View the San Francisco for Thursday, January 30, 2025
Lauren Biggs of Colliers International in front of Maison Nico at 710 Montgomery St. in San Francisco on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Jackson Square, San Francisco’s original center of business in the Gold Rush days, is again a commercial hot spot.
Well-heeled tenants such as venture capitalists and tech firms are hanging shingles in the area, while upscale retailers are opening shops on its quaint, historic streets. Demand for commercial space in the neighborhood, which lies at the northern edge of the Financial District bordering North Beach, has exemplified a post-COVID-19 pandemic trend of relative commercial vitality in certain neighborhoods when compared with downtown, according to a recent report from real-estate firm Colliers, whichOver the last year in Jackson Square, Colliers counted 22 new office leases, at least six new retailers planting flags and seven building sales. New tenants featured at least a half-dozen digital-technology companies, including two focused on artificial intelligence; a private-equity firm; and several venture-capital operations, which joined numerous others that have clustered in and around the area in recent years. New luxury retailers include a Paul Smith fashion outlet at 463 Jackson St. and a Polo Ralph Lauren store that is expected to open soon on the same street. Michelin-starred chefs Michael and Lindsay Tusk, meanwhile, are planning to open a gelateria on Pacific Avenue to add to their other restaurants in the district, which include Quince, Cotogna and Verjus . Cotogna on Pacific Avenue in Jackson Square Historic District in San Francisco on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. Businesses have been drawn to Jackson Square’s charming, smaller-scale environment, tranquil streets and easy access to downtown, said Lauren Biggs, senior retail-services coordinator for Colliers. The neighborhood — exactly what it includes depends on who is talking — focuses on eight blocks that contain many of The City’s surviving commercial buildings from the 1850s and 1860s, predominantly brick and typically two to three stories tall. It lies just north of thethat it was in contract to buy a downtown high-rise at Clay and Sansome streets, its press release twice pointed out that the site was close to Jackson Square, which it called a “culturally vibrant” neighborhood. When Bain Capital was looking to consolidate various teams from around The City, it chose to occupy a more than 100-year-old, four-story structure at 450 Pacific Ave., into which it moved eight months ago. “We looked literally all over,” said Leslie Crowe, an operating partner with Bain Capital Ventures, which relocated from 301 Howard St. in SoMa. “This is the winner by far.” Crowe, who focuses on working with startup founders, said she likes the combination of the brick-clad building’s historic features and its modern upgrades, which make for a good environment for company founders to work in and hold meetings, while the streets outside feel vibrant. “It just feels like there’s a great mix of different types of businesses in the neighborhood and a lot of character that people really enjoy,” said Allison Braley, who heads marketing for Bain Capital Ventures. One retailer looking to capitalize on the dynamism is the British fashion house Paul Smith, which in October opened a new store at 463 Jackson St. after about 15 years on Geary Street near Union Square. The store’s new, 2,200-square-foot shopping space in an Italianate building from 1860 has an eclectic feel, with its 12-foot high ceilings, original cast-iron columns and many works of art — including from Sir Paul Smith’s personal collection — adorning the walls.“It’s got a good vibe around here, really fun,” said store manager Justin Jones, who said he previously lived and worked in London. Jones said Jackson Square reminds him of that city’s Notting Hill district, also famed for its charm.Just down the block, meanwhile, work crews have been busy building out space in a similarly historic building for a new Polo Ralph Lauren store.Allbirds, the publicly traded San Francisco maker of wool shoes that has had a rocky road on the stock market of late, just shuttered its retail space on Hotaling Way, an alley populated by other retailers and food and drink establishments.“The brands that are moving in have international recognition, and they lean more towards high-end retailers and products,” Biggs said. “I think Jackson Square is attracting a high-level retailer because of the VC and AI money that’s going into that area,” she said. “They want to be closer to the customers. Jackson Square is also extremely clean, and it’s cozy. It gives you a warm feeling when you walk down the street.” A selling point, Biggs said, has been the area’s proximity to the newly refurbished Transamerica Pyramid complex, which recently underwent a $250 million makeover that featured a renovation of its publicly accessible redwood park. The owners sponsor art displays and seasonal musical performances there. Biggs recalled how she and family members bought exquisiteJony Ive, the former head of design for Apple, in San Francisco, June 28, 2024. As evidence of the hold Jackson Square can take on the imagination, the LoveFrom collective of designers and artists co-founded by superstar former Apple Inc. designer Jony Ive has assembled a complex of multiple buildings over several years.was the historic Little Fox Theater office building at 535 Pacific Ave., which was acquired for nearly $60 million by a limited-liability company that used an address also used by LoveFrom. Examiner owner Clint Reilly’s company was the seller in the deal.