Local Politics
Voters in five Bay Area counties will decide on a regional sales tax measure on November 3 to fund public transit agencies facing severe financial deficits. The measure proposes a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, plus a one-cent tax in San Francisco, starting in April 2027. If the measure fails, BART has announced that ten low-ridership stations could close as early as January 2027, and Muni may cut up to 20 bus routes. The proposed tax would raise an estimated $980 million annually for 14 years to support agencies including BART, Caltrain, and AC Transit.
Public Safety · San Francisco, CA
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie declared a local emergency on Friday to prepare for potential severe storms and coastal flooding associated with El Niño. The declaration temporarily waives certain city contracting requirements, allowing departments such as Public Works and the SFPUC to secure supplies more quickly. This measure aims to streamline procurement processes across several city agencies during the winter season.
Public Safety · San Francisco County
The NWS San Francisco issued a coastal flood advisory on Friday, Oct. 23 at 12:45 p.m., valid from Saturday, Oct. 24 at 8 a.m. through Thursday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. The advisory covers North Bay Interior Valleys, San Francisco Bay Shoreline, Northern Monterey Bay, Big Sur, and San Francisco County. Up to 1.9 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, with peak high tide at the San Francisco gauge reaching 7.7 ft MLLW on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 12:56 p.m. The NWS warns of flooding of low-lying infrastructure, isolated road closures, coastal erosion, and restricted beach access. Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to move to higher ground, avoid driving through floodwaters, and protect property.
Local Politics · San Francisco, CA
San Francisco voters will decide on Proposition G, which would reopen the Great Highway to vehicle traffic on weekdays while keeping it closed on weekends. Supporters argue the current closure causes traffic congestion in surrounding neighborhoods, while opponents claim the measure would dismantle the popular Sunset Dunes park. The vote marks the third time in four years residents have addressed this issue, with the election occurring in less than two weeks.
Local Politics · San Francisco, CA
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joined other Democratic leaders at a Laborers Local 261 union hall in San Francisco on Friday to oppose Proposition 39. The ballot initiative would require voters to show government ID and mandate citizenship verification by local election officials. Critics argue the measure suppresses turnout and undermines election confidence, while proponents cite concerns about voter rolls. Federal authorities recently arrested individuals statewide following claims of noncitizen voting, though the number of affected voters was significantly lower than initial estimates.
Community News · San Francisco, CA
Funeral services were held on Friday at St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco for former SFPD Deputy Chief Ann Mannix and her daughter, Katie. Hundreds of police officers saluted as the caskets arrived for the two, who were killed earlier this month at their Marin County home. The deaths resulted from a murder-suicide committed by retired Sergeant Kevin Mannix, Ann's husband and Katie's father. Ann Mannix was a pioneering figure in law enforcement, serving as the first woman to lead the SFPD SWAT team before retiring in 2021.
