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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.

Your California voter guide for the June 2 primary

Here's what to know about the major races shaping statewide elections.

The June 2 primary is coming up and California voters have a lot to decide.Why it matters: More than a dozen statewide elections will alter the political landscape in the Golden State, from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crowded governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/13/eric-swalwell-drops-out-california-governor-race-scandal-democrats-open-field" data-vars-content-id="92c98540-7b58-4ce8-a931-b82c93aa2356" data-vars-headline="Your California voter guide for the June 2 primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2026/04/13/eric-swalwell-drops-out-california-governor-race-scandal-democrats-open-field" target="_self">crowded governor&#x27;s race</a> to the consequential campaign for insurance commissioner.

Your guide to San Francisco's June 2 primary

Here are the key races and measures we're watching.

By now, every registered San Francisco voter should have received their mail-in ballot for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June 2 primary election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/election" data-vars-content-id="31ac59e5-0fab-4b46-8903-c64936d73e75" data-vars-headline="Your guide to San Francisco&#x27;s June 2 primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/election" target="_self">June 2 primary election</a>.Why it matters: This year&#x27;s packed primary — with nearly 20 local, state and federal races — will shape City Hall power dynamics, decide key ballot measures and tee up high-profile November showdowns for Congress and the governor&#x27;s office.

Nancy Pelosi's seat is San Francisco's ultimate political prize

Three San Francisco Democrats are battling for Pelosi's former seat and what leadership should look like.

Politics

The first major face-off Wednesday in the race to succeed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Nancy Pelosi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/nancy-pelosi-retire-congress-speaker-california" data-vars-content-id="c14c8ff8-ba87-48cf-82cc-9583a3b4d08e" data-vars-headline="Nancy Pelosi&#x27;s seat is San Francisco&#x27;s ultimate political prize" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/nancy-pelosi-retire-congress-speaker-california" target="_self">Rep. Nancy Pelosi</a> centered on how each contender thinks power should be wielded and what kind of leader San Francisco needs in a Congress mired in dysfunction.Why it matters: The packed event highlights how California&#x27;s 11th Congressional District race is shaping up to be San Francisco&#x27;s most consequential open-seat House contest in decades, featuring three candidates of varying shades of Democrat blue.

Sunset native Alan Wong tapped to lead San Francisco's District 4

With fights over housing and the Great Highway's closure looming, the military vet faces immediate political tests.

Mayor Daniel Lurie is poised to swear in Sunset native and City College board trustee Alan Wong as the new District 4 supervisor Monday, ending a chaotic weeks-long scramble following the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abrupt resignation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/11/14/new-supervisor-alcaraz-resigns-pet-store-scandal" data-vars-content-id="be4377c0-d96f-40cd-a228-192fe6b4ffa0" data-vars-headline="Sunset native Alan Wong tapped to lead San Francisco&#x27;s District 4" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/11/14/new-supervisor-alcaraz-resigns-pet-store-scandal" target="_self">abrupt resignation</a> of his first appointment. Why it matters: Lurie&#x27;s newest pick gives him a needed reset in a district where trust has cratered and a chance to rebuild credibility after a politically bruising episode.

Gary McCoy draws on lived experience in District 8 bid

His plan: turn decades of recovery and service into lasting reforms for San Francisco.

Gary McCoy — once homeless and battling addiction — is making his past part of his pitch to voters as he campaigns to represent San Francisco&#x27;s District 8 as its next supervisor.Why it matters: The 2026 election will be the first time since 2018 that voters in neighborhoods including the Castro, Noe Valley and the Duboce Triangle choose a new supervisor without an incumbent on the ballot.

The battle over Proposition 50, explained

The ballot measure would shift redistricting power from a nonpartisan commission to lawmakers.

Election

California voters began receiving ballots in their mailboxes this week for a Nov. 4 special election that could reshape the balance of power in Congress.Why it matters: This vote could ripple into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/democrats-2026-midterm-elections-trump" data-vars-content-id="4bf83c51-6f0e-41e2-8e58-a38265480de6" data-vars-headline="The battle over Proposition 50, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/democrats-2026-midterm-elections-trump" target="_self">2026 midterms</a> — and even the 2028 presidential race.

Who is Manny Yekutiel? Local community leader enters supervisor race

The Mission business owner is pushing for more affordability and denser housing.

