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Inside San Quentin's effort to redefine prison life

A former symbol of mass incarceration now trains inmates in coding, journalism and filmmaking.

News

For decades, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Quentin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/02/san-quentin-state-prison-rehabilitation-project?utm_" data-vars-content-id="a4818f4a-c154-44c2-b995-6a40d40eba5a" data-vars-headline="Inside San Quentin&#x27;s effort to redefine prison life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/02/san-quentin-state-prison-rehabilitation-project?utm_" target="_self">San Quentin</a> stood as a symbol of America&#x27;s harshest era of incarceration, housing California&#x27;s death row and many of the state&#x27;s most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dangerous offenders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-inmates-at-san-quentin-state-prison/treadlightly" data-vars-content-id="a4818f4a-c154-44c2-b995-6a40d40eba5a" data-vars-headline="Inside San Quentin&#x27;s effort to redefine prison life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-inmates-at-san-quentin-state-prison/treadlightly" target="_blank">dangerous offenders</a>.The big picture: But now, in a transformation that would have sounded implausible even a decade ago, the state&#x27;s oldest prison is trying to reinvent itself as something closer to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Scandinavian-style" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-48885846" data-vars-content-id="a4818f4a-c154-44c2-b995-6a40d40eba5a" data-vars-headline="Inside San Quentin&#x27;s effort to redefine prison life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-48885846" target="_blank">Scandinavian-style</a> rehabilitation facility — one centered on education and second chances.

Nothing quizzical about the Friday SF News Quiz!

If there's a better way to start a long holiday weekend, we don't wanna know about it.

A long and overindulgent weekend awaits, but before that, we are back for another edition of your favorite thing on the internet.<ul><li>That&#x27;s right, it&#x27;s Friday SF News Quiz time! Time to test your smarts. </li></ul>

Nancy Pelosi backs Connie Chan in high-stakes congressional race

Pelosi's endorsement gives Connie Chan a late boost as voters cast ballots.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorsed Supervisor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Connie Chan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/11/20/connie-chan-pelosi-congress-race" data-vars-content-id="fea9a81e-3a9a-4852-b4d0-af7bc7bdf063" data-vars-headline="Nancy Pelosi backs Connie Chan in high-stakes congressional race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/11/20/connie-chan-pelosi-congress-race" target="_self">Connie Chan</a> this week in the race to<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" succeed her in Congress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/08/san-francisco-pelosi-successor-congress-race-2026-district-11" data-vars-content-id="fea9a81e-3a9a-4852-b4d0-af7bc7bdf063" data-vars-headline="Nancy Pelosi backs Connie Chan in high-stakes congressional race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/08/san-francisco-pelosi-successor-congress-race-2026-district-11" target="_self"> succeed her in Congress</a>, delivering a major boost to a candidate who has struggled to keep pace with her better-funded rivals.Why it matters: Pelosi&#x27;s 11th-hour backing could prove decisive in the high-stakes primary, potentially helping consolidate traditional Democratic voters behind Chan while tying her candidacy to one of the most powerful political networks in the country.

The Bay Area pioneered AI — Seattle is scaling it

The best place to build AI isn't necessarily where it started. See why companies are choosing Greater Seattle.

Partners

San Francisco may still be synonymous with AI innovation, but another West Coast hub is increasingly shaping how the technology gets built and deployed at scale.The story: Greater Seattle has quietly become one of the country&#x27;s most influential AI ecosystems, drawing attention as companies look beyond the Bay Area, where costs and competition for talent are on the rise.<ul><li>The region brings together AI talent, cloud infrastructure and a closely connected network of research and industry, allowing companies to move from development to deployment in one place.</li></ul>

San Francisco readers share mixed feelings on generative AI

Some readers embrace AI for efficiency, while others raise ethical and environmental concerns.

