on the legislation Tuesday. 

District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who chairs the Land Use and Transportation Committee, perhaps said it best: “As San Franciscans, it’s very rare that we all agree on something anytime.”

But in a city where recalling elected officials over land use decisions already has a precedent, crossing constituents means toeing a fine line. While a notable list of supporters on Monday welcomed Sauter targeting “archaic rules” that no longer make sense for the district, others said that the effort left them feeling blindsided and alienated. 

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“Our supervisor doesn’t care,” said District 3 resident Romalyn Schmaltz during Monday’s hearing. “We know these changes will push a lot of us out in favor of larger, more corporate businesses, all while creating more vacancies. But he just stays the course.”

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“My neighborhood’s morale is extremely low,” said another North Beach resident during the hearing, who gave his name as Apollo. “Here again is our new supervisor trying to fix something that isn’t broken.”

Not everyone agrees — neighborhood and business stakeholders including the North Beach Neighbors, the Jackson Square Merchants Association, the Golden Gate Restaurant Association and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce have shared their support for the legislation.

Sauter said that his legislation will solve a problem that many commercial corridors throughout the city are experiencing: stubborn vacancies. Storefront mergers of up to 3,000 square feet would be permitted, allowing new businesses to enter North Beach, where such consolidations have long been banned. The legislation would also legalize new walk-up establishments and “flexible retail” — meaning a bookstore could now co-locate in the same space as a coffee shop. 

Businesses like Knitz & Leather, on Grant Avenue in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, are central to the area’s character.

Businesses like Knitz & Leather, on Grant Avenue in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, are central to the area’s character.

Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

“District 3’s reputation as the hardest district in San Francisco to start or run a small business is not something I think anyone should be proud of, and I believe our legislation will go a long way towards changing that,” Sauter said.

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Sauter said he’s also honored requests from constituents who are worried that his effort will open the door to well-funded businesses that have the ability to outbid mom-and-pop retailers, like medical offices.

On Monday, Sauter amended his legislation to walk back a provision that would have allowed “health services” uses in ground floor spaces in North Beach. 

But the change did little to appease constituents who do not believe that streamlining is an appropriate approach for revitalizing historic neighborhoods like North Beach and Jackson Square, where restaurants and bars dominate and retailers are bucking citywide trends. 

“North Beach is not a struggling corridor. … Our commercial vacancy rate is 6%, among the very lowest in the city,” said Nick Ferris, who is the president of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers association. “These policies that have created that stability are the very policies that this legislation would undo.” 

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A cable car heads down Columbus Avenue in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, in 2023

A cable car heads down Columbus Avenue in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, in 2023

Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

According to Ferris, larger storefronts equal higher rents, which would make it difficult for a range of small businesses to compete. 

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“For nearly 40 years, storefronts have been capped at 2,000 square feet, with conditional use allowed up to 4,000 square feet — this has preserved small, independent businesses and prevented large format retail from dominating,” Ferris said. 

The concern is that the legislation, coupled with a current effort by Mayor Daniel Lurie to upzone commercial corridors citywide and a stalled effort to declare much of the North Beach neighborhood as a historic district, would incentivize the replacement of the neighborhood’s quaint commercial buildings with large box retailers. 

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Opponents have also taken issue with a provision in Sauter’s legislation that would remove restrictions on new restaurants in North Beach and Jackson Square, by allowing limited restaurants — such as cafes — to open in spaces that were previously occupied by non-restaurant businesses. 

“If any business was able to turn into a restaurant, that would cost more per square foot. And as soon as that kitchen is put in, a candle shop is not going to pay to take out that kitchen — it doesn’t have the budget for that,” said Watts, adding that of the eight vacancies that his organization is tracking in North Beach, five are abandoned restaurant spaces. 

Watts said he is not opposed to more flexible zoning and incentives for new businesses to set up shop in the stretch of North Beach that he said is currently struggling with multiple vacant storefronts. The North Beach Business Association is pushing for an amendment to the legislation that maintains stricter restaurant density controls in the neighborhood’s core, he said. 

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But if the committee’s vote on Monday is any indication, the future of North Beach may already be decided. Melgar described Sauter’s legislation as a “modest proposal.” 

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Alejandra Prieto spends time with her 2 1/2 months old baby, Gonzalo, at Washington Square Park in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, in 2023.

