Love is in the air thanks to Valentine’s Day and the return of the Nob Hill Gazette’s annual Most Eligible List. To assemble the class of 2026, we opened nominations to the public for the second year in a row. This year’s group is a multi-age mix of movers and shakers in search of The One. These singles aren’t just well connected — they’re intentional. They already live whole lives and are looking for partners who enrich and enhance their experience.
Eligible now means someone who knows who they are — and what they want — without needing to announce it. Another common denominator? Being active and embracing everything that Northern California has to offer, from Napa’s wineries to Tahoe’s mountains. “Emotional intelligence,” a phrase that didn’t exist when we started listing the City’s most eligible 31 years ago, surfaced again and again, signaling a shift from status to substance. There’s more interest in conversation, connection, community and chemistry.
To make the list easy to read and fun, I’ve styled it like my favorite dating app, Hinge — no swiping necessary. If you’re single and one of these people catches your eye, please reach out. These singles want to build something lasting and are done with browsing. The 19 following people are curious, present and deeply engaged with the city they call home. They’re proof that romance in San Francisco hasn’t disappeared — it’s matured.
Dan Bernal
55, UCSF Vice Chancellor for Community and Government Relations, Castro
My simple pleasures are … live music, cycling and snowboarding, plus great food and travel. I like being active, exploring new places and spending time with friends and chosen family.
You’d never know it, but I … spent 22 years as chief of staff in San Francisco for Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.
I want someone who is … a guy who is smart, kind, emotionally secure and grounded — who enjoys good conversation and can laugh at life (and themselves).
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – February 13 – Lily Bowles Leo attends Grace Cathedral Carnivale, The Elements of Grace 2024 on February 13th 2024 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, CA (Photo – Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography)
Drew Altizer Photography
Lily Bowles Leo
40, Science Writer and Consultant, Presidio Heights
My simple pleasures are … live music, painting, drawing and crocheting. I’m an excellent cook.
I could stay up all night talking about … neural plasticity and integrating the hemispheres of the nonscience and science worlds. I excel at explaining complex neuroscience in a way that feels intuitive.
You’d never know it, but I … come from a long line of San Francisco philanthropists, and I carry it on with pride.
I want someone who is … a gentleman. Someone smart, kind and quick-witted. Manners and chivalry are important to me. Versatility is key: My ideal partner is as comfortable at a dive bar as he is at a cotillion. Impeccable taste in music is nonnegotiable.
Hayley Byrnes
44, Sports Producer, Marin County
My simple pleasures are … the sun and beach. I love kicking back watching sports, live or at a bar/home. Cozy dinners. I enjoy cooking and working out (and a dose of tequila when the mood takes me).
I could stay up all night talking about … The Beatles. I’m a connoisseur.
All I ask is that you … respect my time. I’ve got a sweet daughter who keeps life fun.
I want someone who is … emotionally intelligent and has good self-esteem.
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Haley Donovan
37, Project Manager, Inner Sunset
My simple pleasures are … writing, hiking, running, exploring new cafes, restaurants and bars; supporting the local performing arts scene; and event planning.
You’d never know it, but I … love the creative arts and am happiest writing in a cafe, performing onstage, developing new nonfiction and comedy material or photographing around the City.
A date with me looks like … 1) happy hour drinks followed by a show at Mr. Tipple’s; 2) coffee and a walk along the Great Highway; 3) an evening at Mission Bowling Club; 4) a magic show at Magic Patio and a drink at Royal Cuckoo afterwards; 5) getting takeout and driving to the waterfront park near San Francisco International Airport to watch airplanes take off and land.
I want someone who is … a combination of notably kind and endlessly curious, with a playful or adventurous streak, to help keep levity infused into everyday life. It’s important to me that my partner treats others with respect, shows up for the people they care about and keeps an open mind in the face of conflict.
Liza Gershman
49, Photographer, Healdsburg
My simple pleasures are … photography, design, food culture, skiing, sailing, antiquing, hiking, wandering farmers markets and lingering in grand hotel lobbies as if they’re galleries.
You’d never know it, but … I’ve just finished writing and photographing my 20th book and am looking forward to a season of exploration to ignite whatever comes next. I’ve been to 55 countries and 47 states so far, with Alaska, Nebraska and North Dakota still calling, and have visited six of the seven Wonders of the World.
