THIS WEEK AT THE VOICE FOR THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025
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Mandelman tips sacred cow, gets gored
by Mike Ege
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
The powers that be in San Francisco may now deem our Board of Supervisors to be all kitchen-table-consciously pragmatic and moderate these days. However, on some issues, they still can’t resist the shiny objects of performative legislation. Don’t believe us? Ask Board President Rafael Mandelman.
Last Tuesday, in an item perhaps upstaged by the overall budget process, Mandelman found himself foiled in getting passed an ordinance to continue work on streamlining city business contracts. A majority of the board, led by Supervisors Shamann Walton and Connie Chan and backed by labor leaders, voted to send the bill back to committee, based on concerns over it eliminating an advisory committee for the Sweatfree Procurement Ordinance, which Mandelman noted has no legislative power and hasn’t had a quorum since 2020. The ordinance itself would have remained in effect.
“I do not think that there is a necessary tension between advancing our San Francisco values, and protecting our workers, and also having an efficient and effective government,” Mandelman told his colleagues after the vote. “It requires a willingness to tiptoe up to our sacred cows and inquire whether there are some things we might be able to do, not necessarily to kill them, but to make them work better … if our friends in the advocacy world and in labor are unwilling to take those steps with us, than it will fall to the Elon Musks and Donald Trumps of the world to do that without any participation from the people who we think should be leading those conversations.”
Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who supported Mandelman’s legislation, hinted at a future battle to come at the ballot over the issues. In a surprising move, Supervisor Joel Engardio supported sending the bill back, possibly as an attempt to mollify the Labor Council, despite their having already pushed the political button on him.
San Francisco police officers, in addition to getting a new union president, will be getting a new Chief and new district boundaries. At yesterday’s Police Commission meeting, contractor Ralph Andersen and Associates outlined a process for selecting a new Chief, promising a final selection by Mayor Daniel Lurie by the end of November.
Meanwhile, the process for new police district boundaries began in March of 2024, and is expected to conclude by this fall. Most notable of the likely changes are to the district for Tenderloin Station, shifting coverage away from South of Market and extending it to Sutter Street and Van Ness Avenue. Among those pleased with the changes: Tenderloin Housing Clinic honcho Randy Shaw, who recently scored another win for his turf with the recent appointment of Tenderloin advocate Pratibha Tekkey to the commission.
Top News
ASIAN VOICES
Our journey, our future: Shaping San Francisco
Asian Americans dedicated to giving back to the city
came to this country from Hong Kong because I believed in what America promised: the chance for an immigrant from Asia like myself to build a better life through hard work, integrity, and service. Like so many others, I came here seeking greater opportunities and a brighter future. This belief wasn’t abstract; it was why I got on the plane. It grounded me then, and it continues to shape every decision I make today.
TRANSPORTATION
Muni funding report: ‘The path ahead is complicated’ to close Muni deficit
A final report from the Controller’s Office on how to solve Muni’s $322 million deficit warns of no easy fixes.
by Jerold Chinn
CITY HALL
San Francisco City Hall solidifies use of generative AI
Guidelines for use precede launch of Copilot; watchdogs say risks remain
by Mike Ege
Quote of the week
“For as quickly as the train moves underground, we’ve all been in that unfortunate situation when we are above ground and see pedestrians on the sidewalk walking faster than we move on the train”
—District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter comments on continuing reliability problems of the Central Subway, calling for a hearing on the matter July 7
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
DRUGS
Before Fentanyl: Confronting the global impact of meth
Author Teun Voeten is also covering the effects of fentanyl in San Francisco.
by Mike Ege
OPINION
Threat to voting rights comes to California
State Assembly should reject tan amendment making it harder to vote on Supreme Court and appellate justices
by John Trasviña
TRANSIT
Sauter calls for Central Subway review and extension plans
Two years after opening, supervisor seeks review of performance, needed fixes, and future plans.
by Jerold Chinn
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EVENTS
Out and about July 17–23, 2025
What to do this weekend
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
It’s always nice to be on the downslope to the weekend, right? We’ve got some park and neighborhood festivals; music, like Paul Simon and others; a great new place to picnic at the Presidio, and more.
Thursday, July 17
Have your happy hour tonight at the Mission Street Wine Walk, Summer Sip and Stroll. Start at The Sycamore to pick up your complimentary glass and drink tickets, then head to the seven participating businesses, including cafes, galleries, and more. Tickets: $25
Remember that huge parking lot at the Sports Basement in the Presidio? Today, 1.5 acres of it is now the Outpost Meadow picnic area and green space designed by the group behind New York’s acclaimed High Line. You’ll find beautiful wood picnic tables and umbrellas, grills, and more, like meandering paths, berms (so when you’re sitting you don’t see the asphalt on Old Mason Street or the parking lot), and native plants that sway in the wind. It’s an extension of the incredible Outpost nature playground, Field Station, and the Tunnel Tops above connected by stairs. With the bridge as a backdrop — this is your next picnic destination, so go, enjoy, and appreciate. Free.
Friday, July 18
The inaugural Fort Mason Night Market last December was such a smashing success, starting tonight, it’s now a monthly event. You’ll find a variety of family-friendly activities, live music, creative workshops, over 100 retail vendors curated by West Coast Craft, art installations, and more like your favorite food from Off the Grid. 5–10 p.m. Free.
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