Governor Gavin Newsom and his family have decided to skip living in the historic Governor's Mansion, moving instead into a stunning $3.7 million property, 15 miles from the capitol, befitting California royals.
Meanwhile, Marc Benioff calls San Francisco a "train wreck," nudist paradise Harbin Hot Spring reopens, and local Benefit Cosmetics founder Jean Ann Ford has died. Here's some news you might have missed while you were rallying behind Kamala.
The governor and his "First Partner" wanted a more kid-friendly home.
Gavin Newsom picked this home over the Governor's Mansion. This is what the new place looks like.,SF Gate
It seems the 142-year-old historic gov's mansion in Sacramento was too stuffy for the well-coiffed Newsom and his pretty young family. This week it was announced that the fam will open the old architectural relic for public viewing and move into a lush, pool-party-ready home outside of town. Read more and see the pics.
San Francisco is a 'train wreck' because of the 'tech sector,' says Marc Benioff,SF Gate
He said it, not us. Benioff blames the city's gross inequality on the tech sector—and takes responsibility himself: "We're not taking care of the people who need us most." Read more.
The SF Gay Men's Chorus purchased this four-story building at 170 Valencia St. with the help of a $5 million donation from member Terrence Chan.(Jeff Zaruba, KQED)
S.F. Gay Men's Chorus to Open National LGBTQ Arts Center on Valencia Street, KQED
Capital-W Wow! Who knew the Gay Men's Chorus had so many millions in its coffers? This lovely new building will be home to 23,000 square feet of recording, rehearsal, performance, meeting space, and facilities for LGBTQ groups both local and from around the country. Read more.
Jean Ann Ford, who co-founded Benefit Cosmetics empire as a shop in the Mission, dies, SF Chronicle
The creative visionary behind the still-San-Francisco-based cheeky-as-hell makeup company Benefit passed away of cancer at her home in Tiburon at the age of 71. Did you know the company's first product was a rosy nipple tint for an exotic dancer? True story! Read more.
New Age, clothing-optional Harbin Hot Springs rises from embers in Lake County, SF Chronicle
Four years after the nudist-lovers' paradise in Lake County closed after the fires there destroyed its grounds including that iconic heart-shaped pool, the new age-y resort is open once more. Read more.
Review: Esa-Pekka Salonen Takes a Bow in San Francisco, The New York Times
It's official: After 25 years, Michael Tilson Thomas has taken his final bow on the San Francisco Symphony stage, making way for a new conductor, Esa-Pekka Salonen, who is well known as a rock star of the symphonic world. He got new shoes for the occasion of his first concert at Davies Hall. Read more.
