Tag: Richmond District

Christiane Lyons Confronts Not-So- ‘Superficial Matters’ in de Young Exhibit

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Mill Valley painter Christiane Lyons has dedicated the last decade of her life to her series, which she, somewhat facetiously, calls, “Some Women.” The oil paintings are collage-like, yet more refined. There is also a double or triple-exposure effect in the depiction of the women. The work is figurative, abstract and surreal. It is easy to be drawn to the colorful, layered pieces. There is a soft beauty to them. But a closer, more pensive examination reveals an indictment on the objectification of women in history and in current times.

Constance Tea & Matcha Brings a Taste of Japan to the Richmond

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Instead of waiting for their orders by the pick-up counter, customers of Constance Tea & Matcha often flock to the back of the studio, where three granite stone mills are actively grinding tencha leaves into the fine green powder that will fill their drinks. At most cafes in the U.S., this step is done thousands of miles away, but at Constance, it happens just 20 feet from the register.

Commentary: Quentin L. Kopp

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Last month we learned from a reported City Hall audit that a wily operator, former Chief Assistant Treasurer Tajel Shah, ignored procurement rules to ensure that a $7 million City Hall contract for a new tax collecting system went to tech corporation Mechanical Orchard. The system handles billions of dollars in San Francisco‘s infamous business taxes. City Attorney David Chiu, City Controller Greg Wagner and the Controller’s Auditor of City Services uncovered Shah’s perfidy. Shah never revealed her friendship with the chief revenue officer of Mechanical Orchard whose subcontractor (Ratio PBC) then hired Ms. Shah’s niece. A complaint was thereafter filed by a knowledgeable citizen with the Ethics Commission in late 2024. The San Francisco Standard reported such malefeasance on Sept. 25, 2025. Mechanical Orchard pulled out of contract talk the day before Shah’s perfidy was revealed. Shah resigned on Nov. 21, 2025.

State Senate: Scott Wiener

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For many people, health insurance is a lifeline. That’s why it’s such a profound violation when health insurers deny care they should be covering. Wrongful denials are a growing indignity facing Californians, and we have to call it out. I wrote a first-of-its-kind bill called the Health Insurance Accountability Act to tackle this problem head on by holding health insurance companies accountable for wrongful denials. We need to pass it through the Legislature before the deadline at the end of August, and then fight to pass similar reforms through Congress.

Assembly: Catherine Stefani

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If you’re anything like me, you’re probably sick and tired of being bombarded every day with phone calls, text messages and emails from complete strangers, and sometimes even scammers. The constant barrage is frustrating, but it’s also increasingly dangerous. These messages are often part of sophisticated schemes designed to steal your money, personal information or even your identity.

City Hall: Connie Chan

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In July we announced the drafting of two new pieces of legislation to support small businesses. Our City and our communities thrive when our small businesses and workers thrive. The Workers Opportunity to Purchase Act and the creation of Small Business Tenant Unions will empower our workers, stabilize our commercial corridors and protect our small businesses, helping to create more vibrant and successful neighborhoods and a more stable workforce.