The All-Time Great Tech Hub: SF.
By Kevin Sheekey
The Buzz of Innovation.
In a world where AI is taking over everything, it’s refreshing to see that some things never change—like our love for debating whether San Francisco is heaven on earth or a dystopian wasteland.
Newly minted VP candidate Tim Walz chimed in on the conversation during an appearance on The Ezra Klein Show, stating that his first visit to SF in July left him in awe, calling it “the most beautiful city I’ve ever been in.”
Walz is supposed to be diplomatic about his running mate’s hometown. But after revisiting San Francisco myself last week for the first time in six years, I have to admit, the guy has a point. Despite all the headlines, this is not the post-apocalyptic hellscape we’ve been led to believe. Sure, it’s got its challenges, but I wandered through neighborhoods cleaner than any block in NYC post-pandemic. And yes, the homeless situation is visible, but it’s no worse than what you’ll find in our beloved Big Apple. Which, to be fair, is still not great—but let’s not pretend SF is alone in this struggle.
What really struck me, though, was the palpable buzz of innovation in the air. AI isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s a lifeline. Commercial real estate will never fully bounce back, but the spirit of the city has. Let’s face it: No place on earth has fully replicated the primordial ooze of tech innovation that’s been bubbling in the Bay Area for decades. Trust me, I’ve tried.
And before I hopped on a plane back to reality, I treated myself to the latest e-ticket ride. (For those of you too young to know what an e-ticket is, click here for a refresher). I’m talking about Waymo—fully autonomous rides. Think Uber, but without the driver. I took one, then I took two more. It was a surreal experience, like stepping into the future while still surrounded by SF’s classic charm. The car zipped around town, navigated traffic with ease, and never once asked me what I thought of the Mayor. It was the perfect encapsulation of everything San Francisco stands for: innovation, fun, and beauty that keeps it endlessly fascinating. So yeah, Tim Walz might be onto something.
Click here to read the full August 23 edition of the Daily Read.