Good Things Are Happening in SF: September Headlines You May Have Missed
San Francisco has been buzzing with good news this month — from big investments to exciting new openings. If you missed the latest, here are a few September highlights that show how much momentum the city (and the Bay Area) is building.
1. Waymo Lands Permit to Operate at SFO
Big changes could be coming to airport transportation! Waymo has been granted a three-phase “Testing & Operations Pilot Permit” at San Francisco International Airport. The rollout will start soon with human drivers, then expand to driverless tests for staff and airport employees, and eventually become available to the public.
Source: SF Gate
2. SF Approves Major ‘Family Zoning’ Plan
San Francisco’s Planning Commission gave the green light to Mayor Daniel Lurie’s “family zoning” rezoning proposal. The plan aims to open the door for more housing — 6- to 24-story buildings — in neighborhoods like the Sunset, Richmond, and Marina. It now heads to the Board of Supervisors for further review. If approved, it could mark a big shift in how housing is built across the city.
Source: SF Chronicle
3. New Restaurant & Bar Openings
The dining scene is thriving! September is bringing a wave of exciting openings and re-openings:
Bosco in SoMa (Italian, from the Absinthe Group)
Parachute Bakery at the Ferry Building (from the Sorrel team)
Lucky Spot in North Beach (a new neighborhood bar)
Amado’s in the Mission (revived bar + music venue)
Sam Wo in Chinatown (a beloved classic returning)
Miette in Pacific Heights (new flagship for the iconic bakery/candy shop)
It’s another sign that businesses are investing in San Francisco and breathing even more life into our neighborhoods.
Source: Eater SF
4. Major Biotech Expansions
On a statewide scale, California just scored nearly $1.5 billion in biotech investments from Amgen and Gilead Sciences. This expansion will bring thousands of new jobs and reinforce the Bay Area’s leadership in the life sciences. While not limited to SF, these moves highlight the strength of our region as a hub for innovation and opportunity.
Source: GOV.CA
5. Stern Grove’s New Treehouse Playground
Families have a brand-new destination to enjoy. Sigmund Stern Grove just unveiled its renovated $4.1 million playground, featuring timber towers up to 25 feet tall, suspension bridges, nets, log features, swings, and nature-play areas. With separate zones for toddlers and older kids, it’s a major upgrade for one of the city’s most loved outdoor spaces.
Source: SF Chronicle
September has been a reminder that good things really are happening in San Francisco. From infrastructure and housing progress to business growth, job creation, and community spaces, there’s plenty to be excited about as we head into fall.
Stay tuned for more monthly round-ups! In the meantime, I’d love to hear which of these headlines are you most excited about?
