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San Francisco to use federal grant to plant more street trees

The city received a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service.

News

A self-proclaimed emperor who called San Francisco home

Though Emperor Norton had no formal political power, many people went along with the charade.

Culture

Transportation safety advocates want SF to ban turns on red

Cities across the country have banned turns-on-red or are considering implementing  policies of their own.

California to intervene in San Francisco's homeless encampment case

"I've had it," the governor said this week. "I hope this goes to the Supreme Court."

San Francisco supervisor wants right turns on red banned

A new resolution would urge the city's transportation department to do so.

San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston wants the city to ban right <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="turns on red" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/09/19/cars-turning-right-on-red-petition-dangerous-safety" data-vars-content-id="beba101e-9f75-4d64-bdc3-e992b49a0c00" data-vars-headline="San Francisco supervisor wants right turns on red banned" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/09/19/cars-turning-right-on-red-petition-dangerous-safety" target="_self">turns on red</a>, and on Tuesday introduced a resolution that would urge the city&#x27;s transportation department to do so.Why it matters: Turn-on-red crashes have proved dangerous, accounting for 20% of pedestrian- or bicycle-related injury crashes involving drivers turning at signal-based intersections, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfmta.com/sites/default/files/reports-and-documents/2022/04/tenderloinntor_factsheet_0.pdf" data-vars-content-id="beba101e-9f75-4d64-bdc3-e992b49a0c00" data-vars-headline="San Francisco supervisor wants right turns on red banned" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfmta.com/sites/default/files/reports-and-documents/2022/04/tenderloinntor_factsheet_0.pdf" target="_blank">San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency</a>.

Mass shootings in California have increased since 2020

A January shooting on the eve of Lunar New Year in Monterey Park, California, caused the most deaths so far in 2023.

​​Although California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, the state — like America itself — has recorded an increase in mass shootings in recent years.Driving the news: There have now been more than 500 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mass shootings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/us-mass-shooting-2-every-day-2023-stats" data-vars-content-id="f1a76b46-ec99-4db6-bd82-129b4db0165a" data-vars-headline="Mass shootings in California have increased since 2020" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/31/us-mass-shooting-2-every-day-2023-stats" target="_self">mass shootings</a> in the U.S. this year — including one that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="left nine wounded" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/san-francisco-police-confirm-arrest-in-mission-district-mass-shooting/" data-vars-content-id="f1a76b46-ec99-4db6-bd82-129b4db0165a" data-vars-headline="Mass shootings in California have increased since 2020" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/san-francisco-police-confirm-arrest-in-mission-district-mass-shooting/" target="_blank">left nine wounded</a> in San Francisco in June.

Hundreds of bills await California governor's signature

The governor has until Oct. 14 to sign or veto legislation.

Following the California Legislature&#x27;s adjournment last week, hundreds of bills await Gov. Gavin Newsom&#x27;s signature — or potential veto — by Oct. 14.<ul><li>Here are a few bills we&#x27;re keeping an eye on:</li></ul>

Photo of Gavin Newsom speaking while gesturing with his left hand on a stage

LGBT Asylum Project helps asylum seekers fleeing persecution

The Castro-based organization provides legal services to LGBTQ people seeking protection at low costs.

San Francisco has become a beacon for many LGBTQ <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="asylum seekers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/06/asylum-process-us-immigration-explained#:~:text=They%20must%20file%20an%20asylum,they%20first%20apply%20for%20asylum." data-vars-content-id="5a7e0af6-7522-4582-8085-49d0abbf147f" data-vars-headline="LGBT Asylum Project helps asylum seekers fleeing persecution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/04/06/asylum-process-us-immigration-explained#:~:text=They%20must%20file%20an%20asylum,they%20first%20apply%20for%20asylum." target="_self">asylum seekers</a> — and the LGBT Asylum Project is meeting the need, having provided legal representation for nearly a decade.Why it matters: America&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/affirmative-asylum-frequently-asked-questions/questions-and-answers-affirmative-asylum-eligibility-and-applications#:~:text=How%20Long%20Does%20the%20Affirmative,the%20Affirmative%20Asylum%20Process%20page." data-vars-content-id="5a7e0af6-7522-4582-8085-49d0abbf147f" data-vars-headline="LGBT Asylum Project helps asylum seekers fleeing persecution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum/affirmative-asylum-frequently-asked-questions/questions-and-answers-affirmative-asylum-eligibility-and-applications#:~:text=How%20Long%20Does%20the%20Affirmative,the%20Affirmative%20Asylum%20Process%20page." target="_blank">immigration system</a> is complex, time-consuming and costly. Most people who are fleeing violence or abuse based on their sexuality and/or gender identity are not able to take on the legal fees needed to seek approval of their asylum applications, according to communications coordinator Andres Molina.

