SFGate.com, the online destination of The San Francisco Chronicle, launched SFGate BayList, which aims to give users "insider advice" on local businesses and hot spots.

Powered by CityVoter, the offering went live with a contest to recognize top lifestyle businesses in the Bay Area. On August 4, locals will be permitted to browse, vote for, and nominate their favorites.

"Visitors will come to the BayList to give and get the insider’s scoop on everyday decisions—like best drycleaners in Potrero Hill, best dim sum in Chinatown, or best place for a spa day in Pacific Heights," boasted CEO Josh Walker of CityVoter. "The content that users generate during the contest and throughout the year will build the value of this online resource."

New content will be punctuated with other community-driven contests over the next 12 months, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. Rivals in the sector include CitySearch and Yelp, which enjoyed a following of Early Adopters in the years since its launch, as well as features that enables users to pinpoint top local restaurants, spas and dry cleaners based on most favorable reviews.

The BayList site currently features ad support by Yahoo, as well as leaderboards and other ad placements sold by the SF Gate sales team.