Bay Area transit election wins reflect national support for transit funding
The Bay Area saw big wins for transit funding with the passage of the Regional Transit Measure (RTM) and Proposition H in San Francisco in last week’s mid-term election. Across the country, transit measures on the Nov. 3 ballot also saw big wins: of the 27 transit measures on the ballot this November, 22…
The math won’t do itself
Since my previous column on the three layers of mathematical learning, I’ve gotten a lot of questions from parents about what mathematical maturity looks like. This column is my best…
A wild ride through espionage and betrayal
Mining the testy rapport between two CIA agents on assignment abroad, Wild Horse Nine, the fifth feature film from screenwriter-director Martin McDonagh, serves up kicks, laughs, and an implied rebuke…
City Hall this week: Street conditions in the Mission, rental scams and a new name for Cesar Chavez Street
San Francisco’s elected officials and commissions have a busy week ahead, with neighborhood conditions, public spending, and development among the issues on the agenda. Mayor Daniel Lurie will face questions from supervisors Tuesday about deteriorating street conditions in the Mission and the future of Crocker Amazon Park. Meanwhile, the Land…
SFPOA rebukes Newsom plan to commute death sentences
Accusing California Gov. Gavin Newsom of ignoring victims’ families and overturning sentences handed down by juries, the San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) denounced his plan to commute the death sentences of all 548 prisoners on death row. The union’s president, Louis Wong, said the union was particularly outraged that…
Bay Area transit agencies thankful to voters for saving transit from the brink of collapse
Voters in the Bay Area passed measures to fund transit by raising sales tax to help close budget deficits and meet operational needs. The Regional Transit Measure (RTM) that was on the ballot in five counties, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara, will raise the sales…
Exploratorium unveils new light commission as Glow returns this winter
The Exploratorium’s beloved winter exhibition, Glow, will return to Pier 15 on Nov. 19 through Jan. 24, 2027, transforming the space into a luminous playground…
Out and About Nov. 5–10, 2026
Enjoy the next several days with Diwali and De los Muertos celebrations, music, food and beverage festivals, art, film, theatre, opera, ballet, and more — there are plenty of choices for out and abouting. Thursday, Nov.…
California’s legislative races put tech-backed Democrats and Republican gains to the test
This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign up for their newsletters. The results of Tuesday’s election aren’t expected to topple the Democratic supermajority in either house of the state Legislature, but they will offer…
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by Nomi Kane | @Nomikane
Not from here?
In San Francisco, because we are a target destination for outcasts and misfits and the frayed knots on society’s fringes, we tolerate everybody: red-bearded Lithuanian vegan dwarves into golden showers? “Come on down, the water’s fine!” We even tolerate the intolerant. Make excuses for them: “Ahh … they don’t know…
Election Day is Californians’ last chance to vote on up to 1,000 judges
The California Constitution commands that Supreme Court justices, justices of the courts of appeal, and superior court judges “shall be elected.” It’s been that way since 1849. Yet they are almost never elected or rejected at the polls by voters. The right to vote for judges has been eroded so…
Papa don’t preach
In the 1940s, legendary New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia’s weekly radio broadcast was called “Talk to the People.” His successor 80 years later, Zohran Mamdani, launched a talk show with the same title this year. It’s a great idea, but why do so few politicians do it? The title,…
California ballot measures: money, confusion, and voter fatigue.
Editors’ note: This story was originally published by EdSource. Sign up for their daily newsletter here. The long list of measures on the California November 2026 ballot is the poster child for what is very, very wrong about money in politics and what is very, very good about direct democracy.…
California voters decide future of schools and funding
This story was originally published by EdSource. Sign up for their daily newsletter. As they head to the polls on Election Day Tuesday, California voters…
How the SFMTA is preparing for El Niño and potential Muni subway flooding
From filling sandbags to having water pumps and backup generators ready to go for El Niño, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is preparing…
Surviving the battle to have it all
One TV series is a prickly, twisty drama about the contentious divorce of a power couple; the other is a downbeat comedy that follows the…
Supervisors target roboshops and O.K. loan for watchlist NGO; commissions review homeless count, permit for Fillmore Heritage Center
San Francisco lawmakers face a varied agenda this week, with the Board of Supervisors set to approve a $22.2 million bailout to controversial housing nonprofit…
Commentary: San Francisco artists open their doors as the city’s creative future hangs in balance
San Francisco Open Studios celebrated its 52nd year this past September/October, with over 300 artists welcoming the public into their homes and studios thanks to…
‘Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean’ brings an ancient Cambodian sculpture to San Francisco
A colossal bronze of the Hindu deity Vishnu is making a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Asian Art Museum. Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean tells the story of…
Fantasy and romantasy in motion
For all their flights of fancy, the most enduring fables and fairy tales often reveal serious truths about human behavior. Two current fantasy films admirably…
Spooky Halloween events for art lovers
San Francisco art spaces are preparing their own unique Halloween takes. The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) will present an immersive art experience…
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