Upon This Rock” upon Bar Duomo: a favorite spot for David Eugene Perry, award-winning author of the critically-acclaimed mystery thriller set in Orvieto.
Currently in screenplay development and now in its second printing as the best-selling title ever for Pace Press / Quilldriver Books, this “elegant, twisty thriller” (Armistead Maupin) is “giddy with assassins, terrorists, shady priests, human trafficking, and megawatt conspiracies” (Kay Kudukis, Palm Springs Life) with “two detectives as sharp as Sam Spade and with the wit of Nick and Nora Charles” (Will Snyder, Bay Area Reporter). “Upon This Rock is fabulous. I can’t wait for the movie” (Jan Wahl, Emmy Award Winning Hollywood Reporter).
WINNER: Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) WINNER: San Francisco Book Festival
Get your copy — instant ebook for Kindle — or print at the link in our bio.
Join volunteers at San Francisco’s Presidio tomorrow: Saturday, September 20, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to celebrate the 41st annual California Coastal Clean-up Day – the statewide movement that has removed more than 26,700,000 pounds of trash from our coastlines and inland waterways since 1984! This is a fun, family-friendly opportunity. Volunteers of all ages are welcome; registration is required at the link below:
Ellis Street Becomes the Epicenter of San Francisco Nightlife with the Official Portola 2025 Pre-Party Featuring DJ Jazzy Event part of the Ellis Street Entertainment Zone, an initiative aimed at further revitalizing downtown San Francisco
San Francisco, CA—John’s Grill,The Midway, Portola Festival, are teaming up to present an unforgettable Portola 2025 Pre-Party today, transforming the Zero Block of Ellis Street into a world-class entertainment zone. Headlined by DJ Jazzy, the evening will be a free outdoor celebration for the community with music, food, and culture at its core, and will be the first event of a regular “Third Thursdays on Ellis” activation.
The event will take place from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. tonight on the Zero Block of Ellis Street in downtown San Francisco. Jazzy, the headliner, will begin her performance at 8 p.m. RSVP details and more information about the event is available here.
“Partnering with Portola Festival and The Midway means we’re bringing global energy to a local street,” said John Konstin Jr., owner of John’s Grill and founder of the Ellis Street Entertainment Zone. ““This moment has been years in the making. John’s Grill has always been a San Francisco destination—a gathering place for locals, visitors, and celebrities alike. For decades, we’ve been part of the heartbeat of the city, from dinners that turned into late night celebrations to block parties that take over Ellis Street. The Ellis Street Entertainment Zone is my way of reimagining what a downtown block can mean: a stage for music, art, and culture that unites generations.”
This landmark event on Thursday is part of San Francisco’s growing Ellis Street Entertainment Zone, an initiative dedicated to revitalizing downtown with immersive nightlife experiences that blend live music, culinary excellence, and street culture.“Third Thursdays on Ellis” is part of that initiative, with the block between Stockton and Powell streets transformed into a party featuring new music and acts each month.
“We are so excited for the ongoing renewal of Ellis Street, which has always been such an important part of the Union Square District,” said Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez.“There’s nothing better than great music and great food, and that’s exactly what people can expect to experience when they comes to John’s Grill tonight for this special event.”
Media interested in interviewing John Konstin, Jr and other involved parties should contact Lee Housekeeper by emailing newsservice@aol.com or calling him at 415-654-9141.
As the fog lifts and San Francisco’s true summer arrives in September and October, the Presidio becomes the city’s ultimate staycation escape. Think cocktails at the Glass Pavilion or Dalida, golden-hour strolls with your dog at Crissy Field, or one last weekend of camping under the stars at Rob Hill before the season closes.
For those looking to linger longer, the award-winningLodge and Inn at the Presidio offer the perfect Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day 3-Day Weekend (or anytime) retreat—steps from trails, history, and some of the best views in the Bay Area. And of course, with the recent opening of Outpost Meadow,a 1.5-acre expansion of the beloved Presidio Tunnel Tops, there’s now even more space for kids to run, climb, explore—and for parents to relax and picnic with Golden Gate Bridge views.
Below: links to learn more about Presidio Lodging and all the upcoming events at the Presidio and some especial highlights.
Saturday, September 20: Access to Adventure Day. A family fun day of inclusive programs! Back for its third year, bring the family to Presidio Tunnel Tops and learn about inclusive recreation, after-school care, and summer programs available in San Francisco while exploring the park. This is a chance to connect with other families and staff from Support for Families and San Francisco Recreation and Park’s Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided at this event.
Saturday, September 27: Join us for National Public Lands Day. Since 1994, this annual event on the fourth Saturday of September has been the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort. Last year, over 130 national parks hosted events with 7,600 volunteers donating an impressive 41,500 hours of service. All national parks that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on September 27, 2025 in celebration of National Public Lands Day.
Saturday, September 27: Chuseok Festival 2025, the Presidio’s 7th annual celebration of Korean culture, a vibrant mix of traditional music, dance, and community spirit right in the heart of the Presidio. Check it out via the event calendar below.
Daily: Park Overview Talks offered four times daily at the Presidio Visitor Center
Daily: Park Ranger Campfire Talks at the Presidio Tunnel Tops Campfire Circle
Every Saturday & Sunday: Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center
Every Friday through Sunday: Free history exhibitions at the Presidio Officers’ Club
Every Friday through Sunday: Fort Point History Talk & Exhibition – Black Gold: Stories Untold
New Space to Picnic & Play: Outpost Meadow Directly next to the Outpost nature play space and Field Station, this new open lawn area is designed with families in mind: bring a blanket, celebrate a birthday, or enjoy a post-hike snack. Think of it as your new go-to outdoor living room—no reservation required.
Hands-On Discovery at the Field Station Located just steps away, the Field Station is the place where curiosity turns into adventure. Kids can borrow Explorer Backpacks, complete the Adventure Passport, and take part in rotating crafts and nature activities with friendly park staff and volunteers. StoryWalks—picture books placed page-by-page along short trails—add a dose of literacy to the outdoor fun. Link here to all Self-Guided Adventures: https://presidio.gov/explore/self-guided-adventures
Presidio Pop Up: Family-Friendly Food Trucks Whether you’re craving tacos, wood-fired pizza, or a sweet treat, Presidio Pop Up food trucks are a delicious way to fuel up during your park day. Trucks are located steps from Outpost Meadow and also up at the historic Main Post, with shaded seating and open space to sprawl.
This is the perfect moment to cover the Presidio as a must-visit destination. We’d love to connect you with images, spokespeople, or a guided visit so please reach out.
11 March 1941 – 14 September 2020: Ann Gilbert Getty
(photo by Drew Altizer)
Five years ago today, the world lost Ann Getty — philanthropist, publisher, patron of the arts, and a woman of immense grace. She devoted her life to nurturing culture, education, and design, all while maintaining a deep generosity of spirit that touched countless lives. Whether through her work in publishing, her elegant vision in interior design, or her tireless support for the arts and humanitarian causes, Ann Getty left an enduring legacy of beauty, intellect, and compassion. Today, we remember her not only for what she accomplished but for the way she elevated everyone around her. Below: her obituary in the New York Times.
