SF: 9 Reasons to Be Optimistic in 2015

Rings in the New Year?

San Francisco was just announced as one of four potential cities that the US Olympic Committee will submit (to the IOC) to host the 2024 Summer Olympiad. A final choice is expected early next year. Here are some renderings of what the 7×7 might look like if it wins the bid.

Virtual Reality: A Reality

No firm dates yet, but beta versions of Samsung VR sets and Oculus Rift are out, a Microsoft iteration may debut at CES in January, and a lot of rumors point to late 2015 for consumer versions of all three.

Groundbreaking Year

While none are scheduled to open this year, there are some exciting public (and private) works projects underway in the Bay. The new and improved SFMOMA (opening 2016). A new Warriors arena, which — thankfully — won’t look like a toilet. And the Old Bay Bridge could be transformed into a beautiful industrial project-cum-recreational area, a la Manhattan’s High Line.

We Get an Alamo Drafthouse

If you’ve ever been to Austin, Texas, you’ve heard of the Alamo Drafthouse, one of the best movie theaters on the planet. Well, they’re officially opening one in the New Mission theater, and it will be epic. Drink beer, watch movies old and new. They also do a show in which comedians heckle a movie. It’s great fun.

If You Build It

We listed our favorite Kickstarter projects of 2014 the other day. Between KS, Indiegogo and Prefundia, as well as the editorial purview of Product Hunt, StrictlyVC and BetaList, it’s hard not to imagine anything being possible. You know, like meat soap.

Table Talk

For the first time since it became a member city in 2006, San Francisco has a Michelin three-star restaurant. In fact, it has two. Corey Lee’s Benu and Joshua Skenes’s Saison join Napa favorites The French Laundry and the Restaurant at Meadowood in receiving top honors from the 2015 edition of the French foodie gospel. Make it your goal to dine at all four this year.

Go Electric

Tesla made two huge announcements in the last couple weeks. One: they’re launching a battery swap program (starting in Harris Ranch) that will allow Model S owners to re-volt in less time than it takes to fill a tank of gas. Two: those new batteries will deliver an unprecedented 400-mile range on a single charge. Did we mention that San Francisco is one of the best cities in the U.S. for electric-car owners?

Title Town?

At press time, the Warriors are 24-5, good for the best record in the NBA (touch wood). And while experts are balking at talk of a 72-win season, a title push is certainly within reach. Steph Curry is playing like an MVP. Klay Thompson is having a career year. Marreese Speights is the frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year. It’s gonna be a fun ride. And lest we forget, the local baseball team is pretty talented as well.

Cuba!

In case you hadn’t heard, we’re kissing and making up with Cuba. And while the floodgates are still a ways from being fully open, relaxed travel restrictions mean quick jaunts to La Havana and, yes, cigars.