Alejandra Prieto spends time with her 2 1/2 months old baby, Gonzalo, at Washington Square Park in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, in 2023.

Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

“I think it is wise to look ahead and plan ahead into changes that are going on around us, and adapt and give a little bit more flexibility. I don’t think these changes are all that earthshaking,” Melgar said.

District 11 Supervisor Chyanne Chen acknowledged that preventing an “over saturation of specific kinds of establishments” is crucial in protecting a neighborhood’s small business ecosystem.

“I would like to see data that actually shows how the existing controls are working or not working, and I haven’t seen much of the data that could really help justify the changes that are being proposed,” she said, before voting to advance the legislation. 

Sauter agreed that the city “collectively” should do more to gather such data, and made a promise to the legislation’s detractors: “They have my commitment to monitor concerns, like the balance of restaurants and retail, to explore the idea of an inner and outer North Beach Neighborhood Commercial District, and to explore ground floor use reforms,” he said. 

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Regardless of whether or not the legislation will win approval in its current form Tuesday, views on it are likely to remain divided.

“No one wants to lose (North Beach’s) loved and iconic businesses,” said North Beach resident Barry Schiller on Monday. “This legislation isn’t about that. It’s about removing archaic rules that do more harm than good.”



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5 Top-Rated Brunch Spots In San Francisco With Breathtaking Coastal Views – Islands

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5 Top-Rated Brunch Spots In San Francisco With Breathtaking Coastal Views – Islands






San Francisco is the definition of a dynamic destination. Although it’s known as a tech hub and for attractions like Alcatraz Island, a national park filled with history and mystery, this California city is also notable for its food scene. After all, San Francisco is home to renowned restaurants and is the “undisputed culinary capital” of America. What’s more, diners have the opportunity to enjoy many of the city’s offerings as they look out onto San Francisco’s iconic waterfront. For visitors looking to start the day with a meal complemented by coastal scenery, we’ve rounded up a list of San Francisco’s top-rated brunch spots with bay views.

Chosen based on ratings from Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor, these five establishments come highly recommended for their brunch offerings and scenic San Francisco vistas. Not to mention that our chosen selections, serving everything from classic brunch dishes to seafood and German-inspired fare, highlight the city’s eclectic gastronomy. All that’s left to do is to decide which eateries to include on your San Francisco itinerary, but this will perhaps be easier said than done. 

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Mission Rock Resort

A short walk away from Chase Center, a stadium that hosts NBA games and concerts, is Mission Rock Resort. The eatery is located in Mission Bay, a vibrant, modern enclave with a walkable waterfront. Included in a list by Eater San Francisco highlighting the city’s best restaurants for views, this spot offers a heated patio overlooking the bay and docked boats. And as general manager Nick Osborne explained in a 2025 interview with the San Francisco Examiner, “Being on the water gives you a chance to take a moment to relax and enjoy our beautiful city.” 

Mission Rock Resort, whose logo fittingly features a mermaid, primarily serves seafood-forward mid-morning meals. Forget pancakes; the brunch menu consists of oysters and dishes like Dungeness crab Benedict and grilled fish tacos (if you do happen to be craving something sweet, you can always opt for the French toast). On Yelp, Mission Rock Resort has a 4.0 rating, with one reviewer who dined here for brunch writing, “There were 7 of us so we truly explored the menu and no one was disappointed!! From appetizers to desserts everything was delicious.” 

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Mission Rock Resort is open every day except Monday, but brunch is only offered on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made on Yelp. Diners may be able to find street parking. If you’re looking for more to do in the area, perhaps before your meal, Crane Cove Park is within walking distance and features onsite kayak and paddleboard rentals. 

Eagle Cafe

San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is packed with character and old-timey fun. Still, this wildly popular California destination has been called the “world’s worst tourist trap.” However, you shouldn’t necessarily write it off, as it’s here you’ll find what Tripadvisor calls one of the top restaurants in the city with a view: Eagle Cafe. The eatery, which features an outdoor patio with counter seating, has a 4.0 rating on the platform and earned a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award in 2025. “Eagle Cafe is one of those old school San Francisco spots that never really goes out of style. The location right on the water at Pier 39 is hard to beat and the views of the bay are amazing,” reads one diner review. 

