THIS WEEK AT THE VOICE FOR THURSDAY, JAN. 22, 2026
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by Mike Ege
Editor in chief, The Voice of San Francisco
The first of the year is behind us, and initial fundraising for this year’s local political campaigns is starting to take shape. One interesting factoid, at least as reflected in initial contribution reports for public financing, is the large war chests assembling in the District 2 supervisor race.
District 2 is one of two races for even-numbered seats on the board that could become sort-of-by-default “jungle primary” elections, due to having special elections in June, followed by the regular votes in November. That’s because District 2’s representative Stephen Sherrill was appointed to the job by former Mayor London Breed in December 2024, and District 4’s Alan Wong was appointed just this past December after the recall of Joel Engardio and the Beya Alcaraz omnishambles. Whoever wins the June votes will have to run yet again in November, and while it’s not mandated like with state office elections, it would seem logical that whoever comes in second would run again.
One interesting issue, as least for now, is the disparity in contributions raised between the two races.
According to their SFEC-152 forms, which certify contribution thresholds to qualify for public financing, Sherrill is way ahead of the pack with $286,193.70 as of Jan. 19. His highest-profile challenger, anti-growther Lori Brooke, had $101,106 as of Dec. 31. Meanwhile Wong reported $15,523 as of year end and his likely leading opponent Natalie Gee reported $10,912 as of last Thanksgiving. Local businessman Albert Chow reported $11,751 on Jan. 12.
Also interesting is what famous names show up for which candidates’ contributions. Sherrill boasts tangible support from establishment figures attached to the district like longtime commissioner Mark Buell, while Brooke is getting significant support from the progressive-NIMBY alliance citywide, such as Nancy Shanahan, wife of former District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin. Peskin himself gave an early maximum donation to Gee.
Meanwhile, in state races, former District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim made news by running for Insurance Commissioner. Currently state director for the progressive Working Families Party, she’s sure to run on an affordability platform that will probably be quite popular in the wake of the building backlash against Donald Trump. With the problematic incumbent Ricardo Lara termed out, she faces other challengers including fellow San Franciscan Patrick Wolff.
But what platform will Frank Lara, current vice president of San Francisco’s teacher union, run on in his race for State Superintendent of Public Instruction?
You may remember the last time we discussed Lara. He’s a board member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, the cultlike group that grew out of the Workers’ World Party and ANSWER Coalition and is funded by a sketchy pro-China billionaire. Lara has taken public stances in support of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Sounds like a real winner.
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Top News
LAW AND ORDER
Case of SFUSD Beacon Program aide arrested in rape of 12-year-old student stalled for two years
Part 1 of a two-part series
by Liz Le
In March 2024, Jeremy Rene Reyes, then 20 years old, was arrested on charges of battery, assault, and the rape of a 12-year-old seventh-grader at San Francisco Everett Middle School (EMS). At the time of his hiring in 2023, Reyes was on probation for six felony charges in Contra Costa County, yet was employed as campus security and teaching support with the Mission Graduates Beacon Program after-school program for EMS.
REYNOLDS WRAP
“In his first State of the City address, Mayor Daniel Lurie had one of the biggest “read my lips” moments of his first year in office. “We stopped freely handing out drug supplies and letting people kill themselves on our streets,” he boldly professed to hundreds of onlookers. But almost daily videos posted on social media by community advocate J.J. Smith tell a different story…
by Susan Dyer Reynolds
EDUCATION
For fourth straight year, auditor slams SFUSD student immunization rate
For the fourth year in a row, its independent school auditor will tell the San Francisco Board of Education next week that the school district is out of compliance with state requirements to ensure that students are immunized before or shortly after being enrolled.
by John Trasviña
Quote of the week
“Like most Venezuelans at the time, I believed my stay would be temporary. We assumed Chávez would not last. Venezuela was not Cuba. We had oil. We were wrong.”
—Karina Velasquez on her experience as a Venezuelan during the Chavez/Maduro reign and reacting to its ouster in “The Venezuela case, told by a Venezuelan”
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
TRANSIT
Bay Area transit advocates begin signature drive for regional tax to prevent service cuts
Public transit advocacy groups will start gathering signatures on Friday for a regional sales tax to prevent transit cuts to Muni, BART, and other Bay Area systems.
by Jerold Chinn
LAW AND ORDER
Few challengers in San Francisco Superior Court races
The June 2026 primary election marks an important moment for San Francisco Superior Court judges, with around two dozen potentially facing reelection.
by Liz Le
OPINION
The People deserve answers to what happened in the Grandpa Vicha murder case
In the recent criminal trial of Antoine Watson for the murder of 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, the People lost.
by John Trasviña
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EVENTS
Out and about Jan. 22–27, 2026
What to do this weekend and beyond
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
Hope you all are settling into the new year. Here are a few events you may want to consider for the coming days: some art related, some dance, some music, a lecture on San Francisco history, and more.
Thursday, Jan. 22
The de Young will host Late Night Editions: Art of Magna. The exhibition closes Feb. 1, so don’t miss the opportunity to see the drawings before they return to Japan. Enjoy Japanese eats from Off the Grid food trucks, In Session D.J.s, photo ops, and optional sake tasting experience. 6 p.m. Tickets from35
Atrium, presented by the Minnesota Street Project, is billed as a new alternative, approachable art fair that brings together over 20 established and emerging contemporary Bay Area art galleries. Atrium sounds like Art for the People. Reception and fair 6 to 9 p.m. tonight; fair through Sunday (visit link above for weekend hours) at the Minnesota Street Project. Free admission.
Friday, Jan. 23
Tonight is the opening of San Francisco Ballet’s production of Eugene Onegin, coproduced with The Joffrey Ballet. Set in Imperial Russia, this “cautionary tale” tells of an aristocrat who rejects true love and must face the consequences. 8 p.m. at the War Memorial Opera House. Through Feb. 1. Tickets from $279 (visit website for available promotion code through Jan. 29).
Saturday, Jan. 24
The San Francisco General Hospital Foundation has unveiled the 21 heart sculptures that were selected for the 2026 Hearts in San Francisco public art project. The sculptures will be on display at the Ferry Building Marketplace starting today and are available for purchase as part of the Hearts in S.F. auction (Feb. 12), which raises funds for the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Through Feb 11. Free viewing.
This sounds like a delightfully civilized way to spend a few hours on a weekend: An Afternoon of Chamber Music featuring a program of Thomas Lupo, Will Ayton, Nickos Harizanos, Miriam Hyde, Astor Piazzolla, and Felix Mendelssohn. 3 to 5 p.m. at the Noe Valley Ministry. Free admission (suggested donation $10–$20), reserve here. g restaurants here. Through Nov. 9. Brunch/lunch from $10; dinner from $30.
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