April 19th, 2026

From the desk of President Henry Karnilowicz

Greetings from the largest small business association in area in San Francisco, advocating for all our businesses, including for issues such as security, legislation, and marketing.


We invite you to explore our website archive to access all our past newsletters.


SOMA offers a wide variety of services, restaurants, and more. Whether you’re looking for a great place to eat, need motorcycle repairs, want to explore local art, print or copy documents, visit an optometrist, enjoy a night out at a club, or even try an assisted stretch — you’ll find it all in our Member Directory.


We encourage all to share this newsletter with friends and associates. Help us spread the word!

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Jane Kim - Candidate for Insurance Commissioner
  • SOMA Nights
  • Supervisor Matt Dorsey - Campaign Kickoff
  • Little Raven Gallery - Contemporary Arts Exhibition
  • Grand Opening for Erik's Delicafé
  • SOMBA Board Meeting

Jane Kim -

Candidate for Insurance Commissioner


Date: Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Where: BuzzWorks

Location: 365 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103


As part of Jane Kim’s “Covering California” tour, the campaign will make a stop in her hometown of San Francisco to hear directly from community members about their experiences navigating insurance coverage and filing claims.


Community members are invited to join the conversation and share their perspectives!


Attendees are also encouraged to connect in a more casual setting over a beer, or ginger beer, with Jane Kim, candidate for California Insurance Commissioner. At a time when many small businesses and homeowners are being priced out of the insurance market or dropped from coverage altogether, her campaign is focused on addressing these challenges.


During her tenure as a San Francisco Supervisor, Kim led the creation of the nation’s first modern tuition-free community college program, authored the $15 minimum wage, and advanced record levels of affordable housing development. As Insurance Commissioner, she aims to hold insurance companies accountable and ensure that coverage remains accessible and affordable for homeowners and small businesses.



If elected, Kim would become the first woman and first Asian American to serve as California’s Insurance Commissioner. Her campaign has earned endorsements from prominent leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders, Dolores Huerta, Controller Malia Cohen, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, among others.

SOMA Nights '26 Kick Off Party!


Date: Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Time: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Where: SOMA

Location: 1145 Folsom Street, San Francisco 94103


BIG SOMA is in motion as the SOMA Nights season officially kicks off with its Opening Party. This year begins on a high note with the music collective Mostly Cloudy leading the way.


As part of the 2026 SOMA Nights Market launch, the neighborhood will come alive with a vibrant block party designed to draw “SOMAsapiens” from every corner of the city. The event celebrates the energy and creativity that define one of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods.


Attendees are encouraged to come out and support the local businesses that make SOMA a uniquely San Franciscan community.


The evening will feature a dynamic mix of music, art, makers, pole performances, and even a puppy flautist. Building on last year’s explosive finale, the Feral Chaos Night Market returns bigger, bolder, and more electrifying than ever.


Little Raven Gallery -

Camp Fluff Contemporary Arts Exhibition

Date: Sunday, April 26th, 2026

Time: 6:00 pm

Where: Little Raven Gallery

Location: 1015 Howard Street, San Francisco


All are invited to attend a dynamic art exhibition at Little Raven Gallery, bringing together San Francisco’s creative community alongside a curated mix of local and international artists. The event will feature works spanning painting, sculpture, and mixed media, offering attendees the opportunity to discover new talent, connect with fellow creatives, and experience the vibrant artistic energy of San Francisco.


VIP ticket holders will enjoy bottomless wine, a guided art tour, and an exclusive introduction to the featured artists, along with the opportunity to meet founder Angela Afifi.


Presented by Camp Fluff in collaboration with Little Raven Gallery, the exhibition highlights a thoughtfully curated selection of emerging and established artists from the Bay Area and beyond. Camp Fluff is known for blending fine art, music, and community into immersive cultural experiences, with each edition designed to elevate artists by providing meaningful visibility and a platform that celebrates creativity in all its forms.


Click button below to reserve your ticket today:

VIP tickets - $25

General -$9

Supervisor Matt Dorsey - Campaign Kickoff

SOMBA invites you to Supervisor Matt Dorsey's Campaign Kickoff!


Date: Monday, April 27th, 2026

Time: 5:00 pm

Where: Underdogs Cantina

Location: 128 King Street, San Francisco 94107


Supervisor Matt Dorsey's work has always been about showing up, being honest about the challenges we face, and staying focused on what it takes to deliver real results for San Francisco. He has made important progress, but there’s more to go, and he's ready to keep at it.


Join Supervisor Matt Dorsey at Underdogs Cantina to get this next chapter started! Whether you’ve been with him from the beginning or are just getting involved, all are welcome to come by, say hello, and be part of the campaign.


Save your spot by clicking the button below:

TJPA CELEBRATES ERIK’S DELICAFÉ GRAND OPENING AT SALESFORCE TRANSIT CENTER

The Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA), owner and operator of the Salesforce Transit Center, celebrated the grand opening of Erik’s DeliCafé, its first San Francisco location, with a ribbon-cutting alongside Mayor Daniel Lurie and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. Located in the heart of downtown, the new quick-service restaurant brings Erik’s signature soups, salads, sandwiches, and full-service catering to one of the city’s busiest commuter hubs. TJPA Chief of Staff Nila Gonzales noted the addition enhances the Transit Center’s growing mix of dining options, further establishing it as a destination for transit, open space, and food. City leaders echoed the significance of the opening as a sign of continued momentum in downtown San Francisco, contributing to neighborhood revitalization, economic activity, and community connection.

Marking its 29th Northern California location, Erik’s DeliCafé continues its regional expansion with a focus on serving downtown professionals, local businesses, and residents. The 971-square-foot space at 425 Mission Street offers dine-in, pickup, delivery, online ordering, and office catering, with special grand opening promotions including incentives for local businesses. CEO Brian Johnson emphasized the brand’s commitment to quality ingredients, made-from-scratch recipes, and genuine hospitality, values that have sustained its loyal following for over 50 years. Now joining a diverse mix of retail and wellness tenants at the Transit Center, Erik’s arrival further strengthens the center’s role as a vibrant hub for work, dining, and daily life in San Francisco.


Check out their website, by clicking the button below!

SOMBA BOARD MEETING

The board recently convened a meeting with both board members and small business owners from SOMA to discuss key neighborhood priorities. Topics included:

  • Police staffing levels
  • Improved street lighting
  • Grant opportunities
  • Folsom Streetscape Project
  • Ongoing concern regarding the over-concentration of supportive housing in the area.


Regarding public safety, the board will be sending formal communications to the Chief of Police and the Police Commission to advocate for increased staffing in SOMA.


To address lighting, efforts will focus on identifying and securing funding, through the City and other potential sources, to support the installation of additional street lighting.


In pursuit of neighborhood improvements, the board will engage with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), as well as private companies and organizations, to explore grant opportunities.


Additionally, outreach will be made to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to request an update on the Folsom Streetscape Project, including its current status and anticipated timeline for completion.

South of Market Business Association


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