Sanctuary for all? Only two supervisors answer my questions while mayor’s office plays coy
When it comes to San Francisco’s sanctuary city laws, the convoluted “Due Process for All” ordinance makes it all but impossible for even violent, career felons like Milton Ramos-Rodriguez to be deported. The ordinance authorizes the sheriff to honor federal detainer requests for in-custody felons on a second offense for violent felonies committed in…
Construction preparation work underway for Muni’s new Potrero bus yard
After city and transportation officials approved the project earlier this year, construction crews have been preparing for the demolition and construction of Muni’s new Potrero bus yard. Staff from the…
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?…
Out and about Oct. 29–Nov. 4, 2026
Happy Halloween — once again! I’m fairly confident most of you have your plans set, from neighborhood trick-or-treating to decorated houses to the adult versions, but just in case, I’ve included a few more options below, along with some music, theater, dance, opera, and more, like several films. Thursday, Oct.…
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 ArtSpan’s small, dedicated staff. Early fall is a lively time in the Bay Area, with Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Portola, Fleet Week, and ample sunshine from…
‘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 an ancient bronze discovered in Cambodia and the intrigue of its history, including its disappearance for a time. The dream of a villager Nearly one…
City leaders rally behind a deported felon convicted in a drive-by killing and facing two current domestic violence cases
On Monday Oct. 19, a viral video showed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arresting a man in the South of Market area. San Francisco leaders…
San Francisco bigwigs turn out for District 6 Open House
On Monday, Oct. 26, Mayor Daniel Lurie, Supervisor Matt Dorsey, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and representatives from dozens of city agencies gathered at Moscone Center to listen to residents’ concerns and address them in person.…
SFMTA completes quick-build Beach Street bike and pedestrian improvements near tourist attractions
City officials announced last week that a section of Beach Street near popular tourist destinations like Fisherman’s Wharf and the city’s cable car boarding area received much-needed upgrades to pedestrian and bike safety measures. District…
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by Nomi Kane | @Nomikane
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.…
What comes after the data center moratorium?
It felt like a family feud on steroids last week when San Francisco supervisors voted for a 45-day moratorium on approving new data centers. The city that birthed the AI industry was turning on it. Later that day, Oakland passed its own urgency ordinance for a 45-day moratorium on data…
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…
Lighter ban, home kitchens, rape case reforms and Epstein files in focus at City Hall this week
Banning lockable butane lighters, legalizing home-based restaurants and ghost kitchens, and a push to reform police procedure on sex assault cases are on City Hall’s…
Lurie declares weather emergency ahead of expected El Niño storms
With forecasters predicting a strong El Niño this winter, Mayor Daniel Lurie declared a local emergency on Friday, a move he said would let city…
SFMTA report shows automated speed enforcement cameras are reducing speeds
San Francisco transportation officials are touting a new report saying the city’s automated speed enforcement cameras are doing their job by slowing speeding drivers. Last…
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…
‘Tenzing’ tells a true tale of courage and daring
Decade after decade, courageous and occasionally foolhardy people trekked to the Himalayas and tried to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain.…
‘Awakening Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle’ returns to The Walt Disney Family Museum
This fall, the Walt Disney Family Museum is offering the public another opportunity to view one of their most celebrated exhibitions, Awakening Beauty: The Art of…
The beauty of Bruma: S.F.’s elite hotels have brought pride back to the city
O.K., I’m calling it: pride has officially returned to San Francisco. You’ll feel and find it in our finest hotels. Say what you want about…
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