ReportWire

Tag: San Francisco

  • BART service resumes between West Oakland, 24th Street Mission station in San Francisco

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    Bay Area Rapid Transit service between Oakland and San Francisco has resumed Thursday morning following an equipment issue.

    Around 8:30 a.m., the agency said there was no service between the West Oakland and 24th Street Mission stations, including the Transbay Tube, due to a “network engineering problem.” Commuters were being urged to use alternate means of transportation.

    At 9 a.m., BART officials said service has resumed, with the agency saying riders should expect residual delays as service was being re-established.

    Thursday’s outage comes after the Transbay Tube was shut down for several hours on Sunday after communication cables were damaged. The outage forced thousands to use buses and other forms of transportation to cross the bay.

    Officials said Sunday’s outage was caused by an RV fire at a homeless encampment near the West Oakland station. It was unclear if the outages are connected.

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    Tim Fang

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  • Judge blocks ICE from re-detaining 66-year-old SF nanny without bond hearing

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    A federal judge in San Francisco issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday blocking ICE from re-detaining a 66-year-old nanny from Russia, who immigration agents first arrested outside her employer’s Diamond Heights home two weeks ago.

    The nanny has an active asylum case and no criminal record, according to immigration attorney Ghassan Shamieh, who was retained by the woman’s employer immediately following her arrest.

    That same day, Shamieh filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of her detention – called a “habeas corpus petition” – and ICE was forced to release the nanny within hours in response to a judge’s order, which called the arrest “inexplicable.”

    Immigration attorneys across the country have been filing immigration-related habeas petitions in record numbers in response to the wave of ICE arrests since President Donald Trump began his second term.

    Shamieh said his client was already being transported to the California City Detention Facility in the Mojave Desert.

    ICE did not respond to NBC Bay Area’s request to discuss the case, but argued in court following the nanny’s release that the agency has the discretion to hold her in detention as her asylum case moves forward.

    In Wednesday’s order, however, federal Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley disagreed that the agency could detain the woman absent a bond hearing.

    “If the government seeks to re-detain Petitioner, it must provide no less than seven days’ notice and a pre-detention hearing during which a neutral decisionmaker must consider whether Petitioner is either a danger to the community or flight risk such that her physical custody is required,” Corley wrote in her order.

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    Michael Bott and Hilda Gutierrez

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  • Warriors instant analysis: Melton’s big game, dunk not enough to rally past Pelicans

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    NEW ORLEANS – Tuesday night’s promotion at Smoothie King Center was “Y2K,” where Usher’s music blasted through the speakers and the half-empty crowd were given 2000s-style bird hats to wear. 

    On the court, the Warriors and Pelicans decided to also pay homage to that low-scoring era of hoops by throwing up copious amounts of bricks in the Warriors’ 113-109 loss to New Orleans.

    Golden State shot just 40% and 23% from behind the arc, while the Pelicans had a 43% accuracy rate from the field.

    The Warriors got as close as 104-103 with 1:47 left in the game, but Saddiq Bey pushed the lead back to four with a scooping and-one reverse layup. Three De’Anthony Melton free throws got the deficit back to three after another Pelicans score, but the Pelicans held on for the win after a few empty Warriors possessions.

    Melton scored a season-high 28 points and threw down a shocking poster dunk in the second half, while Moses Moody continued to shoot well and scored 24. Brandin Podziemski came off the bench to score 16 and grab 16 rebounds. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 26 points.

    The Warriors were without Steph Curry (runner’s knee) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) as neither man made the trip with the team. 

    That lack of firepower was apparent in the first half, as the visitors shot just 31.3% from the field and made a ghastly 23% of their triples over the first 24 minutes. Melton’s off-the-bounce game and some timely shotmaking by Moody were the only things keeping the Warriors offense afloat. 

    It was only through sheer effort – and ineptitude from the cellar-dwelling Pelicans – that the Warriors were down just 46-39 at halftime. 

    The Warriors even took a 58-57 lead with six minutes left in the third, but a Derik Queen layup gave the Pelicans back the advantage with three minutes remaining. The Pelicans led 77-72 while Dejounte Murray played his first game of the season. 

    The Warriors ran out of steam down the stretch, while the talented but raw Pelicans made enough shots to stretch out the advantage.

    The Warriors (30-28) will play at Memphis on Wednesday, and then have two days off before facing LeBron James and the Lakers on Saturday.

    Draymond Green returns

    After missing Monday’s game with lower back soreness, Draymond Green made his return to the starting lineup against New Orleans. The results were uneven in the first half.

    On one side of the floor, Green was his vintage self while matchup up against Williamson. He denied the Pelicans star advantageous position while also flying around as a weakside help defender. 

    But on offense …. It was a night to forget for Green. Yes, he scored 11 points, but the Pelicans did not care. Green’s defender routinely sagged 5-to-10 feet off Green even when he had the ball, inviting harmless drives into the paint.  

    That changed in the second half, when Green handled the ball far less but remained active as a screener and option for layups in the dunker’s spot.

    Green ended the night a plus-5 while shooting 5-of-11 to go with seven rebounds, six assists and two blocked shots. 

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    Joseph Dycus

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  • WNBA says March 10 deadline needed for new CBA to avoid delaying May 8 season start

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    By DOUG FEINBERG

    NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA told the players’ union that it needs to get a deal in place by March 10 to start the season on time at a virtual collective bargaining agreement negotiating session Monday, a person familiar with the discussions told The Associated Press.

    The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.

    With an expansion draft for two teams needed to get done, as well as 80% of the league free agents, there’s plenty to get accomplished and little time to do it. A delay would hurt both sides.

    The season is supposed to start May 8 and every game missed is lost revenue, sponsorships, television money and fan support. Monday’s meeting was the first between the sides that involved players and the league since they met at the WNBA offices on Feb. 2. Because of the winter storm that hit New York, it was decided to hold the meeting virtually.

    Over 50 players were on the call, which lasted nearly two hours, the person said.

    The two sides are still far apart on revenue sharing and housing, and the clock is ticking. The league said in the meeting on Monday that it would need to have at least a handshake agreement by March 10 for there not to be a delay to the start of the season.

    The league, in its latest proposal that was sent Friday, offered 70% net revenue for the players. That came after the union had asked for an average of 27.5% of the gross revenue over the course of the CBA, beginning with 25% in the first year of the new deal. In its previous offer, the union had asked for an average of more than 30%.

    The league at that point said in a statement the revenue sharing percentage remained unrealistic and would cause “hundreds of millions of dollars of losses for our teams.”

