THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
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On the bearing of gifts
by Mike Ege
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
Christmas is getting closer, and things are slowing down, even at City Hall, but not without some last-minute hijinks.
Mayor London Breed made her last “question time” speech before the Board of Supervisors this week. It was also the last meeting for some of her more bitter foes on the board, and while they all had nice things to say about her, they didn’t wait long after to do her dirty one more time. Here’s a look at Breed’s address and reactions, along with some informed comment on her record and legacy. Then Jerold Chinn covers the “Et tu, Pesky?” moment where the departing progressive majority blocks her last commission appointments.
Shortly before 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 16 2017, local photographer Ed French was brutally murdered at Twin Peaks by a pair of robbers who wanted his camera. The case slogged through San Francisco’s justice system for seven years before current District Attorney Brooke Jenkins saw the case through. Susan Dyer Reynolds has the whole story of a justice delayed, but not denied.
John Zipperer reflects on the nuances of gifts — giving, receiving, and to those we love, being — in a compelling piece here.
Mind you, if you’re like me, there’s still a lot to do before the holiday. And Union Square is still the place to go for much of it. Erica Sandberg makes the case with new discoveries and old reliables.
And whether you still have a chimney or not, keep the home fires burning. Enjoy the holidays— we will be back in your inbox in two weeks.
Check out links to our latest content below, or just bookmark our homepage to see the latest.
Top News
NEWS
Breed’s goodbye speech at Board of Supervisors meeting reflects her record
San Francisco’s first female Black mayor wants to celebrate accomplishments over disagreements.
by Mike Ege
The public face of San Francisco’s leadership change began Tuesday at City Hall with Mayor London Breed’s final address before the Board of Supervisors. It was the last board meeting before City Hall’s winter recess, and also for four board members. Breed defended her unusual and momentous six-and-a-half-year term as mayor. While supervisors’ responses were cordial, business at the meeting soon returned to the cycle of push-and-claw-back that characterizes the combative relationship between the mayor and the board.
NEWS
Board rejects Breed appointments allowing Mayor-elect Lurie to decide
Supervisors voted 5–4 to reject Mayor Breed’s nominees to the Board of Appeals and SFMTA board.
by Jerold Chinn
REYNOLDS WRAP
Family and friends waited seven years to see cold-blooded murderers sentenced to life in prison without parole.
by Susan Dyer Reynolds
Quote of the week
“Union Square is not only worth the venture, but your presence can help reverse its downward course. You’re more powerful than you may believe.”
— Erica Sandberg makes a compelling case for Union Square being worth your time as a destination now, even as it reemerges from its shell, in Yes, Go To Union Square
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
OPINION
Accepting an act of love
Gift giving, a sage once wrote, “is a complicated ritual. True gift giving is an expression of love. Receiving a gift graciously can also be an act of love.”
by John Zipperer
DOWNTOWN RECOVERY
Yes, go to Union Square
San Francisco’s primary retail district is still worth a visit — now and into the future.
by Erica Sandberg
CULTURE
Spy hard: as the holidays turn
Its Christmastime setting makes the hair-trigger spy-themed miniseries Black Doves refreshing alternative viewing for the Yuletide season.
by Michael Snyder
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EVENTS
Out and About
What to do this weekend
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
Well, we’re certainly in the end stretch to the big day. If you are still in search of something to do, take a look below.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Mean Girls, the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team that includes Tina Fey follows the story of a naïve teenager who has been home schooled by scientist parents in Africa as she transfers to a public school in the Midwest and navigates popularity contests, cliques, and … mean girls. Through Sunday. Tickets from $56.
Friday, Dec. 20
Gather friends and family to enjoy an evening of joyous holiday melodies and soul-stirring vocals “guaranteed to fill your heart and lift your spirit” at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre’s Soulful Christmas. Through Dec. 22. Tickets from $40.
Support local businesses and galleries while strolling the festively decorated neighborhood and discovering local art, music, and more at the Winter Solstice Inner Sunset Art Walk. Participating merchants will offer seasonal promotions, snacks, and beverages. Free with RSVP.
Listen to our podcasts
- District 2 has a new Supervisor and we at the Voice of San Francisco need your support!
- Daniel Lurie is thinking out of the box as he defines the future of the City with John Rothmann
- The need to address the closing of Safeway in the Fillmore with John Rothmann
- Plus more (and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible or everywhere else you get your favorite podcasts)
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