A date with me looks like … a walk somewhere beautiful, a great meal or glass of wine and a conversation that wanders in the best way. I may insist you try the best tomato toast I’ve ever had in a tiny spot in Geyserville.
I want someone who is … a grounded man with warmth, emotional intelligence and a genuine appetite for life. Someone steady, self-aware and kind, with a playful edge and good manners. He communicates clearly, follows through and can hold both depth and lightness.
Alexandra Haas
40, Licensed Therapist, Noe Valley
My simple pleasures are … live music, comedy, musical theater, park days, themed parties, reading, yoga and puzzles.
I’m in my element when … I’m learning something new.
A date with me looks like … drinks first and then live music or a show of some kind.
I want someone who … has hair and a skater or punk rock style and is taller than me, maybe 5’7” and above. Who makes me laugh, is intelligent, and is ambitious. Secure attachment style. Not dependent on substances. Has friends and interests.
Lawrence Helman
My simple pleasures are … travel, theater, opera, fitness and swimming.
I could stay up all night talking about … documentary films. I was a producer on several, including Sex Is … (1993 with Marc Huestis) and That Man Peter Berlin (2005 with Jim Tushinski).
I go crazy for … brains, beauty and bucks!
A date with me looks like … dinner, theatre and …
Jeff Hill
40, Private Wealth Advisor, Marina
My simple pleasures are … Tahoe boating in the summer and skiing in the winter, early morning classes at Barry’s, golfing at The Olympic Club, Napa weekends, exploring San Francisco’s restaurant scene, live music or a comedy show, traveling when possible, cheering on the Bay Area teams and spending time with my nieces.
I want someone who is … driven but down to earth, outgoing, active and emotionally available. Someone whose values align with mine, who’s built a full life of their own, and who would be genuinely fun to do life with, both day to day and in the bigger moments.
You’d never know it, but I … love being a member of The Guardsmen. It keeps me active in the community.
A date with me looks like … a walk around the Palace of Fine Arts, cheering on our favorite team or a leisurely dinner in Jackson Square, followed by a nightcap at The Battery or Left Door.
Patrick Kochyan
37, High School Dean, Haight-Ashbury
My simple pleasures are … watching sports, playing golf and tennis, exploring neighborhoods for artwork, restaurants and wine bars.
I could stay up all night talking about … music — singing and conducting in choir, going to concerts, symphony, opera.
I want someone who is … kind, funny and caring, who feels at home both in the community and abroad.
A date with me looks like … the Nopa chef counter — it’s poetry in motion in the kitchen there!
Photoworks SF
Andrew Kyroudis
29, UX Designer, Nob Hill
My simple pleasures are … hiking around the Bay Area, cooking an elaborate homemade meal and laughing. I have a very dry sense of humor.
Unusual skills … figuring out ways to outsmart San Francisco meter maids.
A date with me looks like … a sunset walk in Golden Gate Park and then dinner in the Sunset or Richmond if we don’t hate each other.
I want someone who is … respectful, open, into exploration, connection and good jokes.
Monroe Lace
My simple pleasures are … rock climbing and checking out museum exhibitions.
You’d never know it, but I … became Miss San Francisco in 2023 and was the first transgender woman to earn a title in Miss California’s 99-year history.
A date with me looks like … an Italian dinner, a walk along the Marina Green and a long conversation on a rooftop until the fog rolls in.
I want someone who is … a nice man whom I can bring to school and introduce to my students (and whom my students would approve of).
Jack O’Toole
40, Hospitality Owner, North Beach
My simple pleasures are … reading, spending time with friends and family and being the proud human to my constant canine companion Eamon, who rarely leaves my side.
My greatest strength … I’m known for my warm leadership style and deep community ties. I champion collaboration with local organizations, charities and small businesses.
I bet you can’t … beat me at pool. I can be a pool shark and have been known to run the table when the opportunity arises.
I want someone who … enjoys good food, good drink and genuine connection.
Sienna Peck
28, Executive Producer of Festival Napa Valley, Pacific Heights
My simple pleasures are … yoga, live music, wine and food.
