Earl Gage Jr., San Francisco's first Black firefighter, was a trailblazer who pushed to improve racial diversity in the Fire Department.(Courtesy of Blondell Chism via KQED)
Plus, Berkeley votes to cut its police budget in half; SF piano bar Martuni's makes Esquire's list of Best Bars in America; and more local headlines to send you into the weekend on a high note.
'Town Fridge', Oakland's free-food refrigerator, sees overwhelming support, KTVU
The new grassroots community group Town Fridge is placing refrigerators around Oakland and asking for donations of fresh produce and food to help feed BIPOC and homeless community members. Read more.
San Francisco's First Black Firefighter, Earl Gage, to Have Street Named for Him, KQED
After a three-year effort by the Black Firefighters Association, a portion of the Fillmore District's Willow Street will officially be named after the firefighter who fought to improve the department's racial diversity during his 28 year career. Read more.
One of America's best bars is an unexpected 24-year-old San Francisco classic, SF Gate
Despite bars around the country being shuttered, Esquire Magazine released their 2020 "Best Bars in America" list—and old school piano bar Martuni's made the cut. Read more.
Berkeley approves goals to cut police budget by 50%, reduce cops' role in traffic enforcement, SF Chronicle
In hopes of reducing the police budget to $36 million, Berkeley's new bill, passed after a nine-hour city council meeting and weeks of protests against police brutality, includes a plan to create a new Department of Transportation, analyze police call data, and reduce the use of police in homeless and mental health crisis responses. Read more.
6 U.S. Cities That Are Full of European Charm, Conde Nast Traveler
While an international vacation may not be in the cards this year, you could venture just a few hours south to Carmel-by-the-Sea for a beach- and wine-filled getaway reminiscent of a trip to Italy's Cinque Terre. Read more.
The cost to adopt a wild horse? $1, SF Chronicle
If you've always dreamed of having a horse, help Moduc County's thousands of wild horses avoid winter starvation by safely rehoming one for just $1. Read more.