    Also on Monday, the union confirmed to the AP that the WNBA will give its players $8 million from revenue sharing from last season as the league generated enough to trigger revenue sharing for the first time in league history. ESPN was the first to report the move.

    The players will decide how much each player will receive from that distribution. The union has 60 days from Feb. 9, when it was officially notified of the revenue sharing money, to come up with how it will disperse the funds.

    That money will be distributed by the teams, which will then be reimbursed by the league. Under the 2020 CBA that has since expired, players received 50% of shared revenue — defined in the CBA as the amount of revenue that’s above a predetermined threshold amount minus 30% for expenses.

    Neither the league nor the union would say what that threshold is. The league has had in nearly all of its proposals that it would do away with the threshold needed to be reached for revenue sharing.

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    Associated Press

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  • San Francisco lawmaker to propose plan to let cities break away from PG&E

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    Just two months ago, a massive power outage left parts of San Francisco in the dark for days, and some lawmakers are trying to make sure it never happens again.

    “San Francisco has been trying to break up with PG&E for a long time,” said Democratic Senator Scott Wiener. “The rates are extremely high and we know that public power can bring lower rates.”

    Wiener says he will announce legislation on Monday that would allow San Francisco and other cities to break away from PG&E and form publicly owned utility companies, and do it quickly.

    “San Francisco has already triggered a process to break away at the California Public Utilities Commission, but it is unbelievably slow, it’s taken years and years,” explained Wiener. “The standards set under the law are very unfavorable to a city wanting to break away.”

    A professor at UC Berkeley and faculty director of the Energy Institute at Haas School of Business, Severin Borenstein, says he has an idea about what this could look like.

    “It means trying to buy out their poles and wires to be the distributor of electricity in the city,” said Borenstein. “San Francisco is already its own entity in securing its electricity from generators. What would change, potentially, is they could own the specific distribution lines.”

    He says it could benefit the city if they feel they can do a better job maintaining the lines, and they may be able to reduce the cost. But Borenstein explains that some of the reduction in cost could be because San Francisco and other urban areas are subsidizing the more rural areas in PG&E territory, particularly in fire-prone areas.

    “If the cities opt out, or could opt out of PG&E territory, what that’s going to mean is all of those wildfire costs, which are really unavoidable, that’s what climate change is doing to us, will be shifting on to the remaining rate payers,” said Borenstein. 

    Borenstein thinks it could start a domino effect of cities wanting to form their own utility companies, and other lawmakers may want to avoid it.

    “I don’t think the legislature is going to be very supportive of this because I think a lot of legislatures understand if we go down this road there’s going to be a crisis in the areas that are left holding the bag,” said Borenstein. 

    Alameda and Palo Alto already have city-run utilities. Wiener believes San Francisco can join them.

    “Right now, PG&E, it is a publicly traded corporation,” Wiener stated. “It is beholden to Wall Street and investors and its bottom line. And public power allows you to break away from that and to focus on the public interest and not on the needs of shareholders.”

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    Amanda Hari

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  • Bay Area wineries try to keep prices competitive amid U.S. tariffs

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    In recent years, people’s habits have shifted away from drinking, and now the Trump administration’s tariffs on wine are another hit.

    Joe Arias just opened Frenchie Wine Bar in Dolores Heights five months ago, during a tumultuous time for the wine industry. But he’s doing what he can as tariffs drive prices up.

    “It’s a great champagne,” Arias said, pointing to one of the shelves. “It has a great price for champagne.”

    Arias is trying to keep prices competitive and give his customers the best bang for their buck.

    The recent uncertainty has made things more difficult, especially for a new small business.

    “With tariffs, you don’t know exactly what will be the increase of pricing from when you order wine, maybe a month before and the month after,” said Arias, explaining how the prices are constantly fluctuating.

    Previously, the U.S. imposed hefty tariffs on imported wines, driving up prices and hurting exports.

    Then the U.S. Supreme Court struck down some of those tariffs, saying President Trump overstepped. Now the administration is trying to put new tariffs in place through other routes.

    “In the end, that means tariffs are really taxes on American consumers,” said Peter Andrews.

    Andrews is the founder of Culture Wine Co., they specialize in and distribute South African wine, an area that was hit by some of the highest tariffs, 30%.

    “Thirty percent is not a number I can absorb, it’s not a number I can ask my suppliers or my wineries to observe, and it’s certainly not a number consumers can absorb,” said Andrews. “So everyone has to make a sacrifice there.”

    He says every part of the supply chain is hurting financially.

    Wineries are feeling it in a variety of ways. Jamie Kutch owns Kutch Wines in Sonoma County. For two decades, his company continued to grow year after year, shipping his American wine to other countries, but recently, tariffs have changed that.

    “We’re seeing a big pushback of purchasing on American wines,” Kutch explained. “I think a lot of the rhetoric coming out of the administration has caused challenges to some great partners that we’ve had for almost two decades. Between Denmark and Sweden, we’ve seen an evaporation of almost 30% of our goods being rejected and not being purchased.”

    Kutch is worried. If this continues for another three years, he’s not sure if his winery will be able to weather the storm.

    Back at Frenchie Wine Bar, Arias is continuing to diversify, offering foreign wines, American wines, and even some small plates. It’s all in an attempt to build up a defense against the constant changes.

    “There is always a bit of concerns, but I think we are going to do the right thing to bring good wines to the people who come to our wine bar,” Arias stated. 

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    Amanda Hari

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  • Nancy Pelosi, the race for governor and other California Democratic Party convention

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    Hundreds of people gathered in San Francisco for the California Democratic Party convention this weekend. The purpose of the convention is for the party to determine who it will endorse in upcoming statewide races in California’s primary election June 2. It’s the first state party convention in nearly a decade that has no clear front runner for California governor. Gavin Newsom terms out at the end of this year, and the field to replace him is full of Democrats who either currently or used to serve in public office.In order to win the party’s endorsement, one of the candidates needs to get 60% of the vote from delegates, but none of the candidates reached that threshold according to the endorsement vote results posted Saturday night. Results showed Congressman Eric Swalwell with the most votes at 24% followed by former State Controller Betty Yee with 17.3%. The results are expected to be finalized Sunday. Other candidates eligible for the party’s endorsement are former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, former Assemblyman Ian Calderon, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire businessman Tom Steyer.Each gave a four-minute speech to the convention hall full of delegates on Saturday afternoon. The loudest applause could be heard for Swalwell, who has an edge in polling over the other Democratic candidates. “Raise your right hand if you think this country and California are in trouble,” Swalwell said to the crowd as many raised their hands. “That’s why I’m running for governor.” Party officials said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan got into the race too late and missed the deadline in order to be eligible for an endorsement. As a new crop of politicians fights for higher office, an iconic veteran of the party’s leadership is preparing to step away. On Saturday night, the party hosted a dinner for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is not running for reelection to Congress this year. “I’m always very grateful and very proud of our golden state of California,” Pelosi said. “We have a history of resilience and it’s really a model of the rest of the country… There have been concerns about us, but as I say, that’s their problem.” See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    SAN FRANCISCO —

    Hundreds of people gathered in San Francisco for the California Democratic Party convention this weekend.

