Welcome to the SF Dispatch, a daily newsletter round-up to save you some time catching up on the latest headlines from billionaire funded to independent news.
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đ "San Francisco was proof of concept that social-equity programs designed for people of color and drug-war victims could be yet another vehicle for white, wealthy entrepreneurs to enter the cannabis industry. Similar techniques were deployed to piggyback on social equity across the country â and, in at least one state, by the same players."
San Franciscoâs first âequityâ weed store was an epic failure. City Hall insiders may still pocket millions
"The real kings of legal weed turned out to be Johnston and Delaplane. As Alex Aquino and Mike Musleh said in their lawsuit, the best way to make loads of money in legal weed isnât peddling jars of brand-name pot. Itâs by selling or leasing permits. But Johnston and Delaplane were even smarter than that. They hedged their bets, ensuring that if anyone made money selling legal weed in the Haight-Ashbury, they would get a cut."
S.F. proposal to cut red tape on city contracts passes in wake of fight over obscure advisory group
Previously, the city could only do business with companies that aligned with a wide-reaching set of âsocial policies.â Some requirements were instituted decades ago: the city has long withheld business from Burma, now known as Myanmar, because of the military dictatorship that governed the country when the rule was made in the 1990s. Contractors were also asked to review and agree with the peace agreements that ended the Troubles in Northern Ireland in 1998.
Contracts below the $230,000 threshold will now be off the hook from the city requirements. A rule preventing the city from buying goods made with sweatshop labor will no longer apply to small contracts. Several labor leaders voiced support for the compromise during a meeting of the boardâs budget and finance committee earlier this month.
âI spent my career confident that the uniform I was wearing was produced under fair and equitable conditions,â said Adam Wood, a retired San Francisco firefighter who supports the amended bill. âWithout a dedicated advisory group penetrating the fog of trade, Iâm afraid some will slip through the cracks.â
Sydney Johnson
Lurie has largely avoided uttering Trumpâs name and repeatedly said he can only focus on San Francisco, not what happens in Washington, D.C. The mayorâs approach has marked a stark contrast to that of other Democratic leaders, like Newsom, who has staked out a position as a leader of the Trump resistance movement and sought opportunities to spar with the president.
Joe Kukura
DA Brooke Jenkinsâs office did not respond to the Chronicleâs request for comment on the matter. Thereâs also an additional angle that Jenkins has been accused of illegally sharing McAlisterâs rap sheet with a colleague as the Recall Boudin campaign was ramping up. The Chron notes that some tough-on-crime activists are planning a protest before Fridayâs scheduled hearing on the matter at San Francisco Superior Court, though itâs highly unlikely that a decision will be made Friday. Interestingly, the judge on the case is Michael Begert, who was the target of a âreport cardâ campaign seeking to oust him from the bench in last yearâs elections, though Begert was reelected handily.
Eleni Balakrishnan
Quinn, however, ruled against the union this week, stating that its lawsuit âfailed to identify a single caseâ in which obeying the vehicle code would prevent officers from following the pretext stop policy. Also Note-Worthy: "When he came into office, Mayor Daniel Lurie removed police commission Vice President Max Carter-Oberstone, who led the charge to limit pretext stops. "
Abigail Vân Neely
New SFPD Mission Station captain hopes to stick around
As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, former police chief William Scott beefed up law enforcement in the Castro after gay Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, who represents the neighborhood on the board as District 8 supervisor, complained that efforts to improve street conditions downtown led to some people with violent tendencies to relocate to the streets of the Castro. Mandelman told the B.A.R. at the time that Lurie promised âmore officers, more foot beats, more drug enforcement, more motorcycle cops â more of everything.â
Mandelman did not respond to a request for comment.
See also yesterday's highlight
The San Francisco Police Departmentâs mobile command unit, which has parked at 16th and Mission streets for the better part of the last 200 days, has been moved off the plaza for good because of âbudget constraints,â Mission Station Captain Sean Perdomo wrote in an email Monday. In an official statement, however, the SFPD said that the removal of the van was not due to budgetary concerns.
