Your trusted source for local San Francisco, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A fire in San Jose's Roosevelt Park neighborhood killed Chris Tran, the 51-year-old founder of a custom t-shirt business, Branding Out. Authorities arrested 35-year-old Yessenia Estrada, an unhoused woman with a prior arson conviction, charging her with involuntary manslaughter and arson. Community outrage has surged as officials address the suspect's history of criminal behavior.
California has established a new state agency dedicated to housing and homelessness issues, a response to ongoing housing crises. Governor Gavin Newsom's proposal to separate housing from the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency received legislative approval, aiming to streamline affordable housing funding processes.
San Francisco activists aim to reclaim the site of the historic Compton’s Cafeteria Riot from GEO Group, which has operated a transitional housing facility there for over 30 years. They argue that the facility's use contradicts the site's significance to the transgender community and are appealing a planning department decision reaffirming its status. The appeal will be heard today before the Board of Appeals.
The San Francisco City Attorney filed a lawsuit against landlord Charles C. Kartchner for failing to provide hot water and allowing unsafe living conditions at a residential building. The lawsuit cites multiple violations, including sewage leaks and rodent infestations, affecting approximately 25 tenants, all of whom are Vietnamese immigrants. City Attorney David Chiu emphasized the necessity of holding landlords accountable for tenant safety and health.
The Roxie Theater in San Francisco has secured its building for $5 million, ensuring its future as a historic film venue. Projectionist Minnie Slocum emphasizes the unique quality of carbon arc film projection, which the Roxie still employs, contrasting it with modern digital methods. The theater, founded in 1913, remains a vital part of the community, offering a personal touch to film screenings.
San Jose's homeless population remained relatively stable at 6,503, a slight increase from 6,266 in 2023. Mayor Matt Mahan emphasized the need to end encampments and increase shelter beds, as both San Jose and San Francisco report rising numbers of unhoused individuals. San Francisco's homeless count reached 8,328, reflecting a growing crisis across the Bay Area.
COVID cases are surging in the Bay Area this summer, prompting public health officials to take action. Budget airline Avelo, now conducting deportation flights, is halting all commercial operations in California, while police in Greece continue their manhunt for a gunman who killed a Berkeley professor.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals voted 4-1 to reject a proposal by trans advocates to reclaim the historic site of the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot from GEO Group, which operates housing for former inmates there. While the board denied the appeal, it expressed support for investigating the private prison operator's land use.
KQED, the prominent public TV and radio station, is laying off 15% of its staff, totaling 45 employees, amid a $12 million deficit exacerbated by declining corporate contributions and potential funding cuts from the Trump administration. The layoffs, which affect all levels of the organization, come as the Senate prepares to vote on rescinding $1.1 billion in federal funding for public media.
Murder charges were filed against Yesica Barajas, 31, after her two children died in a March DUI crash in Napa. Barajas allegedly crashed her vehicle while under the influence, leading to upgraded charges of second-degree murder following a recent court hearing. She remains in custody on a $1.5 million bail.