We love our members!

It’s time to renew your membership or join SOMBA.

SOMBA works tirelessly to support and advocate for our community, but this impact is only possible because of our dedicated members, community leaders, small business owners, and supporters alike. Simply put, SOMBA exists because of you.

You can renew your membership or join today by visiting our website and clicking the button below.

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Where: San Francisco Main Library - Koret Auditorium

Location: 100 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102

We invite all small business owners to attend this important Public Safety and Security Summit, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet district police captains and connect with fellow business owners to discuss security-related issues affecting our communities.

This citywide working session will bring together small business owners, merchant associations, Community Benefit Districts, SFPD leadership and district captains, along with key city partners to address public safety challenges impacting San Francisco’s neighborhood commercial corridors.

The morning program will include:

• Opening remarks from SFPD and city leadership (speakers to be announced)
• An SFPD presentation on public safety technology and the Real Time Investigation Center (RTIC)
• A moderated Q&A session
• District-based breakout discussions led by SFPD station captains

This is a hands-on working session designed to foster candid dialogue, collaboration, and practical problem-solving. Additional details, confirmed speakers, and registration information will be shared closer to the event.

Please mark your calendars, we look forward to seeing you there. And please help spread the word by sharing this invitation with your small business community.

Is there a future for the 6th Street corridor?

We sincerely appreciate the ongoing efforts under the leadership of Mayor Lurie with SFPD, DPW, and Urban Alchemy addressing conditions on 6th Street and surrounding areas. We recognize the continued work to relocate unhoused individuals from this corridor. Many of those affected face addiction and mental health challenges, and we acknowledge the complexity of these circumstances. We believe lasting solutions require access to safe housing combined with appropriate treatment and recovery services.

At this time, however, our most urgent concern is not the unhoused population, but the unpermitted vendors who persistently occupy the sidewalk at the corner of 6th and Mission Street, just feet from the entrance of Miss Saigon restaurant. These individuals are reportedly selling items including food intended for distribution through food banks, as well as cigarettes and other illicit goods. Despite repeated requests and formal complaints, this activity continues. The prolonged obstruction of the sidewalk is unacceptable, particularly given the apparent violations of existing laws and the lack of consistent enforcement or consequences.

Additionally, late-night hours particularly around midnight, the intersection of 6th and Market Streets transforms into an open drug market, with drug dealing and gambling occurring openly and without apparent deterrence.

It is deeply concerning that these conditions show little sign of sustained improvement. They continue to place a significant burden on legitimate, law-abiding businesses that are striving to operate responsibly and serve the community.

We have reached a critical point and are increasingly discouraged about whether meaningful, lasting change will occur in this area without stronger, more consistent intervention.

Update...

This project has been underway for approximately ten years, during which many small businesses have suffered significant financial losses without compensation. These impacts are the result of prolonged construction conditions, including the elimination of parking, construction containers occupying curb space, and sidewalks that have remained partially inaccessible for extended periods.

At long last, the Folsom Streetscape Project appears to be more than halfway complete and is reportedly on track to reach substantial completion by October 2026. To date, crews have completed major upgrades to the century-old sewer system, along with electrical improvements for traffic signals and new street lighting. Work is now advancing on water main installation, with sidewalk and corner enhancements scheduled to follow.

We look forward to the project’s completion, as it has the potential to significantly improve the experience for customers and support the revitalization of local businesses along the corridor.

Looking ahead, one improvement that could greatly benefit Folsom Street is converting it to a two-way street, similar to successful conversions in parts of the Tenderloin. A two-way configuration would slow traffic, enhance safety, and create a more welcoming and accessible commercial environment. While this change has been described as infeasible, it is important to note that approximately two blocks of Folsom Street near the Bay already function as a two-way street, demonstrating that such a configuration is achievable.

While 6th Street is often described as SOMA’s primary commercial corridor, it is increasingly uncertain whether it can realistically fulfill that role. In contrast, a two-way Folsom Street would be well-positioned to serve as a stronger, safer, and more viable commercial corridor for SOMA.

​Calling all Bay Area Podcasters...

Date: Thursday, January 8th

Time: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Where: Trellis Coworking, Events, Cafe & Bar

Location: 981 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103



Trellis is hosting its first podcast networking night, a chance for creators, audio pros, and beginners alike to finally connect in person. The evening will feature a social hour, a podcasting speed meet, breakout discussions with industry leaders, a studio open house, and more. Breakout sessions will be led by Mimi Xu (Patreon), Justin Molineaux (Cue.ai), Charles Loi (Emmy-winning director and producer), and Indy Rishi Singh (Political Hope Podcast).

Each ticket includes one drink, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Reserve your ticket today by clicking the button below!

Date: Monday, January 12th

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Excelsior Branch Library

Location: 4400 Mission St., San Francisco, CA 94112

A practical workshop for existing food, product and retail businesses. Learn how to determine a profitable pricing model, manage rising costs, and plan for a financially stronger 2026.

Facilitator: Tiffany Lach

Tiffany Lach brings more than 35 years of experience as an executive, advisor, and coach, with deep expertise in operations, community-centered development, and leadership growth across food, retail, and events organizations. An award-winning entrepreneur and employer, she is dedicated to helping leaders build profitable, sustainable organizations that create lasting impact and long-term success.

Date: Saturday, January 17th

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Where: The SoMa Industrial Property

Location: 21 Brush Pl., San Francisco, CA 94103

Come join SOMA West for a fun and interactive Beginners Self-Defense Class where you'll learn essential ideas and techniques to protect yourself, led by experienced safety instructors from Castro Community On Patrol and Community Patrol Service. Learn simple, yet essential techniques to protect yourself in various situations.  

Get tickets by clicking the button below: