San Francisco Reader

The Presidio was originally an American military post. In 1972, Congress established the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and decreed that if the area ever became unnecessary to the military, it would become a national park. The end of the Cold War brought with it the end of the Presidio’s Army days, and today it stands as a majestic example of mankind and nature in harmony.Today, people live and work in the Presidio every day. There are twenty-one residential neighborhoods, and more than 250 non-residential buildings. Two-thirds of those were built between the Spanish era and World War II. Even for those just passing through, though, the Presidio has plenty to offer. (more…)

On Sunday, July 25, SF Weekly hosted the first-ever All Shook Down music festival, and judging by the success, it should be safe to expect it back next year. Even with rapper Forrest Day passing out mid-song, the vibes were good all around. Besides introducing various Bay Area artists like Day, Birds & Batteries, and Ghosts on Tape, the event also spotlighted ten of the best SF bars and clubs.

• Amante: A hidden North Beach gem with cheap but delicious small-plate options and cocktails. Watch live music from their plush bar stools. (more…)

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a must-see for anybody on their first trip to the Bay City, but a visit to the venue isn’t just a one-time deal. Backed by more than 350 passionate and creative individuals, the museum is constantly growing in its mission to encourage new ways of seeing and interacting with the world.The Rooftop Garden is one attraction that will be new to anyone that hasn’t been by in the last year. Opening on May 10, 2009, the Garden is the result of more than three years of development, starting when renowned Jensen Architects was selected as the designer in 2006. There are two open air spaces enclosing a glass pavilion, which houses several sculptural works. The dramatic and vertiginous Gardens are reached by a stately glass bridge. (more…)

The San Francisco Fringe Festival celebrates the latest and greatest in alternative and non-mainstream theater. SF’s version is modeled after the Edinburgh, Scotland original, which began in 1947. SF Fringe is also the second-longest-running in the United States, and this year marks its 19^th anniversary. Running from September 8-19, visitors can choose from over 250 performances of 43 different pieces.One of the frontrunners to check out is Paper Angels, which focuses on Chinese immigration to San Francisco in the early 1900s. The performance will mark the 100^th anniversary of the immigration station on Angel Island. Another show by sketch troupe OPM (Opening People’s Minds), called Green Tea Party, takes a more humorous look at modern multicultural politics, but still with a good deal of bite. (more…)

There are a multitude of areas with San Francisco, all of them with their own unique flavor and feel. Some are more family-friendly while some are just out of this world. Here’s a guide to some of the sites you may encounter.

• The Richmond: Located north of Golden Gate Park, this neighborhood has a Victorian (or faux-Victorian) style and one of the lowest crime-rates. Lake Street is especially pleasant for a walk at almost any time of day. (more…)