Let's look back at another busy week that will culminate with Halloween, a time change, and the beginning of November.
Both District 3 supervisor candidates' campaigns hit the home stretch this weekend, and there's been plenty of mud-slinging along with it. Julie Christensen's supporters are accusing the Chinatown Community Development Center and Aaron Peskin of potential voter fraud and Peskin supporters have fired back, accusing Christensen of unethically giving away food and gifts in exchange for votes. Meanwhile, campaign spending estimates for both camps are estimated to reach around $200 per vote—it's now reportedly the most expensive supervisor race in city history.
Good news for local foodies: there's a brand-new fish market and restaurant coming to the former Original U.S. Restaurant (515 Columbus Ave.). Founders Joe and Andi Conte are both North Beach residents and their new venture, tentatively named Seven Fishes, will include a small retail counter and a full restaurant with beer and wine.
Congratulations all around for Tommaso's (1042 Kearny St), which recently celebrated its 80th year in North Beach. The Cantalupo family was able to open the pizzeria at the height of the Great Depression, and the family restaurant continues to pump out pizzas from its first-of-its-kind wood-burning pizza oven to this day.
In other food news, Brioche Bakery & Cafe (210 Columbus Ave.) is expanding into the adjacent space and expects the the new dining area to open in about a month. Though it opened back in June, Chubby Noodle had its official grand opening yesterday and announced a new menu along with lunch service to boot. And Fiddler's Green, a beloved local watering hole, will close its doors on Saturday due to the building owner selling the property. Bar owner Birute Cassidy, who has owned the bar for 24 years, plans to retire.
It's full steam ahead for the new mixed-use building at 240 Pacific Ave., which will wrap around the Old Ship Saloon. The Planning Department has issued a document on the project for public review which can be viewed online.
On the crime front, a Daly City man accused of fatally beating Ruby Gim—who worked at Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Center—pled guilty to second degree murder and will be sentenced to 15 years in prison. Closer to home, a store owner had his phone stolen but it was quickly recovered thanks to some quick thinking from his girlfriend.
Lastly, remember that Daylight's Savings Time ends at 2am Sunday morning, so enjoy your Halloween a bit longer with the extra hour.
Now, on to your weekend events:
Saturday, October 31st
#HellaFunny Halloween Comedy Festival: Sponsored by Funcheap SF & Stroy Moyd, the festival takes over Cobb's Comedy Club with a slew of local talents. Saturday night's line-up includes Ronn Vigh, Mark Smalls, Jesse Hett, Papp Johnson, Brandon Stokes and Stroy Moyd along with special guests. Doors open at 8pm. (915 Columbus Ave)
Andy Haynes: The Seattle native and stand-up comedian will perform at 8pm at the Punch Line Comedy Club. (444 Battery St.)
Ghirardelli Square’s Halloween Festival: This free event by the chocolate giant will include face-painting, treat-or-treating through the Marketplace Square, and other goodies. The festivities start at 12pm. (900 North Point St.).
Halloween Costume Party: Along with live music from the "Bay Area's Premiere Dance Band" Stompbox, Maggie McGarry's will hand out prizes for the top three costumes. (1353 Grant Ave.)
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey: The three-man psychedelic band will celebrate the release of its new album "The Battle for Earth" by headlining Doc's Lab with opening performances from saxophonist Skerik and multi-instrumentalist Chris Noonan. Doors open at 8pm. (124 Columbus Ave.)
Native Elements Reggae Band: The SF-based 10 member ensemble performs at Pier 23 at 9pm. (Pier 23, Embarcadero)
SF Ski & Snowboard Festival: Sponsored by Snowbomb, the two-day festival at Ft. Mason includes ski and board sales directly from retailers, complimentary lift tickets, beer and wine tasting and entertainment for kids and adults along with giveaways at the door. Doors open at 10am and tickets are available here. (2 Marina Blvd.)
Smith Dobson: The local drummer/vibraphonist/saxophonist will play Rose Pistola starting at 9pm. (532 Columbus Ave.)
Spooky Celluloid: At 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, the Exploratorium will show classic Halloween-themed animations, including Felix the Cat Switches Witches, Betty Boop's Hallowe'en Party, Bimbo's Initiation and Silly Symphonies Skeleton Dance. Free with museum admission. (Pier 15 at Green Street)
Tel-Hi Halloween Extravaganza: Swing by the 555 Chestnut between 2-6pm for the free Tel-Hi Halloween party, featuring a haunted house, face-painting, a jumpy house and, of course, candy and other treats.
Sunday, November 1st
#HellaFunny Halloween Comedy Festival: The final night of the comedy festival at Cobb's Comedy Club starts at 8pm and includes performances from local talents Zorba, Bryant Hicks, Stevie Post, Pam Benjamin and Chris Riggins.
Bright Lines Reading: Author Tanwi Nandini Islam will speak with Achy Obejas and read from her new novel Bright Lights—described by the Denver Post as "a Brooklyn-by-way-of-Bangladesh Royal Tenenbaums"—at 5pm at City Lights Booksellers. (261 Columbus Ave).
Boca do Rio: The SF-based, seven-man "Brazilian space funk" band plays at Tupelo right after NFL football ends at 9pm. (1337 Grant Ave.)
Crafts for Kids: Brings the little ones down to the Hyde Street Pier where they can learn about life at sea and join Park Rangers in creating maritime crafts. Appropriate for ages 5-10, but everyone is welcome to this free event. (2905 Hyde St.)
Eric Markowitz Trio: The New Jersey native bassist and his ensemble perform at Rose Pistola at 8pm for the first of their two monthly shows at the Italian restaurant.
SF Comedy Showcase: The showcase of up-and-coming SF comedians returns for its weekly 8pm performance at the Punch Line Comedy Club.
Electric Squeezebox Orchestra: The 17-piece big band welcomes Mike Zilber's Jazz School Workshop to their Sunday show at Doc's Lab, beginning at 5:30pm.
Did we miss anything good? Let us know in the comments, and enjoy your Halloween weekend!
