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Steve Hilton lays out his agenda for California and San Francisco

The Republican discusses income taxes, $3 gas and the housing crisis.

Election

It&#x27;s time to vote for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="governor in California" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/06/03/san-francisco-california-self-funded-candidates-chakrabarti-steyer-election-results" data-vars-content-id="93c77c2b-0e6b-4b42-b811-122b09e65109" data-vars-headline="Steve Hilton lays out his agenda for California and San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2026/06/03/san-francisco-california-self-funded-candidates-chakrabarti-steyer-election-results" target="_self">governor in California</a>.The big picture: Democrat Xavier Becerra is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="squaring off against" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/10/california-governor-race-runoff-steve-hilton-xavier-becerra-election-2026" data-vars-content-id="93c77c2b-0e6b-4b42-b811-122b09e65109" data-vars-headline="Steve Hilton lays out his agenda for California and San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/06/10/california-governor-race-runoff-steve-hilton-xavier-becerra-election-2026" target="_self">squaring off against</a> Republican Steve Hilton. Axios sent questions to both candidates and here are Hilton&#x27;s responses.

San Francisco Fleet Week is back. Here's what to know

Expect packed waterfronts, transit changes and plenty of jet noise.

News

Love it or hate it, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fleet Week" data-vars-click-url="https://fleetweeksf.org/air-show/" data-vars-content-id="6813eb34-c7f6-46c8-bdf4-26958942d2aa" data-vars-headline="San Francisco Fleet Week is back. Here&#x27;s what to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fleetweeksf.org/air-show/" target="_blank">Fleet Week</a> has descended on San Francisco once again.Why it matters: The annual celebration, which began Sunday and runs until Oct. 12, brings thousands of spectators to the waterfront for one of the city&#x27;s loudest and busiest weekends of the year.<ul><li>For fans, this week means prime time for Blue Angels flyovers and ship tours. For everyone else, consider this your warning to expect plenty of noise and traffic. Here&#x27;s what to know.</li></ul>

Your Friday SF News Quiz has arrived

Do you think you know your SF news? Put your headline knowledge to the test with our Friday news quiz. <ul><li>Let&#x27;s see how closely you&#x27;ve been paying attention this week.</li></ul>

What to know about cychlorphine

The potent synthetic opioid can be mixed into recreational drugs and fake pills.

Health

San Francisco officials are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warning the public" data-vars-click-url="https://abc7news.com/post/cychlorphine-new-opioid-stronger-fentanyl-linked-san-francisco-teens-overdose-death-mayor-daniel-lurie-says-4-arrested/19832337/" data-vars-content-id="8c7ee5a2-e39d-4292-903c-0a8badd4193b" data-vars-headline="What to know about cychlorphine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7news.com/post/cychlorphine-new-opioid-stronger-fentanyl-linked-san-francisco-teens-overdose-death-mayor-daniel-lurie-says-4-arrested/19832337/" target="_blank">warning the public</a> about cychlorphine, a powerful new synthetic opioid circulating in the city&#x27;s illicit drug supply that can be deadly in even the smallest amounts.Why it matters: Counterfeit pills and other common recreational substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA have been found to be laced with the drug, leaving people unaware they&#x27;re taking it.

Bay Area leaders roll out $85M a year for home electrification

Residents may be able to stack rebates as new water heater rules approach in the region.

San Franciscans are about to have more options for replacing their gas water heater as regional officials roll out about $85 million a year in rebates and incentives across the Bay Area, including $41 million for heat pumps.The big picture: Residents facing the eventual replacement of a gas water heater could have more financial help paying for an electric alternative as the Bay Area moves towards electrifying homes and buildings to reduce its carbon footprint.

How local researchers are turning fog into water

Coastal fog could provide a small but timely source of water during our dry season.

Climate

Fog is as definitively SF as cable cars, sourdough and steep hills. And local researchers have spent the last few years <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="capturing water from the region&#x27;s defining coastal mist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/fog-harvesting-california-water-19740430.php" data-vars-content-id="0f505a23-3482-48ec-bd31-3353c01d1a94" data-vars-headline="How local researchers are turning fog into water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/weather/article/fog-harvesting-california-water-19740430.php" target="_blank">capturing water from the region&#x27;s defining coastal mist</a> to test whether it can become a useful local water source.Why it matters: As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/us-climate-change-adaptation-extreme-weather" data-vars-content-id="0f505a23-3482-48ec-bd31-3353c01d1a94" data-vars-headline="How local researchers are turning fog into water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/us-climate-change-adaptation-extreme-weather" target="_self">climate change</a> puts more pressure on water supplies, Bay Area agencies are testing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly local ways to conserve water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newsweek.com/california-fog-harvesting-water-shortage-2043949" data-vars-content-id="0f505a23-3482-48ec-bd31-3353c01d1a94" data-vars-headline="How local researchers are turning fog into water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newsweek.com/california-fog-harvesting-water-shortage-2043949" target="_blank">increasingly local ways to conserve water</a> — including pulling it straight from the fog.

California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities

Premiums have risen 84% since 2020, while more homeowners turn to FAIR Plan coverage.

The share of California homes insured through the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FAIR Plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cfpnet.com/" data-vars-content-id="8b5f86e8-6044-4d98-a7fc-1c3fe94e3ed7" data-vars-headline="California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cfpnet.com/" target="_blank">FAIR Plan</a> — a pricey insurer of last resort — has surged to roughly 5%, up from less than 2% in 2020, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Stanford study" data-vars-click-url="https://woods.stanford.edu/news/californias-home-insurance-crisis-spreading-beyond-wildfire-country" data-vars-content-id="8b5f86e8-6044-4d98-a7fc-1c3fe94e3ed7" data-vars-headline="California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://woods.stanford.edu/news/californias-home-insurance-crisis-spreading-beyond-wildfire-country" target="_blank">new Stanford study</a> released this week.Why it matters: The jump suggests <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="California&#x27;s insurance crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-home-insurance-real-estate-crisis/" data-vars-content-id="8b5f86e8-6044-4d98-a7fc-1c3fe94e3ed7" data-vars-headline="California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-home-insurance-real-estate-crisis/" target="_blank">California&#x27;s insurance crisis</a> is spreading well <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beyond wildfire-prone communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2026-03-18/even-low-risk-homes-are-caught-up-in-californias-insurance-crisis" data-vars-content-id="8b5f86e8-6044-4d98-a7fc-1c3fe94e3ed7" data-vars-headline="California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2026-03-18/even-low-risk-homes-are-caught-up-in-californias-insurance-crisis" target="_blank">beyond wildfire-prone communities</a> as private insurers continue to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pull back coverage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/01/14/california-fires-worsen-insurance-risk" data-vars-content-id="8b5f86e8-6044-4d98-a7fc-1c3fe94e3ed7" data-vars-headline="California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/01/14/california-fires-worsen-insurance-risk" target="_self">pull back coverage</a> and raise costs across the state.

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.

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.

Climate 🌿

Bay Area leaders roll out $85M a year for home electrification

How local researchers are turning fog into water

Federal science cuts could threaten California wildfire forecasts

1 photo to go: Apocalyptic skies

California insurance crisis spreads beyond wildfire communities