Latest News in San Francisco, CA

Mayor Lurie announces 5 new entertainment zones with music, merch and street drinking

Mayor Daniel Lurie has introduced legislation to establish five new entertainment zones in San Francisco, including a notable one on Valencia Street, aimed at revitalizing the city's nightlife. These zones will permit open-container drinking and public performances, with the Valencia zone closing to traffic every second Thursday from May to October. Local merchants are optimistic about the potential for increased foot traffic and cultural vibrancy.

State Bar Orders DA Jenkins Into a Diversion Program Over Ethics Violation Allegations

The California State Bar has mandated San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to enter a diversion program due to a confirmed ethics violation involving the unauthorized sharing of a suspect's rap sheet. This decision comes amid a backdrop of ongoing ethics complaints against Jenkins, many of which stem from her political opponents. Critics highlight the irony of Jenkins, who campaigned against diversion programs under former DA Chesa Boudin, now being subjected to one herself.

Accused Murder Suspect and Zizian Cult Member Accuses Jailers of 'Detransitioning' Her In Court Outburst

Alexander "Somni" Leatham, a suspect in the attempted murder of Curtis Lind and the murder of Emma Borhanian, disrupted court proceedings while alleging mistreatment and expressing distress about her gender identity. The case highlights the violent activities associated with the Zizian cult, which is believed to have been involved in multiple fatalities across the country. Leatham and another suspect, Suri Dao, are scheduled for further court appearances as their trial approaches.

Tuesday Morning Topline BART Considers Selling Off East Bay Land

The BART Board of Directors is contemplating the sale of unused land parcels in the East Bay, including over 220 acres in Livermore, to address a significant budget deficit. Meanwhile, investigations are underway regarding a shooting incident outside a McDonald's in Bay Point. Other news includes Meta's office closures in Fremont and Kimbal Musk's criticism of Trump's tariffs.

Day 28 of the 16th St. plaza cleanup Sheriff citations issued

Two sheriff's deputies in San Francisco issued citations to individuals for drug-related offenses during a patrol in the Mission District. The deputies demonstrated increased visibility in the area, which is undergoing cleanup efforts. Local authorities are focused on maintaining order and cleanliness in public spaces, reflecting ongoing community concerns.

Disgraced San Jose City Councilmember Convicted of Molesting a Minor Decades Ago

San Jose City Councilmember Omar Torres has been convicted of sexual abuse charges, including sodomy and oral copulation by force, following a no contest plea. His arrest and subsequent resignation on November 5, 2024, stemmed from serious allegations involving the abuse of a minor, which has left the District 3 seat vacant during a crucial election period. The case has raised significant concerns about child safety and the responsibilities of elected officials.

One Injured In Afternoon Shooting on SF's Fillmore Street

A shooting incident on Fillmore Street in San Francisco left a man injured on Monday afternoon. Police reported that the victim sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was taken to the hospital, while law enforcement continues to investigate the situation with no arrests made. This incident is notable, as it marks a rare occurrence of violence in the area since a fatal shooting in 2019.

Day 27 of 16th St. Plaza cleanup The tenor can change in a matter of hours

The article details the ongoing cleanup efforts at the 16th Street BART Plazas, highlighting fluctuating police presence and the evolving conditions of the area throughout the day. Observations include interactions between police and city workers, the presence of vendors, and the state of litter on nearby streets. The narrative captures the dynamic environment and the challenges faced in maintaining public spaces.

Downtown S.F. recovery plan leans heavily on getting young people drunk

San Francisco's downtown faces significant challenges as highlighted by Chief Economist Ted Egan, who likens the city's current state to a Wile E. Coyote cartoon, where economic realities have yet to take hold. High vacancy rates and stubborn rents persist, prompting concerns about the future of the business landscape. The city's strategy to revitalize downtown relies heavily on creating vibrant social spaces for young people, which may not sufficiently address the deeper economic issues at play.

Oakland Fires Sheng Thaos Former Chief of Staff Over Note That Refers to Using Black People as Tokens

Leigh Hanson, former chief of staff for recalled Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, was terminated following the release of controversial meeting notes that referred to Black people as "tokens." The notes were part of an ongoing bribery and corruption trial involving Thao, and the situation has sparked significant public outrage. Hanson claims her remarks were misinterpreted, referencing a specific political operative as a "token" in the context of the recall campaign.