Sonia Faleiro Reporter, Writer

What are you up to these days? I’m working on a new book about generational poverty in India, writing bits and pieces for The New York Times, walking my Jack Russell, Zoey, and since I’m a newly minted vegetarian, learning to cook without meat.

Where would you have your last meal on earth? I’d pack a picnic with sushi from Saru Sushi Bar and head to Tilden Park in Berkeley. 

Where do you get your local gossip? From our neighborhood paper The Noe Valley Voice and from the blog, Noe Valley SF. 

Why do you love your neighborhood? It’s full of dog people and baby people, and who doesn’t love dogs and babies? I’m also a fan of Philz Coffee, where I spend my mornings writing.

Where's your secret spot? I go to Billy Goat Hill Park with Zoey, for the quiet and the views. While she’s chasing her ball like it’s the last ball on Earth, I catch up on episodes of This American Life on my iPod.

What's your favorite SF institution? I love driving across the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s such an iconic landmark, crossing it makes me realize how lucky I am to live in San Francisco. The city’s open embrace of different kinds of people and ways of life exemplifies what’s best about America.

What would you change about SF? Our drivers: I wish they were kinder to pedestrians!