Our favorite books of 2026 📚
Plus: The dangerous fantasy of upzoning, Kevin Epps trial had dubious evidence, Phoenix Hotel goes out with a bang
The Daily is supported by Fringe Party, Wicked Records, Studio 456, Another Hole in the Head, University of San Francisco and Cirque du Soleil ECHO. Find out more about advertising here. Become a sustaining member!
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GET YOUR DISCO KICKS AT STUDIO456
A Saturday disco happy hour at QBar in the Castro, featuring the Love Bizarre DJs and '70s EndUp legend Steve Fabus? We are so there, in our platform boots: December 20, 5pm-9pm.
Today's headlines:
Tip-top tomes: Our favorite books of 2025
By Lou Fancher
Oakland community history, knockout African folklore, Julian Brave Noisecat's debut. Here's what got us through the year.
The dangerous fantasy of upzoning
By Fernando Marti
Politicians pretend to be doing something, while they refuse to address the real housing crisis.
Appeal in Epps manslaughter case could put DA’s ethics on trial
By Tim Redmond
Verdict against editor and filmmaker based on dubious evidence—and if it goes to appeal, defense may raise issues of prosecutorial misconduct
Phoenix Hotel goes out with a bang—and More!—on New Year’s Eve
By Marke B.
Nightlife legends Juanita More! and DJ David Harness bid adieu to one of the city's wildest venues.
In Case You Missed It:
Under the Stars: Karl Denson’s ‘Sexy 69th’ is your post-holiday treat
Turbulence around Gaming Developers Conference rebrand reflects changing industry
FRINGE HOLIDAZE EDITION: SING ALONG TO ALL YOUR 2000S INDIE FAVES
Indie Rock * Indie Pop * Indie Sleaze * '00s Indie Hits * Alternative Rock * Bloghaus * Electro Pop * Indie Anthems—It's all at the wild Fringe party this Saturday at Madrone. Yeah Yeah Yeah, baby.
LEGENDARY SF PARTY CREW WICKED CELEBRATES 34 YEARS
Full Moon classics at the Winter Solstice massive: Tom of England is touching down in SF to join Markie, Jenö, and Tranquil Elephantizer for a quintessential Wicked jam, 9pm-4am at the Foundry. Plus: Pick up the new Wicked vinyl release at the party!
GET WEIRD FOR HOLIDAY SEASON AT ANOTHER HOLE IN THE HEAD FILM FEST
Now in its 22nd year, Another Hole in the Head once again blasts open the boundaries of genre cinema. Dive into the full schedule, trailers, and tickets/passes here:
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL'S 'ECHO' FLIES HIGH UNDER THE BIG TOP AT ORACLE PARK
Cirque du Soleil returns to San Francisco with ECHO, an inspiring new show blending acrobatics, technology, and storytelling. ECHO follows FUTURE and her dog as they journey through a fantastical world shaped by empathy, nature, and human connection. Featuring bold visuals, vibrant characters, and groundbreaking acts, this 20th Big Top creation invites audiences to imagine a better world built together.
TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER AND MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE
USF offers two graduate programs designed for careers in the public sector rooted in the University’s long-standing commitment to social justice: the MA in Urban and Public Affairs and the Master of Public Administration. You’ll gain critical skills and experience with community-based methods to shape and implement public policy. Learn how to listen to people for real solutions to today’s problems. Become the public leader our communities need. Apply now and join us in Fall 2026.
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