Photo of the U.S. flag, California flag, San Francisco flag and LGBTQ Pride flag standing in a row 

Officials to propose $300 million bond for low-income housing

The bond would provide funding for affordable housing projects and homeownership programs.

San Francisco voters may be asked to vote on a $300 million bond in March to help the city reach its ambitious <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing goals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/02/02/san-francisco-affordable-housing-plan" data-vars-content-id="0298a2dd-d1d7-4b2b-adef-a3e93a1032f9" data-vars-headline="Officials to propose $300 million bond for low-income housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/02/02/san-francisco-affordable-housing-plan" target="_self">housing goals</a>.Why it matters: As part of a state-mandated plan, the city must build more than 82,000 new housing units by 2031, but it&#x27;s currently on pace to take 263 years to meet that goal, according to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Francisco Examiner analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/housing/at-current-permit-pace-sf-needs-263-years-to-meet-housing-element/article_46c99b4e-51a6-11ee-a426-8fb22f94f967.html" data-vars-content-id="0298a2dd-d1d7-4b2b-adef-a3e93a1032f9" data-vars-headline="Officials to propose $300 million bond for low-income housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/housing/at-current-permit-pace-sf-needs-263-years-to-meet-housing-element/article_46c99b4e-51a6-11ee-a426-8fb22f94f967.html" target="_blank">San Francisco Examiner analysis</a> of federal housing data.

​​California is jumping into the legal battle over San Francisco&#x27;s ability to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="clear homeless encampments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/08/24/san-francisco-homeless-encampments-sweep-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="e2a3206f-ddbb-4bb4-ba58-262f8eed59d8" data-vars-headline="California to intervene in San Francisco&#x27;s homeless encampment case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/08/24/san-francisco-homeless-encampments-sweep-lawsuit" target="_self">clear homeless encampments</a>, Gov. Gavin Newsom said this week at a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Politico event in Sacramento" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdyZLVoAmfU" data-vars-content-id="e2a3206f-ddbb-4bb4-ba58-262f8eed59d8" data-vars-headline="California to intervene in San Francisco&#x27;s homeless encampment case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdyZLVoAmfU" target="_blank">Politico event in Sacramento</a>.Why it matters: The city is under a temporary court order that prevents it from enforcing anti-camping laws until <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more shelter beds are available" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/01/11/san-francisco-homeless-sweeps-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="e2a3206f-ddbb-4bb4-ba58-262f8eed59d8" data-vars-headline="California to intervene in San Francisco&#x27;s homeless encampment case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/01/11/san-francisco-homeless-sweeps-lawsuit" target="_self">more shelter beds are available</a>, the result of a lawsuit alleging San Francisco <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violates the rights of unhoused people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/09/28/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-aclu" data-vars-content-id="e2a3206f-ddbb-4bb4-ba58-262f8eed59d8" data-vars-headline="California to intervene in San Francisco&#x27;s homeless encampment case" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/09/28/san-francisco-homelessness-lawsuit-aclu" target="_self">violates the rights of unhoused people</a> by seizing and destroying their property.

Photo of Gavin Newsom speaking while gesturing with one hand

What's next for San Francisco's public bank plan

City supervisors last week approved a plan to begin the lengthy process of creating the nation's first municipal bank.

San Francisco&#x27;s public bank ambitions are moving forward, following city supervisors&#x27; approval of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/02/24/public-bank-san-francisco-california-proposal" data-vars-content-id="4dc24704-8a67-4a24-9483-67e3dce54347" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for San Francisco&#x27;s public bank plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/02/24/public-bank-san-francisco-california-proposal" target="_self">plan</a> to begin creating the nation&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="municipal bank" data-vars-click-url="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12189483&amp;GUID=BB6E2B58-7284-4C25-8285-70199518CD06" data-vars-content-id="4dc24704-8a67-4a24-9483-67e3dce54347" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for San Francisco&#x27;s public bank plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfgov.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&amp;ID=12189483&amp;GUID=BB6E2B58-7284-4C25-8285-70199518CD06" target="_blank">municipal bank</a>.Why it matters: A public bank, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="plan" data-vars-click-url="https://sfgov.org/lafco/sites/default/files/rwg051823_PublicBankFinal.pdf" data-vars-content-id="4dc24704-8a67-4a24-9483-67e3dce54347" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for San Francisco&#x27;s public bank plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sfgov.org/lafco/sites/default/files/rwg051823_PublicBankFinal.pdf" target="_blank">plan</a> approved last week, would seek to better serve the needs of San Francisco&#x27;s low-income residents and communities of color by financing affordable housing projects and providing loans to small businesses, for example.

