H.R. Smith, Author at Mission Local

Local news for a global city

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New S.F. police, fire contracts will cost $100M over 2 years

by H.R. Smith April 22, 2026, 5:28 pmApril 23, 2026, 7:28 pm

Man wearing sunglasses and an LA cap takes a selfie on a pier overlooking a crowded beach and city buildings in the background at sunset.

Sharbel Saker, 34-year-old visiting from L.A., found dead after leaving Mission piano bar

by H.R. Smith April 7, 2026, 5:46 pmApril 10, 2026, 2:26 pm

Can we design trouble out of the 16th St. BART plazas?

by H.R. Smith April 2, 2026, 4:00 amApril 7, 2026, 4:30 pm

Is SFPD going after cyclists on Market Street?

by H.R. Smith March 25, 2026, 4:30 pmApril 13, 2026, 5:55 pm

Three people sit at a round table with drinks in a modern café. One drinks with a straw, another looks ahead, and the third holds a notepad. The word "BIGFACE" is visible in the background.

Food

Is Warriors star Jimmy Butler’s $4 shot of espresso worth it?

by H.R. Smith July 15, 2025, 9:30 amJuly 15, 2025, 9:40 pm

White autonomous vehicle with roof sensors drives in city traffic near a Marriott hotel. A Bayshore Express bus is seen in the background. People walking nearby.

How did Waymo get onto Market Street?

by H.R. Smith April 12, 2025, 9:05 amApril 15, 2025, 1:58 pm

Five performers in colorful, theatrical costumes and makeup stand on stage under dim lighting. A person with a microphone is speaking to them from the side.

S.F. Drag queen Heklina’s cause of death is still a mystery, and the show goes on

by H.R. Smith April 1, 2025, 10:22 amApril 1, 2025, 11:16 am

A person swings a tool to break through a wall made of graffiti-covered blocks, while a crowd watches in a gallery setting.

Southern Exposure art gallery in the Mission sends out an SOS

by H.R. Smith March 18, 2025, 10:53 amMarch 20, 2025, 11:43 am

Three men, including Peskin in casual attire, pose together outside a café, with two others proudly donning police uniforms.

Exit interview: Aaron Peskin on losing mayor’s race: ‘Absolutely worth the price of admission’

by H.R. Smith and Joe Eskenazi January 6, 2025, 5:00 amFebruary 18, 2025, 3:49 pm

A man with grey hair and beard, wearing glasses, a grey suit, white shirt, and blue tie, speaks at a podium with a maroon curtain in the background.

Election Coverage

Aaron Peskin didn’t win the election, but his ballot measures sure did

by H.R. Smith November 9, 2024, 9:13 amDecember 30, 2024, 10:17 pm

A BART train stopped at a platform, with overhead signs and safety strip visible.

Election Coverage

BART is on life support. Meet the two candidates trying to save it.

by H.R. Smith November 4, 2024, 10:46 amMarch 14, 2025, 5:35 pm

BART 列車停靠月台，上方顯示牌和安全警示帶清晰可見。

Chinese translations

BART 命懸一線　兩位候選人尝试拯救它

by H.R. Smith November 4, 2024, 10:46 amNovember 5, 2024, 5:17 pm

A group of people stands in a shop. A person holds a sign reading "We need Aaron!" while talking to a shopkeeper wearing an apron and a face mask. Shelves with various products are in the background.

Aaron Peskin encabeza la lista en las recientes donaciones, si se excluye el autofinanciamiento de Lurie

by H.R. Smith October 25, 2024, 11:37 pmOctober 28, 2024, 6:12 pm

A man in a suit and tie is on the left, and a woman in a colorful outfit is on the right, standing in front of a vibrant mural.

Dolores Huerta expresa su arrepentimiento por haber respaldado a London Breed y ahora posiciona a Aaron Peskin como su candidato principal

by H.R. Smith October 25, 2024, 10:11 pmOctober 25, 2024, 10:12 pm

A group of people stands in a shop. A person holds a sign reading "We need Aaron!" while talking to a shopkeeper wearing an apron and a face mask. Shelves with various products are in the background.

Election Coverage

Aaron Peskin leads in latest donations—if you discount Lurie’s self-financing

by H.R. Smith October 25, 2024, 5:36 pmOctober 30, 2024, 5:11 pm