Your trusted source for local San Francisco, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Walnut Creek teacher Gerard Flaherty, 43, faces charges of rape and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Police recorded Flaherty admitting to the crime during a wiretapped call, where he expressed concern about a potential pregnancy. The Contra Costa School of Performing Arts, where he taught, has permanently closed due to declining enrollment.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed a budget bill that exempts most urban housing projects from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This reform aims to alleviate California's housing crisis by reducing litigation delays associated with development projects. Critics warn that rollbacks could disproportionately affect low-income communities and the environment.
The San Mateo County deputy sheriff’s union urged Sheriff Christina Corpus to resign following accusations of misconduct from a civil grand jury. The grand jury's findings included allegations of conflict of interest and retaliation against former staff members. Corpus, who maintains her innocence, plans to appeal the board's decision to terminate her.
Residents of the Mission neighborhood gathered at Galeria de la Raza to express support for Hilary Rivers, a drag performer arrested by ICE. The event allowed community members to write letters of encouragement following Rivers' detention.
California's housing developers secured a major victory as the state budget-related housing bill effectively removes the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as a barrier to urban residential development. This change allows most new apartment buildings to bypass environmental litigation threats, significantly impacting the state's housing crisis.
Mayor Daniel Lurie and the San Francisco Arts Commission awarded $10.4 million in grants to 145 local artists and cultural organizations to support the city's arts scene and economic recovery. The funding, part of the SFAC's 2025-2026 grant cycle, includes significant support for first-time grant recipients and cultural centers.
A new iPhone app called ICEBlock allows users to report sightings of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, amassing a community of 20,000 users, primarily in Los Angeles. The Trump administration threatens legal action against CNN for reporting on the app, claiming it endangers ICE agents. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced efforts to prosecute media outlets for allegedly encouraging avoidance of law enforcement.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance allowing homeowners to build in-law units that can be sold as separate condos. This legislation aims to increase the number of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in the city, which have seen low growth since 2020. Property owners with single-family homes or small condos can benefit from this initiative starting with units built after May 1, 2025.
San Francisco museums feature several noteworthy exhibitions, including “Kunié Sugiura: Photopainting” and “Ruth Asawa: Retrospective.” Admission is free for Bay Area residents on the first Thursday of each month, but advance reservations are recommended.
San Francisco plans to introduce new stainless steel trash cans, dubbed Slim Silhouette, with the first expected to appear by the end of 2025. The city aims to produce 3,000 units at a cost of about $3,000 each, down from initial prototype estimates of $20,000. Despite budget concerns, the project continues to move forward with a pilot program to test the cans.