THIS WEEK AT THE VOICE FOR THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
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On the beach
by Mike Ege
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
All of a sudden we’re hearing from all corners that the campaign to recall Joel Engardio as political blowback for his support of a recent ballot initiative to close the Upper Great Highway (UGH) is experiencing internal drama.
Multiple outlets report that Vin Budhai, one of the grassroots leaders of the campaign, has resigned over disagreements about campaign strategy, leaving the reins to a campaign team dominated by former staffers of Aaron Peskin’s recent campaign for mayor.
The former Board of Supervisors president may be out of office, but may now be claiming ōgosho status as a behind-the-curtain leader of the citywide progressive/anti-housing movement. Peskin is also leading a movement to lobby California’s State Historical Resources Commission to endorse North Beach becoming a federal historic district, as well as opposition to a new upzoning plan for San Francisco.
Meanwhile, someone posted a recording of a phone call with a disgruntled signature gatherer for the campaign on Reddit (the post was locked by moderators two days after it was posted, probably because of concern about the legality of the recording, but that hasn’t stopped the discussion about it).
The recording apparently includes allegations that the signature-gathering campaign encouraged field workers to deceive voters by telling them that a successful recall would automatically reopen the highway to vehicle traffic, that they should speak broken English to Asian voters, and that they should highlight Engardio’s sexuality with conservative voters.
When reached by phone, Adam Dunstone, a partner at Alpine Public Affairs, which is working on the recall campaign, would not comment. Another source inside the campaign told The Voice that they had heard the person in the recording was disgruntled for other reasons– like being fired.
UGH indeed. Look for more on this story soon.
Meanwhile, check out our stories on Mayor Daniel Lurie’s “Rebuild the Ranks” initiative to restore police staffing, John Trasviña on Donald Trump’s Mexico policy, and the shell-shocked Marina’s reception of a new addiction recovery program. And keep your Sunday morning open for an upcoming Sunday Brunch Space on X featuring that program’s director, Steve Adami.
Check out links to our latest content below, or just bookmark our homepage to see the latest.
Top News
NEWS
Lurie to ‘rebuild ranks’ of police agencies
‘Civilianizing’ desk jobs, new recruits, lateral transfers, and tech all in play; mayor hints at revival of traffic enforcement
by Mike Ege
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced a plan to rectify the staffing shortage in the city’s public safety agencies at a press conference with other leaders May 13. The “Rebuilding the Ranks” policy framework, outlined in an executive directive released May 13, will incorporate actions to ease staff burdens and reduce overtime and strategies “to build a sustainable pipeline of qualified officers.”
TRANSPORTATION
A San Francisco district strives to be the first to fully ‘daylight curbs’
One district is accelerating an effort to paint curbs red near crosswalks.
by Jerold Chinn
OPINION
President Trump’s actions at the border and vitriolic rhetoric represent a dangerous low point in the relationship between the two countries over the past century.
by John Trasviña
Quote of the week
“Religious leaders are not supposed to fit into our political party structure. Even when you don’t share a religious leader’s specific spiritual beliefs — whether they’re Pope Leo, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, or the Archbishop of Canterbury — you can be grateful when they comment on a policy or trend or action and in so doing remind us that the most important things are not the immediate Twitter fights in front of us.”
—John Zipperer on why the new Pontiff matters in Pope on a hope
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
OPINION
‘Comparison of San Francisco’s Policies and Practices Regarding Drug Services to Zurich’s Four Pillars Approach’
Comments on the San Francisco Budget and Legislative Analyst Nov. 19, 2024 report.
by Mothers Against Drug Addiction and Deaths
NEWS
Proponents of Marina sober living project meet with neighbors
Salvation Army program promises better accountability than past programs; residents still skeptical over DPH involvement.
by Erica Sandberg
A&E
Movie import tax is not such a tariff-ic idea
Someone didn’t think through the plan for a 100 percent tariff on films made outside the U.S.
by Michael Snyder
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EVENTS
Out and about May 15–21, 2025
What to do this weekend, and more
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
Happy spring — the weather seems to be cooperating for some upcoming outdoor events from evening walks to music and markets. Tuck inside for more music, an AAPI fundraiser, and more.
Thursday, May 15
Have fun at the family-friendly night market, Cole Valley Nights where you can enjoy food, music, merchants, local makers, and more, including special events like tonight’s Cinema Under the Stars. Free admission.
The Community Music Center Bayview Choir and Gospel Music Vocal Ensemble will perform a lunchtime (12:30–1:30) concert of gospel, jazz, and popular music on the Great Lawn at Yerba Buena Gardens. The choir and the ensemble are part of a citywide neighborhood choir program for older adults with disabilities. The concert is part of the ongoing Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, which offers free artistic, community, and cultural programs. Free admission.
Friday, May 16
Head to the Ocean Avenue Spring Wine Walk for a self-guided walk through eight local businesses offering seasonal wine tastings, including an appetizer stop at a local restaurant, and a wrap-up with live music at the Ocean Ale House. Tickets: $18.
Jazz lovers will want to hear the Jazz Mafia: Miles and Mingus at the Key Jazz Bistro where the group will reimagine the music of these two iconic jazz artists. Tickets: $40
Listen to our podcasts
- A $12 billion dollar shortfall, a suggestion to abolish the State income tax and much more!!!
- The problems involved with development in San Francisco
- Recall in District 4? An update with Albert Chow
- Where do we put the “street people” and what about police doing more work away from the SFPD?
- Plus more (and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible or everywhere else you get your favorite podcasts)
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