We live in an area that has more than its share of luminaries. We're talking about our public figures, the recognized experts in their fields (from science to the arts), and the local notables that make the Bay Area what it is. SFGate has reached out to a number of these personalities, and we're very excited to have so many of them contributing to our Web site. They add to the diversity of local voices and opinion on our site and will deepen the connection that we have with our community.

We've told them to talk about whatever's on their mind... so enjoy, get enraged, and get engaged with what these voices have to say. And stay tuned as more continue to join along the way. These are our City Brights.

Alan Black

Alan Black

Writer / Bartender | Read Bio

Down the Yoga

Joani Blank

Joani Blank

Founder of Good Vibrations and Down There Press | Read Bio

Know Thy Neighbor

Ricardo Bustamante

Ricardo Bustamante

Ballet Master, SF Ballet | Read Bio

Almost There!

Will Durst

Will Durst

Political Comedian | Read Bio

Staycation Fun

Ken Goldberg

Ken Goldberg

Artist and Professor of Engineering | Read Bio

A Tale of Two Oppenheimers

Dean Karnazes

Dean Karnazes

Ultramarathoner Extraordinaire | Read Bio

A Bright Idea

Gloria Nieto

Gloria Nieto

Social justice activist looking for a job | Read Bio

We'll be back.

Ronn Owens

Ronn Owens

Bay Area Talk Show Host | Read Bio

Where Do We Go From Here?

Michelle Richmond

Michelle Richmond

Author / Booklover / Observer of Neighborhoods | Read Bio

Songs to Write By

Jo Schuman Silver

Jo Schuman Silver

Producer, Beach Blanket Babylon | Read Bio

Jo's Fast 5

Dave Stockdale

Dave Stockdale

Sustainability Honcho | Read Bio

BYO... BAG!

Ken White

Ken White

President, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA | Read Bio

Silly, Selfish Humans

Michael Yaki

Michael Yaki

Attorney & Political Consultant | Read Bio

The Wisdom of Sotomayor