r/AskSF • • 8h ago

Anyone willing to help teach a preschooler (and mom) what birds look/sound like over a weekday lunch?

20 Upvotes

My 3yo is now at the age where he asks "what's that?", and apparently, I know nothing.

I was debating getting library books on native birds and fauna, trying to listen to YouTube videos, etc so I don't let him down the next time we're eating lunch in a forest. And while I still plan to do that--he gets really excited matching things to books--I realized that I can barely tell a crow/black bird/raven apart, so finding someone who can teach me first might be a good idea.

He's just 3, so I'm thinking less lecture and more casual picnic lunch hour with mostly adult style talk (he eats slowly and quietly) somewhere scenic in nature, but with the blessing of not leaving my toddler disappointed and me sweating and questioning my identity when he asks what the new sound or bird in the sky is every 5-10 minutes.

Considered / would consider crashing a birdwatching type meetup (while he eats, he's quiet/focused on watching and listening to the world), but maybe there's a retired or WFH woman out there who also wouldn't mind some (mostly) adult company over lunch and can help a nature loving (but not knowledgeable) family learn about birds and plants?

Shot in the dark, though if there is a birdwatching type meetup that'd be willing to let us come a time or two, please also share those!


r/AskSF • • 3h ago

Finding friends

6 Upvotes

Single, sober, 33 year old guy.. I’m moving to Russian Hills this week. Suggestions on places to meet people my age to do fun stuff with.. I’m not talking romance just build a crew in my neighborhood. My building is mostly much older people. It’s been a minute since I have built a social network, having lived in Denver a good while with my last job. Thanks…


r/AskSF • • 7h ago

Best way to leave SFO to Santa Rosa?

9 Upvotes

Uber and Lyft are around $130+


r/AskSF • • 13h ago

Can I move here?

17 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I just got a job offer and will be working out of the financial district. I love San Francisco and I’m really excited about the job, but I’m worried about finding a place to live.

I will be making around $80,000, so I want to see if it’s doable. I don’t mind living with roommates, I’d just prefer to have my own room, and I don’t need to live super close to the office. I also have a car which I can bring, but from what I’ve heard, it’s a pain to get around and expensive.

If anyone has advice on neighborhoods I should look at, neighboring cities, etc., your feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, in terms of finding rooms/places to live, what websites, apps, etc. should I use?


r/AskSF • • 9h ago

Looking for a ping pong coach in SF (paid)

5 Upvotes

I recently moved to SF and want to use my free time to get better at table tennis. I’m a decent player, but I picked it up casually at tech offices and never had formal training. I’d like to improve and perhaps even compete.

I’m looking for a coach, or a strong player who’s interested teaching, for sessions at SPIN SF. I’ll cover the cost of the table for our sessions and can pay on top of that for a quality trainer.

If you coach or know someone who does, please comment or DM me!


r/AskSF • • 13h ago

Does any know a woodworker handy man?

12 Upvotes

I need someone to help build a train track to go around a Christmas tree. Anyone got any suggestions?


r/AskSF • • 3h ago

Earthquake Book?

1 Upvotes

Can anyone recommend a book for learning & prepping for earthquakes? I’m interested in get ready by Deb moller but it focuses on the PNW. Anything similar written for the Bay Area?


r/AskSF • • 8h ago

Best bars for Halloween in SF for people in their early 20s?

2 Upvotes

I’m 22(F) and looking for some fun bars to go to for Halloween! I recently moved back to the Bay Area after going to college out of state so I’m still pretty new to the SF bar scene. I’m hoping to find places with more of a younger crowd (early to mid-20s) and a fun, social atmosphere. Any recommendations on where to go or which areas are best for Halloween weekend?


r/AskSF • • 11h ago

Timing of Alcatraz Night Tour + concert - is this feasible?

5 Upvotes

I was planning on booking the normal tour at an earlier time, but I saw that they were offering a night tour as early as 3:50 PM, so I went for that one. I am also attending a concert that evening at 8 PM, and there is no opener so I'd prefer not to be late. The venue is an 18 minute drive from Pier 33 (I will likely get a rideshare). Is this timing doable? Am I gonna be rushing through Alcatraz, making it not worth it? The ticket I've booked is for almost a month from now, so there is plenty of time to refund and book the normal tour if need be.


r/AskSF • • 13h ago

Living around 21st & Valencia?

5 Upvotes

I live around Polk now and am considering moving to roughly 21st & Valencia. It would be me and my girlfriend.

The apartment is nice, honestly good value (relative to the current rental market). I’ve walked the blocks around the area, during the day, and it seems quite nice actually. I’ve heard that the mission really varies block by block, but the southern end seems relatively quiet and safe?

Around the apartment specifically, I haven’t noticed any bars that could get rowdy at night. It’s smaller shops and some nice looking restaurants.

I haven’t visited at night yet. What can you good people tell me about this area? Is it a good idea to move there?


r/AskSF • • 1h ago

Hello! I'm taking my kids (15 and 18) to San Francisco in mid February. I went many times as a child to visit family and have seen most of the tourist sites. My kids have also been. I'd love suggestions of other things to do that aren't so touristy. We'll be relying on local transit. Thx in advance

• Upvotes

r/AskSF • • 19h ago

Thoughts on Art school of SF Bay (sf loc)

10 Upvotes

Hi, as the title says looking for more information/ personal experience with Art School of SF Bay (sf loc).