Business

Last week we asked you, our readers, for your thoughts — good, bad or otherwise — on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="generative AI" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/ai-elite-vs-ai-skeptic-doomer" data-vars-content-id="272c7019-8cb8-46d6-b0f3-11a02d3a51f6" data-vars-headline="San Francisco readers share mixed feelings on generative AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/13/ai-elite-vs-ai-skeptic-doomer" target="_self">generative AI</a>.Why it matters: As AI spreads across daily life, public opinion is fractured on how quickly and widely the technology should be adopted.

California ranks No. 3 in U.S. data center boom

The state has hundreds of facilities, with dozens more planned.

California is among the top states — ranking at No. 3 — with the most data centers in the U.S., a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent Pew Research analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/45261770.62/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucGV3cmVzZWFyY2gub3JnL3Nob3J0LXJlYWRzLzIwMjYvMDQvMTMvbW9zdC1uZXctZGF0YS1jZW50ZXJzLWluLXRoZS11cy1hcmUtY29taW5nLXRvLXJ1cmFsLWFyZWFzLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B23a45919" data-vars-content-id="48a52c1a-fb56-43d2-afa4-06abc00c8314" data-vars-headline="California ranks No. 3 in U.S. data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/45261770.62/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucGV3cmVzZWFyY2gub3JnL3Nob3J0LXJlYWRzLzIwMjYvMDQvMTMvbW9zdC1uZXctZGF0YS1jZW50ZXJzLWluLXRoZS11cy1hcmUtY29taW5nLXRvLXJ1cmFsLWFyZWFzLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B23a45919" target="_self">recent Pew Research analysis</a> shows.<ul><li>There are currently 277 operating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2026/ca-data-center-map/" data-vars-content-id="48a52c1a-fb56-43d2-afa4-06abc00c8314" data-vars-headline="California ranks No. 3 in U.S. data center boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2026/ca-data-center-map/" target="_blank">data centers</a> in the state, with another 54 in development, bringing the total to 331.</li></ul>

California antitrust bill to rein in Big Tech stalls

Lawmakers failed to advance a bill aimed at limiting how dominant platforms favor their own services.

A closely watched attempt to rein in Big Tech&#x27;s influence over online marketplaces stalled in the California Legislature this week.Why it matters: The bill&#x27;s failure shows the difficulty of translating growing bipartisan concern over Big Tech&#x27;s power into clear guardrails — leaving startups, consumers and regulators navigating a market largely shaped by the platforms themselves.

How to get the most out of spring in San Francisco

Outdoor projects are moving to the top of San Francisco to-do lists — and Lowe's spring deals events help maximize the budget.

In San Francisco, spring is the perfect moment to refresh outdoor spaces after a cooler, wetter winter.<ul><li>From The Sunset to the East Bay, homeowners are updating garden beds, adding drought-conscious landscaping and getting patios ready for more time outside.</li></ul>Why it&#x27;s important: Outdoor spaces can transform how you live and how you feel, from small refreshes to full backyard makeovers.

Why San Francisco gas prices could soar as high as $10 a gallon

Limited refinery capacity and global disruptions could push Bay Area gas prices higher.

If filling up your tank lately feels like a gut punch, you&#x27;re not alone. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/gas-prices-iran-war-4-dollars-gallon" data-vars-content-id="330d789d-e34a-4967-8848-982940365d4b" data-vars-headline="Why San Francisco gas prices could soar as high as $10 a gallon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/gas-prices-iran-war-4-dollars-gallon" target="_self">Gas prices</a> in San Francisco are soaring — fueled by a collision of global oil disruptions and local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="supply constraints" data-vars-click-url="https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/california-iran-oil-profit-spike/" data-vars-content-id="330d789d-e34a-4967-8848-982940365d4b" data-vars-headline="Why San Francisco gas prices could soar as high as $10 a gallon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2026/03/california-iran-oil-profit-spike/" target="_blank">supply constraints</a> that analysts warn could get worse.The big picture: Drivers across California are watching the cost of gas climb fast and at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some stations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gasbuddy.com/gaspricemap?fuel=1&amp;z=13&amp;lat=37.7717185&amp;lng=-122.4438929&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="330d789d-e34a-4967-8848-982940365d4b" data-vars-headline="Why San Francisco gas prices could soar as high as $10 a gallon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gasbuddy.com/gaspricemap?fuel=1&amp;z=13&amp;lat=37.7717185&amp;lng=-122.4438929&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">some stations</a> in San Francisco, they&#x27;re already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearing $7 a gallon" data-vars-click-url="https://sfstandard.com/2026/03/12/san-francisco-gas-prices-cheapest-station/" data-vars-content-id="330d789d-e34a-4967-8848-982940365d4b" data-vars-headline="Why San Francisco gas prices could soar as high as $10 a gallon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfstandard.com/2026/03/12/san-francisco-gas-prices-cheapest-station/" target="_blank">nearing $7 a gallon</a>.

