THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025
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Moving into new spaces
by Mike Ege
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
If you haven’t heard already, The Voice is experimenting with live audio events on X/Twitter. The Not-So-Safe Sunday Brunch Space aims to have more freewheeling conversations on issues facing San Francisco, and we’re hoping you’ll join us for the next one this coming Sunday.
To listen to last Sunday’s space, click here! Everyone had loads of fun and many learned new things! We gave a preview of this week’s Police Commission drama and discussed City Hall’s blind spot with undocumented drug dealers, Erica Sandberg discussed new moves to bring back downtown, and Tom Wolf discussed Washington’s new view on Housing First.
Meanwhile, on the Voice website, we have new content up for you, including some insights on why the Police Commission vote went the way it did (rendered before the meeting). Susan Dyer Reynolds uncovers the real story on the trafficking narrative used to justify failure to deport undocumented drug dealers. Jerold Chinn continues to cover Muni’s fiscal crisis and the search for solutions. Finally, publisher John Zipperer outlines how the Trump administration’s jumpscare policy show may be leading Democrats to adopt Tea Party tactics and bring a in a very different Congress in the midterms.
PLUS: For the weekend, Sharon Anderson has the deets on the Paul McCartney photography exhibition at the DeYoung.
Check out links to our latest content below, or just bookmark our homepage to see the latest.
Top News
REYNOLDS RAP
Zavein Wright had been arrested 11 times since 2019 on charges from assault to kidnapping — then he attacked my friend
Being a San Francisco journalist, I’ve covered dozens of violent criminal cases, but I had never known any of the victims personally until Oct. 5, 2023.
by Susan Dyer Reynolds
On a Thursday morning at approximately 7:45 a.m., 80-year-old Ken Majer was walking his little dog, Daisy, at the corner of Baker and Bay streets across from the Palace of Fine Arts when he was confronted by a large Black male. Ken says he didn’t know the person, and only saw his face briefly before the man forcefully knocked him to the sidewalk. Ken’s head hit the sidewalk, and as he lay there stunned, he noticed neighbors gathering around him. One woman was calling 911 while several others helped him sit up, noting that he was bleeding profusely from the back of his head.
NEWS
Change is coming to the Police Commission
Supervisors approve one new member, mull removal of another.
by Mike Ege
EDUCATION
Ten things to know about the San Francisco public school funding crisis
The school district faces severe choices to avoid a state takeover.
by John Trasviña
Quote of the week
“Our leaders are far more committed to their glory-hunting terrorist cosplay than they are in addressing the many pay and benefit violations our 6,500 members have experienced from our employer.”
—Elizabeth Statmore on why Jewish and allied teachers in San Francisco are quitting their union
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
TRANSIT
San Francisco transit officials aim to avert Muni cuts without axing crossing guards
The SFMTA board weighs budget fixes, including using reserves and program cuts.
by Jerold Chinn
OPINION
Everything everywhere all at once
The Trump administration promised to bring change; a changed Congress might be the real result.
by John Zipperer
REYNOLDS RAP
Only two supervisors support deporting fentanyl dealers as colleagues perpetuate victim myth
San Francisco’s only human trafficking case since 2020 involved a nanny, not a drug dealer.
by Susan Dyer Reynolds
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EVENTS
Out and about Feb. 27–March 5, 2025
What to do this weekend and beyond.
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
From flowers to paintings and photographs to music and Mardi Gras, there’s a lot happening this weekend and beyond. Here are my picks:
Thursday, Feb. 27
On view at the Museo Italo Americano is My SF, by San Francisco artist Richard Louis Perri, whose paintings depict familiar and undiscovered scenes of the city. Free admission.
Friday, Feb. 28
Orchid enthusiasts won’t want to miss the 72nd Annual Pacific Orchid Exhibition for themed flower displays, expert growing advice, and, of course, a stunning array of beautiful, rare orchids. Through Sunday. Tickets from $3.50.
Listen to our podcasts
- Mayor Lurie is the center of the action on so many levels!!!
- The Police Commission, the SFUSD and decisions that are making a decisive difference in San Francisco
- Affordable housing is not reality!
- The challenges we face in San Francisco and beyond.
- Plus more (and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible or everywhere else you get your favorite podcasts)
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