THIS WEEK AT THE VOICE FOR THURSDAY, NOV. 5, 2026
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by Mike Ege
Editor in Chief, The Voice of San Francisco
Election Day may have come and gone, but the machinations continue, and some knock-on effects have yet to materialize. That’s not particularly remarkable these days. What is remarkable is the relative calm in San Francisco compared to the sea change in sentiment reflected by the national scene.
As of now, both houses of Congress will pass to the Democrats, assuming no last-minute shenanigans, such as the Trump administration refusing to seat the new Congress in January. Moreover, those shenanigans may not be necessary, as Reuters reports that the White House has been planning since April to stymie congressional oversight and essentially rule by decree. Which means that we will still be living in interesting times.
Meanwhile, the picture in California seems more mixed, with voters dodging the temptation to eat the rich with a billionaire tax and, on top of that, making it harder to enact any other wealth tax. Meanwhile, San Francisco populist Jane Kim leads in a yet-to-be-decided race for insurance commissioner, which could spawn another fiscal black hole in Sacramento, and CEQA reform was defeated by the usual suspects — plus Wendy Schmidt. So yes, it’s true, billionaires don’t care about affordability.
Will our new governor, Xavier Becerra — at once grim, gray, glib, and groundbreaking — continue a reign of profligate governance enabled by an abundant economy? Meanwhile, California dreams of high-speed rail are outclassed by … Mexico?
But in San Francisco? Despite some drama and upsets, largely the status quo. Voters trust Mayor Daniel Lurie’s tinkering with governance, with his charter reform measures passing. Proposition I, the latest shot in the legislative battle over housing policy governance in the city, looks to lose.
Pundits tell us there’s still a moderate majority on the Board of Supervisors. Of course, that assumes that Bilal Mahmood consistently votes moderate, which he won’t. (He can’t: He represents one of San Francisco’ most left-leaning districts.) Scott Wiener will occupy San Francisco’s now-powerless congressional seat, and Connie Chan is still here to say no to everything.
The most recent effort to restore car traffic on the Great Highway has lost; election returns indicate that fewer voters support the idea than in previous votes, and the passage of Lurie’s Proposition D means another ballot fight will have a steeper hill to climb.
But are there folks out there still willing to die on that hill? Of course there are. Remember there were four different votes over three elections on the fate of the Central Freeway in Hayes Valley.
One move that didn’t help was the stunt pulled by the local GOP, who sent out a mass text message urging voters who supported the highway to reregister as Republicans. Notably, their chair, Nick Berg, ran against District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill — and came in third. That’s not quite as bad as Democratic Central Committee member Michael Nguyen, who couldn’t even beat a certain disgraced contender in the District 8 race.
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Top News
CITY HALL
Supervisors target roboshops and O.K. loan for watchlist NGO; commissions review homeless count, permit for Fillmore Heritage Center
Busy week at City Hall also features advice for the school district, lots of landmarks, and new rules for the Sunshine Task Force.
by Mike Ege
San Francisco lawmakers faced a varied agenda this week, with the Board of Supervisors approving a $22.2 million bailout to controversial housing nonprofit and urging the school district to adopt an improved enrollment scheme, while commissions mulled this year’s Point-in-Time homeless count and a milestone for an embattled community hub in the Western Addition.
TRANSPORTATION
Bay Area transit agencies thankful to voters for saving transit from the brink of collapse
“The sales tax increase will take effect in April of next year and last for 14 years. RTM is expected to generate $980 million annually.
by Jerold Chinn
OPINION
It’s election season, so San Franciscans have been voting early, in person or by mail. Locally, we’ll see what a relatively happy voter wants, as opposed to the angry/despondent San Francisco voter of recent years.
by John Zipperer
Nomi toon
In Case You Missed It
A&E
Exploratorium unveils new light commission as Glow returns this winter
The Exploratorium’s beloved winter exhibition, Glow, will return to Pier 15 on Nov. 19 through Jan. 24, 2027, transforming the space into a luminous playground of the art and science of light.
by Sharon Anderson
TRANSPORTATION
How the SFMTA is preparing for El Niño and potential Muni subway flooding
With sandbags, water pumps and backup generators ready to go for El Niño, SFMTA is preparing for a very wet winter, which may include flooding on city streets and in the Muni Metro subway.
by Jerold Chinn
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EVENTS
Out and About Nov. 5–10, 2026
What to do this weekend and beyond
By Lynette Majer
Managing Editor, The Voice of San Francisco
Enjoy the next several days with Diwali and De los Muertos celebrations, music, food and beverage festivals, art, film, theatre, opera, ballet, and more — there are plenty of choices for out and abouting.