What ChatGPT thinks about San Francisco

The AI model often elevates the city in innovation, culture and quality of life.

Large language models (LLMs) such as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ChatGPT" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/chatgpt-ads-testing-go-free" data-vars-content-id="46f691a9-9350-48a8-a293-1c57a3470771" data-vars-headline="What ChatGPT thinks about San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/09/chatgpt-ads-testing-go-free" target="_self">ChatGPT</a> often boost San Francisco in city comparison rankings, underscoring how deeply the AI&#x27;s training data is steeped in the internet&#x27;s Silicon Valley narratives, a new study finds. Why it matters: As AI tools increasingly shape how people judge cities, their built-in geographic biases risk reinforcing the same tech-centric SF hierarchies that already dominate the online realm.

How the San Francisco Fed is seeing AI reshape hiring

President Mary C. Daly's comments offer fresh insight into how AI is playing out in the Bay Area.

As companies race to figure out how generative AI <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fits into their business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/ai-boom-labor-market-jobs" data-vars-content-id="e04c6634-6d27-45d1-a933-3db67f469129" data-vars-headline="How the San Francisco Fed is seeing AI reshape hiring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/ai-boom-labor-market-jobs" target="_self">fits into their business</a>, many are holding off on hiring, contributing to what San Francisco Federal Reserve president Mary C. Daly calls a &quot;transition dynamic&quot; that&#x27;s leaving job seekers in limbo.Why it matters: Daly&#x27;s comments Tuesday offer fresh insight into how AI is playing out in the Fed&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Twelfth District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.frbsf.org/about-us/our-district/" data-vars-content-id="e04c6634-6d27-45d1-a933-3db67f469129" data-vars-headline="How the San Francisco Fed is seeing AI reshape hiring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.frbsf.org/about-us/our-district/" target="_blank">Twelfth District</a>, which includes the Bay Area and its ongoing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI-fueled boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/ai-boom-labor-market-jobs" data-vars-content-id="e04c6634-6d27-45d1-a933-3db67f469129" data-vars-headline="How the San Francisco Fed is seeing AI reshape hiring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/ai-boom-labor-market-jobs" target="_self">AI-fueled boom</a>.

San Francisco Centre's final days are here

The downtown mall's last remaining tenant is set to close Monday.

San Francisco Centre, the downtown mall that once anchored Union Square shopping, is entering its final days, with its final remaining tenant preparing to close Monday.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beleaguered mall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/13/sf-2026-top-storylines" data-vars-content-id="87cd4e99-787b-405b-96ae-38159d7263a7" data-vars-headline="San Francisco Centre&#x27;s final days are here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/01/13/sf-2026-top-storylines" target="_self">beleaguered mall</a> struggled to rebound after the pandemic, despite there being foot-traffic boosts in other shopping destinations.

Trends shaping San Francisco's dining scene this year

Nostalgia, comfort and value will define the city's dining scene this year.

The biggest food trends shaping San Francisco&#x27;s dining scene this year are heavy on nostalgia, comfort and value. <ul><li>Here&#x27;s what local chefs and restaurant owners told Axios about what&#x27;s driving the shift.</li></ul>

Business 🏦

The Bay Area pioneered AI — Seattle is scaling it

San Francisco readers share mixed feelings on generative AI

California ranks No. 3 in U.S. data center boom

California antitrust bill to rein in Big Tech stalls

Allbirds goes AI