    The purpose of the convention is for the party to determine who it will endorse in upcoming statewide races in California’s primary election June 2.

    It’s the first state party convention in nearly a decade that has no clear front runner for California governor. Gavin Newsom terms out at the end of this year, and the field to replace him is full of Democrats who either currently or used to serve in public office.

    In order to win the party’s endorsement, one of the candidates needs to get 60% of the vote from delegates, but none of the candidates reached that threshold according to the endorsement vote results posted Saturday night.

    Results showed Congressman Eric Swalwell with the most votes at 24% followed by former State Controller Betty Yee with 17.3%. The results are expected to be finalized Sunday.

    Other candidates eligible for the party’s endorsement are former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, former Congresswoman Katie Porter, former Assemblyman Ian Calderon, former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire businessman Tom Steyer.

    Each gave a four-minute speech to the convention hall full of delegates on Saturday afternoon. The loudest applause could be heard for Swalwell, who has an edge in polling over the other Democratic candidates.

    “Raise your right hand if you think this country and California are in trouble,” Swalwell said to the crowd as many raised their hands. “That’s why I’m running for governor.”

    Party officials said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan got into the race too late and missed the deadline in order to be eligible for an endorsement.

    As a new crop of politicians fights for higher office, an iconic veteran of the party’s leadership is preparing to step away.

    On Saturday night, the party hosted a dinner for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is not running for reelection to Congress this year.

    “I’m always very grateful and very proud of our golden state of California,” Pelosi said. “We have a history of resilience and it’s really a model of the rest of the country… There have been concerns about us, but as I say, that’s their problem.”

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Why Warriors are rooting hard for Macklin Celebrini ahead of USA-Canada Olympic gold medal match: ‘That kid’s just unreal’

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    SAN FRANCISCO – Gary Payton II usually concludes his Warriors press conferences by saying “you guys are great” to the assembled media. 

    But following Friday morning’s practice, the jovial wing looked directly into the rolling camera and gave a clear order to the entire region. 

    “Go watch Mack, alright?” Payton declared. “Everybody, wake up in the Bay, and watch Mack.”

    Less than 24 hours before the 19-year-old Macklin Celebrini leads Canada into an 5 a.m. PST Olympic Gold medal match with the USA in Italy, Payton predicted that those who woke up for the early puck drop would enjoy watching one of the sport’s all-time greats.

    “That kid’s just unreal, and I feel like he end’s up being one of those. You know, when it’s all said and done, it will be like Wayne (Gretzky), Sid (Crosby), Alex (Ovechkin), Mac,” Payton II said. 

    Members of both the Warriors coaching staff and roster could not wait to share stories about the hockey kid who grew up around the basketball franchise before being selected No. 1 overall by the local San Jose Sharks in 2024. 

    Celebrini’s father Rick, Golden State’s vice president of player health and medicine, has been with the Warriors since 2018. It seemed as if everyone who has been associated with the organization had good memories of young Macklin. 

    Coach Steve Kerr recalled watching Celebrini play in fullcourt pickup games against mother Robyn and older brother Aiden and younger sister Charlie at the team’s old Oakland facility.

    “It’s one of the fun parts of the job, seeing the families be a part of it,” Kerr said. “One of my great memories of my playing career was when my kids were able to be involved.”

    Watching Macklin star in-person for Canada has been Rick and the entire family, but the Warriors have been supporting him stateside too. 

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    Joseph Dycus

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  • California Democratic Convention underway in San Francisco

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    Hundreds of leaders and members of the Democratic Party have converged on San Francisco this weekend for their party’s state convention.

    The gathering at Moscone Center presents a moment for Democrats in California to get together, strategize and plan for the months ahead.

    Day 2 of the convention kicked off Saturday with the party’s movers and shakers hopeful frontrunners emerge from a crowded field of candidates vying for key positions in the midterm elections on June 2.

    Saturday will also be about committee and caucus meetings, bringing more opportunities for candidates and delegates to get valuable face time. The connections could lead to clarity in the crowded field of candidates.

    Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown said he is spending the weekend making up his own mind.

    “Many of the people who are running have asked me to support them, and in those conversations, I will tell them whether or not it would be a waste of my time and theirs if they keep running,” Brown said.

    Under California’s top-two system, the two candidates with the most votes, regardless of party, move on to the November election.

    A top focus is California’s crowded race for governor, which has been overwhelmed with Democratic candidates. Those candidates will be at the convention trying to make an impression.

    Another big highlight will be the dinner honoring former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which is taking place Saturday night at the Marriott Marquis.

    The gathering at Moscone Center presents a moment for Democrats in California to get together, strategize and plan for the months ahead. Alyssa Goard reports.

    For Democrats, this year’s theme is “Together We Win,” and after the passage of Prop. 50, they will be looking to endorse statewide candidates to win newly contested seats.

    The convention continues through Sunday.

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    Ginger Conejero Saab, Velena Jones and Alyssa Goard

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  • San Francisco Beer Week launch boosts breweries with MUNI partnership

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    San Francisco Beer Week kicked off Friday night with a big event in the Mission. It combined brews, buddies and buses for a fun and safe night.

    While people were enjoying the specials on tap for this special event, it was a win-win situation for breweries as well.

    The Standard Deviant taproom was filled with beer lovers as they celebrated the kickoff of SF Beer Week. This place opened almost 10 years ago, when Mark DeVito from the bar industry teamed up with his business partner in biotech to craft local brews. While they are known for their German ale, they went all out with special brews for this event.

    “This week is huge for all the breweries in the whole Bay Area,” DeVito said. “People come out and support us and we’re able to showcase a bunch of new beers. We’re releasing 10 beers over 10 days.”

    Standard Deviant also teamed up with MUNI for the 2nd year in a row. To mark the occasion, a west coast IPA named Hop on MUNI was flowing from the tap.

    “So, we made this in collaboration with MUNI,” DeVito said. “We made it a nice color to kind of match the old vintage MUNI colors on the buses. Just thought it was a really cool way to get community together. Get out in the city and have fun and kick off beer week.”

