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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>

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>

Bay Area air ranks among worst in U.S. for health risks

A new report links Bay Area air to asthma and heart risks, even as some pollution levels improve.

Climate

Bay Area residents face elevated risks of asthma, heart disease and premature death as air pollution here remains among the worst in the U.S.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Air pollution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/08/28/study-tijuana-river-sewage-fuels-air-pollution-san-diego" data-vars-content-id="b5cb94d9-5a24-46f2-92a0-897454364a2b" data-vars-headline="Bay Area air ranks among worst in U.S. for health risks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/08/28/study-tijuana-river-sewage-fuels-air-pollution-san-diego" target="_self">Air pollution</a> threatens everyone&#x27;s health, but especially children, seniors and people with asthma or heart and lung conditions.

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>.

Yosemite drops reservations amid mounting environmental, traffic concerns

The rollback follows a nationwide push to widen park access despite staffing losses.

Bay Area campers planning a trip to Yosemite National Park this summer may need to brace for bigger crowds — the park is scrapping its reservation requirement for 2026.Why it matters: The policy shift marks a departure from when timed-entry reservations were used to manage overcrowding at one of the nation&#x27;s most popular parks, known for its stunning waterfalls and granite cliffs.

Why PG&E's cheaper rates won't help many in San Francisco

Most San Francisco residents won't see savings — and grid costs are still rising.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pacific Gas &amp; Electric" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/12/california-utility-pge-to-pay-55-million-wildfires" data-vars-content-id="b9646fb8-9796-4ad8-94cf-9bdfced5c637" data-vars-headline="Why PG&amp;E&#x27;s cheaper rates won&#x27;t help many in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/12/california-utility-pge-to-pay-55-million-wildfires" target="_self">Pacific Gas &amp; Electric</a> announced lower electricity <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rates for 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGE-to-Lower-Electric-Prices-on-Jan--1-Fourth-Decrease-in-Two-Years/default.aspx" data-vars-content-id="b9646fb8-9796-4ad8-94cf-9bdfced5c637" data-vars-headline="Why PG&amp;E&#x27;s cheaper rates won&#x27;t help many in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGE-to-Lower-Electric-Prices-on-Jan--1-Fourth-Decrease-in-Two-Years/default.aspx" target="_blank">rates for 2026</a>, but San Francisco customers likely won&#x27;t see much difference on their utility bills, analysts say.The big picture: The 5% bill decrease applies to customers who buy power directly from the utility, but most San Franciscans get electricity from a city-run provider.

Bay Area braces for near-freezing temperatures

Temperatures could dip into the 30s with frost possible in parts of the Bay Area.

If you&#x27;re planning any outdoor activities in the next few days, you might want to layer up more than normal.The big picture: Most of the Bay Area is under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cold weather advisory" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MTR&amp;wwa=cold%20weather%20advisory" data-vars-content-id="b775ea2e-78e0-4be5-88ce-48620b0bce0d" data-vars-headline="Bay Area braces for near-freezing temperatures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MTR&amp;wwa=cold%20weather%20advisory" target="_blank">cold weather advisory</a> issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Temperatures could dip into the 30s in parts of San Francisco, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SFGATE notes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/bay-area-temperatures-freezing-21283541.php" data-vars-content-id="b775ea2e-78e0-4be5-88ce-48620b0bce0d" data-vars-headline="Bay Area braces for near-freezing temperatures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/bay-area-temperatures-freezing-21283541.php" target="_blank">SFGATE notes</a>.

Bay Area revives Clean Cars for All with $10 million boost

Low-income Bay Area residents can now get thousands toward an EV, zero‑emission motorcycle or e-bike.

A program designed to help Bay Area residents ditch their older, polluting vehicles in favor of zero-emission alternatives has been revived with $10 million in state and local funding.Why it matters: The Clean Cars for All relaunch offers a significant opportunity for low-income drivers to obtain an EV at a more affordable price.

California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide

Thousands of fires have burned more than 500,000 acres this year.

Environment

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wildfire season" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/41447270.80/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3BvcnRsYW5kL3dpbGRmaXJlcz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B818bb085" data-vars-content-id="458f9777-c186-4dcb-9d2a-3b4560c02ac9" data-vars-headline="California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/41447270.80/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3BvcnRsYW5kL3dpbGRmaXJlcz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B818bb085" target="_self">Wildfire season</a> is raging across much of California, with blazes closing off some national forests and prompting evacuations.State of play: 6,844 wildfires have burned across the state since January, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cal Fire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents" data-vars-content-id="458f9777-c186-4dcb-9d2a-3b4560c02ac9" data-vars-headline="California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents" target="_blank">Cal Fire</a>, with 517,341 acres burned so far this year — already half of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 1.1 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024" data-vars-content-id="458f9777-c186-4dcb-9d2a-3b4560c02ac9" data-vars-headline="California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024" target="_blank">nearly 1.1 million</a> acres scorched in 2024.

SF considers natural gas ban in major building revamps

Gas use in buildings makes up 44% of San Francisco's total carbon emissions.

San Francisco is moving to eliminate natural gas in buildings that undergo major revamps as part of a broader push to curb carbon emissions.Why it matters: San Francisco can&#x27;t meet its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2040 net-zero goal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfclimateplan.org/" data-vars-content-id="e4912c7f-556e-4511-b67b-215c59f48dcd" data-vars-headline="SF considers natural gas ban in major building revamps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfclimateplan.org/" target="_blank">2040 net-zero goal</a> without phasing out gas use in buildings, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accounts for 44%" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfenvironment.org/carbonfootprint" data-vars-content-id="e4912c7f-556e-4511-b67b-215c59f48dcd" data-vars-headline="SF considers natural gas ban in major building revamps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfenvironment.org/carbonfootprint" target="_blank">accounts for 44%</a> of the city&#x27;s carbon emissions.

SF offers $1,200 in bill credits for efficient water heater upgrades

Heat pump water heaters are up to seven times more efficient than a gas-powered water heater, city officials say.

A new city program encourages <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Francisco residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/22/sf-climate-week-reduce-carbon-footprint" data-vars-content-id="72514022-7043-4c88-ba28-dca4c62a4a28" data-vars-headline="SF offers $1,200 in bill credits for efficient water heater upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/22/sf-climate-week-reduce-carbon-footprint" target="_self">San Francisco residents</a> to upgrade to clean, efficient water heaters by offering bill credits of up to $1,200.Why it matters: Heat pumps are up to seven times more efficient than a gas-powered water heater and reduce exposure to pollution and fire risk, city officials say.

🤧 Longer allergy seasons

California is enduring longer allergy seasons 

A symbol map of U.S. cities showing the change in average allergy season length from 1970 to 2025. For most cities, the season has gotten longer, by an average of 23 days. Reno, Nevada, shows an increase of 100 days, while Tulsa, Oklahoma, has a decrease of 15 days.

Climate 🌿

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

Bay Area air ranks among worst in U.S. for health risks

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

California is enduring longer allergy seasons

Yosemite drops reservations amid mounting environmental, traffic concerns