Outside Lands San Francisco

How does one become a San Francisco baseball legend without winning championships? Nicole & Arnold tell the remarkable tale of Dante Benedetti, in this classic episode of Outside Lands.

Rebekah shares the sad story of Monarch the Bear, who spent much of his life in Golden Gate Park and his entire afterlife at the Academy of Sciences. You won't want to miss this episode that dispels stubborn myths, and reveals that the park once had a designated huntsman (that may or may not have looked like Gaston from Beauty and the Beast).

Nicole explains what she and WNP will be doing while on her sabbatical, and Rebekah talks about the community she's experienced in the neighborhoods recently. Plus, we're teleporting back in time to read articles from the news 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago the day this episode airs.

Nicole is joined by historian Richard Brandi and Melanie Bishop of the SF Survey team at San Francisco Planning to talk about preservation priorities in West Portal and beyond, and what we can do to protect the places we love with so much change on the horizon for the cultural landscape in San Francisco. To learn more, visit sfplanning.org/sfsurvey or message the SF Survey team at [email protected]

Mt. Davidson Manor includes a who's who list of San Francisco residential developers. The home building story starts with Fernando Nelson and development continues into the 1930s.

Inspired by Rae Alexandra's recently released book, Unsung Heroines, Drew and Nicole share the harrowing story of Mary Kelly, aka Lucretia Henkel. This relatively unknown powerhouse was an advocate for refugee rights after the 1906 earthquake and fire, and dedicated a grove in Golden Gate Park to war mothers that is now lost to time.

Nicole and Drew discuss the Big Art Loop - the reason you may have seen some new public art around Golden Gate Park and the waterfront - and how the way it is backed may affect other installations moving forward. And to round it out we jump back in time to read articles from the news 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago the day this episode airs.

Nicole and author Marta Lindsey discuss her new guide to Golden Gate Park, and spill the tea on rival recreation groups, her history boyfriend John McLaren, and their mutual love for this magical place that is bigger than Central Park. Plus, they enjoy authentic Golden Gate fortune cookies with Drew!

Nicole and Rebekah look back on the recent Spirits of San Francisco event at Slake Bottle Shop, and discuss what WNP book club is into right now, before we hop back in time to read some news from 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago on the day this episode airs.

In this classic episode of Outside Lands, Nicole welcomes Nancy Botkin - who tells us about the remarkable Bernice Rodgers. Bernice was a ground-breaking Rec and Park employee whose was later honored with street named after her in Golden Gate Park.

Nicole, Rebekah and Drew talk through recent efforts by the AASLH and others to resist censorship in historical scholarship and exhibitions, and what it means for WNP. Plus, jello shots come up again! And we breeze through news from 25, 50, 70 and 100 years ago on the day this episode airs.

Nicole and Drew take you to the northeast corner of the western neighborhoods to explore the long history of businesses at 2701 Lombard Street at Baker, which has been home to Phil's Electric Co. since the 1980s just outside the Presidio.

Nicole shares an exciting event coming up, and Rebekah talks about her recent work trip to Sweden, before the two jump into articles from this day 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Nicole and Drew introduce you to the women behind Auguste Rodin's sculpture of Miss Eve Fairfax on display at the Legion of Honor, from its mysterious subject to the inimitable women who gave her a home in San Francisco.

Rebekah reflects on her takeaways from Claude the Alligator’s recent funeral, and Nicole shares her excitement about a potential step into publishing. Together, they round out the episode by exploring local “On This Day” articles from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Nicole and Drew explore the important history of West Portal’s Empire Theater, reflecting on the role it played in the neighborhood and the generations it touched before closing its doors.

Nicole and Rebekah return for the first Short Stack of 2026! They catch up on their recent breaks, discuss the closure of California College for the Arts (CCA), and explore “On This Day” articles from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Elizabeth Larke Blodgett, mother and passionate supporter of returning Great War soldiers, took her doll house making hobby to incredible levels. One masterpiece miniature house has been featured at the Emporium downtown and at the Cliff House, Nicole and Michael are joined by a very special guest and Elizabeth's granddaughter, Janet Dyer in this classic episode rebroadcast.

To close out 2025, Nicole and Drew explore the history of the Partingtons, a family with a huge impact on San Francisco’s art scene.

Unlike today's SantaCon, Mabel Hawkin's Santa Claus Association does not involve scores of drunken Kris Kringles. Instead, the Association was a charity group that distributed thousands of gifts to San Francisco's children. This week, we’re rerunning this classic episode where Nicole and Michael provide the inspiring story behind this groundbreaking endeavor.

Nicole and Rebekah are back with another Short Stack, live at Tennessee Grill! Tune in as they chat about what brought them to this beloved neighborhood spot—and why they love it—before diving into “On This Day” stories from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Nicole and Rebekah explore the remarkable life of botanist Alice Eastwood and the lasting impact she left on the California Academy of Sciences and San Francisco.

Nicole and Rebekah return for another Short Stack to break down the big news about the Cliff House donation and revisit some moments from the recent WNP Family Dinner at Celia’s by the Beach.

Nicole and Rebekah return for another Short Stack! Nicole shares her thoughts and hopes for the preservation of the historic Mother’s Building — formerly part of Fleishhacker Pool — before the pair dive into “On This Day” articles from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Nicole and Drew explore how a few of Market Street’s iconic “Path of Gold” lamps found their way to Lands End, and uncover the fascinating history behind these glittering symbols of San Francisco’s past.