    Jim McCunn had rave reviews for the Hop on MUNI. Jim and his best friend Kim say they have been coming to SF Beer Week for years, and while they love the brews, they also love the people they meet.

    “The people who like beer tend to be really nice and friendly,” McCunn said. “We always have a good time.”

    “A lot of times you meet people who have traveled here just for this week,” said Kim Larsen. “People from the Midwest, California, San Diego. So it’s very social and a lot of fun.”

    For people to enjoy all the participating breweries without having to worry about driving, SFMTA organized the Hop on Muni Pub Crawl. The hope, people will try new local businesses, and new riders will give MUNI a try as well.

    “Daily riders grabbing a friend to come to an event is exactly what we would hope for,” Julie Kirschbaum, MUNI director said. “We want new people to try MUNI. People that haven’t taken it in a while to come out.”

    Breweries say this event is needed to get through what was a slow January. Between now and March 1, local businesses are counting on people to check out what they have to offer.

    “Support all local,” DeVito said. “All these people are working really, really hard to keep their business afloat and this is a great way to get people out there. Checking it out, go to neighborhoods they might’ve not been to, seeing places they might have not seen before.”

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    Andrea Nakano

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  • CCS basketball playoffs: Friday’s scores, updated schedule

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    CCS boys basketball playoffs

    Open Division

    Pool A

    Friday’s games

    No. 1 Archbishop Riordan 80, No. 8 Serra 61

    No. 5 The King’s Academy 46, No. 4 Bellarmine 35

    Monday’s games

    No. 5 The King’s Academy (22-3) at No. 1 Archbishop Riordan (24-1), 7:30 p.m.

    No. 8 Serra (13-12) at No. 4 Bellarmine (16-9), 7 p.m.

    Wednesday’s games 

    No. 4 Bellarmine at No. 1 Archbishop Riordan, 7 p.m.

    No. 8 Serra at No. 5 The King’s Academy, 7 p.m.

    Pool B

    Friday’s games

    No. 7 Menlo-Atherton (21-3) at No. 2 St. Ignatius (21-3), 7:30 p.m.

    No. 6 Valley Christian (14-10) at No. 3 Archbishop Mitty (15-9), 7:30 p.m.

    Monday’s games

    No. 6 Valley Christian at No. 2 St. Ignatius, 7:30 p.m.

    No. 7 Menlo-Atherton at No. 3 Archbishop Mitty, 7:30 p.m.

    Wednesday’s games

    No. 3 Archbishop Mitty at No. 2 St. Ignatius, 7 p.m.

    No. 7 Menlo-Atherton at No. 6 Valley Christian, 7 p.m.

    Final

    Friday, Feb. 27

    Pool A winner vs. Pool B winner at USF, TBA

    Division I

    Friday’s first round

    North Salinas 52, No. 11 Salinas 47

    Los Altos 78, No. 10 Branham 61

    No. 12 Alisal 55, Hollister 44

    No. 9 Watsonville 62, Independence 61

    Saturday’s second round

    North Salinas (18-7) at No. 6 Homestead (11-13), 7 p.m.

    Los Altos (13-12) at No. 7 Mountain View (10-14), 7 p.m.

    No. 12 Alisal (11-14) at No. 5 Evergreen Valley (14-8), 7 p.m.

    No. 9 Watsonville (12-13) at No. 8 Sequoia (11-13), 7 p.m.

    Byes into Tuesday’s quarterfinals: No. 3 Carlmont (14-10), No. 2  Los Gatos (19-5), No. 4  Palo Alto (15-9), No. 1  Milpitas (23-1)

    Division II

    Friday’s first round

    No. 11 Woodside 57, Sobrato 45

    No. 10 Hillsdale 55, Lincoln 39

    Gilroy (11-13) at No. 12 Soledad (17-7), 7:30 p.m.

    No. 9 Lynbrook 56, San Mateo 51

    Saturday’s second round

    No. 11 Woodside (14-11) at No. 6 Monta Vista (14-9), 7 p.m.

    No. 10 Hillsdale (14-11) at No. 7 Aragon (19-5), 7 p.m.

    Gilroy (11-13) or No. 12 Soledad (17-7) at No. 5 Burlingame (16-8), 7 p.m.

    No. 9 Lynbrook (19-6) at No. 8 Gunn (16-9), 7 p.m.

    Byes into Tuesday’s quarterfinals: No. 3 St. Francis (9-16), No. 2  Christopher (18-6), No. 4  Westmont (20-3), No. 1  Willow Glen (21-2)

    Division III

    Friday’s first round

    Del Mar (12-10) at No. 10 El Camino (13-14), 7 p.m.

    No. 12 Overfelt 59, King City 34

    Pajaro Valley (11-12) at No. 9 Aptos (13-14), 7 p.m.

    Saturday’s second round

    No. 11 Mills at No. 6 Santa Cruz (11-14), 7 p.m.

    Del Mar (12-10) or No. 10 El Camino (13-14) at No. 7 Saratoga (15-9), TBA

    No. 12 Overfelt (13-9) at No. 5 Leland (16-8), 7 p.m.

    Pajaro Valley (11-12) or No. 9 Aptos (13-14) at No. 8 Live Oak (17-7), 7:30 p.m.

    Byes into Tuesday’s quarterfinals: No. 3 Pioneer (13-11), No. 2  Sacred Heart Cathedral (8-16), No. 4 Monterey (14-10), No. 1  Soquel (21-5)

    Division IV

    Friday’s first round

    No. 11 Gonzales 64, KIPP San Jose 17

    MacDonald (9-15) at No. 10 Harbor (13-11), 7 p.m.

    Design Tech (17-7) at No. 12 Gunderson (11-8), 7:30 p.m.

    No. 9 Monte Vista Christian 88, San Jose 45

    Saturday’s second round

    No. 11 Gonzales (13-12) at No. 6 Carmel (8-16), 7 p.m.

    MacDonald (9-15) or No. 10 Harbor (13-11) at No. 7 Jefferson (7-17), 7 p.m.

    Design Tech (17-7) or No. 12 Gunderson (11-8) at No. 5 Marina (17-7), 7 p.m.

    No. 9 Monte Vista Christian (19-6) at No. 8 Terra Nova (8-16), 7:30 p.m.

    Byes into Tuesday’s quarterfinals: No. 3 Menlo School (13-11), No. 2  Half Moon Bay (14-10), No. 4  Pacific Grove (12-12), No. 1  Sacred Heart Prep (13-11)

    Division V

    Friday’s first round

    No. 11 Pacific Collegiate 59, York 50

    No. 10 Basis Independent 74, Stratford Prep 28

    University Prep Academy 68, No. 12 Kirby Prep 35

    North Valley Baptist 68, No. 9 More 58

    Saturday’s second round

    No. 11 Pacific Collegiate (6-18) at No. 6 Summit Shasta (18-6), 7 p.m.