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On top of this, some reviewers on Google, where Eagle Cafe has a 4.1-star rating, point out that on clear days, you can see Alcatraz and even the Golden Gate Bridge from the patio. But as one individual explained, “Not only is the view great but food is amazing and the servers are usually very attentive and excellent.” Dating back to 1928, this long-standing family-owned restaurant has nautical and diner vibes, and a menu reflecting its classic ambiance. 

Eagle Cafe dishes up an assortment of traditional breakfast, brunch, and lunch fare. Popular items on Yelp include the avocado toast on Boudin Bakery bread and a breakfast burrito, filled with eggs, bacon, and cheese. Eagle Cafe is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. No reservations required; only walk-ins are accepted, and if needed, the eatery does validate parking.

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Radhaus

For a combination of beer and brunch, check out Radhaus at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, a former military site. This industrial-style beer hall with earthy elements features expansive windows that provide natural light and waterfront views. With a 4.2 rating on Yelp, one reviewer described Radhaus as a “beautiful place to have Brunch at with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge.” While there is outdoor seating, you can take in the panoramic scenery and vistas of the marina from inside the dining room.

Even so, another reviewer who recommended this spot for brunch advised, “Come for views, stay for the great food and drinks.” As you might have already guessed, Radhaus offers German-inspired brunch fare — think dishes like a wurst sandwich with a fried egg and bacon jam, and a pretzel French toast (which does sell out) topped with berries and whipped cream. Of course, there’s plenty of brews, ranging from dark lagers to cider, on tap as well.

Radhaus is open daily but only serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday until 4 p.m., perfect for late risers. However, there’s more to do on the weekends at the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, situated in the Marina District, located between Fisherman’s Wharf and Golden Gate Bridge. For instance, SF Camerawork, a photography gallery, is open on Saturdays. Additionally, there is a farmers’ market held every Sunday. 

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Beach Chalet

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco’s most beloved attraction, is full of wildlife, museums, and gardens. And that’s not all; you can also have a scenic brunch within this famed green space, courtesy of the Beach Chalet. Housed on the second floor of a renovated 1920s-era structure, this restaurant features panoramic windows with views of Ocean Beach. “Sitting here watching the waves roll in while enjoying lunch or brunch never gets old,” wrote a Tripadvisor user. That said, this classy yet casual establishment with a modern coastal vibe serves a mix of seafood and classic brunch dishes.

At the Beach Chalet, you can dine on everything from clam chowder to corned beef hash, as you stare at the Pacific in the distance (plus, you could take a beach stroll after you’ve wrapped up brunch). If you’re feeling fancy, there is a champagne brunch option to consider, complete with a starter, entree, dessert, and mimosas, for a fixed price. On Google, Beach Chalet has a 4.1-star rating, with an individual writing that it has, “Great views, impeccable service, delicious food and reasonable prices.” They added, “This place really has it all.”

The Beach Chalet only serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, and bookings can be made on Yelp (be sure to request a window seat so you have an optimal view of the sand and sea). Parking is conveniently located at the front of the eatery and is free.

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ATwater Tavern

Located a couple of blocks away from Oracle Park, ATwater Tavern on Pier 50 is an industrial-style eatery surrounded by urban scenery. However, this establishment’s rear patio offers waterfront and East Bay views. Although ATwater Tavern is open daily before noon, primarily offering seafood, sandwiches, and salads, brunch specials are served on Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“One of our favorite dog-friendly places we go to regularly for brunch on the weekends. One of the best Huevos Rancheros I’ve ever had,” states a review from Google, where ATwater Tavern features a 4.4-star rating. Other brunch specials include pancakes and crab cake Benedict, but you could always order from the rest of the menu as well (the fish and chips are a crowd-pleaser on both Google and Yelp). While ATwater Tavern has a range of beverages, those who need a caffeine fix will be happy to learn that espresso-based coffee drinks are served here.

Guests highlight brunch on the patio with waterfront views. “Came here with a friend and it was super pretty looking across the water!” reads a review posted on Yelp. This individual went on to write, “The vibes are good for a lazy Sunday afternoon catchup.” Moreover, countless others say that they have stopped by for a bite to eat before catching a game at Oracle Park. Reservations for ATwater Tavern are available on Yelp, and a paid parking lot is available nearby.

