Your trusted source for local San Francisco, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
SFPD Chief Bill Scott resigned to lead the new LA Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department. His resignation follows rumors of Mayor Daniel Lurie wanting a change in leadership, and Scott's new role is crucial as LA prepares for the World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028.
San Francisco police arrested 21-year-old Trayvon Williams in Novato on Wednesday in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Elijah Bates in the Mission District. Bates was shot at a home on May 2, marking the city's sixth homicide of the year. The investigation remains active, and police seek additional information from the public.
SF Symphony musicians plan to protest outside Davies Hall during Thursday's screening of "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" with live performances, opposing wage cuts they experienced during COVID-19. While management claims a $12.5 million deficit prevents restoring their full pay, musicians argue that management’s salaries have returned to pre-COVID levels. Negotiations between the musicians' union and management are set to resume on Sunday.
Jonathan Rowe, a local resident, appreciates the calm atmosphere of Chan Kaajal Park, contrasting it with the nearby 16th Street Plaza, which has seen increased law enforcement. Rowe, who overcame homelessness, now advocates for children's safety in the park as the city continues its crackdown on the plaza's encampments.
Mayor Daniel Lurie has garnered positive feedback for his early efforts to improve San Francisco's image and tackle street cleanliness, according to City Hall veterans Eric Jaye and Ed Harrington. While they acknowledge it's too early to declare his administration a success, they credit Lurie with fostering a more positive atmosphere at City Hall. Upcoming budget negotiations will test Lurie's leadership amid an $818 million shortfall.
Chief Bill Scott will leave the San Francisco Police Department in June after overseeing reforms amid ongoing challenges. While he implemented changes that reduced police shootings and emphasized de-escalation, critics argue that the progress was insufficient to address systemic issues within the department. Scott will transition to lead the new transit cops division at LA Metro.
Authorities issued citations during a crackdown in San Francisco's Mission District, targeting narcotics use and public disturbances. Witnesses reported various interactions between law enforcement and individuals in the area, highlighting ongoing challenges with crime and homelessness. David Olusoga Jr., a local resident, expressed cautious optimism about the effectiveness of these measures.
President Trump suggested reopening Alcatraz to house violent offenders, likely inspired by the Clint Eastwood film "Escape From Alcatraz," which aired shortly before his tweet. The proposal, criticized as impractical and costly, contradicts Trump's previous efforts to reduce prison populations. Alcatraz, now a popular tourist site, has not housed inmates for over 60 years.
Two people suffered gunshot wounds in downtown Oakland on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 4:30 PM on the 1400 block of Franklin Street, heightening concerns following a recent shooting nearby.
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara faces scrutiny over his international travel funded by taxpayers, with many trips leading to absences from key insurance hearings since 2019. Despite repeated requests for records detailing the business purposes of these trips, significant documentation remains missing. The ongoing investigation raises concerns about transparency and accountability in Lara's office.