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🌱 Patch AM: Man Strangled ' Terrified' Pitbull To Death In San Francisco: DA

Coming up on the San Francisco Patch calendar: NYE 2026 at Black Cat ft. Benny Benack III Quartet: Cheers 🥂 to LIFE!

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Good day San Francisco! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Pitbull’s public killing in China Basin sparks felony animal cruelty charge
  • Recognize this woman found dead outside a Cathedral Hill Walgreens?
  • How a new 67‑story tower could transform Mid-Market housing

Also on today's calendar: NYE 2026 at Black Cat ft. Benny Benack III Quartet: Cheers 🥂 to LIFE! and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: Playing golf is bad for your brain. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Periods of rain, with a high of 62 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Friday: Cloudy, a little rain; windy, temps: high: 62, low: 56.
  • Saturday: Becoming windier with rain, with a high of 62 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man Strangled ' Terrified' Pitbull To Death In San Francisco: DA (patch.com) — San Francisco authorities say a 46-year-old man strangled his pitbull, Smokey, on China Basin Street, leading to a felony animal killing charge. Witnesses reported the dog appeared terrified as it was choked and lifted off the ground before collapsing, and police and Animal Care and Control are now investigating the disturbing incident.
   

2. S.F. medical examiner asks for public's help in identifying woman found dead in May (sfchronicle.com) — San Francisco’s medical examiner is asking residents to help identify a woman found dead outside the Walgreens at 1301 Franklin Street in Cathedral Hill on May 18. She was about 50, white, 5-foot-4, with red hair, green eyes, and distinctive tattoos including phrases about self-care, health, prayer, meditation, and laughter.
   

3. SF clears the way for what may become its third-tallest skyscraper (sfstandard.com) — Plans are now approved for a 67‑story, 820‑foot tower at 10 South Van Ness that would become San Francisco’s third-tallest building and add over 1,000 new homes. Construction could start in late 2026, replacing the SVN West venue and potentially reshaping the Mid-Market area near Hayes Valley and Civic Center with new residents, retail, and amenities.
   

4. Over 3,000 without power in San Francisco, PG&E reports (ktvu.com) — Thousands of San Franciscans lost power on New Year’s Eve after an unplanned PG&E outage that began around 2 p.m., with no restoration time yet listed on the utility’s map. The disruption follows a series of recent utility problems, including a pre‑Christmas blackout that left more than 125,000 local customers in the dark.
   

5. SFO Closing One of Its Runways for Six Months in 2026 as Part of $180 Million Revamp (sfist.com) — If you fly through SFO, expect changes next year: one of the airport’s four runways will shut down from late March to early October 2026 for a major $180 million modernization project. Officials say fewer than 10% of flights should be delayed, but the work overlaps with peak summer travel and affects a key United hub serving San Francisco.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Batong, a dog who went missing in San Francisco, CA, has been safely reunited with their family after 11 hours, 52 minutes. Message from Owner: "Hi… (Nextdoor Hunter's Point)
  • I found a wonderful new restaurant that I wanted to recommend and share with you.
    I went to Sherpa House at 733 Taraval (across from Safeway) for dinner last night. The food was delicious, the decor charming and the people working… (Nextdoor Forest Hill)
  • Related Partners, Inc. posted a job opening for Janitor/Porter Luxury in San Francisco. Apply here.
  • Canon USA & Affiliates posted a job opening for Janitorial Office Service Representative 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 just heard a golfer say he had four strokes on the first hole!
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