Hey there, San Francisco.

Just eight months ago, software company Autodesk touted the opening of its new, 117,000-square-foot downtown office equipped with San Francisco-themed floors, a full gym, and more. “Doubling Down on San Francisco: Hello 300 Mission!” the press release headline read. 

On Wednesday, though, the Business Times reported that Autodesk was “reversing course” and has plans to shut down the space after a majority of its employees (55%) said in a recent survey that they’d rather work remote. 

“As more employees take advantage of flexible workplace options — in-office, work-from-home, and hybrid — we’re rethinking how we use office space,” a spokesperson for the company said. 

As reporter Laura Waxmann writes, “Autodesk turned some heads by expanding its office space in the midst of the pandemic” and the company called its design choices at 300 Mission, like plexiglass desk shields and temperature kiosks, a “benchmark for health and safety measures.” 

Now, they’re looking at what to do with their lease. 

And with that…onto some news… 

Quick bits: Bite-sized news stories from across the city

• 🍸 The Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on Tuesday in favor of allowing additional bars to open in the Castro District, something that zoning rules have prevented since 1987. As Business Times reporter Alex Barreira writes, new bars had only “been able to enter the picture over the years through buying existing establishments.” Supervisor Mandelman, who introduced the legislation, said he “hope[s] it opens the door to new operators and concepts in the Castro. The neighborhood has too many vacancies, and we should be making it easier to fill them." (Business Times / Bay Area Reporter) 

• 🎒 On Tuesday, the San Francisco Board of Education elected its leaders for 2022, voting Gabriela López to remain president and Jenny Lam to become vice president. López, along with board members Alison Collins and Faauuga Moliga, will still face a recall election in February. (SFUSD) 

• 🍵 Mayor London Breed proposed legislation on Wednesday that would make admission to the Conservatory of Flowers and Japanese Tea Garden free for all San Franciscans. Ticket prices for the Golden Gate Park attractions are currently $7 for adults. (Chronicle) 

• 💜 Chronicle food reporter Elena Kadvany says that Japantown’s 115-year-old handmade mochi shop Benkyodo isn’t closing until the end of March, despite recent reports that it was happening sooner. Still, when Benkyodo reopened from its winter break on Tuesday, Kadvany said “a line of eager fans stretched all the way down the block — some waiting as long as two hours.” (Chronicle) 

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What else I’m reading: Links to browse at your leisure

Meet the San Francisco man with the inside dirt on city’s famously filthy streets (Chronicle) 

Mayor Breed blasts Sup. Chan over car-free JFK: ‘You seem to have a problem with the existing process’ (Hoodline) 

This incredible commercial for San Francisco in the 1940s depicts a long-gone city (SFGATE)

Lawmakers push to bring more electric cars to San Francisco (Examiner) 

How to Buy Dungeness Crab Fresh From the Boat in San Francisco (Eater) 

New Treasure Island transit and tolling plan takes shape (Examiner) 

And finally… 

Yesterday, I received a treat in the mail – Issue 5 of The San Franciscan magazine. 

On Wednesday, editor-in-chief Erica Messner told me the idea behind The San Franciscan, which first launched in 2019, was to “take a fresh look at the familiar, getting to know your city through new eyes.” 

She’s especially excited about Issue 5, which focuses on “San Francisco spaces that have supported us through the pandemic.” The front cover, for instance, depicts people playing basketball at Chinatown's Cameron House courts. There’s a story about the Great Highway, as well. 

To quickest way to snag a copy of The San Franciscan is to sign up for their membership program, which costs $30 a year. That’ll get you both magazines they produce each year and a tote bag. 

Or, in a couple of weeks, you’ll be able to find Issue 5 in local book stores, including Green Apple and Dog Earned in the Mission. 

That’s all for today! Thanks so much for reading y’all and we’ll see you back here tomorrow! - Nick B.