    No. 10 Basis Independent (13-12) at No. 7 Eastside Prep (16-8), TBA

    University Prep Academy (18-7) at No. 5 Pinewood (15-8), 7 p.m.

    North Valley Baptist (18-6) at No. 8 St. Francis SCP (13-10), 7:30 p.m.

    Byes into Tuesday’s quarterfinals: No. 3 Oakwood (19-4), No. 2  Priory (17-6), No. 4 Crystal Springs Uplands (15-7), No. 1 Palma (22-2)

    CCS girls basketball playoffs

    Open Division

    Pool A

    Friday’s games

    No. 1 Archbishop Mitty 89, No. 8 Half Moon Bay 23

    No. 5 St. Francis 52, No. 4 St. Ignatius 49

    Monday’s games

    No. 5 St. Francis (19-6) at No. 1 Archbishop Mitty (23-2), 6 p.m.

    No. 8 Half Moon Bay (19-6) at No. 4 St. Ignatius (18-7), 7 p.m.

    Wednesday’s games 

    No. 4 St. Ignatius at No. 1 Archbishop Mitty, 7 p.m.

    No. 8 Half Moon Bay at No. 5 St. Francis, 7 p.m.

    Pool B

    Friday’s games

    No. 2 Priory 69, No. 7 Alisal 28

    No. 3 Archbishop Riordan 58, No. 6 Pinewood 46

    Monday’s games

    No. 6 Pinewood (20-5) at No. 2 Priory (20-5), 7 p.m.

    No. 7 Alisal (22-3) at No. 3 Archbishop Riordan (16-7), 6 p.m.

    Wednesday’s games

    No. 3 Archbishop Riordan at No. 2 Priory, 7 p.m.

    No. 7 Alisal at No. 6 Pinewood, 7 p.m.

    Final

    Friday, Feb. 27

    Pool A winner vs. Pool B winner at USF, TBA

    Division I

    Friday’s first round

    Palo Alto (18-7) at No. 11 Leigh (17-7), 7 p.m.

    No. 10 Hollister 75, Santa Teresa 40

    Watsonville (11-13) at No. 12 Evergreen Valley (12-12), 7 p.m.

    Piedmont Hills 47, No. 9 Mountain View 33

    Saturday’s second round

    Palo Alto (18-7) or No. 11 Leigh (17-7) at No. 6 Carlmont (13-11), 7 p.m.

    No. 10 Hollister (16-9) at No. 7 Fremont-Sunnyvale (12-12), 7 p.m.

    Watsonville (11-13) or No. 12 Evergreen Valley (12-12) at No. 5 Salinas (18-6), 7 p.m.

    Piedmont Hills (16-9) at No. 8 Cupertino (17-7), 7 p.m.

    Byes into Tuesday’s quarterfinals: No. 3 Homestead (20-4), No. 2 Los Gatos (18-6), No. 4  Los Altos (20-4), No. 1 Menlo-Atherton (18-5)

    Division II

    Friday’s first round

    No. 11 Leland 52, Lincoln-San Jose 43

    No. 10 Sobrato 52, Burlingame 38

    Woodside (16-7) at No. 12 Wilcox (12-11), 7 p.m.

    No. 9 Soledad 62, Overfelt 30

    Saturday’s second round

    No. 11 Leland (13-12) at No. 6 San Mateo (12-12), 7 p.m.

    No. 10 Sobrato (14-8) at No. 7 Gunn (11-13), 7 p.m.

    Woodside (16-7) or No. 12 Wilcox (12-11) at No. 5 Willow Glen (16-8), 7 p.m.

    No. 9 Soledad (16-10) at No. 8 Christopher (10-14), 7 p.m.

    Byes into Tuesday’s quarterfinals: No. 3 Aragon (12-11), No. 2 Hillsdale (17-7), No. 4 Monta Vista (16-8), No. 1 Valley Christian (9-15)

    Division III

    Friday’s first round

    King City (16-8) at No. 12 Pajaro Valley (16-7), 7 p.m.

    Saturday’s second round

    No. 11 South San Francisco (12-11) at No. 6 Capuchino (19-2), 7 p.m.

    No. 10 El Camino (9-15) at No. 7 Del Mar (20-5), 7 p.m.

    King City (16-8) or No. 12 Pajaro Valley (16-7) at No. 5 Aptos (15-12), 7 p.m.

    No. 9 North Monterey County (16-7) at No. 8 Live Oak (17-7), 7 p.m.

    Byes into Tuesday’s quarterfinals: No. 3 Pioneer (14-10), No. 2 Santa Cruz (16-9), No. 4 Notre Dame-San Jose (10-14), No. 1 Mills (11-13)

    Division IV

    Friday’s first round

    No. 11 Gunderson 35, Mercy 31

    Design Tech (15-6) vs. No. 10 Jefferson (10-13) at Oceana High, 7 p.m.

    No. 12 Carmel 62, KIPP San Jose 22

    Harbor (7-16) at No. 9 Pacific Grove (7-17), 7 p.m.

    Saturday’s second round

    No. 11 Gunderson (17-7) at No. 6 Harker (8-14), 7 p.m.

    Design Tech (15-6) or No. 10 Jefferson (10-13) at No. 7 Stevenson (12-12), 7 p.m.

    No. 12 Carmel (11-11) at No. 5 The King’s Academy (17-7), 7 p.m.

    Harbor (7-16) or No. 9 Pacific Grove (7-17) at No. 8 Terra Nova (12-10), 7 p.m.

    Byes into Tuesday’s quarterfinals: No. 3 Sacred Heart Prep (14-7), No. 2 Scotts Valley (24-1), No. 4 Menlo School (15-9), No. 1 Notre Dame-Belmont (17-4)

    Division V

    Friday’s first round

    Cristo Rey San Jose (8-7) at No. 11 Santa Catalina (10-4), 7 p.m.

    No. 10 Pescadero 40, Kehillah 25

    Basis Independent SV (9-14) at No. 12 Anzar (11-10), 7 p.m.

    San Francisco Christian 35, No. 9 Nueva 32

    Saturday’s second round

    Cristo Rey San Jose (8-7) or No. 11 Santa Catalina (10-4) at No. 6 St. Francis SCP (12-11), 7 p.m.

    No. 10 Pescadero (14-7) at No. 7 Oakwood (21-2), 7 p.m.

    Basis Independent SV (9-14) or No. 12 Anzar (11-10) at No. 5 Crystal (11-7), 7 p.m.