Attention was always lavished on US Presidents when they visited Downtown SF. But it was even more notable when they traveled to the West Side. Former WNP Board President, Arnold Woods, shared his research for an article he penned on presidential visits to the Outside Lands in this classic episode rebroadcast.

Nicole and Rebekah return with another Short Stack, as Nicole shares takeaways from her recent trip to Los Angeles and how it has shaped her opinion on the future of development in San Francisco. They also discuss their current reading picks — The Last Madame and Who Killed Jane Stanford — before exploring “on this day” stories from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Nicole and Drew uncover the fascinating tale of an 1890s treasure hunt at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach—a spectacle that gripped the city and sparked unexpected chaos. Join them as they explore the frenzy, the mystery, and the colorful characters drawn to the sand in search of fortune.

Nicole and Rebekah return from vacation with another Short Stack: Rebekah shares insights from her current read “Strangers in the Land,” Nicole talks about her plans for OpenSFHistory and what makes the program special, and together they explore fascinating “on this day” stories from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Nicole is joined by SF Chronicle’s Peter Hartlaub to dive into the delicious history of It’s-It Ice Cream sandwiches. From their origins at Playland at the Beach to the people who helped turn them into the Bay Area icon found on store shelves today, they trace the story of how a local treat became a beloved classic.

Nicole and Rebekah give a peek behind the scenes at WNP, sharing exciting new technical updates, Nicole’s appreciation for the volunteers who make it all possible, and her hopes for working together in the future. They also journey through San Francisco Examiner articles from this day 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Join Drew and Nicole as they dive into Nicole’s latest research rabbit hole, exploring the fascinating history of Golden Gate Park’s observatories, with a focus on the original Beach Chalet and the stories behind it.

Rebekah shares stories and curiosities from her night tabling at Cal Academy NightLife, Nicole discusses the closure of the CPB and what it means for communities, and together they dive into San Francisco headlines from on this day 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Originally recorded around the 50th anniversary of Playland’s closing, this episode revisits cherished memories from those who experienced it in their youth, as Nicole, Arnold, and some wonderful guests share their stories.

Rebekah dives into the summer slowdown, and Nicole shares some surprising discoveries about her home, before the two explore San Francisco Examiner headlines from July 26th, 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Nicole sits down with WNP Film Club partner Jason Moore of Bay Area Movies to discover their shared love for San Francisco, past and present. Hear about Jason’s Bay Area upbringing, the magic of neighborhood theaters, and why there’s still so much to appreciate about the city today.

Join Nicole and Rebekah for another Short Stack as they catch up on life lately and dive into San Francisco Examiner articles from this day 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago!

Join Nicole and Drew as they explore the history of the Surf Theater—a beloved Outer Sunset landmark once located at 46th and Irving—and the vibrant community and memorable figures who brought it to life.

Join Nicole and Rebekah for another Short Stack as they share what’s been catching their attention lately, what they’ve been working on, and take a trip through time with news articles from this day 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago!

In 1969, Chet Helms opened a new music venue called the Family Dog. Located in the building formerly known as the Ocean Beach Pavilion and later, Topsy's Roost, the Family Dog featured performances by bands that epitomized the late 60s/early 70s like the Jefferson Airplane, the Grateful Dead, Santana, and more.

Join Nicole and Rebekah for another Short Stack as they chat about what’s caught their attention lately and dig into San Francisco Examiner headlines from this day 25, 75, and 100 years ago.

Join Nicole and Drew as they explore the life and legacy of Carter the Great, the world-renowned magician who dazzled audiences around the globe—and always found his way back to San Francisco, where he made his home in Sea Cliff.

Nicole and Rebekah explore the vital role of digital repositories and the threats they face, discuss a bizarre new two-headed snake discovery, and look back at headline news from 25, 50, and 75 years ago.

Join Chelsea, Drew, and Nicole as they explore the nearly 100-year history of West Portal Elementary School and the stories that have shaped its legacy.

Nicole and Rebekah return with another Short Stack, chatting about what’s caught their interest, Nicole’s trip to the American Alliance of Museums Conference, and SF Examiner stories from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.

Nicole sits down with Nora Lalle—artist and publisher of Pamplemousse Magazine—and photographer Richard Sexton to discuss their exciting recent and upcoming collaborations, the creative inspirations behind their work, and their deep love for San Francisco.

Nicole and Rebekah return to the Richmond Banner collection from 1895 one last time in Short Stack #8, wrapping up this chapter as they get ready to explore new stories and sources ahead.

Join us for a rebroadcast of a classic episode on the western themed, Fun-Tier Town which was added to Playland at the Beach in 1960. It featured rides that were designed to be enjoyed by younger children. And for special occasions, there was a large room in a western motif, where parents could purchase a party package (food and favors) that could host 20 or more sugar-fueled screaming kids.

Join Nicole and Rebekah for another Short Stack episode as they dive into major shake-ups at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the California Digital Newspaper Collection (CDNC), exploring the challenges both now face. Plus, don’t miss a fascinating photo highlight from the OpenSFHistory collection!

Nicole sits down with Ava Roy, founder and artistic director of We Players, to dive into the inspiration behind their latest immersive production at Fort Point. They explore the origins of We Players, the creative process behind site-integrated theater, and how Fort Point’s unique history shapes the current show.