Friends Remember Joe Kukura, SFist Editor and Singular Soul
Friends and colleagues share memories of Joe Kukura, SFist associate editor and beloved San Francisco writer, following his death last week.
Taya Romano
Lifestyle & Culture Reporter
LifestyleFood & DiningCultureNeighborhoodsEvents
About Taya
Taya Romano grew up in the Mission District and has watched San Francisco transform over three decades. Before joining San Francisco Download, she wrote for SF Weekly and contributed lifestyle features to 7x7 Magazine. Her food writing has introduced readers to hidden gems from Daly City to Oakland, and her neighborhood profiles capture the soul of Bay Area communities. She holds a journalism degree from San Francisco State University.
Articles by Taya
SF Mayor Lurie Responds to Iranian Attack Threat Warning
Mayor Daniel Lurie reassures San Franciscans amid FBI warnings of a possible Iranian drone attack, saying there are no imminent threats to the city.
Algeria Buys Pac Heights Mansion for $10M as Entertainment Space
The historic Herbst Mansion in Pacific Heights sold for nearly $10M to Algeria's government, which plans to use it as an upscale entertaining space in San Francisco.
Two Men Arrested in Sunnyvale Killing of Young Mother
Sunnyvale police arrested ex-boyfriend Gerzon Chirinos and Alfonso Inestroza in the January shooting death of 24-year-old mother Kembery Chirinos-Flores.
New Berkeley Restaurant Anahuac Opens on Solano Avenue After Family's Decade-Long Journey
A new upscale Mexican restaurant has opened on Solano Avenue in Berkeley, representing the culmination of a family's decade-long journey in Bay Area dining.
Medical Bills Now Top Housing as California's Biggest Financial Worry, Survey Shows
Californians worried more about unexpected medical bills than housing costs for the first time since 2022, according to a new survey that highlights shifting financial anxieties across the state.
Oakland Housing Projects Receive $23 Million from Alameda County's Measure W Sales Tax Fund
Six Oakland affordable housing projects will receive a combined $23.39 million from Alameda County's Measure W sales tax revenue, according to a Board of Supervisors vote this week that distributed $53 million across 10 developments throughout the county.
Mayor Lurie Plans to Cut 500 City Hall Jobs as SF Faces Nearly $1 Billion Budget Deficit
Mayor Daniel Lurie announced plans to eliminate at least 500 San Francisco City Hall positions as the city grapples with a nearly $1 billion budget deficit, marking a significant departure from last year's budget maneuvers that avoided actual layoffs.
Mayor Lurie Plans to Eliminate 500 City Hall Jobs to Address Budget Deficit
Mayor Daniel Lurie announced plans to eliminate at least 500 San Francisco City Hall positions as the city grapples with a nearly $1 billion budget deficit, marking a shift from previous cost-cutting measures that avoided actual layoffs.
California Battles Multiple Measles Outbreaks as Health Departments Face Funding Cuts
California is confronting its first measles outbreaks since 2020, with seven counties reporting a total of 21 cases this year as local health departments operate with reduced funding and staffing, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Giants Pitcher Tyler Mahle Debuts Revamped Slider in Spring Training Win
Tyler Mahle made his first appearance in a Giants uniform Saturday afternoon, showcasing a significantly improved slider during a scoreless inning against the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium in Mesa, Arizona.
State Senator Proposes Math Screening Bill Following California's Reading Reform Success
A San Diego state senator has introduced legislation requiring California school districts to screen elementary students for math difficulties, building on last year's reading reform efforts that addressed the state's struggling academic performance.
San Francisco Supervisors Ban Federal Immigration Enforcement on City Property
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved legislation Tuesday that prohibits federal immigration enforcement operations on city property, making San Francisco the latest Bay Area jurisdiction to establish "ICE-free zones."
Three Stalled San Francisco Restaurant Projects Race to Reopen First
Three high-profile San Francisco restaurant projects remain stuck in development limbo, prompting local food enthusiasts to speculate which will open first: the iconic Cliff House, the historic Anchor Brewing facility, or the city's first Jollibee location.
Mountain View completes $20 million salt pond restoration creating 435 acres of wildlife habitat
Mountain View officials celebrated the completion of a $20 million restoration project Friday that transformed a 435-acre former salt pond into wildlife habitat and public open space, marking a significant milestone in the Bay Area's largest environmental restoration effort.
No. 11 Gonzaga Dominates USF 80-59 at Chase Center, Extends Winning Streak to 35 Games
Graham Ike scored 22 points to lead No. 11 Gonzaga to an 80-59 victory over the University of San Francisco at Chase Center on Wednesday night, extending the Bulldogs' remarkable winning streak against the Dons to 35 consecutive games.
Jordan Wins Daytona 500 After Beating NASCAR in Court
Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team captured the Daytona 500 with Tyler Reddick's last-lap victory, months after Jordan sued NASCAR and won.
CSUMB Basketball Falls to Dominguez Hills, Ends Win Streak
Cal State Monterey Bay's three-game winning streak came to an end with a one-point loss to Cal State Dominguez Hills in California Collegiate Athletic Association play.
Route 66 Turns 100 as Road Trip Interest Surges
The Mother Road marks its centennial with new art installations while California's coastal highways draw Bay Area travelers seeking post-pandemic adventures.
Bay Area QB fights NCAA over eligibility in Tennessee court
Joey Aguilar, who played at City College of San Francisco and Diablo Valley College, seeks fourth year of Division I football eligibility in lawsuit.
California protects 1,400 mountain lions as threatened species
California Fish and Game Commission voted to list six isolated mountain lion populations as threatened, including Bay Area cats facing habitat loss.
11-Unit Project Advances at Mission's 19th and Guerrero
A seven-story, 11-unit housing development at 19th and Guerrero streets moves through city approvals as Mission sees new brewery and business changes.
Excelsior Prepares for Lunar New Year Celebrations
The Excelsior District prepares for Lunar New Year as 2025 marks the rare Year of the Fire Horse, with local businesses planning celebrations along Mission Street.
Public Health Department faces $17M in cuts amid budget crisis
San Francisco's Department of Public Health must cut $17 million, affecting mental health services, substance abuse programs, and community clinics citywide.
Bar Brucato brings amaro and upscale dining to Van Ness
The distillery's tasting room and restaurant opened near the I-80 entrance, serving California-made amaro alongside dishes that incorporate the bitter liqueur.
Mystery Group Plans 'March for Billionaires' at City Hall
Anonymous organizers will rally Saturday from Pacific Heights to City Hall, defending wealth creators against California's proposed billionaire tax.
Mission Cultural Center closure hits arts scene hard
The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts suspended operations this week as San Francisco's smaller cultural venues struggle with funding cuts.
Lurie pledges Mission Cultural Center stays arts space
Mayor promises shuttered Mission Cultural Center will remain cultural space but offers no concrete plan after nonprofit ran out of money last month.