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Methodology

To find the five top-rated brunch spots in San Francisco with breathtaking coastal views, Islands utilized rankings from Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor. We combed these platforms for reviews that frequently commended eateries for their waterfront views and brunch offerings. Once these criteria were met, we concentrated our search on establishments that featured a minimum of a 4.0 rating on at least one of these websites. To better showcase San Francisco’s beauty, we narrowed down our selections to restaurants with varying scenery.

Mission Rock Resort, Eagle Cafe, Radhaus, Beach Chalet, and ATwater Tavern checked all these boxes. For example, Beach Chalet overlooks the Pacific Ocean, while diners can catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge from Radhaus. Of course, cuisine and ambiance were just as important, with this list including eateries for an ultra-casual quick brunch, a boozy brunch, or a more upscale-style experience. For additional Bay Area eats, read a local’s guide on the five tastiest restaurants they always take friends to when they visit San Francisco.

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Former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh ‘pumped’ for Dre Greenlaw’s return to San Francisco

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Former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh ‘pumped’ for Dre Greenlaw’s return to San Francisco


The 49ers had an eventful offseason when it comes to roster acquisitions, with wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk marking the most exciting additions for most fans.

While bolstering the wide receiver room for Brock Purdy made more headlines around the NFL, 49ers fans rejoiced when San Francisco brought back star linebacker Dre Greenlaw. After signing a three-year, $31.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos before this past season, Greenlaw was released by the team after appearing in just eight games.

Despite the Broncos being out on Greenlaw, the Faithful and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner have expressed excitement regarding the move. However, those around the Bay aren’t the only ones pleased by the move, as former defensive coordinator and first-year Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh recently told the media how excited he was for Greenlaw.

“So happy for him,” Saleh said. “For Dre, good chance for him to get his feet back underneath him in a place where he’s familiar, knocking people around like he used to. I mean, he did it last year too, but pumped for Dre.”

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Saleh, a former linebackers coach himself, coached Greenlaw during the 2019 and 2020 seasons with San Francisco.

The 28-year-old Greenlaw is heading into his eighth NFL season, totaling 498 tackles, 4.5 sacks and four interceptions.

It’s unclear how much he has left in the tank, but clearly the 49ers were willing to find out.

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Elderly driver sentenced to probation in West Portal crash that killed family of 4

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Elderly driver sentenced to probation in West Portal crash that killed family of 4


An elderly driver who killed a family of four in San Francisco’s West Portal neighborhood two years ago was sentenced Friday to probation.

No jail time

What we know:

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Mary Fong Lau, 80, learned in court that she will not serve any jail time or home detention for the March 2024 crash.

The collision killed Diego Cardoso de Oliveira, a 40-year-old father; his wife, Matilde Moncada Ramos Pinto, 38; their 1-year-old son, Joaquim; and their 3-month-old son, Caue. The family was waiting at a Muni bus stop at the time. They were headed to the zoo.

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No contest plea

Lau pleaded no contest to four felony counts of vehicular manslaughter, and a judge accepted the plea.

The Superior Court judge said Lau’s age, remorse and lack of criminal history were factors in the sentencing decision. She was placed on probation for two years and is banned from driving for three years. She also has to complete 200 hours of community service.

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2024 crash

The backstory:

Prosecutors said that on March 16, 2024, Lau was driving more than 70 mph in an SUV when she jumped a curb and struck the victims at a bus stop at Ulloa Street and Lenox Way.

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Family, prosecutors criticize sentence

What they’re saying:

Friends and relatives of the victims said the sentence fell far short of the justice they were seeking.

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District Attorney Brooke Jenkins also criticized the outcome.

“The court is not requiring Ms. Lau to even acknowledge her guilt,” Jenkins said. “Rather than requiring a guilty plea, the court decided it is sufficient for her to enter a no contest plea. That isn’t justice. That isn’t taking responsibility for the loss of four innocent lives.”

Jenkins added that Lau could eventually regain her driving privileges, which she called “troubling.”

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“This is someone who has demonstrated she can’t be trusted on the roads of California nor San Francisco,” she said.

Defense cites remorse

The other side:

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Lau’s defense attorney said his client is remorseful.

“Ms. Lau feels the pain of this tragic loss,” attorney Seth Morris said. “She has taken accountability by pleading no contest and not requiring the case to go to trial, which could have taken years with an unknown outcome.”

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He added that Lau hopes the plea will help begin the healing process for the victims’ families and the community.

The Source: Sentencing hearing for the defendant, Mary Fong Lau

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