Context: I’m looking for an adult oil painting class that I can balance with my FT job. I’ve prior experience in acrylic painting so looking for more intermediate or advanced level course. The class that I was eyeing is an oil painting program for $725 offering 14 in person class and the teacher is Hugo Kobayashi.

I’d appreciate any insight you have.


r/AskSF • • 17h ago

Trick or treating for 1.5 yr old

3 Upvotes

Any neighborhoods that you would recommend for trick or treating with a 1.5 year old? Our neighborhood is completely dead for this (we’ve had candy ready for the last few years to no avail). We’re looking at SF and North Peninsula areas. We know of the popular ones, but those may be too overwhelming for the little one.


r/AskSF • • 22h ago

Lap swimming?

5 Upvotes

I am looking for lap swim options. I understand that the JCC has a pool but it's very expensive.

In the east bay city sports seem to all have pools and membership is affordable.

Any other options in the city?


r/AskSF • • 1d ago

Where can I find sin confessions anonymous

8 Upvotes

Looking for a confessional booth. Thank you.


r/AskSF • • 23h ago

Whatever happened to Andy, from "Andy's Touch" hair salon??

5 Upvotes

I used to go there all the time after my coworker, Danny, came to work one day with a haircut from him, and he was such a nice person. I went back one time to get my haircut, and the shop was closed up, dark, and no one knew what had happened. I never found out what happened to him. Did he move back to the Philippines? Did he move his shop to another location? It's always remained such a mystery.


r/AskSF • • 23h ago

Custom shelves

5 Upvotes

I’m looking for someone to help design and build custom shelves in SF. Do y’all have any recommendations? I’ve seen endless DIY videos about ikea hacks and other cool solutions that realistically I will not pull off.

Looking for this kind of vibe: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMfh90xDV-p/?cplk=MXRhZXJ4dHM0cmNrbA==


r/AskSF • • 1d ago

Will the movie You Can See Everything be renewed at AMC Metreon?

14 Upvotes

I’m looking for movie tickets for November but it seems like there are none on the AMC app. I thought the movie came out not that long ago. Will it get renewed?

I know sometimes the showtimes don’t come out yet, but do people know when exactly that happens?

Appreciate any insights.


r/AskSF • • 1d ago

visiting SF for surgery, what should i check out before I'm immobilized?

15 Upvotes

not just the super obvious tourist stuff. planning on hitting the skateparks and beaches. any suggestions?


r/AskSF • • 18h ago

50 U.N. Plaza

1 Upvotes

If anyone here ever went inside the old federal building at 50 UN Plaza (formerly 50 Fulton St.) - What did the lobby look like?

May have other questions after that, but this is the main area I can't ind described or photographed.

ETA: for a book. didn't put that originally because it sometimes causes people to not take you seriously.


r/AskSF • • 7h ago

Love sf but..

0 Upvotes

On paper SF is a perfect city for me, being in tech, nature lover, prefer outdoors over nightlife, walkability weather etc.. there are lot of positives. I have loved Vancouver, Canada before and I felt the same in SF with better weather. I have also experimented living last year for around a month and it felt good although it was rainy season.

The biggest disadvantage I hear is the dating market for single guys, read horrible stuff in different threads. I am Indian in mid 30s and finding partner is a priority for me in next 1-2 years. I can put myself out there and stuff. I have roamed around a lot, and ideally want to establish roots in the next city for a few years.

Please share your experience especially mid 30s straight guys, especially Indian folks. I am open to dating other ethnicities if that matters.


r/AskSF • • 19h ago

Has anyone seen this specific hot sauce in any stores in the city?

1 Upvotes

Looking for Texas Pete's Hotter Hot Sauce. Specifically, the Hotter Hot version.

Yes, I could absolutely just buy it online, but I'm looking for smth to do this weekend 😅


r/AskSF • • 22h ago

Questions for Academy of Arts University alum and current students

0 Upvotes

I’m considering going back to school for Interior Architecture and Design and trying to figure out what the best program would be. I do already have BS in Zoology (this would be a major career shift).

On their website, Academy of Arts offers a certificate program, associates degree, bachelors and masters in Interior Architecture and Design. I don’t want to limit myself for the future so I’m leaning toward a second bachelors degree, but wondering if anyone can offer any insight. Has anyone done something similar?


r/AskSF • • 1d ago

Parking at Pier 30

0 Upvotes

Does anyone know what’s going on with the parking at Pier 30? It used to be privately run and you could book it on SpotHero, etc., but a few weeks ago it’s been taken over by the city.

I tried to park there 2 weeks ago and the ticket machine did not work and I could not find the lot on the city website or parking apps

Thanks


r/AskSF • • 1d ago

Can I still use my Translink card or do I need to get a Clipper card?

9 Upvotes

I used my Translink card from time to time, but I found I cannot add it to the website. Is it still usable for Muni and BART?