Thursday, Nov. 5
Indian Restaurant Week celebrating Diwali is underway with six participating restaurants: Rooh, Tiya, Bombay Brasserie, Amber India, New Delhi, and Copra, all offering special multi-course menus. Through Nov. 14.
A 50-year retrospective of the iconic artist and theatrical costume designer, Beaver Bauer opens today. Beaver Bauer: From Street to Stage includes original renderings, video clips, and costume elements from her expansive work. Bauer has designed for ACT, the Berkeley Rep, Teatro ZinZanni, and others. Opening reception 5 to 7:30 p.m. with light snacks and beverages in the Jewett Gallery at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch. The exhibition runs through April 11, 2027. Free admission.
The 30th Arab Film Festival opens tonight with Marwan Hamed’s biographical drama, El Sett, which chronicles the legendary Arab singer Umm Kulthum. 6 p.m. at the AMC Kabuki. Tickets: $45. The festival runs through Nov. 14.
Friday, Nov. 6
Ars Minerva reconstructs lost Baroque operas and will present Andromeda, which premiered at the Hapsburg Court on Nov. 4, 1714. Composed by Marc’Antonio Ziani, the one-act chamber opera is set in ancient Egypt and dramatizes the myth of Perseus and Andromeda. 7 p.m. through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Creativity Theater. Tickets from $25.
Enjoy music, local vendors, games, food and cocktails, interactive fun, D.J. sets and more, like tarot readings and face painting at the Dirty Bird Night Market. 5 p.m. at Thrive City. RSVP here.
The 2026 San Francisco Dance Film Festival is underway, with a screening tonight of In Other Words, which consists of five story-driven films where “feeling takes physical form,” from a weary coat maker confronted by the ghosts of the family he left behind to children training at a ballet school near the Arctic Circle, all proving that “some of the most powerful stories are carried by the body.” 6 p.m. at the Brava Theater. Tickets: $22 and change.
Saturday, Nov. 7
Coffee lovers can unite at the 10th annual San Francisco Coffee Festival and enjoy specialty roasters, exhibitors, tastings, and entertainment. Three time options from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Sunday at Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion. Tickets from $38
For an alternative to that pumpkin spice latte, celebrate the season at the San Francisco Fall Cider Festival, where you can taste your way through unlimited pours of over 30 cider varieties. (Maybe there’s a pumpkin spice flavor?) Enjoy food from over 15 vendors, games, live music, and more, like fire pits. Noon to 4 p.m. at Spark Social SF. Tickets $30 and $60.
Enjoy two cultural fall observances at the family-friendly Dia de los Muertos and Diwali Festival to honor Latinx and South Asian traditions with arts and crafts, storytelling, cultural dance and song, a fire ceremony, and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Presidio Tunnel Tops. Free admission.
Giant Arc, inspired by the Bay Area’s landscape, is comprised of over 75,000 handcrafted kites of different shapes and materials in a floating assemblage. Make a Kite with Jacob Hashimoto, the artist, and learn how to make your own kite while immersed in the installation. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SFMOMA. Free admission.
Tiny Dances is the San Francisco Ballet’s new family series for young children, performed by pre-professional trainees, and offering shorter performances and a welcoming atmosphere for children’s first ballet experience. Its inaugural production of Swan Lake features an on-stage narrator who will guide the kiddos through “the beauty, music, and choreography of the beloved classic.” 3 p.m. (sensory friendly) today, with two additional performances on Sunday at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. Tickets from $65.
Sunday, Nov. 8
Enjoy live performances, a curated selection of local makers, artisan vendors, great food, live performances, and more at the outdoor all-ages San Francisco Diwali Festival. 1–5 p.m. at Yerba Buena Gardens.
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