Manny Yekutiel, the outspoken community leader behind his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eponymous Mission cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://welcometomannys.com/" data-vars-content-id="bc6ffe72-2627-472d-9973-b1ff1fcf041a" data-vars-headline="Who is Manny Yekutiel? Local community leader enters supervisor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://welcometomannys.com/" target="_blank">eponymous Mission cafe</a>, is running for District 8 supervisor on a platform focused on housing, street safety and vibrant communities.Why it matters: The 2026 election will be the first time since 2018 that District 8 voters in neighborhoods including the Castro, Cole Valley and the Duboce Triangle choose a new supervisor without an incumbent on the ballot.

Joel Engardio concedes after being ousted in recall election

District 4 residents voted to recall the former supervisor after he supported closing the Upper Great Highway.

District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio&#x27;s term will end early after westside voters removed him from office in a recall election sparked by his push to turn the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Upper Great Highway into a park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/03/03/great-highway-park-opening-april-recall-campaign" data-vars-content-id="f81fb55b-eb27-44e7-a2c2-d661f71bb235" data-vars-headline="Joel Engardio concedes after being ousted in recall election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/03/03/great-highway-park-opening-april-recall-campaign" target="_self">Upper Great Highway into a park</a>. State of play: Initial returns Tuesday night showed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="64.64% in favor of recall" data-vars-click-url="https://sfelections.org/results/20250916w/index.html" data-vars-content-id="f81fb55b-eb27-44e7-a2c2-d661f71bb235" data-vars-headline="Joel Engardio concedes after being ousted in recall election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfelections.org/results/20250916w/index.html" target="_blank">64.64% in favor of recall</a>, with some in-person ballots still being counted. The measure, dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Proposition A" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sf.gov/voter-information-pamphlet-and-sample-ballot-s25" data-vars-content-id="f81fb55b-eb27-44e7-a2c2-d661f71bb235" data-vars-headline="Joel Engardio concedes after being ousted in recall election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sf.gov/voter-information-pamphlet-and-sample-ballot-s25" target="_blank">Proposition A</a>, required a simple majority to pass.

What to know about Supervisor Joel Engardio's recall election

The moderate Democrat's support for closing the Great Highway ignited a wave of backlash from his constituents.

Over 50,000 voters in District 4 are set to receive ballots for the Sept. 16 special election to recall Supervisor Joel Engardio.Why it matters: The moderate Democrat&#x27;s support for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="closing the Great Highway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/03/03/great-highway-park-opening-april-recall-campaign" data-vars-content-id="4d61425d-d50f-43b2-88bc-ffd9f59b301b" data-vars-headline="What to know about Supervisor Joel Engardio&#x27;s recall election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/03/03/great-highway-park-opening-april-recall-campaign" target="_self">closing the Great Highway</a> ignited a wave of backlash from his constituents, a majority of whom <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opposed the initiative" data-vars-click-url="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/31/sf-election-2024-prop-k-great-highway/" data-vars-content-id="4d61425d-d50f-43b2-88bc-ffd9f59b301b" data-vars-headline="What to know about Supervisor Joel Engardio&#x27;s recall election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/10/31/sf-election-2024-prop-k-great-highway/" target="_blank">opposed the initiative</a> over concerns about traffic and longer commutes.

Where SF ballot measures stand a week after Election Day

Upper Great Highway looks set to be permanently carless.

Election Day wrapped up a week ago but we&#x27;re finally getting a clearer picture on the success — or failure — of some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local ballot measures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/10/07/what-to-know-san-francisco-ballot-measures" data-vars-content-id="60c27360-2751-4af7-bcd5-21c9802cc473" data-vars-headline="Where SF ballot measures stand a week after Election Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/10/07/what-to-know-san-francisco-ballot-measures" target="_self">local ballot measures</a>. Why it matters: These measures, along with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="change in elected officials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/11/08/mayor-daniel-lurie-administration-goals" data-vars-content-id="60c27360-2751-4af7-bcd5-21c9802cc473" data-vars-headline="Where SF ballot measures stand a week after Election Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2024/11/08/mayor-daniel-lurie-administration-goals" target="_self">change in elected officials</a>, are likely to reshape city life in major ways.

Election 🗳️

Your California voter guide for the June 2 primary

Your guide to San Francisco's June 2 primary

Nancy Pelosi's seat is San Francisco's ultimate political prize

Sunset native Alan Wong tapped to lead San Francisco's District 4

Gary McCoy draws on lived experience in District 8 bid