“All the city’s ferocious, intoxicating history is felt here, if not always seen,” Ive wrote, recalling how San Francisco’s early business district emerged on what was then the shoreline, with new arrivals so eager to get in on the ongoing Gold Rush that they abandoned ships in the bay that were subsequently turned into landfill. Ive hearkened back to the Barbary Coast days of dance halls, wine houses and whiskey stores and the presence over time of writers and artists, including Mark Twain. “Here are San Francisco’s bones – the adventure and ambition, optimism and resilience that still define the city,” he wrote.Dragon dancers — an important tradition in Lunar New Year celebrations — take part in the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco in February 2024. Many of The City’s roughly 300,000 Asian American residents — who amount to more than one-third of all San Franciscans — are reveling in an important cultural holiday. Wednesday marked the official start of the Lunar New Year — widely observed and celebrated in Chinese, South Korean and Vietnamese cultures, which historically adhere to the lunar calendar.of how dense and diverse its Asian population is, The City still boasts far more Asian American leadership than most major cities in the U.S.— with a broad number of different customs and festivities. Gifting red envelopes, feasting on noodles to represent the hopes for a long and healthy life, and cleaning to get rid of the bad luck from last year are among the time-honored traditions. The Examiner recently asked San Francisco’s Asian American civic leaders for their personal favorite Lunar New Year traditions, as well as those within The City. Here are their responses, which are presented in alphabetical order and largely revolve around food. These answers have been lightly edited for clarity.District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan speaking at a press conference in support of San Francisco as a sanctuary city, on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. “It’s all about family. New Year’s Eve dinner with my family and also making rice balls with my family during the lantern festival on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year.”Newly elected San Francisco Supervisor Chyanne Chen pitched her supervisorial candidacy as one that unified district residents across several generations. “In general, Lunar New Year is all about celebrating family, community, and cultural heritage. I love the tradition of gathering for a big family meal, filled with symbolic dishes like fish for prosperity and dumplings for wealth, and exchanging red envelopes as a symbol of blessings and good fortune. It’s a moment to honor our elders and pass cultural values to the next generation.This event beautifully showcases AAPI cultural heritage and our city’s diversity while fostering a strong sense of community connection. The dazzling colors, dynamic energy, and shared unity reflect the essence of our city and celebrate the strength of our cultural roots and the collective hopes we carry into the new year.”City Attorney David Chiu: “Essentially, what this is going to do is it’ll deny some children the same basic rights that other children in our country have, which will create a permanent multigenerational underclass.” “During the season, my extended family gathers for a feast, usually with dumplings, longevity noodles and oranges. We try to clean our home, wear red for good luck, carry earplugs for the fireworks, and can’t wait for San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade — the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia.”San Francisco City Administrator Carmen Chu speaks at a news conference on the reopening of the San Francisco Public Library main branch on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. “My extended family comes together during Lunar New Year to share a meal and connect over longtime dishes cooked in our family. “Food has a way of evoking memories and marking important times in our lives. I’ve started the practice ofto keep a record of the foods that we enjoy together. I’m excited to pass it on to my daughters and for them to carry on our traditions.”Tyrone Jue, Director of the San Francisco Environment Department at his office with a window view of UN Plaza in San Francisco on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. “At our annual family gathering, I’ve graduated from red envelope recipient to giver — but there’s a catch! The kids still have to earn