Maggie Visser 5/21/23 Maggie Visser 5/21/23

The rumors of SF’s demise. True or false?

San Francisco has been the subject of much doom and gloom in the media lately, portraying the city as a dystopian hellscape and rumors of a “Failed City”.  Although the city has faced several challenges in recent years, here are some examples of why I believe the rumors of San Francisco's demise are greatly exaggerated:

LAYOFFS

Of the 49,425 layoffs announced by San Francisco companies, only 8,526 will be cut from offices in the city. This means that most layoffs will not affect San Francisco's economy directly (SF Standard).

UNEMPLOYMENT

San Francisco has the second-lowest unemployment rate in California, at 3%. This is well below the national average of 3.6%.

INNOVATION

Where else in the world do you see a self-driving car pulling up next to you at a traffic light? Cruise and Waymo are expected to get approval in June to operate self-driving taxi services for fare-paying passengers that operate 24 hours a day across the city..

OFFICES & EVENTS

Real estate developer Michael Shvo is performing a $250 million renovation on the Transamerica building. The goal is to provide an experience in an office environment that's better than what one has at home, giving employers another tool to bring people back into the office. Tech-oriented co-working and events space Convene is also opening its first San Francisco location in October. 

RETAIL

Luxury brand Chanel purchased the Williams-Sonoma building in 2021      for $63 million. This investment shows that businesses are still confident in San Francisco's economy.

DOWNTOWN

Pedestrian traffic in Union Square is up by 27% compared with the      same period last year.  High-end Japanese-Peruvian restaurant brand Chotto Matte is scheduled to open in the summer at the former Macy's Men's Store......a sign that people are returning to downtown.

TOURISM

SFO traffic is reaching levels that haven’t been seen since March      2020. International travelers spent $3.7 billion in San Francisco last      year. This is up from $1 billion in 2021, but still below the $5.1 billion      spent in 2019. However, the increase in spending is a sign that tourism is recovering.

STEPH CURRY

CBSSports | Getty Images

Although the Warriors' early exit from the playoffs was disappointing, 35-year old GOAT Stephen Curry's continued success on the court brings joy to the city, and his off-court work has made him a role model and a source of hope for San Francisco, demonstrating  that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up. 

So, are the rumors of SF's demise true or false?

Sometimes it is easy to feel like the problems in the city are insurmountable, but it is a shame to let the challenges of homelessness, drug addiction, and shoplifting overshadow all of the good things that the city has to offer. For me, San Francisco is a vibrant and exciting place to live and work. It is my home and I am not going anywhere.  

Are you, or someone you know, ready to move?
Let me know - I can help!

Cheers, Maggie

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California operating under multiple entities. License Numbers 01991628, 1527235, 1527365, 1356742, 1443761, 1997075, 1935359, 1961027, 1842987, 1869607, 1866771, 1527205, 1079009, 1272467. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.

Maggie Visser 5/11/23 Maggie Visser 5/11/23

Last Minute Mother's Day Events & Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is this Sunday. If the date slipped your mind and you’ve not made any plans yet, or you’ve not found the right gift yet, don’t worry: There’s still time to plan a surprise or buy a gift.

Whatever the mom in your life is into, or whatever your budget, scroll down for list of things to do and some last-minute gift ideas that may be just right. But don’t wait any longer..... Sunday will be here before you know it.

Mother's Day

BRUNCH

For Mother's Day brunch in San Francisco, my favorites include the following:

Mother’s Day Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton's Mother's Day menu includes fancy brunch and lunch items, mimosas, and a Bloody Mary bar. Moms will also receive a free pastry and have the opportunity to create a flower bouquet to take home. The brunch has two seating times at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 14th. Prices range from $55 to $145, and reservations are required. The location is Parallel 37 at the Ritz-Carlton on 600 Stockton St. in San Francisco.

Check it out!

Lokma

Lokma offers spacious street seating and serves Turkish and Mediterranean brunch dishes. The menu includes a variety of options, such as Greek yogurt pancakes, Menemen scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers, Turkish sausage and feta breakfast dishes, and a Turlu omelette with Turkish ratatouille and tzatziki. The restaurant is located at 1801 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121.

Check it out!

Feinstein's Mimosas & Motown Brunch

Mother's Day brunch at Feinstein's includes a live Motown tribute concert from the Bay Area-based band, Top Shelf Classics. The tickets include brunch, mimosas, beverages, and the performance. There are three different brunch seatings at 9:30 am, 9:45 am, and 12:15 pm, and the concerts begin at 10:30 am and 1:15 pm. The event is for all ages and tickets range from $45-$89, with reservations recommended.

Check it out!

FESTIVALS

Chase Center Mother’s Day Festival & Outdoor Movie 

Thrive City is hosting a free Mother's Day celebration on Saturday, May 13 at 1PM. The event will include various activities such as crafting stations, massage chairs, a kids zone, and health resources from Kaiser Permanente. The day will end with a showing of the movie "Freaky Friday" on the plaza board. Those who wish to attend the event must RSVP while supplies last.

Check it out!

Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival (2023)

The Half Moon Bay Downtown Association is hosting the second annual Half Moon Bay Wine & Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 13 at 12:00 pm, which will feature more than 40 renowned California wineries and nationally-known jazz artists, such as Paula West, the Marcus Shelby Quintet, and the John Santos Sextet. There will also be top Coastside food vendors serving delicious cuisine, and a variety of local brews available on tap. Admission to the event is $25, and it will take place at Downtown Half Moon Bay.

Check it out!

MUSEUM

Free Museum Day at The Exploratorium 

On Sunday, May 14, The Exploratorium is holding a free "Community Day" in honor of Mother's Day at Pier 15. Visitors can participate in free bilingual activities, such as folklórico dances and a mariachi concert serenading mothers. Admission is "pay what you wish" and is available to everyone, not just mothers. However, entry is subject to capacity, so it is recommended to arrive early.

Check it out!

SAIL

Mother’s Day Women of the Bay Afternoon Sail

Experience a leisurely sail around San Francisco Bay on board an 80-foot gaff-rigged coastal schooner/sailboat, while celebrating the women who have played a significant role in shaping our local bay history. The sail takes place from 1:15-4PM on Sunday, May 14, and reservations are required. The cost is $129 per person, and the sailboat departs from Slip 465 at Schooner Freda B in Sausalito. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 415.331.0444.

Check it out!

LAST MINUTE GIFTS

Time is running out! The Strategist has 33 last-minute gifts that will arrive by Mother’s Day. Click 👇 to check it out.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms.  May you feel appreciated, cherished, and loved beyond measure.

Cheers, Maggie