THIS WEEK AT THE VOICE FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026
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by Mike Ege
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
Congratulations to Voice writers for becoming finalists in the 2025 California Journalism Awards! Winners will be announced in the coming weeks. Finalists include:
Grading for Equity coming to San Francisco high schools this fall, John Trasviña
Charlie Kirk and America’s legacy of political violence, John Zipperer
In a time of uncertainty for Mexican-Americans, continuing the path of my ancestors is more important than ever, John Trasviña
Open data shows S.F. police drug calls surge 50 percent in two days, Liz Le
EXCLUSIVE: S.F. Department of Public Health head: ‘Public drug use is really a problem for other people’, Susan Dyer Reynolds
Housing is becoming San Francisco’s Forever War, Mike Ege
Exclusive: California Department of Corrections ignored serious felony violations in Troy McAlister case, Susan Dyer Reynolds
Muni riders face summer service cuts as SFMTA grapples with budget crisis, Jerold Chinn
Muni riders flood transit agency with operator praise on Transit Driver Appreciation Day, Jerold Chinn
Last week we lamented what we observed as low turnout in last week’s election. Turns out we (along with some other news outlets) were all wrong. SFSU Professor of Political Science Jason McDaniel projected a turnout of over 50% early on, and it looks like he’s going to be right. Current turnout based on votes counted so far at the Department of Elections is 49.51% with 7,000 ballots left to count. That’s already higher than 2024’s primary vote.
McDaniel, who is the city’s go-to on election analysis these days, walked a packed room at Harrington’s Bar and Grill downtown through his election takeaways last Monday, along with San Francisco Democratic Party Chair Nancy Tung.
Among other takeaways:
- The race to succeed Speaker Nancy Pelosi has created what McDaniel calls “a new electoral geography,” with Asian voters and older homeowners more likely to vote for Supervisor Connie Chan regardless of her past positions. White, college-educated voters concerned about housing and affordability, especially renters, are siding with state Sen. Scott Wiener. The end result is the CA-11 race looks different from past races ideologically, with Wiener supported by the center-left and Chan by both the least and most progressive voters.
- Self-funded candidates overall weren’t successful, undermining popular narratives about money and politics. “A lot of people feel like if they get a lot of money, they can win an election, right? It’s not that simple,” McDaniel told the crowd. That said, the interaction between social media and political cash remains a concern. Tung pointed out the use of social media “influencers” in campaigns, noting “if they are being paid to endorse a candidate, then there should be a disclaimer on whatever material they’re putting on.” McDaniel agreed. “It feels dirty to me in a way campaign commercials don’t.”
Check out links to our latest content below, or just bookmark our homepage to see the latest.
Top News
EDUCATION
Superintendent Su wins over skeptical Congressional Republicans
In testimony, Su avoids criticisms and presents a message of progress
by John Trasviña
By defending San Francisco values without offending skeptical Republican members of the House Education and Workforce Committee, Su takes on the role of a returning hero from the culture wars in Washington.
TRANSPORTATION
Supervisors fund study to expand Central Subway to North Beach
SFMTA will study extending the Central Subway from Chinatown to North Beach.
by Jerold Chinn
OPINION
IdeaSF: Discussions about San Francisco’s future and who gets to decide
Executives, the mayor, and cultural leaders gathered last week to talk about the city’s future. The role of artists is uncertain.
by Taylor Snowberger
Quote of the week
“A person doesn’t “go” to San Francisco. They “arrive.” We don’t argue, we have conversations. And those aren’t donuts. They’re pastries.”
—Just one of Will Durst’s “Travel tips for tourists”
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
OPINION
‘60 Minutes’ and the great news freak-out
Scott Pelley’s ouster from CBS News amid the Bari Weiss-ification of the operation brought to mind my own connection to that storied institution.
by John Zipperer
OPINION
Travel tips for tourists
Pity the poor tourist. To help them navigate our fair city, we San Franciscans have a few suggestions to improve our visitors’ stay, and these are the top ones
by Will Durst
A&E
Reclaiming history through beadwork: Demetri Broxton at MoAD
Demetri Broxton’s beaded portraits speak of ancestral stories
by Sharon Anderson
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EVENTS
Out and about June 11–17, 2026
What to do this weekend and beyond
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
It’s clearly the season for outdoor events, from films to night and day markets, but also some inside events to enjoy as well, from exhibitions, and more.
Thursday, June 11
The immersive exhibition Life in Space opens today and explores how life, whether human or extraterrestrial, might live in the extreme conditions beyond planet Earth in over 50 exhibits. Through Sept. 13 at the Exploratorium. Tickets from $30.
Friday, June 12
Sundown Cinema is back with a full season through October this year after an abbreviated 2025 season, and opens with The Princess Bride. Around sunset at Mission Delores Park. Free; RSVP here for a chance to win prime seating near the screen.
Tonight’s Sunset Night Market Dragon Boat Festival perplexed me at first, until I discovered that some festivals are indeed held on land before the actual water races (tune in here next week for the deets on that). So an evening of food, culture, music, and community spirit is yours to enjoy at the number four-ranked night market in the country by USA Today. 5 to 10 p.m. on Irving Street (20th to 25th avenues). Free.
And for the USA Today number one-ranked night market in the country, head to the BeChinatown Night Market for food from over two dozen vendors, arts and crafts, live music, and more. 5 to 9 p.m. on Grant Avenue (California to Pacific streets). Free.
Saturday, June 13
The Presidio will host a family-friendly Fútbol Gameday for soccer enthusiasts, featuring soccer-themed games, face painting, a photo booth, and more, including a screening of today’s FIFA World Cup 26 matches. Noon to 5 p.m. at the Main Parade Lawn. Free admission, reserve here.
It’s the Juneteenth Freedom Festival today, with eight blocks of family fun, retail and food vendors, a fashion show, a classic car show, live performances, and more. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fillmore Street (Geary to Fulton streets). Free, RSVP here.
Here’s another outdoor movie option: Blankets & Blockbusters, which is screening the ’80s classic Back to the Future tonight. (Be sure to take note of the “no” list, which is longer than the event listing, and includes no chairs, drones, or tents.) Bring a picnic (as long as it’s not in a cooler), because the only food available for purchase will be beefy sliders, popcorn, a cookie, and hot cocoa. 6 p.m. on Thrive City’s ginormous plaza board (entry at 5 p.m. is allowed).
Sunday, June 14
Vintage lovers won’t want to miss the Pickwick Vintage Show, a curated treasure trove of jewelry, clothing, and more from over 40 vendors. It’s so popular organizers say it will sell out, and even if you have a ticket, you may still have to wait because only a limited number of people are allowed inside to make for a more enjoyable shopping experience. How nice. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ferry Building. Tickets $12.
SFMOMA kicks off Summer for Families today with Line, Shape, and Color, where families can play with color, build shapes, and draw lines inspired by the artwork on view, and also enjoy a story time with the San Francisco Public Library. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays through June with different themes each week. Free admission.
The 18th season of Sunday Streets kicks off today in the Tenderloin with live music and dance, recreational activities, health resources, and more, creating a car-free community space to encourage us to get out and about, visiting our neighborhoods and connecting with merchants, other organizations, and each other. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Golden Gate Avenue (between Jones and Hyde streets). Free.
Listen to our podcasts
- Maria Su testified before Congress and Steve Hilton has begun his campaign for Governor!!!
- Steve Hilton made it! This election will provide a real choice not an echo!!
- Thoughts on Maria Su going to Washington to testify before Congress!
- Trump, Hilton and the myth that California elections are “rigged”!!
- Plus more (and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music/Audible or everywhere else you get your favorite podcasts)
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