    San Francisco Christian (11-4) at No. 8 Eastside College Prep (9-11), 7 p.m.

    Byes into Tuesday’s quarterfinals: No. 3 Summit Shasta (14-8), No. 2 Castilleja (10-10), No. 4 Pacific Collegiate (20-4), No. 1 Palma (21-3)

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    Darren Sabedra

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  • SF Giants’ Whisenhunt lights up radar gun in simulated game

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    SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — Carson Whisenhunt wasn’t expecting to see a number that high.

    During the first inning of Thursday’s simulated game, Whisenhunt geared up and fired a four-seam fastball to catcher Logan Porter. The pitch felt good coming out of his hand, so he took a look at Scottsdale Stadium’s scoreboard to see how hard he just threw.

    97.

    This wasn’t a case of a stadium having a hot radar gun. The scoreboard projected Trackman readings, meaning this was a legitimate 97 mph. And if this caliber of heat is real, it has the potential to transform him as a pitcher.

    “I think there’s more in there, too,” Porter said. “It’s coming out firm.”

    Whisenhunt’s velocity wasn’t just for show. He retired seven of the eight batters he faced during the sim game, striking out Jesus Rodriguez, Jake Holton and Bo Davidson on his signature changeup.

    “I’m feeling a lot better than I did last year,” Whisenhunt said. “I’m moving better mechanically, especially, so everything’s just kind of flowing right now. I’m trying not to overdo it, but it came out hot today.”

    Whisenhunt didn’t exhibit this type of velocity during his brief time in the majors last season. Over five starts, the left-hander had an average fastball velocity of 92.6 mph, which ranked in the 23rd percentile. His velocity with Triple-A Sacramento (92.3 mph) was no better.

    The left-hander said he was sinking in his back hip a lot more last year, which he felt like was “blocking velo, so to speak.” Now, Whisenhunt is a little more upright and trying to get into his back hip.

    “And then, just kind of throwing the [expletive] out of it,” Whisenhunt said with a smile. “That’s the best way to put it.”

    In his estimation, the last time Whisenhunt exhibited consistent mid-90s velocity was 2023, his first full season as a professional after being drafted in the second round of the ‘22 MLB draft. That year, which he spent with Single-A San Jose, High-A Eugene and Double-A Richmond, Whisenhunt’s velocity sat in the 94-97 mph range.

    Whisenhunt, who’s peaked as high as 98 mph, acknowledged that he probably won’t consistently hit as high as 97. If he can sit comfortably in the 94, 95-mph range as he did in 2023, the rest of his arsenal plays up — especially his bread-and-butter changeup.

    “Obviously, trying to win a job, you have to do a little extra as a young guy, but not trying to overdo it,” Whisenhunt said. “But also, get my work in and make sure I’m ready for the season.”

    Improved velocity isn’t the only new tool in Whisenhunt’s bag. The left-hander, like many other young starters in camp, added a cutter to his repertoire. Whisenhunt has also worked on his slider, the focus being on generating more horizontal and downward movement.

    One of Whisenhunt’s biggest additions to his game hasn’t been extra velocity or refined pitches, but the subtraction of tipping.

    Whisenhunt and the Giants’ coaching staff realized he was tipping pitches after his start against the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 27, a game he won after allowing three earned runs over five innings. Before Whisenhunt could address the issue, his lower back began giving him issues and sidelined him for the rest of the year.

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    Justice delos Santos

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  • Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorses former Rep. Katie Porter for governor

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    Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) endorsed former Rep. Katie Porter, her protege and former Harvard Law School student, for California governor on Thursday.

    “From the moment Katie set foot in my consumer law class, I knew that she would be a warrior for working families,” Warren said in a statement, citing Porter’s work on the foreclosure crisis as well as her questioning of corporate leaders and members of the Trump administration while wielding a white board in hearings when she represented an Orange County district in Congress.

    “No one will stand up to Trump with more grit and determination than Katie,” Warren said. “But just as importantly, she will champion the kind of bold, progressive vision that California workers and families deserve.”

    The endorsement comes on the cusp of the California Democratic Party’s convention in San Francisco this weekend, at a time that there is no true front-runner in the crowded race to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom.

    Porter was initially viewed as having a potential edge in the race, but her prospects dimmed after videos emerged in October of the UC Irvine law professor scolding a reporter and swearing at an aide. She expressed remorse for her behavior.

    Warren and Porter, who met more than two decades ago, have a long-standing relationship, to the point that the senator is the namesake of one of Porter’s children.

    Porter endorsed Warren during the 2020 presidential campaign, which caused consternation among some California Democrats since then-Sen. Kamala Harris, who as state attorney general appointed Porter in 2012 to oversee a $25-billion mortgage settlement with the nation’s top banks, was also running for the White House.

    Porter pointed to their shared values, such as fighting to protect consumer protection in Congress, as she responded to Warren’s endorsement.

    “Senator Warren and I fought together in Congress to hold Big Banks and giant corporations that cheat the American people accountable,” Porter said. “From the classroom to the Capitol, we have made … fighting for working families our lifework. I’ll be a governor who is unbought, undeterred, and unwilling to continue the special interest status quo that has left too many Californians behind.”

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    Seema Mehta

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  • Carnaval San Francisco Fat Tuesday Celebration takes place in the Mission District

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    Rainy weather wasn’t stopping people from going out and celebrating Mardi Gras in San Francisco on Tuesday.

    Restaurants and businesses throughout the Mission District were participating in the Carnaval San Francisco Fat Tuesday Celebration with live music and performances.

    “You don’t cancel Christmas and you don’t cancel Carnaval in San Francisco,” said Carnaval San Francisco Executive Director Rodrigo Duran.

    Duran is the son of Mexican immigrants and a native of San Francisco. He knows February is not the time for an outdoor event in the city.

    “All of our venues are inside, and the artists are going to come and perform and dance, and they have huge followings, so we expect this to be another great Carnaval,” explained Duran.

    This is just the kickoff of the 48th Carnaval season. It is a night of music, samba dancing, and a crawl to venues across the Mission. But the Grand Parade isn’t until May.

    “You mentioned the rain,” said Duran. “That’s the reason that we don’t have our Carnaval celebration in February like the rest the world, because it rains in San Francisco.”

    Still, the dancers brought a taste of what people will get in May.

    “Yes! Absolutely, this is how we kind of hype everybody up for what’s coming,” said dancer Angelita Peter.

    The Hall is participating in Carnaval for the first time ever. The business, which specializes in billiards, just opened about six months ago.

    Co-owner Modi Shantharam believes partnering with an event like this can bring in new customers.

