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Rain and fallout
by Mike Ege
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
Rain has to returned to San Francisco to clear the air, both literally and figuratively.
After several months of discussion, the San Francisco Democratic Party has rolled out and approved its new policy and code of conduct on sexual misconduct. The process coincided with a political year that featured more than its share of scandals right up until the end. And while the policy goals are ambitious, loyalty is still baby’s first solid food in politics, and factions loyal to two figures whose conduct inspired the policy may be dragging their feet. Read our story here.
Publisher John Zipperer assesses the recent shift in national politics and sees the same basic fundamental at work: It’s the economy, stupid. He also appeals for a renewed engagement that’s free of both the politics of blame and the culture wars. As a self-described “short-term pessimist but a long-term optimist,” John’s advice to a battered liberal electorate is get your head out of the sand.
More fallout from the arduous journey of the Central Subway is reported by Jerold Chinn as SFMTA directors hire a new contractor to repair Chinatown-Rose Pak Station’s maze of leaks. The work is to start in February, so the line will still be a go for last-minute holiday shopping.
Our advice: get out and enjoy the fresh air. But keep your umbrella close at hand, indoors or out.
Check out links to our latest content below, or just bookmark our homepage to see the latest.
Top News
POLITICS
San Francisco Democrats’ new abuse guidelines face a test
New rules include ombudsman to investigate incidents and rules for Democratic clubs.
by Mike Ege
The long road to adoption by the San Francisco Democratic Party of new rules to prevent and adjudicate incidents of sexual assault and harassment within the realm of politics ended last Wednesday with a unanimous vote of approval. Now comes the challenge to implement the new rules. […]

TRANSPORTATION
Transit officials hire contractor to plug Chinatown station water leaks
T-Third will not serve the Central Subway stations during construction next year from Feb. 26 to March 14.
by Jerrold Chinn

OPINION/ELECTION 2024
Postelection fallout: What just happened?
Don’t bury your head and avoid hard decisions about political strategy.
by John Zipperer
Quote of the week
“What doesn’t receive enough attention when people praise Pelosi’s House Democratic leadership tenure is her determination to support her whole coalition. She was careful to protect her moderate Democrats who might be vulnerable in swing districts. From Jeffries’ comments last week, it sounds like he’s staying in the Pelosi tradition….”
—Publisher John Zipperer on keeping House Democrats untied in Postelection fallout: What just happened?
Nomi toon

In Case You Missed It
CULTURE
‘RugLife’ opens at the Museum of Craft and Design
Exhibition features artists who use rugs as a medium to address cultural issues.
by Sharon Anderson
SOTTO VOCE
Will the San Francisco Board of Supervisors have a ‘moderate majority’ in 2025?
Being a YIMBY doesn’t automatically make you a moderate.
by Susan Dyer Reynolds
POLITICS
Car Wars: Angry drivers mob Marina street study
SFMTA staffers seeking input on expanding ‘pay or permit’ parking get more than they bargained for.
by Mike Ege
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EVENTS
Out and About
What to do this weekend
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco

There are certainly more than enough holiday events to choose from to celebrate this “most wonderful time of the year,” so many in fact to cause over-choice anxiety. Here are my picks to help narrow your choices.
Thursday, Dec. 12

This one-night only Silent Skate at the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square is a silent disco on-ice, where you can don headphones and create your own dance party. Tickets $37 and change.

A Baroque Christmas will feature the voices of the American Bach Choir and their period instrument orchestra performing the best of Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in the beautiful venue of Grace Cathedral. Tickets from $25.
Friday, Dec. 13

The Fort Mason Night Market, an “immersive holiday shopping experience,” curated by West Coast Craft will feature live entertainment (including Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers), art and art activities, everyone’s favorite Off the Grid food trucks, Santa and mouse king visits, a showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and … wait for it … fresh snow! Free admission.

Celebrate the season and the Marina’s 100th anniversary at Winter Wonderland at the Marina, featuring a lighted boat parade, a tradition since 1994. The parade starts at Pier 39 and heads to the St. Francis Yacht Club and returns. Free admission.

The Stapleton School of Performing Arts will perform its 36th annual production of the Nutcracker, featuring a cast of over 150 youth and adult performers at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. Through Sunday. Tickets $23 and change.

Smuin’s Christmas Ballet is a must-see holiday classic combining classical ballet and contemporary dance like tap, jazz, swing, and more paired with carols and pop favorites. Through Dec. 24. Tickets from $25.
Listen to our podcasts

- John Rothmann: Jew hatred has no place at S.F. State or anywhere else in our community
- The Safeway on Webster is closing, MUNI prices are going up and there will be fewer parking places in S.F.
- John Rothmann: We need to confront our budget problems now!!!
- B.A.R.T. may be in trouble and we need to start planning now!!!
- Plus more (and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible or everywhere else you get your favorite podcasts)
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