Hey there, San Francisco. 

With downtown office space continuing to collect dust and the Tenderloin under a state of emergency, I’ve been left wondering every time I visit the Mid-Market area – Is anyone actually moving into these new, luxury apartments and condos? 

On Wednesday, the Chronicle’s JK Dineen provided some answers. 

Regarding the three major housing projects that opened during the pandemic: 

• 50 Jones Street: ~255/301 units have been leased 

• 950 Market Street: 50/242 condos have sold 

• 1028 Market Street: 36/193 units leased (opened six weeks ago) 

So, they’re not selling (or being leased) like hotcakes. But, at least SOME people are moving in, which is promising. 

Also, as the Chronicle’s Dineen points out, there are more signs of hope for the Mid-Market area. The city’s largest Whole Foods opens next week on 8th and Market. Ikea has started construction on its mall concept (located at 945 Market Street). 

And, some nearby eateries that shuttered during the pandemic have found replacements. Homeskillet, for instance, is now Gai Chicken & Rice. 

With that…onto some more news… 

Quick bits: News to know 

• 🎒 The San Francisco school board approved a plan on Tuesday to lay off nearly 300 staff members, including 151 teachers, counselors, and social workers. The proposed cuts come as the district has lost some 9,000 students since 2014. (Chronicle / CBS Bay Area) 

• 🚴‍♀️ The SFMTA said Tuesday that it will rejuvenate (and complete!) its protected bike lane project on Valencia Street this year. (Twitter / SF Standard) 

• 😷 Despite the SFUSD saying this week that classroom mask requirements will remain, Mayor London Breed is pushing school officials to change their stance. “It isn't going to be easy but I am hoping we can come to a compromise,” Breed told ABC on Tuesday. (ABC) 

• 🌯 On Wednesday, Eater updated its top list of late-night eateries in San Francisco, which included Sam's, Monk’s Kettle, Toyose, and of course, El Farolito. (Eater) 

What else I’m reading: Links to browse 

We rode the Treasure Island Ferry on its first day. Here’s what went right and wrong (SF Standard) 

‘Mission Plan’ targets fires, street vending, homelessness, trash (Mission Local) 

We asked Bay Area Ukrainians what we can do to stand in solidarity with them (Bold Italic) 

And finally… “Immersive Shevchenko” 

Yet another immersive art event is coming to San Francisco, but this one is different. 

“Immersive Shevchenko: Soul of Ukraine,” which showcases the work of Ukrainian artist Taras Shevchenko (1814-1861), will only run for one day and 100% of proceeds will be donated to charity. 

“Our intention is not only to acquaint Americans with Ukrainian culture, but also to raise funds to help Ukraine counteract the challenges presented by Russian aggression,” the show’s producer Valeriy Kostyuk told Datebook. 

Tickets to the event, which takes place in San Francisco on March 15 from 2-8 pm, can be purchased here. 

That’s all for today! But, one more thing before you go… I wanted to give you a heads up that starting Monday (3/14), I'm going to be out for a couple of weeks on dad duty, watching and hanging out with my 5-month-old. I'll be back on Monday, 3/28.

While I’m out, the newsletter will be quiet. But when I’m back, I’ll do my best to catch you up on anything major that’s happened.

I’ll remind you again about this break in a couple of weeks. For now, have a wonderful evening and I’ll see you back here tomorrow! - Nick B.