Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: 2 Fee Increases Will Impact Bay Area Commuters Starting Thursday

Coming up on the San Francisco Patch calendar: New Queers Eve

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Wednesday December 31st Patch AM
Wednesday December 31st Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning San Francisco! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Higher bridge tolls and BART fares are about to hit commuters
  • Benihana bets big on Bay Area with 10 new locations
  • Dog dies after reported assault in China Basin, suspect arrested

Also on today's calendar: New Queers Eve and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in San Franciscofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in San Franciscofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Cloudy with a few showers, with a high of 57 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Thursday: Periods of rain, temps: high: 60, low: 54.
  • Friday: Windy with rain and drizzle, with a high of 62 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 2 Fee Increases Will Impact Bay Area Commuters Starting Thursday (patch.com) — Bay Area drivers and BART riders in and around San Francisco will soon pay more, with bridge tolls and transit fares rising starting Jan. 1, 2026. The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge face phased toll hikes through 2030, while BART fares and parking fees increase to help close a large budget deficit and maintain service.
   

2. Benihana Plans To Open 10 New Bay Area Locations (patch.com) — Benihana’s new owner plans to add 10 locations across the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, expanding dining options for San Francisco–area residents over the next several years. While exact sites are still undecided, the company cites strong regional demand, pointing to a record-setting opening in nearby San Mateo as a sign of the brand’s growing local momentum.
   

3. Dog Dies After Being Assaulted In SF, Suspect Arrested: Police (patch.com) — San Francisco police arrested a 46-year-old local man after witnesses reported he was assaulting a dog in the China Basin area, where officers later found the animal dead. Authorities booked him on suspicion of animal cruelty, while Animal Care and Control launched an independent investigation. Police are urging anyone with additional information about what happened to contact SFPD.
   

4. New Residential Tower Nearly as Tall as Transamerica Pyramid Gets Approved (sfist.com) — A 67-story residential tower at 10 South Van Ness has been approved, adding 1,019 new homes and reshaping San Francisco’s skyline near Market Street. The 820-foot “10 SVN” will mix rentals, condos, and some affordable units, with construction expected to start in 2027 amid several other nearby high-rise projects.
   

5. San Francisco preparing for NYE celebrations (ktvu.com) — San Francisco’s official New Year’s Eve fireworks show will launch from a barge at midnight, rain or shine, for a 15‑minute, full‑sensory display along the waterfront. Fire officials are warning residents to skip illegal fireworks, with extra crews on duty to prevent injuries and fires. Hotels are promoting local staycations so people can enjoy the show safely and avoid late‑night travel.
   

📸 Around San Francisco

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🗓 Upcoming Events in San Francisco

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★ Featured events ★

    Wednesday December 31
  • New Queers Eve
    San Francisco Eagle Bar, 398 12th St, SF
    7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Pineapple Hospitality posted a job opening for Guest Services Agent/Night Auditor in San Francisco. Apply here.
  • TradeJobsWorkforce posted a job opening for USPS Mail Handler Assistant in San Francisco. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near San Francisco here.

Ok San Francisco! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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