Today from Mission Local

Good afternoon!

Just a couple quick things:

A new documentary about the poet Alejandro Murguia, ‘Keeper of the Fire,’ is a history of Mission activism and culture, writes Liliana Michelana. Archival footage and interviews show the roots of the community’s “poetic resistance” over decades. The film premieres at the Brava Theater this Friday at 7PM.

And speaking of poetry, read Alice Finno‘s story about Daniel Melรฉndez and how he found work โ€”and a community of readersโ€”at Dog-Eared Books.

More soon,

Sara


Latest News

A man pointing at something.

S.F. poet Alejandro Murguรญa in new documentary

“Poetry in San Francisco is still alive.”

A person with curly hair stands in a bookstore, resting a hand on a display of books. Shelves filled with books and eclectic decor are visible in the background.

How Daniel Melรฉndez found community among the shelves of a Mission bookstore

“The bookstore has given me a job, friends, community โ€” a girlfriend one time, too.”


People walk and play near a blue arched art installation in a sunny urban plaza, surrounded by palm trees and red brick buildings, not far from nearby museums.

Whatโ€™s on now at San Francisco museums, January 2026

“Drawn to Venice” opens January 24 at the Legion of Honor museum


SNAP

An orange cat lies on the windowsill inside a green building, partially obscured by white curtains and closed blinds.
A kitty loaf
By Walter Mackins


Events

Today: Mike Rinta & the Swing Therapists at the Woodchopper’s Ball, Verdi Club, January 20, 9-11:30PM

Tomorrow: Basic Knife Skills, at 18 Reasons, January 21, 6-9PM


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Three people perform acrobatics and hula hoop in Dolores Park with a Mission Local website cartoon nearby; text promotes Mission Local as "forever free.

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Volunteer and author of the daily newsletter. I'm a writer whoโ€™s covered wars, politics, and religion. Iโ€™ve lived in the Mission for over 30 years, and have appreciated the work of Mission Local since it began.