Good afternoon! The cold front has arrived, and with it warnings from the city that high winds can make driving dangerous. Call 911 for downed power lines, and 311 for downed trees. Charge up your phone now, and if the electricity goes out again, don’t use candles for light!

Today’s gusty winds caused power outages all over the Mission, as well as in the Bernal, Excelsior and Merced neighborhoods, and some businesses were forced to close early. “If thereโ€™s no power, we canโ€™t work. Itโ€™s as simple as that,โ€ said Lisa, a manager at Cafe La Taza. Los Portales, a medical center on Mission Street, had to turn away dozens of patients, and carry people in wheelchairs down the stairs. Continued high winds are expected through Wednesday, with the possibility of further outages, fires, and emergencies.

Did you make it over to Alabama Street for pancakes on Sunday? If you missed the sidewalk party, read our story about the free community breakfastโ€“โ€“and get inspired to host a cookout yourself, on your own block, with pancakes for your neighbors.

Stay safe,

Sara

P.S. Sometimes teachers at Cรฉsar Chรกvez Elementary School forget to turn out their classroom lights when they leave for the night. I like to look in the windows, and think about how magical those rooms can seem to children.

The Latest News

PG&E power outage map of San Francisco Feb. 21, 2023

Power outage strikes the Mission during peak business hours

The lights went out this afternoon, and high winds through Wednesday may cause more outages.

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Cรฉsar Chรกvez Elementary School under the full moon

School Night

by Sara Miles

Mission Local is a nonprofit news site that depends on its readers.

Volunteer and author of the daily newsletter. I'm a writer whoโ€™s covered wars, politics, and religion. Iโ€™ve lived in the Mission for over 30 years, and have appreciated the work of Mission Local since it began.