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 Use and Transportation Committee…
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…
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…
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 of the art and science of light. Returning favorites join striking new works as artists from around the world bring their groundbreaking art to San…
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. 5 Indian Restaurant Week celebrating Diwali is underway with six participating restaurants: Rooh, Tiya, Bombay…
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 a window into two major questions: Can Republicans hold on to the legislative seats they…
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 for a very wet and rainy winter season, which may…
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 misadventures of a literary agent facing the pitfalls of her…
Double your impact and support quality journalism
Help us keep The Voice of San Francisco free. Every dollar you donate will be matched—doubling your impact. Support our growth and contribute to quality journalism. Donate now! Your donation is tax-deductible.
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
‘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.…
Listen to the Voice
The Voice of San Francisco produces podcasts covering the people and issues of interest to San Francisco. Monday through Friday, John F. Rothmann hosts his Voice podcast featuring his take on the hot issues in the City by the Bay.
Subscribe to these podcasts wherever you get your favorite podcasts, or listen to them on our podcast player below.