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‘Photos of the Month’: February 2025
Sunset Beacon
Commentary: Richie Greenberg
The west side of San Francisco is primed for a Republican or conservative independent candidate to win a seat on the Board of Supervisors. Recent elections results coupled with analysts’ data maps overlaying how voters answered key ballot measures by district borders paint a conclusive trend: Should a viable Republican candidate throw their name in the hat for the 2026 and 2028 citywide and district elections, they would have a good chance at winning.
‘Cooking Together’: Sambhar
Sambhar is a robust South Indian soup comprised of lentils, vegetables, and spices, making it a nutritious and fulfilling meal. The recipe involves cooking lentils, sautéing vegetables, and flavoring with tamarind.
Commentary: Against SFMTA’s ‘Biking and Rolling Plan’
On Feb. 18, SFMTA is set to rubber-stamp the vague, unfunded and reckless “Biking and Rolling Plan.” This 250+ page document proposes an aggressive expansion of bike lanes, “slow streets,” and other ambiguous measures, all requiring the drastic removal of street parking and driving lanes.
From a Reader: Open Letter to Supervisor Joel Engardio
You have repeatedly said that you should not be recalled over a single issue, i.e., the Prop. K vote closing the Upper Great Highway (UGH). Yes, the recall is for a single issue, but the issue is not the UGH. The issue is YOU, and your behavior, lack of response and a sense of duty to those who put you in office.
From a Reader: Recall Engardio – Unpleasant But Necessary
Joel Engardio, San Francisco’s District 4 Supervisor since 2023, has had a relatively short tenure in City Hall and yet has already committed a serious violation: Ignoring the will of his constituents.
Press Release: Ocean Beach Sand Dune Replanting Project Launches
Rec. and Park joined dedicated volunteers and key environmental organizations to kick off a sand dune replanting project at Ocean Beach recently. The collaborative effort aims to restore the health of the beach’s vital dune ecosystem, enhance biodiversity, and protect native species.
Letter to the Editor: Heavily Armed Department of Homeland Security Agents Seen in the Outer Richmond
Most of them were armed with pistols in holsters, but the HSI people carried heavy weaponry and wore bullet-proof vests. One had what appeared to be an assault rifle with a stand for it in the back of his vest. Another had a submachine gun hanging across his chest. I watched one of the team walk across the street carrying what appeared to be an assault rifle.
Letter to the Editor: Blame the Rich, Not the Immigrants
American corporations are deciding they would rather pay low wages with no benefits to immigrants and manipulate the H-1B visas to hire vulnerable non-union immigrant workers at a lower cost than they would have to pay if they hired Americans.
‘Then and Now’: Fifth and Parnassus Avenues
Comparison photos of Fifth and Parnassus Avenues 105 years apart.
Letter to the Editor: ‘Shallow and Simple Minded’ Voter Responds
This “shallow and simple minded” voter would like to point out to a recent letter writer that Joel Engardio must have been similarly “shallow and simple minded” when he loudly, publicly and actively promoted the recall of the city attorney and board of education members when he disagreed with their positions. Suddenly a recall of HIM is “wasteful”? How convenient.
Letter to the Editor: Recall a Waste of Money
The rise in recall efforts in California, particularly against Supervisor Joel Engardio, reflects a troubling trend where voters pursue recalls based on single issues. This approach wastes taxpayer money and undermines democratic processes by ignoring broad electoral decisions.
City Hall: Joel Engardio
You might have plans to attend the amazing Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown on Feb. 15. I hope to see you there. I also want to encourage you to attend the wonderful New Year celebration in the Sunset on Feb. 9 at the Outer Sunset Farmers Market.
Police Blotter: Sunset District
Recent police activity in the Sunset District.
From the Editor: Firefighting a Hot Topic
I watched in horror as the Santa Ana winds in Southern California last month reached hurricane-strength speeds which spread fires through entire neighborhoods leaving death and destruction.
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 