Currently, drivers collect about 15,000 gallons of fat and oil each month from 350 restaurants, including Enrico's, a mainstay in the Italian-themed North Beach neighborhood.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on May 20, 2008.

The architect's rendering of a remodeled North Beach Pagoda Theater is lovely. Modern, clean and ecological, the structure would include a restaurant, 20 housing units and underground parking.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 20, 2008.

A century ago, Engine Company No. 31 opened at the top of Russian Hill as San Francisco struggled to rebuild out of the rubble from the 1906 earthquake and fire.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 19, 2008.

All contest entrants will receive free tickets to the Aquarium of the Bay, organizers said.

Published by CBS News (Channel 5) on May 11, 2008.

A fire at a four-story house in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood early Wednesday morning caused extensive damage to the property and contents, a fire spokeswoman said Friday.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on May 10, 2008.

The best show in town was playing at Pier 27, all for free. It had something to do with the dead whale that had come to be lodged beneath the pier along the Embarcadero in San Francisco. Dozens of people came by to see what the fuss over a dead whale was all about.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 10, 2008.

Crews harnessed the rotting whale and used a boat to pull the body out to sea. Officials said the dead whale, discovered Thursday lodged between the pilings under Pier 27, was about 25 to 30 feet long.

Published by CBS News (Channel 5) on May 9, 2008.

Port officials in San Francisco puzzled over a large, foul-smelling dilemma Thursday night as authorities tried to figure out how to remove a 25-to-30 foot dead whale carcass that somehow became lodged underneath Pier 27 along the Embarcadero at the foot of Battery Street.

Published by KTVU News (Channel 2) on May 9, 2008.

The body of a dead whale was discovered Thursday lodged beneath Pier 27 along the San Francisco waterfront, the Coast Guard said.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 9, 2008.

Marine biologists are being called in to help the United States Coast Guard deal with a whale carcass that is stuck under a San Francisco pier.A fisherman spotted the whale under Pier 27 Thursday.

Published by NBC News (Channel 11) on May 9, 2008.

Authorities will try to make a decision on Friday about what to do with a 30-foot long whale carcass that washed-up near a tourist hot-spot in San Francisco. The animal's body is wedged underneath Pier 27 along the Embarcadero, just south of Fisherman's Wharf.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on May 9, 2008.

An estimated 25 to 30 foot carcass floats in between the pilings. It's been the topic of the day at the adjacent Pier 23 Restaurant.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on May 9, 2008.

The body of a dead whale was discovered today lodged beneath Pier 27 along the San Francisco waterfront, the Coast Guard said.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 9, 2008.

The body of a dead whale was discovered Thursday lodged beneath Pier 27 along the San Francisco waterfront, the Coast Guard said.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 9, 2008.

The body of a dead whale was discovered today lodged beneath Pier 27 along the San Francisco waterfront, the Coast Guard said.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 9, 2008.

A dead whale was discovered Thursday afternoon wedged underneath the southwest side of San Francisco's Pier 27.

Published by CBS News (Channel 5) on May 8, 2008.

When it comes to entrees, all the classics are featured - try the chicken Parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, or pork chops topped with peppers and onions. Dessert might include a towering slice of tiramisu, pistachio panna cotta or cheesecake. (415) 989-7800. Dinner 5:30-11 p.m. Sun.-Wed., until midnight Thurs.-Sat., brunch 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. weekends.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 7, 2008.

When it comes to entrees, all the classics are featured - try the chicken Parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, or pork chops topped with peppers and onions. Dessert might include a towering slice of tiramisu, pistachio panna cotta or cheesecake. (415) 989-7800. Dinner 5:30-11 p.m. Sun.-Wed., until midnight Thurs.-Sat., brunch 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. weekends.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 6, 2008.

If San Francisco planners have their way, a whole new neighborhood will grow up - literally - south of the traditional Financial District.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on May 2, 2008.

Fourth and fifth graders at John Yehall Chin Elementary School were expecting their normal band practice Wednesday afternoon, but instead they were greeted by nine new instruments wrapped in big bows.

Published by KTVU News (Channel 2) on May 1, 2008.

It was a quick rise and fall for Nua, the sleek wine bar and Mediterranean restaurant in North Beach (550 Green St., at Jasper Alley) that earned high marks when it opened in the former New Pisa location June 2006. Now, according to the building's landlord, Gigi Fiorucci, the restaurant has closed.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 30, 2008.

Of the many films making their North American and world premieres at this year's 51st annual San Francisco International Film Festival, one music documentary has particularly close ties to The City. 'Cachao: Uno Mas' was originally envisioned as a concert film of a 2005 performance by legendary Cuban bass player Israel "Cachao" Lopez with actor and longtime champion Andy Garcia and the group, The Cineson All-Stars, at Bimbo's 365 Club in North Beach.

Published by KTVU News (Channel 2) on April 29, 2008.

Of the many films making their North American and world premieres at this year's 51st annual San Francisco International Film Festival, one music documentary has particularly close ties to The City. 'Cachao: Uno Mas' was originally envisioned as a concert film of a 2005 performance by legendary Cuban bass player Israel "Cachao" Lopez with actor and longtime champion Andy Garcia and the group, The Cineson All-Stars, at Bimbo's 365 Club in North Beach.

Published by KTVU News (Channel 2) on April 29, 2008.

It was a quick rise and fall for Nua, the sleek wine bar and Mediterranean restaurant in North Beach (550 Green St., at Jasper Alley) that earned high marks when it opened in the former New Pisa location June 2006. Now, according to the building's landlord, Gigi Fiorucci, the restaurant has closed.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 29, 2008.

