Charter reform may spell big impacts for arts funding
Big changes are coming to San Francisco’s City Hall, including alterations to governance and leadership, and a sweeping charter review that could significantly affect the arts sector. Artists Live Here, spearheaded by artists and activists Erica Gangsei and Stella Lochman, gathered creatives for an un-conference, where artists and leaders shared information about what these…
Frustrated families sue the state to stop antisemitism in California schools
This story was originally published by EdSource. Sign up for their daily newsletter. Disappointed that lawsuits and complaints against school districts haven’t forced change, a national Jewish nonprofit law organization is suing…
As transit taxes loom, voters should look to Waymos on S.F. streets for an alternative
To close the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s $307 million budget gap, the city’s political establishment is preparing to ask voters to approve two transit tax measures on the November…
Major questions for school district leaders after the teachers’ strike
Following the settlement of San Francisco’s first teacher strike in 47 years, which closed schools for five days, Superintendent Maria Su and the school board face critical questions that will shape the district’s success, resources, and future. Meanwhile, the district remains under the watchful eyes of the state Department of…
Two felonies, one essay, one murder
A San Francisco judge granted pretrial diversion to a man arrested with a loaded pistol, ordering a gun safety course and a “reflective essay.” Thirty-six days later, he allegedly murdered someone with a shotgun. Two felony charges became misdemeanors. Misdemeanors became pretrial diversion. The court’s prescription for a man caught…
BART’s doomsday gambit: Pay up or lose your station
I grew up taking BART. As a working-class kid taking BART from my home in Fremont to U.C. Berkeley for my first computer science classes, or to San Francisco to work at my first coding job, I think fondly of it. I want BART not just preserved but expanded. More…
Out and about Feb. 26–March 4, 2026
From music to dance to flowers, authors on tour, and more, here are my picks for the upcoming days. Thursday, Feb. 26 Although I usually…
California Governor’s race: Too many choices?
Last Friday, the California Democratic Party kicked off its convention in San Francisco with what can only be described as a binge-watching session of fireside chats, as local party chair Nancy Tung interviewed all nine…
Carly Schwartz: From San Francisco to Panama and back home
You don’t need to move to the jungle to learn about yourself, but sometimes it helps. I met Carly Schwartz on March 30, 2012, when she was a panelist on a political roundtable I hosted.…
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“Short-Term Fix,” By Nomi Kane | @Nomikane
Group working to reform city charter proposes to cut funding for sports, libraries, arts, and music
A proposal to cut funding for sports, libraries, arts, and music in the San Francisco Unified School District is working its way through the city bureaucracy, and it must be stopped in its tracks. When I first read this proposal, I was astonished. Are you kidding me? You want to…
The ghost in the room: A journey from the streets to sobriety
In San Francisco, we are told that “Housing First” is the ultimate cure. But for years, I lived on the dark side of that promise. I was awarded a Section 8 voucher — the “golden ticket” — but without accountability, it became a license to disappear into my addiction. When…
The antidote to disrespect is self-respect
It was almost too dark to see this morning near Lowell when a group of teachers were setting up a canopy to protect against the rain that had just started falling. I overheard a dispute about how the canopy’s legs should be arranged and the best angles to use. Somebody…
Hey SFUSD: Can’t manage your budget? The state wants to step in to help
A little-noticed provision of the proposed California state budget requires greater accountability in the San Francisco Unified School District and county budgets. Unlike most other school districts, there is no independent oversight of the school district’s budget. Most school districts must have their budgets reviewed and approved by an independent…
The Museum of Craft and Design bridges media and material in ‘Video Craft’
The Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) presents Video Craft, an exhibition exploring the unlikely partnership between the heavily embodied practices of craft and the…
Supervisors mull future of Post Street shelter
For Part 1, click here. Outside the shelter While the array of services at 711 Post Street may be attractive to those within, the residents…
Supervisors adopt Sunset District shuttle final report, but funding remains a concern
San Francisco supervisors have cleared the way for transportation planners to seek funding for a potential community shuttle serving residents of District 4. Sitting as…
Overwhelming bipartisan federal support for housing action
Momentum continues to build in Washington for an omnibus approach to the nation’s housing challenges. The Housing for the 21st Century Act is, of course,…
From historic hostel to overcrowded, drug-saturated homeless shelter
Lower Nob Hill was once best known for its classic San Francisco architecture, relatively affordable residential properties, and thriving businesses. Travelers, especially those wanting easy,…
Southland stories run the gamut
While Las Vegas, Nev., and Branson, Mo., have each co-opted the title in recent years, Los Angeles was touted as the Entertainment Capital of the…
Welcome the Year of the Horse with the Chinese Culture Center
The Chinese Culture Center will transform the 600 block of Grant Avenue into an “Art Zone” to usher in the Lunar New Year and the…
Best burritos and tacos in San Francisco
“First stop in San Fran. A mission burrito at La Taqueria,” John Zannis, president of CLNS Media Boston Sports Network, posted on the social media…
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