This Week's Top Stories

SFSU

SFSU Enrollment Rises for First Time in More Than a Decade

San Francisco State University enrolled 20,824 students for fall 2026, reversing years of decline with a 20 percent surge in new undergraduates.

<cite index="47-2,47-3">San Francisco State University is welcoming a larger student body this fall, marking the university's first enrollment increase in more than a decade — a significant turnaround following years of demographic and enrollment challenges. SFSU enrolled 20,824 students for fall 2026, with particularly strong growth among new students.</cite> <cite index="47-4,47-5">The university saw a 20 percent lift in new incoming freshman and transfer undergraduate enrollment.

Stonestown

Raising Cane's Fills Stonestown's Long-Empty McDonald's Slot — Opening Monday

The Louisiana-based chicken chain opens its second San Francisco location at Stonestown Galleria on October 12, ending a two-year vacancy in the former McDonald's space.

<cite index="57-7,57-8">Raising Cane's will open its second San Francisco restaurant next week, less than a month after the fast-growing fried chicken chain made its city debut at Fisherman's Wharf. The Louisiana-based company said its newest location will open on Oct. 12 at Stonestown Galleria, taking over the former McDonald's space at 255 Winston Drive.</cite> <cite index="57-9,57-10">The restaurant replaces a McDonald's that operated at Stonestown for more than three decades before closing in 2024.

SFSU

SFSU's Historic Planetarium Hosts Final Free Shows Before Renovation Closes It

The Charles F. Hagar Planetarium at SF State offers its last public shows through October 13 before shutting down for a long-planned modernization funded in part by a nearly $2 million grant.

<cite index="87-3,87-4,87-5,87-6">SFSU's Charles F. Hagar Planetarium in Thornton Hall will soon close temporarily for renovation. These are the last chances for the public to see its remarkable vintage star projector in action — and to witness the Milky Way as it appears far from city lights. Shows are free and open to the public.</cite> <cite index="87-7,87-8">Remaining shows include "A Few of My Favorite Things About the Hagar Planetarium" by Adrienne Cool on Friday, Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m.; another session of the same show on Monday, Oct. 12 at 6:30…

Upcoming Events

Friday, October 9

Hagar Planetarium: 'A Few of My Favorite Things' (Free Public Show)

📍 Charles F. Hagar Planetarium, Thornton Hall 422, SFSU, 1600 Holloway Ave. · 5:30 PM · Verify · SFSU CampusMemo

Saturday, October 10

Fleet Week: 1st Marine Division Brass Band at West Portal Patio

📍 West Portal Patio, 80 West Portal Ave. · 4:00 PM · Verify · NBC Bay Area

Saturday, October 10

Teen Workshop: College Essay Writing at West Portal Library

📍 West Portal Branch Library, 190 Lenox Way · 10:30 AM · Verify · San Francisco Public Library

Monday, October 12

Raising Cane's Stonestown Grand Opening

📍 Stonestown Galleria, 255 Winston Drive, San Francisco · 10:00 AM · Verify · KRON4

Tuesday, October 13

Hagar Planetarium: 'Undead Stars and Spooky Constellation Stories' (Free Public Show)

📍 Charles F. Hagar Planetarium, Thornton Hall 422, SFSU, 1600 Holloway Ave. · 1:00 PM · Verify · SFSU CampusMemo

More from the Community

All SF Public Libraries Closed October 12 for Indigenous Peoples' Day

<cite index="104-4,104-5">All San Francisco Public Libraries, including the West Portal Branch at 190 Lenox Way, will be closed Monday, October 12 for Indigenous Peoples' Day.</cite> The branch reopens Tuesday, October 13.

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