đ° Local Headlines
City Hall
Political Notebook: LGBTQ leaders raise concern with Lurieâs bouncing of SF trans commissioner
via www.ebar.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
S.F. proposal to cut red tape on city contracts passes in wake of fight over obscure advisory group
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
S.F. supervisor seeks to double fines for sideshow participants as city crackdown continues
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
San Francisco city leaders look to boost tourism from China
via www.ktvu.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Muni scales back Potrero Yard housing plan in light of S.F. transit agencyâs budget issues
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Politics
Trump says the military will straighten out San Francisco
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Government Shutdown Could Clip the Wings of Next Weekendâs Fleet Week
via sfist.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
As Trump readies military troops, Portland isnât taking the bait
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
San Francisco Officials Respond to Trump Telling US Generals: âWeâre Under Invasion From Withinâ
via ww2.kqed.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
How a federal government shutdown would impact the Bay Area
via www.nbcbayarea.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
âGoing to Be Chaosâ: Advocates Alarmed by Last-Minute National Parks Shutdown Plans
via ww2.kqed.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Gary McCoy is running for supervisor. But first, heâs airing out his crimes
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Breaking: Longtime Pelosi aide McCoy enters SF D8 supervisor race
via www.ebar.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Federal shutdown: Latest on which Bay Area national parks are open and closed
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Pelosi confidant Gary McCoy running to represent S.F. Castro district
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Pelosi-backed candidate enters race for San Francisco supervisor's seat
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Bay Area braces for federal government shutdown
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Humpday Headlines: Muir Woods Closed Due to Federal Shutdown
via sfist.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Once again, President Trump threatens military action in San Francisco
via www.ktvu.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Government shutdown: What's open and closed in Golden Gate National Rec Area
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Criminal Justice
East Bay Man Gets Two Years for Assaulting Woman He Lured Here With Promise of OnlyFans Job
via sfist.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Two Men Implicated In Oakland Gas Station Shooting That Killed Two Get Off With Probation
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Infamous New Yearâs Eve DUI Hit-and-Run Suspect Troy McAlister Seeking Diversion Instead of Jail
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Public Safety
Hybrid and EV Drivers: Your Solo Carpool Lane Access Ends Wednesday. What Now?
via ww2.kqed.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Judge dismisses S.F. police union suit targeting policy that limits traffic stops
via missionlocal.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Oakland to pay bicyclist $7M in record pothole settlement
via www.ktvu.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
New SFPD Mission Station captain hopes to stick around
via www.ebar.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
That Huge, Bulky SFPD Cop Bus Is No Longer Sitting at 16th and Mission Streets
via sfist.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Day Around the Bay: Oakland Cyclist Getting a Record $7 Million Settlement for Pothole Crash
via sfist.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Geneva Avenue Crash Results In Life-Threatening Injuries
via www.inglesidelight.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Trumpâs âthey spit, we hitâ directive encourages excessive force, experts say
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
SFPD spent 44% of Mission overtime budget on 24/7 police bus, captain says
via missionlocal.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
San Francisco shooting at 16th and Mission, suspect in the area
via www.ktvu.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Urban Alchemy worker asked a man to stop using drugs outside S.F. Main Library. Now heâs dead
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
San Francisco public safety leaders hold forum for West Side residents
via www.cbsnews.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Immigration
Winners and Losers in Trumpâs $100,000 Visa Scheme
via ww2.kqed.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Labor
Party Radar: A âunionâ for nightlifers? You better work
via 48hills.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Business
Letter from Oakland: Local Economy about to take off
via sf.gazetteer.co | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Thriving S.F. mall gets three new stores â all after they closed Union Square locations
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
SFâs most famous croissant maker is opening two blocks from the Ferry Building
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Nordstrom reveals when its new San Francisco shop will open
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
That Farm In Those Jennifer Garner Capital One Commercials Is a Real Berkeley-Based Company, and Itâs Filing to IPO
via sfist.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
The Rumors Are True: Viral, Bougie Erewhon Is Coming to San Francisco
via underscoresf.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Erewhon said it was âcoming soonâ to San Francisco. Hereâs what it really meant
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Wells Fargo building in downtown SF sells for 85% below pre-pandemic value
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Why October might be SFâs biggest month of restaurant openings
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Culture
In Search of Thock: The Quest for the Perfect Keyboard
via ww2.kqed.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