Receipts with added fees are what the gripes are all about. Can you figure out some of the hidden charges? "It looks like a hidden fee or even a second tax and that can rub people the wrong way," said Joe Rideout from Consumer Action. Now, the cards are gone and a disclaimer has been added to the menu instead. Over at Houston's, patrons were generally unaware of the charge, because it was only listed on the receipt. "It is not upfront," said one patron. Now Houston's has made some changes as well.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on April 29, 2008.

A third-generation San Franciscan and a graduate of Galileo High School, Mr. Blumlein worked in the family grocery business as a young man. His father was the proprietor of Embee markets, a small chain with stores in San Francisco's Russian Hill and Laurel Village neighborhoods and in Corte Madera.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 27, 2008.

A third-generation San Franciscan and a graduate of Galileo High School, Mr. Blumlein worked in the family grocery business as a young man. His father was the proprietor of Embee markets, a small chain with stores in San Francisco's Russian Hill and Laurel Village neighborhoods and in Corte Madera.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 27, 2008.

Of all the commodities in San Francisco's Chinatown, here is one that most of us are not likely to buy.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on April 24, 2008.

The Chronicle says Jennifer Siebel has moved into Newsom's penthouse in the city's Russian Hill and registered to vote. She was previously registered as a Republican but her Independent status wouldn't allow her to vote in the primary presidential election for a Democratic or Republican candidate, which included Newsom's choice of Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Published by CBS News (Channel 5) on April 23, 2008.

In San Francisco's North Beach, in a former basketball court inside the shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi, a new building, with roots 800 years in the past, is taking shape.

Published by NBC News (Channel 11) on April 23, 2008.

La Trappe is already finding a place among the similarly quirky spots that define North Beach.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 23, 2008.

La Trappe is already finding a place among the similarly quirky spots that define North Beach.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 22, 2008.

"Couples Travel and Learn Together" included an overnight stay at the Four Points Sheraton in Pleasanton, where couples from Chinatown took marriage workshops.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 19, 2008.

"Couples Travel and Learn Together" included an overnight stay at the Four Points Sheraton in Pleasanton, where couples from Chinatown took marriage workshops. It also included $250 in Target gift cards.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 19, 2008.

The San Francisco Giants have dumped him. Now the city's Wax Museum of Fisherman's Wharf is demoting him.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on April 18, 2008.

he San Francisco Giants have dumped him. Now the city's Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf is demoting him. Barry Bonds has lost his prime spot in the lobby of the popular museum of wax replicas.

Published by NBC News (Channel 11) on April 18, 2008.

Spring means getting outside and enjoying the blooming foliage, but for Orville and Karen Magoon of San Francisco, a good walk is spoiled when they venture near Bay and Mason streets.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 15, 2008.

Bad plot in North Beach: Spring means getting outside and enjoying the blooming foliage, but for Orville and Karen Magoon of San Francisco, a good walk is spoiled when they venture near Bay and Mason streets.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 15, 2008.

Police investigating eight robberies of Chinese women in Chinatown between March 11 and Thursday arrested city resident Jimmy Situ, 33, the Police Department reported. Situ allegedly approached the women in eight separate incidents and tore off their gold or jade necklaces before fleeing, police said.

Published by San Francisco Crime blog on April 14, 2008.

"I really love it when it gets like this," Watt said, as Stinson, named after the beach to the north, panted and shook salt water from his coat. "We were in North Beach last night and it was packed. Not just the tourist crowd that you expect, but people who live here."

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 14, 2008.

Police investigating eight robberies of Chinese women in Chinatown between March 11 and Thursday arrested city resident Jimmy Situ, 33, the Police Department reported.

Published by CBS News (Channel 5) on April 14, 2008.

Police investigating eight robberies of Chinese women in Chinatown between March 11 and Thursday arrested city resident Jimmy Situ, 33, the Police Department reported.

Published by CBS News (Channel 5) on April 14, 2008.

For almost 75 years, Coit Tower has loomed regally over much of San Francisco. Its views are magnificent, even from ground level. But in recent years, thick foliage in the park surrounding the tower has increasingly obscured those views.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 13, 2008.

For almost 75 years, Coit Tower has loomed regally over much of San Francisco. Its views are magnificent, even from ground level. But in recent years, thick foliage in the park surrounding the tower has increasingly obscured those views.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on April 12, 2008.

At 5 a.m. Thursday morning, a man was stabbed in the left arm on the unit block of Battery Street, in the Financial District. He was taken to SFGH in stable condition.

Published by San Francisco Crime blog on April 12, 2008.

"We're very proud to welcome the Olympic torch," said Rose Pak, a Chinatown community organizer and consultant for the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce.

Published by CBS News (Channel 5) on April 4, 2008.

Approximately 80 torch bearers will carry the torch from AT&T Park, then down the Embarcadero to Fisherman's Wharf, and back up Bay Street to the Embarcadero where the route ends in front of the Ferry Building for a concluding ceremony at Justin Herman Plaza.

Published by CBS News (Channel 5) on April 3, 2008.

Approximately 80 torch bearers will carry the torch from AT&T Park, then down the Embarcadero to Fisherman's Wharf, and back up Bay Street to the Embarcadero where the route ends in front of the Ferry Building for a concluding ceremony at Justin Herman Plaza.

Published by CBS News (Channel 5) on April 3, 2008.

Approximately 80 torch bearers will carry the torch from AT&T Park, then down the Embarcadero to Fisherman's Wharf, and back up Bay Street to the Embarcadero where the route ends in front of the Ferry Building for a concluding ceremony at Justin Herman Plaza.

Published by CBS News (Channel 5) on April 3, 2008.

The torch relay will begin at 1:00 p.m. next Wednesday, April 9th, near the Giants' ballpark at McCovey Cove. It will travel up the Embarcadero then along Jefferson and Hyde, passing Fisherman's Wharf before circling back along the Embarcadero.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on April 2, 2008.