THIS WEEK AT THE VOICE FOR THURSDAY, FEB. 19, 2025
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by Mike Ege
Editor in chief, The Voice of San Francisco
In case you haven’t heard yet, San Francisco has a sociopolitical establishment just like any other city. It’s just that here, the establishment rules by veto, and the program is one of benign neglect that is in fact more malign in practice.
Like any social establishment, it features matriarchs who defend its values, or lack thereof. A remarkable showcase of these doyennes of high society is the HBO series “The Gilded Age,” which chronicles affairs of the matriarchs of New York’s social establishment in the latter half of the 19th century.
As it turns out, modern San Francisco’s equivalent may not be so much the painted ladies who grace the pages of the Nob Hill Gazette, but the performatively crunchy ones who afflict the public policy agenda at City Hall and the headquarters of the San Francisco Unified School District.
Your correspondent had this epiphany while watching this video.
Recorded by KRON-4 the early morning of the teachers’ strike being resolved, it features Cassondra Curiel, president of United Educators, announcing the resolution to reporters, but being repeatedly prompted and eventually replaced on the podium by union Vice President Nathalie Hrizi.
As we previously reported, despite working as a substitute teacher and being a progressive labor activist, Hrizi is a child of privilege. She’s the daughter of a sky-high tech investor and granddaughter of Stewart Alsop, a leading newspaper columnist of the 1960s.
Hrizi’s privileged background is similar to San Francisco’s other doyennes of malign neglect, like Jennifer Friedenbach (from a family of rich almond farmers), Christin Evans (bookstore owner and Alcoa heir), and progressive school board candidate Brandee Marckmann (daughter of another rich farming family and married to the inventor of the social media game Farmville).
Meanwhile, we hear from a source that the Westside Family Democratic Club held a District 4 candidate forum at the Sunset Cantina last night and, despite tensions in that district’s supervisorial race, incumbent Alan Wong remains upbeat. He told attendees he tried to seek consensus and agreement whenever possible, “but with some people it’s ‘my way or the highway … no pun intended,'” garnering the biggest laugh of the night.
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Top News
VOICE BOX
The ghost in the room: A journey from the streets to sobriety
My experience proves that we need a system that doesn’t just hand over a key and look the other way.
by Amber Reid Richmond
In San Francisco, we are told that “housing first” is the ultimate cure. But for years, I lived on the dark side of that promise. I was awarded a Section 8 voucher — the “golden ticket” — but without accountability, it became a license to disappear into my addiction. When I was awarded housing, no one ever asked how I would manage my heroin and crystal meth habits. I got the key, walked inside, and just kept using, except now I was doing it behind a closed door, alone.
TRANSPORTATION
Supervisors adopt Sunset District shuttle final report, but funding remains a concern
San Francisco supervisors have cleared the way for transportation planners to seek funding for a potential community shuttle serving residents of District 4.
by Jerold Chinn
NEIGHBORHOODS
From historic hostel to overcrowded, drug-saturated homeless shelter
Lower Nob Hill’s fight to reclaim 711 Post Street and their neighborhood. Part 1 of two.
by Erica Sandberg
Quote of the week
“There are drug addicts, people who have no respect for our neighborhood. My partner has been stabbed. I call the police at least once a day … 50 percent of businesses have closed down, people in my building have lost 60 percent of their home value.”
— Part of the public comment on the future of 711 Post Street, in Supervisors mull future of Post Street shelter
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
EDUCATION
San Francisco teachers strike ends but real challenges for school district remain
Layoff and budget forecasts worsen
by John Trasviña
HOUSING
Home insurance crisis is focus of commissioner forum
Whoever wins, it’ll be tougher for insurance companies in California.
by John Zipperer
DRUGS
Supervisors mull future of Post Street shelter
Neighbors air frustrations at hearing. Part 2 of a two-part story.
by Erica Sandberg
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EVENTS
Out and about Feb. 19–25, 2026
What to do this weekend and beyond.
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
The upcoming week has celebrations of Black History Month and Chinese New Year, music, films, dance, and more, including Brian Copeland to help us through difficult times.
Thursday, Feb. 19
The Noise Pop Festival begins today, featuring over 150 music acts and other special events. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, an American indie pop band from New York City, plays tonight at the Rickshaw. Festival through March 1.
The Waiting Period provides a look at the life of award-winning playwright and actor Brian Copeland and his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts. 7 p.m. at The Marsh. Free admission (donations help others see the show for free).
Friday, Feb. 20
Bluff City Chinese follows the intertwined journeys of two Chinese American storytellers from different generations and explores migration, survival, and belonging of Chinese communities in Memphis, Tenn., through archival research, oral histories, and contemporary storytelling. 12:30 p.m. at City College of San Francisco Chinatown campus, Room 201. Free admission.
Nikhil Bagga, a 16-year-old guitar prodigy, will headline tonight for three shows at Biscuits & Blues, and will perform with others as part of the venue’s 31st anniversary celebration. Tickets: $28 and change (Friday) and $44 and change (Saturday).
Saturday, Feb. 21
I’m a big fan of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, which will perform a family matinee in celebration of Black History Month. From Negro spirituals to upbeat contemporary gospel, Artistic Director Terrance Kelly offers historical context for each piece. 11 a.m. at S.F. Jazz. Tickets from $10.
Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now celebrates African and African American dance and culture and features award-winning Bay Area choreographers and dance companies. 7:30 p.m. at Dance Mission Theater through Sunday and Feb. 28 and March 1. Tickets from $20.
Brewski lovers unite — today is the kick-off of San Francisco Beer Week. Enjoy unlimited tastings, limited edition brews and special releases, live entertainment, and more. 1:30 p.m. at Salesforce Park. Tickets: $75. Events continue through March 1 at multiple Bay Area venues.
Jazz trumpeter Dave Rocha, who has played with the likes of Lionel Hampton and others, will perform with his trio (electric guitarist Luke Schwartz and acoustic bassist Heath Proskin) in Jazz Amongst the Magnolias. 1–2 p.m. on the Library Terrace, San Francisco Botanical Garden. Free admission (rain cancels).
Listen to our podcasts
- The SF Ballet should not perform at the “Trump” Kennedy Center, and SFUSD must address the tough issues ahead ASAP
- From Bernal Heights to Glen Park, to the Great Highway, transportation is front and center
- Despite Trump’s bogus claims elections in California are safe and secure, the crisis in Santa Rosa schools, and the passing of a great teacher
- Post strike implications, ICE in San Francisco, cuts to CDC grants, and more
- Plus more (and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible or everywhere else you get your favorite podcasts)
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