Save humanity: Terminate the AI IPOs
Plus: 10 fall must-read books, SF Bay Popfest rocked, Destiny Muhammad and Ina Coolbrith Park are best
48 Hills Daily is supported by Litquake, King Lear, Terror Vault, Hag-stravaganza, The Buds, and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. Find out more about advertising here. Become a sustaining member!
VOTE NOW IN OUR 2026 BEST OF THE BAY READERS' POLL!
From Best Burrito and Best Street Fair to Best Dive Bar and Best Shoe Store: Tell us what you love in our 52nd survey of the best things in the Bay Area! Polls close soon, vote now—and tell your friends!
YOU'VE NEVER SEEN—OR HEARD—'LEAR' LIKE THIS
Michael Socrates Moran directs a bold new production of William Shakespeare’s epic tragedy King Lear, featuring a cast of 30 and live music composed by Paul Dresher. September 25—October 11 at Z Space!
Today's headlines:
Want to slow down AI before it kills us? Maybe just cancel all the IPOs

By Tim Redmond
Plus: How Lurie wants more control (and what it will mean) ... and can we please have a functional Sunshine Task Force? That's The Agenda for Sept. 13-20
Fall Books Preview: Leaf through these 10 terrific tomes

By Lou Fancher
Hot new reads from the likes of Chloe Benjamin, Frederick Nolan, Natalie Baszile—and Dolly in her own words, published right here in the Bay.
At SF Bay Popfest, The Aislers Set and Kids on a Crime Spree celebrated love, loss, local tunes

By John-Paul Shiver
Musicians bopped to each other's beats at Bottom of the Hill, concert history hung on the walls—and a expiration date loomed.
Best of the Bay 2026 Editors’ Pick: Ina Coolbrith Park

By Dorothy Odonnell
Tranquil Russian Hill oasis boasts a literary pedigree, gorgeous panoramic views, and flocks of brightly feathered squawkers.
Best of the Bay 2026 Editors’ Pick: Destiny Muhammad

By John-Paul Shiver
From Celtic to Coltrane, the 'harpist from the hood' wields her instrument from genre to genre like a Swiss Army knife.
In case you missed it:
Review: The Breeders—and the Castro Theatre—head into a new era

Jim Balderston, reporter. 1955-2026

Best of the Bay 2026 Editors’ Pick: Illusionist Kevin Blake

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE AT TERROR VAULT: SLASHED
The latest immersive horror experience from diabolical creators Peaches Christ and Michael Flowers takes over the San Francisco Mint with a tale inspired by '80s slashers! October 1-November 7
FREE SHOW WITH THE BUDS AT EL RIO, SEPTEMBER 23
For years, longtime band pals The Buds have carried on a not-so-secret love affair with El Rio. Let's garden-rock the patio on Bisexual Visibility Day!
OCTOBER KICKS OFF WITH A 'HAG-STRAVAGANZA'
Join us for a rare screening of Joan Crawford starring in William Castle's Strait-Jacket (1964) hosted by DJ Dank and Valentine. Drag performances by Katya Smirnoff-Skye, Thee Pristine Condition, and Lucy Borden, a Crawford costume contest, Joan trivia, and a Joan To The Bone video tribute. October 2, sponsored by Sunset Connect.
JOIN US FOR ANOTHER SEISMIC LITQUAKE
Litquake, San Francisco's literary festival, is back from October 8–24. Presenting 80+ events across the Bay Area, from readings and performances to panels and workshops. More than 75% of events are FREE to attend.
YERBA BUENA GARDENS FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is back with 100+ free outdoor shows in downtown SF. With free music concerts, dance events, circus, kids’ shows, and more, YBG Festival is the place for picnics and summertime vibes.