Illustration of San Francisco City Hall with lines radiating from it.

San Francisco looks to scale up interim supportive housing

The transitional model aims to bridge the gap between emergency shelters and permanent housing.

San Francisco is looking to expand a new model for interim supportive housing as it struggles to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="address ongoing homelessness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/08/24/san-francisco-homeless-encampments-sweep-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="ea8551ec-06db-4945-aca2-261193c071c8" data-vars-headline="San Francisco looks to scale up interim supportive housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2023/08/24/san-francisco-homeless-encampments-sweep-lawsuit" target="_self">address ongoing homelessness</a> in the city.Why it matters: Studies have found that this type of housing can serve as a cost-effective solution that meets demands for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="safe and flexible housing" data-vars-click-url="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-27312-011" data-vars-content-id="ea8551ec-06db-4945-aca2-261193c071c8" data-vars-headline="San Francisco looks to scale up interim supportive housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-27312-011" target="_blank">safe and flexible housing</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continuous service engagement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.homelesshub.ca/resource/closer-home-evaluation-interim-housing-homeless-adults" data-vars-content-id="ea8551ec-06db-4945-aca2-261193c071c8" data-vars-headline="San Francisco looks to scale up interim supportive housing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.homelesshub.ca/resource/closer-home-evaluation-interim-housing-homeless-adults" target="_blank">continuous service engagement</a>. They also provide a place to stay for those waiting to secure permanent housing, which can take years.

Photo of the front exterior of the San Francisco City Hall with people gathered in the front

Tensions boil over San Francisco's homeless encampment sweeps

Hundreds of people face off in dueling protests outside the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals this week.

A rash of legal disputes in San Francisco is highlighting the city&#x27;s ongoing conflict over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="how to tackle homelessness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/08/19/homelessness-20000-san-francisco" data-vars-content-id="ba3aeadb-7108-4a8a-8c84-0bd465aefd17" data-vars-headline="Tensions boil over San Francisco&#x27;s homeless encampment sweeps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2022/08/19/homelessness-20000-san-francisco" target="_self">how to tackle homelessness</a>.Driving the news: Hundreds of people <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="faced off in dueling protests" data-vars-click-url="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-encampments-homelessness-sf-rally-encampment-appeal/13690093/" data-vars-content-id="ba3aeadb-7108-4a8a-8c84-0bd465aefd17" data-vars-headline="Tensions boil over San Francisco&#x27;s homeless encampment sweeps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-encampments-homelessness-sf-rally-encampment-appeal/13690093/" target="_blank">faced off in dueling protests</a> outside the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday as the city fights a temporary court order preventing it from clearing homeless encampments.

Biden's AI Bill of Rights to guide California Legislature's tech policies

The state Legislature has passed a resolution affirming its commitment to the principles outlined by the White House.

Politics

A resolution passed by the California Legislature aims to affirm lawmakers&#x27; commitment to the principles outlined in President Biden&#x27;s AI Bill of Rights and vows to prioritize them in their own legislation and policies.Why it matters: Lawmakers at the federal, state, and local levels <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have levied concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/21/white-house-ai-firms-safety-pledge" data-vars-content-id="cda01985-8c3a-459e-9283-284c4d267781" data-vars-headline="Biden&#x27;s AI Bill of Rights to guide California Legislature&#x27;s tech policies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/21/white-house-ai-firms-safety-pledge" target="_self">have levied concerns</a> about the ways AI models like ChatGPT can be leveraged <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="without adequate safeguards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/women-warnings-ai-danger-risk-before-chatgpt-1234804367/" data-vars-content-id="cda01985-8c3a-459e-9283-284c4d267781" data-vars-headline="Biden&#x27;s AI Bill of Rights to guide California Legislature&#x27;s tech policies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/women-warnings-ai-danger-risk-before-chatgpt-1234804367/" target="_blank">without adequate safeguards</a> in place.

Photo of a phone screen showing a host of AI apps including ChatGPT and ChatBot

Politics 🇺🇸