their lucky money like I did by reciting a traditional New Year greeting in Chinese. “Growing up in Chinatown, I’ve had a front row seat to see how our Lunar New Year celebrations and cultural traditions can unite our city. The neighborhood comes alive with lion dances, firecrackers, street fairs, and the annual parade, bringing hundreds of thousands together to share in the festive spirit.”Willie Brown and former Supervisor Jane Kim at Election Day lunch at John’s Grill at 63 Ellis Street in San Francisco on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. John Kostin is owner of John’s Grill. “While this is not the most unique response, I have only missed one parade since 2000. I love the parade because the entire Chinatown community comes out to celebrate our community, city and our unique Asian and Chinese American history. “It’s my opportunity to see my entire Chinatown family from the Chinatown Community Development Center and our many engaged and dedicated small business and nonprofit leaders who make our community thrive. It’s a reminder of how lucky we are in San Francisco. “My favorite part of the parade was Rose , since I was a baby organizer with CCDC. We will continue to remember her sharp and honest humor and truth to power revelations. Rose reminded Chinatown that we are worth fighting for and we don’t need a title toCity Librarian Michael Lambert speaks at the opening of the Exploratorium's Middle Ground public installation outside the SF Main Public Library at Civic Center on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019. “My favorite Lunar New Year tradition in San Francisco is a relatively new one. For the past three years, the San Francisco Public Library has hosted a joint celebration of Lunar New Year and Black History Month entitled: Drumbeats, Heartbeats: Communities as One. “This event has become a wonderful addition to the city’s incredible array of Lunar New Year celebrations, while being a unique opportunity to highlight the intersectionality, history and culture of our diverse Asian American and African American communities. This year’s event is scheduled for Feb. 11.”“Making dumplings with my kids especially when they were young — we’ve been using my mom’s recipe of ground pork, tofu, cabbage, onions and scallions and tons of garlic and ginger. The dumplings go in the rice cake and dumpling soup that’s traditional food for New Year’s Day.”Paul Miyamoto, Sheriff of City and County of San Francisco at Election Day lunch at John’s Grill at 63 Ellis Street in San Francisco on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. “Every year the sheriff carries the Dragon Head in the Chinese New Year Parade as a member of the SFPDTeam. He loves doing it. He goes through the parade as sheriff in a car first and then literally runs back to the start of the parade so he can get under the dragon’s head. “He really looks forward to it every year and it’s his favorite thing. It weighs a lot so he has to take turns with other people and he says, as he gets older, the dragon head feels heavier and heavier. “His favorite fruit is the orange and since there are lots of oranges around during the Lunar New Year, he says he’s always happy. Oranges symbolize sincerity, which is appropriate if you know the sheriff.”Dr. Maria Su speaks during a press conference announcing her as the new San Francisco Unified School District superintendent at the SFUSD office at 555 Franklin St. on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. “The Lunar New Year always brings me so much joy and fond memories of my childhood. It is a time when my family practices time-honored traditions such as spring cleaning to usher in good luck in the new year. I cherish the time we have with family and friends, whether by sharing a meal, a laugh, or simply a moment to reconnect.”Left-right: Former Supervisor District 4 Katy Tang and Chef Martin Yan at the launch of the Sunset Night Market in San Francisco on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. “It’s all about feasting with family. While most of the time we feast at home, we have been using the occasion to explore great Chinese restaurants. This year, we’ll be dining out at Dim Sum Club on Taraval Street in the Sunset.”Aurora Solar, which was valued by venture investors at $4 billion in 2022, offers software that helps installers design and sell solar systems. The layoffs at Aurora Solar earlier this month appear to have been much larger than the San Francisco green-tech startup reported to state officials.. But on LinkedIn, at least 91 people indicated they left the company earlier this month, with many stating they had been laid off. “Due to significant decline in the residential solar industry and concerning market projections, Aurora Solar has undergone a significant RIF ,” Austin Cave, a former senior customer-success manager at the company, said in a Jan. 16 post on the social network. “Unfortunately me and. I’m disappointed as I genuinely loved the product we were building and my role there but so it goes.” Cave, who is based in Portland, confirmed Aurora laid him off Jan. 7 