Our pal and all around awesome SF photographer Terry Ratzlaff has just launched a pretty great Kickstarter project. This summer, he intends to go north to Briston Bay, Alaska to document one of the last wild salmon fisheries in the world. Right now, the entire Bristol Bay Watershed and all the life it supports are being threatened with the proposed building of North America’s largest open pit mine. Terry plans to spend time with the fisherman community who make their living on the bay, and document their lives and the struggle they face. We know Terry and his previous documentary work and can only imagine the photos and story he is going to come back with. Please check out his Kickstarter and lend your support to this worthwhile cause.

ArtPadSF at the Phoenix Hotel

Synchronized swimming in the Tenderloin? Hell yeah, ArtPadSF has returned! An unconventional art fair to say the least, ArtPad has taken over the Phoenix Hotel for a third year in a row and has transformed the hotel’s 40+ rooms into exhibition spaces. Participating galleries are showing some of the most exciting contemporary art out there from the Bay Area and beyond. As part of the opening night festivities, local synchronized swimming team Tsunami Synchro held a captivating performance in the Phoenix’s iconic pool. ArtPadSF goes through Sunday, and in addition to the galleries they have special exhibitions and performances planned for each day. If you’re looking for an excuse to hang out at a sleazy motel, this is it!

The happiest dog in Washington Square Park.

Road Trip: Los Angeles, CA

Lazy Sunday

In a city full of characters, Frank Chu is in a class all his own. A fervent protestor, one is never quite clear what exactly Frank is protesting. His Wikipedia page mentions something about the “12 Galaxies,” but beyond that things are pretty murky. Regardless, Frank has his fans. So much so that there are Yelp reviews of folks sharing anecdotes of their chance encounters with the mysterious activist. We like to think that we wholeheartedly support whatever weirdness Frank is pushing, but to be certain, we’d need a translator.

Thee Parkside

We’re lucky to have a true punk rock dive like Thee Parkside here in San Francisco. This legendary bar has played host to the likes of NOFX, Swingin’ Utters, Agnostic Front, Leftover Crack, Cro-Mags, and plenty of other unruly acts – all with a stage that seems more fit for a house party. Patrons of Thee Parkside are also treated to the various pop-ups that operate out of their kitchen, which have been known to serve up some pretty good food on the sunny back patio. Plus, and maybe most important of all, CHEAP BEER!

The living roof at the California Academy of Sciences.

One of eight sculptures by Mark di Suvero presented by SFMOMA, on display for a year at Crissy Field.

Camera hunting at the Alameda Flea Market.

We hope you’re enjoying this freakishly abnormal bout of gorgeous weather as much as we are!