THIS WEEK AT THE VOICE FOR THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2025
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S.F. Police Officers’ Association’s new president speaks out
by Mike Ege
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
In our July 10 newsletter, we hinted at what some insiders were calling a “civil war” at the San Francisco Police Officers’ Association (SFPOA) as the union voted on a new president. Thanks to sources close to the action and some measured comments from the new SFPOA President, Louis Wong, we have some perspectives on how some things went down.
Wong represents a milestone in SFPOA leadership not just because of his being the first Chinese American president but also being from a new generation of officers. His decision to run for president after serving in other board positions for several years was a surprise for some. The word is that he ran an energetic ground campaign, visiting all the stations and speaking with beat officers about what he wanted to do. The presence, along with multiple endorsements from police top brass, was evidently instrumental in his winning well over 60 percent of the vote. Then again, on a campaign website (now taken down, but Mission Local has a summary), Wong also promised to work for higher wages and better benefits for officers.
“I had aspirations to be the president. I just never told anybody before. I’m a very personal, private person. I’m a pretty easy-going guy that doesn’t like publicity, and that’s what I’ve always been,” Wong told The Voice in a phone call. “No one knew who I was. Only the people on the streets did, because I’ve been on the streets for 30 years . . . . I could have retired next year, but I am so energetic about the mayor’s plans, how San Francisco’s coming back, how the streets are getting cleaner, how we’re getting businesses back.”
Wong “didn’t want to talk about” future issues for the POA, such as whether the union would stay politically active after stepping into the spotlight to make endorsements in the previous election cycle. But the Richmond District native enthusiastically supports Mayor Daniel Lurie and the job he’s doing so far.
“My main goal is public safety. I backed the mayor 150 percent. I like what he’s done for the city. I love how it’s changed. I love how it’s cleaned up. And so we’re on the same page,” Wong added. “I am here to help San Francisco return to its former glory. You know, friendly, vibrant. That’s all I’m here for. It’s not all about fighting, you know, wages and all this stuff. That is part of it, but my main goal as a president is to get the city back to the way I remember it growing up.”
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Top News
CITY HALL
Supervisors consider speeding up 911 response to drug activity near parks and schools
Public Safety Committee set to review item in the fall
by Mike Ege
The legislation, sponsored by District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill and District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter would “urge the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) to designate all 911 calls reporting drug use or suspected drug activity within 1,500 feet of parks, playgrounds, and schools as “Priority A” calls requiring swift and immediate response.”
ASIAN VOICES
Why safety matters: Standing up for my mom
No justice served after attack in Muni station.
by Alastair Budd
TRANSPORTATION
Muni turns psychedelic for Grateful Dead celebrations
Transit agency unveils tie-dye Trippy Train and Pschedelibuses to celebrate the Grateful Dead’s 60th anniversary
by Jerold Chinn
Quote of the week
“Safety shouldn’t depend on who you know or your political savvy.”
— Alastair Budd on seeking justice for his mother, who was attacked and almost killed in a Muni station, in Why Safety Matters: Standing up for my mom
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
EDUCATION
Ethnic studies: Superintendent Su’s first test in new school year
Under 10 percent of San Francisco voters polled believe schools are on the right track.
by John Trasviña
TRANSPORTATION
Muni frequency-based service sees success on key routes
New frequency-based service boosts reliability; several routes achieving 90 percent on-time rates.
by Jerold Chinn
HOUSING
Governor Newsom tries bureaucratic shuffling to fix housing
Newsom reorganizes housing agencies; plus latest housing news and briefs
by John Zipperer
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EVENTS
Out and about July 24–30, 2025
What to do this weekend and beyond.
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
Here we are, on the cusp of another weekend, and perhaps looking for how to enjoy it, and into next week when we’re all back at work, but still need something to balance our lives. We’re a bit heavy with music here, but as Nietzsche said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.”
Thursday, July 24
Ravi Coltrane and Coltraxx, the acoustic quartet that includes pianist David Virelles, bassist Dezron Douglas, and drummer Johnathan Blake, — all bandleaders and composers — will perform tonight at S.F. Jazz. And yes, Ravi is that Coltrane. Through Friday. Tickets from $25.
Friday, July 25
Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience features the Hollywood icon narrating the history of Delta Blues, accompanied by performances from musicians from Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Miss., and the San Francisco Symphony. Tickets from $150.
Grace Cathedral will host a screening of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home as part of its Movies on the Plaza series. We all remember that movie where the crew time-travels to 1986 San Francisco to save the planet and find humpback whales (they are extinct in Stardate 8390), and are the only creatures that can communicate with that pesky alien probe that’s mucking with the environment and putting Earth in jeopardy. Free admission and free popcorn! Register here.
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