Flashback Friday: Herb Caen’s Take on “Frisco” (But Never, Ever ‘San Fran’)

Caen famously granted “permission” for folks to call it Frisco—but don’t get it twisted. “San Fran” was an absolute no-go in his book. He once wrote, “I’m sorry, but you can’t call it San Fran. You just can’t.” His love-hate relationship with Frisco went from outright disapproval to begrudging acceptance, as long as it was used with a little reverence and understanding of the city’s rich history.