Hey there, San Francisco. 

A quick-ish newsletter today, as we have our SF Minute holiday party this evening. Just a few of us and nothing too fancy—just some pizza and wine. But lots to be thankful for and lots to celebrate. 

So for now…onto the news… 

Top story: One thing you should know 

The Board of Supervisors voted in favor of legislation on Tuesday that allows off-duty sheriff deputies to earn time-and-a-half to work as private security guards for businesses in San Francisco, something that police officers in the city have been able to do for decades. 

The decision comes as SFPD Chief Bill Scott said Tuesday that his department has been “unable to meet the demand” from retailers asking for added security. 

As the Chronicle’s Mallory Moench notes, sheriff officers who participate in the voluntary overtime program would be “in uniform,” while “retailers would pay for their services and agree to not hold the city liable if anything were to go wrong.” A final vote on the matter will happen next week. (Chronicle / SF Standard) 

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

• 💸 The San Francisco school board has one week left to submit a balanced budget plan to the California Department of Education to show how it’ll handle its $125 million deficit. If the board cannot agree upon a plan, which could include laying off teachers and other “school site” workers, the state “will likely step in and appoint a fiscal adviser who has the power to veto the school board in budget matters,” the Chronicle’s Jill Tucker writes. 

  “We have a job to do,” school board member Jenny Lam said during a meeting on Tuesday. “And if we don’t we’re going to lose our ability to govern locally.” (Chronicle) 

• ☔️ It’s been getting colder outside, as you might’ve noticed. And now, rain is in the forecast for this upcoming Sunday and Monday. (Chronicle) 

• 🏈 Sacred Heart Cathedral’s high school football team will try to win its first state championship in school history on Saturday when it faces Northview-Covina for the Division 4-A title at 6 pm at Kezar Stadium. Also on Saturday, the Balboa High Bucs will face Taft at 1 pm at Balboa High School for the Division 7-A state championship. Good luck to both SF teams! (Examiner) 

Food news: News about food 

• 🙌 On Wednesday, the highly anticipated cafe/restaurant Automat officially opened on the corner of Baker and McAllister. From its daytime menu, Chronicle food reporters Janelle Bitker and Elena Kadvany say to try the California Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich ($15), Automat Breakfast Sandwich ($13), Garlicky Pretzel Focaccia ($12), Brioche doughnut ($5), and Blondie ($4). (Chronicle) 

• 🏆 Eater released its 2021 Bay Area Award Winners on Wednesday. San Francisco standouts include Abacá (for Most Innovative Menu), Hahdough (for Most Out-of-the-Box Pastries), and Bar Part Time (for Best Bacchanal Wine Party). (Eater) 

• 🤤 Also today, Eater released a 17-minute video featuring Californios as part of its “Mise En Place” series. It’s worth a watch, though be prepared to want to make a reservation at the two-Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant afterward. (Eater)

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

Can City Hall clean up its act? Supervisors reform charitable fundraising practice abused in Nuru scandal (Examiner) 

'BART Basel' guerrilla art pranksters take over San Francisco public transit (SFGATE) 

Ten most memorable 3-pointers in Steph Curry’s transcendent Warriors career (Chronicle) 

And finally… 

In case you are in need of some holiday gift inspiration…On Wednesday, I spoke to Outer Sunset resident Jenny Hwa who owns a local linen company called Loyale Studio. 

Almost all of Hwa’s towels are made in Potrero Hill, and 5% of her proceeds go to charities, including local nonprofit La Cocina. Hwa told me as we head into crabbing season, she’s especially excited about her new Dungeness crab towel. 

Anyways, with the holidays upon us, just thought I’d give a local maker a little shout-out. Also, who doesn’t need a good kitchen towel?

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

- Nick B.