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Millions of Americans lost access to SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, making Thanksgiving meals more crucial. San Francisco offers several free dinner options, including Glide Memorial Church, which plans to serve nearly 2,500 meals. Other organizations like St. Anthony's and Martin de Porres also provide meals, highlighting the community's response to food insecurity.
Mayor Daniel Lurie appointed 29-year-old Isabella “Beya” Alcaraz as the District 4 supervisor, following the recall of Joel Engardio. Alcaraz, an art and music teacher with a background as a pet-shop owner, aims to foster community engagement in City Hall. She will face immediate challenges, including a contentious upzoning plan for affordable housing.
Mayor Daniel Lurie faced tough questions during his first town hall regarding his upzoning plan for the Richmond District. Residents expressed concerns about the potential demolition of rent-controlled housing, while Lurie defended the plan, citing existing protections and community feedback. The proposal aims to add approximately 14,600 housing units over the next 20 years.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Elias Gonzales in East Oakland, leaving him traumatized after two months in a detention facility without proper language support. His asylum application suffered due to language barriers, highlighting the critical issue of language access for immigrants. Gonzales was released on October 28 after a successful habeas petition, but he faces ongoing challenges in his asylum process.
Desmond Cannady, a 24-year-old barber, provides haircuts for $20 on the streets of San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, where he also offers free cuts monthly. Cannady, who learned to cut hair as a teenager, aims to uplift his clients with conversations about hope and change. After serving time in jail, he returned to reconnect with the community and use his talent to make a difference.
Mayor Daniel Lurie appointed Isabella "Beya" Alcaraz, a 29-year-old art and music teacher, as the new District 4 supervisor in San Francisco following the recall of Joel Engardio. Alcaraz, a lifelong Sunset resident and former pet-shop owner, aims to enhance community engagement in local governance. She will address a significant upzoning plan shortly after taking office.
Pinky Midili, a 62-year-old self-proclaimed “biker rock star,” resides at Jazzie’s Place, a shelter for LGBTQ+ individuals in San Francisco. Known for his vibrant personality and collection of stuffed animals, Pinky has faced significant health challenges, including congestive heart failure. Despite these hardships, he maintains a cheerful outlook and actively engages with his community.
The Las Vegas Raiders donated $250,000 to repair a high school football field in Concord that was damaged by a fire in August. The fire melted about a third of the synthetic turf at Mt. Diablo High School, prompting the team to assist with the insurance deductible for repairs.
Children in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood celebrated their first pumpkin patch festival, enjoying pizza, candy, and activities. Organized by nonprofit Compass Family Services, the event aimed to provide local children, many from immigrant families, with a joyful experience in their own community amidst the challenges of homelessness and drug use.
A Pleasanton high school principal resigned after an investigation revealed he used Grindr to communicate with students about sexual encounters. Jonathan M. Fey accepted a $254,000 settlement following allegations of misconduct, which he denies. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding sexual misconduct in California schools.