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Joshua Bote

Joshua Bote is a reporter focusing on the nexus of culture, trends, and digital phenomena within San Francisco.

Previously, he covered technology for The San Francisco Standard and SFGate. He’s also served as a trending news reporter at USA Today, and as a music writer at NPR. His work has been published in places like New York Magazine, Billboard, and Paste.

Man sues San Francisco arcade after losing $50 to ‘rigged’ claw machines

The Millbrae City Council candidate calls claw machines 'casinos for children' and claims arcades are 'developing the next generation of problem gamblers'

December 19, 2024

Happy almost-Carol Day, to all those who celebrate

It’s the most magical time of the year for fans of historical lesbian melodrama (and the women who love them)

December 19, 2024

We figured out why all those tourist shirts say San Francisco was ‘est. 1975’

A brief investigation of a great Fisherman’s Wharf mystery

December 17, 2024

This Saturday, Parol Lantern Festival will bring a taste of Filipino Christmas to Yerba Buena

The Philippines celebrate Christmas like no other nation

December 12, 2024

Online stores are selling out of Breloom plushies, the Pokémon in Luigi Mangione’s Twitter bio

The toy has been a 'middle-of-the-road' seller until now, one store owner told us

December 10, 2024

A brief history of Jim’s Guide, the guide to everything named Jim’s in ‘70s SF

One of the last remaining copies of the booklet is selling for hundreds of dollars, for any interested Jims out there

December 5, 2024

Sucka Flea Marketplace could be the antidote to what ails the former Westfield mall

A soft launch for the buzzy flea market’s first retail outpost is a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered shopping center

December 3, 2024

Grindr’s AI ‘wingman’ has privacy experts concerned

We tried the tool — made in partnership with SF-based AI firm Ex-human — and it’s pretty terrible

November 26, 2024

Dozens brave the rain for a weekday Zendaya lookalike contest in Oakland

Given that her ‘Dune’ costar showed up to his NYC tribute, we really hoped she would make a surprise hometown appearance

November 20, 2024