It’s almost time to ring in the new year! As 2023 comes to a close, I want to let you know of about a few state laws I championed that are taking effect on Jan. 1.
Assembly: Phil Ting
Commentary: Quentin L. Kopp
The unreliability of American and San Francisco media today is not new to our country. Neither is the people’s right to discard biased, unsound judges.
Lowell High School’s Admission Policy Again Being Reviewed by SFUSD
Once again, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) Board of Education is contemplating ending the “merit-based” admissions policy at Lowell High School, replacing it instead with the lottery system used by most high schools in the district.
‘Looking Back’: Pan-Pacific Expo
Oct. 14, 1911, was planned to be a celebration at the Polo Field in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. Despite the damage suffered by the City in the 1906 earthquake and fire, the City was determined to celebrate its rebirth by hosting the upcoming Panama-Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) in 1915.
New ‘Botticelli Drawings’ Exhibit Featured at Legion
“Botticelli Drawings,” the newest exhibition at San Francisco’s Legion of Honor, is not going for the obvious in exploring the work of the Italian painter of the early Renaissance, Sandro Botticelli (full name: Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filippa). Viewers won’t see his most iconic painting, “The Birth of Venus” (1485-1486). Nor will they be disappointed.
Proposed Light Show in GG Park Alarms Environmentalists
Local environmentalists are highlighting concerns about a proposal to light up the Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park at night during the winter months and the impact this may have on plants and wildlife.
Balboa Theater Hosts First Sensory-Friendly Movie in Partnership with SF Rec. and Park’s Therapeutic Rec. and Inclusion Services
San Francisco Recreation and Park’s Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Services division hosted its first sensory-friendly movie on Nov. 4 at the Balboa Theater in the Outer Richmond for children, teens and young adults who signed up for Therapeutic Recreation Family Day.
Suspects Arrested in GG Park Corpse Case
The San Francisco district attorney’s office has opted not to file charges – at least, not yet – against two people who were arrested in connection with the death of a San Francisco resident whose body was discovered in Golden Gate Park during the Outside Lands festival last summer.
‘A Shot of Salvation’: 1920 Bar, by Deno Gellepes
I first encountered the 1920 Bar by accident one night when I was walking with a friend on our way to a house party near the 4-Star Theater on 23rd and Clement. I realized that all the times I’d walked by 1808 Clement St. it was daytime and the business, with minimal signage, was always closed. So, I was both stunned and psyched to find that a bright and welcoming sports bar was tucked away in the back of the lively Harajuku Sushi restaurant.
Press Release: Art Walk on Balboa Street Dec. 3
Art Walk SF is set to captivate art enthusiasts and community members as it transforms Balboa Village into an immersive gallery experience on Saturday, Dec. 3. This highly anticipated event will showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions, including paintings, fashion, mixed media, photography, and more.
Commentary: Jen Nossokoff
As you gather together with family and friends in celebration over the winter holidays, you may find that with the excitement and joy comes a backdrop of political polarization. This might look like being on outright opposite ends of the political spectrum, somewhere in between, or it can also look like apathy or indifference.
Letter to the Editor: Concentration of Wealth a Cause of Homelessness
“Fact: SF NIMBYs, such as they exist, are not stopping housing right now; the Federal Reserve and the preferences of speculative capital are. The City has approved tens of thousands of housing units that could break ground today, no NIMBY opposition, no frivolous lawsuits …”
Diwali Celebration at OSFMM
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is currently celebrated all over the world by over a billion people. San Franciscans take pride in honoring diversity; this includes celebrating Diwali! On Sunday Nov. 12, 2023, the Outer Sunset Farmers Marker & Mercantile was buzzing with activities including crafts, a cultural exhibit, a sari show, Indian themed dances and a cooking demonstration with food sampling to share this beautiful holiday with the community! This was the first outdoor celebration of Diwali in the Outer Sunset of San Francisco. And, the OSFMM plans to repeat Diwali and other cultural celebrations in the future.
Letter to the Editor: Anti-Environmental ‘Winter Lights Show’ in Botanical Garden
Now we have the horrendous news that the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society is seeking quotes for a new anti-environmental “Winter Lights Show.” Another exciting opportunity to exploit formerly public space for private profit!
Commentary: Julie Pitta
In news that came as no surprise to anyone, last month Marjan Philhour announced her third run for District 1 supervisor. Knocking out an incumbent – even in a district gerrymandered to improve her prospects – won’t be easy. That said, Philhour will benefit greatly from the largesse of the wealthiest political players in San Francisco, most notably the City’s tech elite.
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 