    “We’re hoping people who don’t play pool end up coming here because this is a place where we have food, we have good cocktails, and it’s a good vibe in here as well,” said Shantharam.

    Duran says Carnaval is all about the community it serves.

    “Carnaval San Francisco is a reflection of our neighborhood and our city so the way that we ensure that this city and this neighborhood thrives is by uplifting all of us,” said Duran. “We’re using all of our networks, our resources, our people to make celebrations like today happen.”

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    Amanda Hari

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  • Chinese New Year celebration in San Francisco will take place even if it rains

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    Tuesday is Chinese New Year, and despite rain expected throughout the day, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco still plans to hold an event at Portsmouth Square.

    Board member Tony Lau said the weather won’t impact the significance of the celebration for the Chinatown community.

    “No! Not at all,” said Lau. “Rain is actually good for us, for Chinese New Year.”

    Lau grew up in Chinatown and is now the Chinese New Year Parade director, which takes place on March 7. He said Tuesday’s celebration at Portsmouth Square will happen no matter the weather.

    “Rain means wealth,” said Lau. “So, it’s actually good. We’re telling people rain or shine, we’re going to be there, we’re going to enjoy, we’re going to celebrate Chinese New Year together.”

    In Chinese culture rain can also mean good luck, prosperity, and fertility. The Chamber of Commerce ordered tarps that they’ll start setting up a few hours before the 11 a.m. event. The tarps are expected to cover the stage area and some of the audience.

    Despite that, Lau is still hopeful they may catch a break in the rain.

    “Crossing my fingers right now,” said Lau.

    He said this is an important holiday for the Chinatown economy.

    “Most of the income is actually coming from these two months in Chinatown,” Lau explained. “Just because everyone is coming in to buy groceries, flowers, fruits to prepare for Chinese New Year.”

    Carmelo Billisi braved the rain Monday night to walk around Chinatown for the holiday, trying to visit some of the stores before they closed.

    “I think a lot of the places are closing down because they’re celebrating the Chinese New Year so not as many of the shops are open but a lot of fireworks going off, a lot of people still walking around having a good time, a lot of tourists,” said Billisi.

    He decided to get in on the holiday spirit.

    “These little popper dynamite things that they throw on the street for the celebrations for the New Year and whatnot,” Billisi said, throwing one to the ground.

    Tuesday marks a special Chinese Zodiac year, and Lau thinks it’s a good sign for Chinatown and San Francisco.

    “This is called a Fire Horse,” said Lau. “Fire Horse is every 60 years, and it means energy, health, strength, being the leader. So, this year in San Francisco is definitely going to be a good year.”

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    Amanda Hari

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  • SF Chinese New Year Parade 2026: How to watch ABC7 Eyewitness News live coverage

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    The largest Lunar New Year Celebration outside of Asia is on ABC7, the official broadcast partner of the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade.

    The grand marshal for this year’s parade is none other than San Francisco native and Olympic freestyle skiing gold medalist Eileen Gu.

    Here’s how you can watch the parade on ABC7 Eyewitness News on Saturday, March 7.

    • Coverage starts at 5 p.m. wherever you stream ABC7 and on 7.2

    • At 8:30 p.m., you can watch a replay of the full parade on 7.1

    MORE: ABC7 proud new home of San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade

    Want to watch last year’s parade? We’ve got you covered. Watch the “ABC7 Presents: The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade” replay in the video player above or wherever you stream ABC7.

    VIDEO: Meet the 2026 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade mascot, Maverick

    Maverick has been revealed as the 2026 mascot for San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade for the Year of the Fire Horse.

    VIDEO: Grand marshal Eileen Gu shares message ahead of SF Chinese New Year Parade

    Olympic freestyle skiing gold medalist Eileen Gu, who’s also the grand marshal of San Francisco’s Chinese New Year Parade, has a message to share.

    VIDEO: Organizers unveil all the festivities coming up for San Francisco Lunar New Year and parade

    Representatives from around San Francisco gathered at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to unveil the highlights of this year’s Lunar New Year festival.

    VIDEO: Here’s a look at how SF plans to usher in the new year

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    From fireworks to good eats, here's how San Francisco plans to usher in the Year of the Horse.

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  • Cold weather system brings widespread rain to Northern California, snow in the foothills

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    The coldest system of the season is bringing heavy rain to Northern California and snow to higher elevations.

    The Sacramento Valley could see 2-3 inches of rain, whereas areas in the foothills could get up to four inches of rain by Wednesday. The event is expected to arrive on Sunday, with it becoming widespread Sunday evening and continuing until Wednesday. 

    In the Bay Area, heavy rain is expected to begin around noon Sunday in San Francisco and the North Bay, and by the evening, most of the region will be experiencing heavy rain, with a chance of thunder. The severe weather conditions are expected to stay until Monday morning, the National Weather Service said. Due to the heavy rain, there is a coastal flood advisory across the San Francisco Bay and Monterey Bay shorelines through Tuesday.

    “The combination of high astronomical tides (spring tides) and storm surge will combine to bring minor high tide flooding of low-lying areas,” the NWS said. 

    With the rain comes southerly winds, which can produce gusts up to 50 mph. A wind advisory goes into effect Monday morning until Wednesday night. 

    The big story of this storm is its impact on the mountains, as heavy snow is expected and snow levels could drop to 1,500 feet in the Sierra foothills as early as Tuesday. There is even a chance for snow levels to drop to 1,000 feet overnight Tuesday into Wednesday. 

    A winter storm warning is in effect for elevations at or above 2,000 feet, continuing until 10 p.m. Wednesday.  

    Chain controls were in effect as of Monday morning on Interstate 80 from east of Baxter in Placer County to Truckee, and on Highway 50 from Twin Bridges to Meyers. 

    People are advised against mountain travel, as drivers can expect snow-covered roads, travel delays, more chain controls or possible road closures.  

    By Wednesday, Donner Pass could get up to 7 feet of snow, Blue Canyon could get 3-6 feet, and Colfax could even see an inch to 3 inches of snow. A thunderstorm is also possible at higher elevations. 

    Paired with the strong winds, the mountain and some foothills areas could experience low visibility, with travel expected to be delayed, roads impassible and chain controls. 

    The storm has officials reminding people to never drive through flooded roadways. They say 12 inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle. 

    The storm track remains active, with additional systems possible late week and into the following weekend. Several additional feet of snow are possible through the end of next week, with rounds of low-elevation snow possible.