How to hack time like a tech bro: Strategic LSD, paid Hinge dates, and AI agents
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Yap Zone: A Bay Area Sculptor's Avocado Pie
via www.coyotemedia.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Housing
âSometimes a homeless man has no choiceâ
via sf.gazetteer.co | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Need Community Support? Dial âMYSTERYâ to Reach San Franciscoâs Creative Mutual Aid Hotline
via ww2.kqed.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Conspiracy creep: Parents of dead OpenAI whistleblower sue sonâs landlord
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Environment
Tuesday Morning Topline: Harbor Porpoise Swim Up Napa River
via sfist.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
State Looks To Hire Thousands Of Year-Round Firefighters
via ww2.kqed.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Meet The Locals: Sea Otters
via bayareacurrent.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Human Rights
S.F. must improve disabled access to public spaces, federal judge rules
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Margaret Cho calls out Congresswoman Nancy Mace in fiery clip: âYouâre killing trans peopleâ
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Health
Health premiums could skyrocket for 1.7 million Californians in federal shutdown standoff
via www.sfchronicle.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
After fertility struggles, Bay Area woman advocating for PCOS awareness
via www.cbsnews.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Education
The kids without phones are alright
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Opinion
Commentary: Online Scrolling Is a Destructive Reality for Many Teens
via richmondsunsetnews.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Commentary: Donât Use Historic Landmarks to Stop New Housing
via richmondsunsetnews.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
The life path that led me to meet Assata Shakur
via sfbayview.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Iâm a priest. Hereâs why you should reject Peter Thielâs Antichrist talk
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
When brutal service ruins a banner meal
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Transmissions: In defense of transgender people
via www.ebar.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Arts and Events
Reopen with me: Sam Smith will play residency at the renovated Castro Theatre
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Fall into theater: 11 shows to catch this season
via 48hills.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Mermaid Sculpture Unveiled Next to Ferry Building as Part of New 'Waterfront Art Walk'
via sfist.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Will the Blue Angels fly? San Francisco Fleet Week faces possible shutdown
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Screen Grabs: The Big Kahuna of local fall film fests arrives
via 48hills.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Castro fair welcomes entertainment zone
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The Big Kahuna of Bay Area film fests is here
via newsletters.48hills.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
News Briefs: SFAF unveils name for new bike ride
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The Gap Dance Contest goes from hashtag to headquarters â with milkshakes
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Government Shutdown Could Stop Blue Angels From Flying in SF Fleet Week
via ww2.kqed.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Trail of public artwork to spread across The City
via www.sfexaminer.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Whatâs on now at San Francisco museums, October 2025
via missionlocal.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Drama Masks: âKimâs Convenienceâ bags the laughs with intriguing drama
via 48hills.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Best of the Bay Editorâs Pick 2025: Stonestown
via 48hills.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
House of Nanking cookbook values family ties, spirit of SF
via www.sfexaminer.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
LGBTQ History Month: Handbell choir with LGBTQ ties seeks new ringers
via www.ebar.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
The Rebirth of Mabuhay Gardens, SFâs Legendary Punk Venue
via ww2.kqed.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Mabuhay Gardens to Reopen, Attempt to Remain Upright Under Weight of Expectations
via www.coyotemedia.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
COYOTE Calendar: October 2-October 8
via www.coyotemedia.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Exclusive look inside SF's iconic Castro Theater before grand opening
via www.ktvu.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Keep 48 Hills alive! Come to our Gala on October 22 and party for our future
via 48hills.org | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Flexing their UK muscles at Folsom
via www.ebar.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Sports
Could prized memorabilia from Willie Mays auction be displayed at Oracle Park?
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
âIâm not worriedâ: Steve Kerr talks Kuminga contract situation, his own Warriors future
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Jonathan Kuminga returning to Warriors on short-term deal: report
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Guess What! The A's Will Have 'Sacramento' on Their (Alternate) Jerseys Starting Next Season
via sfist.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Introducing Section 415, our Bay Area sports podcast
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Kawakami: The Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga finally have a bridge to his next team
via sfstandard.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Miscellaneous
Sonoma Commuters Rejoice as a 30-Year Freeway-Widening Project Gets Finally, Finally Finished
via sfist.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
Victim in SF Tenderloin District shooting dies; suspect to face new charges
via www.cbsnews.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link
An asteroid might be heading for the moon. Should we nuke it?
via www.nbcbayarea.com | Push to Kindle | Source Link