THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024
View in browser | Subscribe to this newsletter
A mixed bag indeed— of fish
by Mike Ege
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
People are still reading the tea leaves from the November election, and while many of the readouts are optimistic, some bitter ends are showing up in the details.
This week Susan Dyer Reynolds assesses what could have been a massive moderate shutout at the Board of Supervisors, save for some tactical errors– namely, YIMBYS being a bit too solicitous of progressives to achieve wins, plus a certain very divisive ballot measure possibly costing up to two seats, plus one more up for grabs in the hands of a lame duck mayor with scores to settle. Read more about it here.
Is there a war against cars happening in the city? A lot of angry drivers certainly think so. That very divisive ballot measure may have made them red-raw sensitive to other policy initiatives, some of which had been planned for years, all promising positive outcomes. But you have to expect a backlash when they all hit the road simultaneously. Here’s a look at the latest front in the conflict.
Meanwhile, the school district faces even more existential uncertainty, not the least of which may come from a newly hostile White House. It’s prompting a move that you’d normally see in the private sector: teacher buyouts. John Trasviña has the details.
Did San Francisco’s “moderates” snatch defeat from the jaws of victory? You decide. In the meantime, with a Tsunami warning coming as we write this, even the meteorological climate seems to have turned Wicked. That said, Christmas is coming, and personally I’m confident that I’ll be feasting on the fishes, not sleeping with them.
Stay warm.
Check out links to our latest content below, or just bookmark our homepage to see the latest.
Top News
ELECTION 2024
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
According to Grow SF, a self-described moderate political organization, the latest election produced great results. “Common sense won big in November,” their website says in large, bold type. The smaller subhead reads, “For the first time in years, the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors, and Board of Education are all aligned.” I can’t speak to the Board of Education (look to John Trasviña for our San Francisco Unified School District coverage), but I know a lot about the supervisors who will take office in January, and I don’t know how anyone can see the incoming members as a moderate majority.
EDUCATION
San Francisco schools’ plan to pay teachers to retire in latest effort to avoid state takeover
Offer of ‘buyouts’ is part of larger budget savings effort.
by John Trasviña
DOWNTOWN RECOVERY
SF Standard article on Mission street vendors attracts backlash
On Astrid Kane’s “Black Market, Black Friday: What $20 gets you at the 16th Street BART plaza.”
by Erica Sandberg
Quote of the week
“Everybody is already pissed about the daylighting taking 20,000 spots off the street, and they come with these on top of that. They want us to die.”
—Marina resident May Chow decrying plans to replace free visitor parking with meters, District 5 supervisor candidate, in Car Wars: Angry Drivers mob Marina street study
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
ELECTION 2024
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
REYNOLDS WRAP
Saying goodbye to Skylar Grey
After 12 beautiful years together, I’ve lost my best friend.
by Susan Dyer Reynolds
TRANSIT
Muni and BART fares to increase next year
Muni single rides using Clipper will increase to $2.75; BART fares will rise 5.5 percent.
by Jerold Chinn
Like what you see? Support us | Subscribe to this newsletter
EVENTS
Out and About
What to do this weekend
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
It’s a week of lights and all kinds of holiday celebrations, including those for adults, families, and those that help children in need. Here are a few events to consider if you’d like to get out and about to enjoy the season.
Thursday, Dec. 5
The festivities start early in Golden Gate Park for the Holiday Tree Lighting, which has been an annual tradition since 1929. (The countdown starts at 6 p.m.) There will be food trucks, hoola-hooping, rides and games, and more. 4–8 p.m. Free admission.
Friday, Dec. 6
Regardless of how you feel about whether Salesforce Tower ruined our skyline, the rooftop park (and the light installation on the top floors) can’t be beat. Tonight’s fifth iteration of Winterfest features live music, dancing, and park lighting. Special activities scheduled throughout the weekend. Through Sunday, 4:30–6:30. Free admission.
Don’t miss Let’s Glow SF, which uses high-tech equipment to project lights and animated art onto eight iconic buildings in the Financial District and Jackson Square. Through Dec. 15. Free admission.
It’s time for the Guardsmen’s annual Crab Feed and dancing among their freshly cut trees at their indoor tree lot in Fort Mason. All proceeds (including tips to your drink servers) benefit at-risk youth. Tickets from $157.
Handel’s Messiah was an immediate hit when it premiered in 1742 and has been a worldwide seasonal favorite since. The San Francisco Symphony performs the classic at Davies Symphony Hall, which is always a delight, and even more so decked out in holiday lights. Through Saturday. Tickets from $49.
Listen to our podcasts
- John Rothmann: San Francisco has a budget crisis. We must try to solve it together
- John Rothmann: Mayor-elect Lurie is on the spot!
- The battle for the streets of San Francisco
- The power of the Mayor, District 2 and the Board of Supervisors
- Plus more (and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible or everywhere else you get your favorite podcasts)
Support our newsroom
With the support of readers like you, we provide thoughtful articles and media for a better San Francisco. This is your chance to support credible, community-based, public-service journalism. Please join us!