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    Brandon Downs

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  • SF Giants observations: Roupp ramps up for innings uptick

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    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A year ago, Landen Roupp entered camp in competition for the fifth spot in the Giants’ rotation with Hayden Birdsong and Landen Roupp — a spot he ended up winning. His spot in the rotation has long been secure, but Roupp isn’t changing anything ahead of his third major league season.

    “I’m just thinking of it the same way, trying to fight for my spot,” Roupp said. “Even if I do have the spot, I’m going to attack it like I don’t.”

    Roupp and left-hander Matt Gage threw their first live bullpens of camp on Saturday afternoon after right-handers Logan Webb and Hayden Birdsong did so on Friday afternoon.

    The 27-year-old Roupp, pitching to Logan Porter, threw 25 pitches and faced six hitters, though his second time facing Patrick Bailey ended early due to pitch count. He struck out Jesus Rodriguez swinging but allowed a home run to non-roster invitee Eric Haase.

    Gage, pitching to Diego Cartaya, faced four batters and threw 20 pitches, striking out Porter swinging but allowing a base hit to Bailey.

    Roupp emphasized his cutter during his live bullpen season. He threw the pitch last year but changed his grip at the suggestion of new assistant pitching coach Christian Wonders.

    “I threw it a lot today, just trying to feel it out and see how it played,” Roupp said. “Got some good swings on it.”

    With a solidified spot in the Opening Day rotation, Roupp is headed for a significant workload spike after throwing a career-high 109 2/3 innings last year (three of those innings were during a rehab assignment).

    Roupp landed on the 15-day injured list last year with right elbow inflammation, but he believes the Giants made the move out of caution. He also missed the last month of the season after awkwardly twisting his knee at Petco Park in late August, but that injury was of the fluke variety.

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    Justice delos Santos

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  • San Francisco Valentine’s: Pillow fights, free portraits, dining out, and more

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    San Francisco was bustling on Saturday with both locals and out-of-town visitors celebrating Valentine’s Day. Couples, families, and friends could be seen strolling down the Embarcadero, stopping at the many markets, stands, and restaurants along the way.

    While many people made holiday reservations at restaurants, there were plenty of other ways to celebrate too, including lots of free activities.

    “It’s exciting, fun for a Valentine’s Day, and different,” said Walter Paulson of San Francisco, who said he has been to four of these pillow fights.

    At the Embarcadero Plaza, hundreds of people got together to take part in the annual free pillow fight tradition. This year, participants were instructed to bring only synthetic pillows, no pillows stuffed with feathers.

    San Francisco residents Allie McAndrews and Lilly Datnow were among the group of friends organizing the pillow fight.

    McAndrews explained that while the San Francisco Valentine’s pillow fight had been going on for more than 20 years, the tradition hit a lull during the pandemic. She and her friend went to the fight last year and thought it was “the best thing,” but it was in need of some more organizing and publicity. McAndrews and her friend took it upon themselves to get the word out about the event this year, and to lead the group in stretches and activities (such as screaming into your pillow).

    Many people showed up to the pillow fight wearing costumes. Some veterans of the pillow fight opted to wear goggles as eye protection.

    Around San Francisco, couples could be seen walking hand in hand and dining at restaurants.

    Others were out in search of their special someone, like those attending BART’s annual Valentraine speed-dating event, where passengers looking for love hopped aboard in the Mission District and rode the train to Millbrae and back.

    At Pier 7, people could get their photos taken for free in the giant photo frame art installation on the waterfront, courtesy of the Port of San Francisco and Big Art Loop.

    “Cause we’re in love with San Francisco, and it’s Valentine’s Day, and we just wanted to give back,” explained Annabelle Lee with Big Art Loop, which is the group working to install 100 public art sculptures in San Francisco.

    Many out-of-town visitors said they enjoyed the Valentine’s energy in San Francisco.

    “Yeah, it’s nice to be in the city. I love coming out to the city, it’s a beautiful city,” said Pinne Chao of Stockton.

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    Alyssa Goard

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  • San Francisco Unified teachers’ strike ends after tentative agreement reached

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    A tentative agreement has been reached between the San Francisco Unified School District and the United Educators of San Francisco, both sides announced Friday morning, ending a teachers’ strike that began earlier this week.

    The agreement on a two-year deal was reached around 5:30 a.m., following a 13-hour bargaining session. Campuses and administrative offices are open to staff on Friday, but remain closed for students.

    Classes are set to resume on Wednesday, following the Presidents’ Day holiday on Monday and the start of Lunar New Year on Tuesday.

    “I know that this has been a really difficult week and I cannot wait to welcome all of our students, all of our families, back to school on Wednesday, February 18th,” superintendent Maria Su said at a news conference Friday morning.

    On Monday, about 6,000 teachers began walking the picket lines, after an agreement was not reached over the previous weekend. It was the district’s first teacher strike since a 1979 walkout that lasted six weeks.

    Sticking points on a deal were wages, healthcare for dependents, along with assistance for special education staff.

    The union said the agreement includes fully-funded healthcare that includes families and what they described as “immediate relief” for special education staff in the form of caseload reduction. Classified employees will also receive an 8.5% raise over two years, while teachers will receive a 5% raise over two years.

    Other terms of the agreement include sanctuary protections and limitations on the use of artificial intelligence.



    Teachers strike in San Francisco ends, tentative agreement reached

    11:14

    “By forcing SFUSD to invest in fully funded family healthcare, special education workloads, improved wages, sanctuary and housing protections for San Francisco families, we’ve made important progress towards the schools our students deserve,” union president Cassondra Curiel said in a statement. “This contract is a strong foundation for us to continue to build the safe and stable learning environments our students deserve.”

    At a briefing Friday morning, the superintendent said the addition of family healthcare was historic and was possible through the use of a special parcel tax.

    “We cannot bring down the cost of housing or the price of groceries. but we can do our part to honor our educators and staff and their families,” Su said.

    The superintendent also addressed the district’s path to fiscal stability, as the district remains under state oversight and is facing a $100 million budget deficit in the upcoming school year.

    “We stretched our resources to the limit to get this agreement done. We still have a long way ahead of us where difficult choices remain. So while we have a deal today, we still need more support in the future,” Su said, urging the state to change how it funds local public schools.

    Mayor Daniel Lurie said in a statement from his office, “Our kids deserve schools where they can thrive, with educators who have the tools and support they need to best serve our kids. And all of our families deserve a fiscally stable school district that will be able to do the same for generations to come. This agreement is evidence that when we work together, we can all get closer to that goal.”

    It was not immediately known when union members would hold a ratification vote on the agreement. The agreement would also need to be ratified by the Board of Education.

    SFUSD serves nearly 50,000 students in more than 120 campuses.

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    Tim Fang

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