I believe the “Thrive City” name is because of the “Thrive” slogan from the corporate sponsor (Kaiser Permanente).
This thread has kind of gone into a meandering path, so lets meander some more. Re: “the City” - FYI San Francisco is also sometimes referred to as “Dai Fow” in Cantonese (Big City).
When speaking locally, I usually say “in town” or “out of town” rather than any SF designation, and am understood. When we travel, I always say “San Francisco”, and most people ask what part we live in. I answer “the center”, and they are confused since so many Bay Area people will have also said that they live 'in San Francisco" since it’s a recognizable place as opposed to Pinole or Milpitas or Hillsborough,
And, yes, @emglow101, Monterey Bay is in a (superior) class of its own, not to be confused with that “other” bay.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, @damiano, where have you been and what have you sampled? Any new finds to share with us?
I’m saying the use of “the” is also a language device, a guttural language stop and an identifier. “The Richmond” distinguishes it from Richmond the city. “The Excelsior“ distinguishes it from Excelsior the street, etc. Likewise, “the 405” distinguishes it as a freeway, not an area code or address or a random number. Given the California accent to speak slowly and mush things together (duuuuuuuuuuuuude!), shortened phrases and casualness (it’s cas) it helps.
I grew up in Southern California, moved to NorCal where I have long roots. In both cases the use of “the” is an identifier.
Well there’s Gertrude Stein’s infamous saying about Oakland. But pointless to utter it.
In any case, Oakland’s development is similar to San Jose…big growth post war. Before that, Tribune tower and the old Emporium building (now Uber) were the biggest and tallest buildings…then development came.
I live in Oakland. My dad went to Lincoln school in the 30s. Long family history here.
Exactly the reason for preceding a location name with “the”. But IMHO, in NorCal surfer accent would definitely be considered an affectation rather than the norm.
It was deflating to see the Warriors leave. We still prefer A’s games to Giants or Dodgers for a number of practical reasons. Hope the A’s and Oakland can find a deal. I’m sure it’s not going to be the Colosseum. But fond memories there of selling burritos in the parking lot “Shakedown Street” during Dead shows when we couldn’t afford tickets to go in and still had the times of our lives.
Which has nothing really to do with Oakland in general and more to do with her specific childhood home. It’s a version of “you can’t go home again”.
Perhaps but there’s Santa Cruz. Once you smoke a big J, it’s all the same. 
On the Oakland/Berkeley border, an artist put up big metal signs reading HERE and THERE, with THERE being on the Oakland side, proving there is a THERE there.
Not true . Angry yuppie tech takeover from the silicon valley. Median price value. 1.25 million.
Nice!
Sand dabs (I think those are sand dabs) are a great vehicle for tartar sauce.
I love Tadich … really fresh fish, decent amount of food (not teeny portions) and just very authentic, real, not formal.
Great start! And?
I’ll see your brownies, and raise you a sacripantina cake (from Stella). It’s all good. 
“Layers of sponge drizzled some kind of heavenly liquore. filled and frosted with clouds of Marsala flavored zabaglione and creme whipped together.”
From the web.
Nearby Liguria Bakery known for their focaccia. If you’re lucky, grab some Bugia, fried dough with powdered sugar. (web pic) Addictive.
looks like a slice of heaven. For all the amazing food in SF and there’s a shitload Stella is the one must stop everytime, must bring a box back, must eat stuff there, take pictures at your own peril cuz the brownie or whatever will be gone before you put your phone away if you’re not fast. For my money a little stroll around chinatown and north beach with a lay down in the park is the move over any sit down joint. good luck getting to the top of coit tower!