You’d never know it, but I … am a violinist reshaping how classical music is experienced. My recording and performance credits span 30+ albums, major artists, global campaigns and the Oscar-eligible documentary Common Ground.
A date with me looks like … dinner and a concert.
I want someone who is … Smart, appreciates the arts, loves food and wine.
Apple Photos Clean Up
Stacey Ramirez
60, Executive Director of a Nonprofit,
My simple pleasures are … reading novels in Spanish, taking long walks and going to museums, the opera and the ballet.
You’d never know it, but I … grew up all across the United States. I have lived in the Northeast, the Southeast, the Midwest and the West.
We’ll get along if … you love traveling to historic sites and following the Neolithic Trail, such as in Brittany, France and the Orkney Islands in Scotland.
I want someone who is … kind, compassionate and curious about the world. Someone honest, who leans toward optimism and likes a good laugh.
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Charles Rashall
66, President and Founder, Napa
My simple pleasures are … biking, cooking, creating, designing, entertaining, exercising, helping, photographing, skiing, swimming, traveling and training.
You’d never know it, but … I once took a three-year sabbatical, traveling to Paris for cooking school, spending a winter in Aspen and taking a pan-Pacific journey.
I’m in my element when … I’m playing the drums. I recently joined a newly formed band.
I want someone who is … a woman with shared values. Key traits of my ideal partner: confident, grounded, positive, warm, active, curious, thoughtful, sense of humor, smart, optimistic and adventurous.
Georgeann Shoptaw
38, Senior Director of Sales Development, North Beach
My simple pleasures are … being outside, Wine Country weekends, snowboarding in Tahoe, hanging out with friends and family and watching local sports teams.
It’s not a vacation unless … I’m exploring exciting worlds, both near and far. I also value finding time to explore new restaurants and stroll through new neighborhoods. These experiences shape me and help me appreciate creativity, connection and good conversations — preferably over a glass of wine!
A date with me looks like … a bonfire at Ocean Beach with wine and snacks.
I want someone who is … tall! I’m 6’0” and am hoping to meet someone tall — preferably someone who can match my height and energy, who is kind, intelligent and adventurous.
Bridget Starkey
42, Public Relations, Cow Hollow
My simple pleasures are … running outside, fitness of any kind and cooking a new recipe for friends and family over a lively dinner. While I love the thrill of booking a spontaneous trip to visit friends or explore a new spot, I know the value of an occasional cozy night in with a movie.
My greatest strength is … I’m fundamentally insatiably curious, adventurous and always ready to learn something new.
A date with me looks like … a hidden cocktail bar, an impromptu concert or spontaneously escaping the fog for a day trip up to Wine Country or a Marin hike with a fantastic view.
I want someone who is … looking to share their already full life. This means someone financially stable, ambitious, confident, emotionally intelligent and deeply connected to their family and friends. The ideal chemistry is a mix of spontaneous adventurer and master of the cozy Sunday night. Even better if you know your way around a kitchen (good company and keeping my wine glass full count), and yes, I’m building toward a family.
Pippa White
39, Book Editor, Mission District
My simple pleasures are … swimming, running, eating, dancing, concert-going, reading and having deep conversations.
I’m in my element when … I’m outdoors — preferably swimming (I’m a proud member of the Dolphin Club!) or running.
I go crazy for … new restaurants. I’m a big foodie (do we still use that term?), so I love trying new restaurants.
I want someone who is … intelligent, introspective, curious and kind. I’m attracted to men who take themselves seriously and have gravitas, but are also easy to laugh with, effusive and playful.
Samantha Zylberman
40, Cellular Research Nurse, Cow Hollow
My simple pleasures are … live music, working out, reading, traveling, languages, dancing, fashion, frisbee and being weird.
It’s not a vacation unless … it involves adventure! I jump at new opportunities and adventures that would leave the average person happy they stayed put on their couch. I crossed the Drake Passage willingly to chase an eclipse and camped in a tent at 17,000 feet in Peru.
You’d never know it, but … I am the last to leave a concert and am that person dancing all the way to the car ride home.
I want someone who … makes me laugh and will laugh with me; someone who is genuine, curious, open to adventure and loyal.