in a message to The Examiner via LinkedIn.In the wake of the layoffs, Aurora employees who were let go and those who wanted to stay in touch with them voluntarily submitted their names and contact information to a shared spreadsheet. That spreadsheet, a copy of which was provided to The Examiner, includes 159 names, including the 91 on LinkedIn who indicated they were no longer with Aurora. The Examiner couldn’t immediately confirm whether most of the other 68 people were still with the company. But one person in that group that was on the spreadsheet but hasn’t publicly acknowledged their layoff on LinkedIn said they had, in fact, been let go. The ex-employee, who asked not to be identified, was surprised the number of layoffs Aurora disclosed wasn’t higher.Similarly, Rob Wertheimer didn’t make public on LinkedIn that he’d been laid off until Wednesday. He confirmed to The Examiner that Aurora had let him go as part of its job cuts earlier in the month.“I am starting to look for the next play, so let me know what should be on my radar,” he said. Aurora CEO Chris Hopper did not respond to an email inquiring about the size of the company’s layoffs. Company spokesman Nick Fathergill declined to confirm or deny whether Aurora cut more than the 58 positions listed in its notice to the EDD.State law generally requires companies with at least 75 employees to disclose when they cut 50 or more workers based at a particular worksite. That requirement doesn’t typically apply to remote workers, unless they report into or their jobs are tied to a particular office., and many of its employees worked away from the office, even those who were based locally. At least some of the positions Aurora said it cut were not included in the job titles listed on LinkedIn of the 91 people who indicated they were released. On his LinkedIn page, Vincent Pagpaguitan, a former senior IT support specialist at the company, says he’s based in the Bay Area, but it’s not clear whether he worked out of the company’s San Francisco headquarters. The specific job title Pagpaguitan gave on LinkedIn for his position at Aurora was not included in the company’s list of positions it cut. “I have never posted on here, but I figured this would be the time to do so,” Pagpaguitan said in a Jan. 7 LinkedIn post. “Unfortunately,Pagpaguitan did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent through LinkedIn. The 91 ex-Aurora workers indicated in at least one of three ways that they had left the company. Some turned on LinkedIn’s feature that adds “#opentowork” to their public profile pictures, which users of the site typically do when they have left their previous job and are seeking a new one. Some changed their employment histories to show they left Aurora this month. And 41 of the 91 posted on the site they had been laid off or were looking for new jobs. Many indicated they’d left in multiple ways, such as by turning on the #opentowork feature and also posting about leaving the company. Anne Huddle, for example, turned on the #opentowork feature, updated her employment history and posted that she’d left the company.,” Huddle said in a post Jan. 9. “I’m seeking a new role and would appreciate your support.” Huddle was a resolution lead based in South Carolina who had been at Aurora since 2022, according to her LinkedIn page. Her title was not listed in the company’s EDD letter. Huddle did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Evan Jacobs updated his employment history and posted about being laid off. Jacobs was a principal software engineer with Aurora who worked remotely out of Massachusetts and had been with the company since 2021, according to his LinkedIn page.” Jacobs said in a LinkedIn post Jan. 7. “If you’re looking for a expert with more than a decade of experience architecting and implementing big, complex software projects hit me up.”LinkedIn allows users to turn on the #opentowork feature so that only recruiters can see they are looking for new jobs. It’s possible that some of those on the employee list who haven’t publicly acknowledged on LinkedIn they’ve left Aurora have turned on that restriction. The layoff was the second in a year for Aurora, which let go of 115 people last January. Valued by its venture investors at $4 billion in 2022 —The company offers software that helps installers design and sell solar systems. It blamed the recent job cuts on the macroeconomy and “uncertainty” in the industry. The layoffs came as then-President-elect Donald Trump was threatening to cut back onClick and hold your mouse button on the page to select the area you wish to save or print. You can click and drag the clipping box to move it or click and drag in the bottom right corner to resize it. When you're happy with your selection, click the checkmark icon next to the clipping area to continue.This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!Create a password that only you will remember. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address.Forgot Password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
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