Today from Mission Local

Good afternoon!

Well, it’s not the 25-story “giant Princess Cruise derrière in the sky” planned for the Marina Safeway, but permits have been filed to build a six-story, 379-unit housing complex on the site of the Bernal Safeway. Neighbors are not happy, writes Oscar Palma, but state laws mean the development can go ahead without a hearing at the planning commission.

For back story, see Joe Eskenazi‘s analysis of the “legal sea change” that has stripped cities of their control over such projects.

The SFPD is planning to use drones as first responders to calls in SoMa, so that police can evaluate the situation and decide if officers are needed, writes Sarah Hopkins. Police say this will shorten their response times, but SoMa residents are skeptical that tech will fix their problems.

And speaking of tech, Nicholas David has an interview with Jonathan Weber, founding editor of the S.F. Standard, about the history of the tech industry’s influence on San Francisco politics. See what Weber has to say about the “Twitter tax break” and cycles of boom and bust.

More soon,

Sara

A band poses on an outdoor stage in front of a large, cheering crowd on a sunny day, with trees and a white tent visible in the background.

This newsletter is made possible by: Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
From May to November, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival has 100+ free outdoor events to enjoy in downtown San Francisco. Pack a picnic and sit on the lawn for amazing shows and immaculate summertime vibes. Click here for the calendar.

Latest News

A modern mid-rise apartment building with street-level parking and retail, located on a busy city street at dusk, with hills and residential buildings in the background.

Formal permits filed for 379 units of housing on site of Bernal Safeway

It’s the fourth proposal to transform the city’s existing Safeways into multi-story housing.

A drone flying in the sky near a vehicle with an open trunk and a visible emergency light, against a backdrop of clouds and blue sky.

New eyes in SoMa skies: SFPD to launch drone pilot this fall 

“A drone program is not a panacea for an understaffed police department.”

The book "City on the Edge" by Jonathan Weber stands upright on a white surface, with leafy green plants in the background.

A Q&A with Jonathan Weber on tech and S.F. politics

“He was doing what Willie [Brown] does — he was facilitating the deal.”

Back Story

Modern multi-story building with glass facades, curved architecture, retail spaces at street level, and people walking on a busy sidewalk at dusk.

25-story Marina Safeway behemoth, inconceivable even to sci-fi futurists, looking very real

“The city has no power to stop this.”

SNAP

A mural of a green alligator wearing a hat, sunglasses, and gold chains, holding a phone, with a speech bubble saying "Sup?". Graffiti tags and a billboard appear nearby.
Old phones
By David Chalk

Events

All Events

Today: Radio Gatsby Swing Band at the Woodchopper’s Ball, Verdi Club, June 16, 9-11:30 PM

Tomorrow: War in Iran (Part 3/3): What’s Next? at Manny’s, June 17, 6-7 PM

Illustration of a computer browser with "Mission Local" website, magnifying glass, and text: "Mission Local is on a search for the truth. Help fund the search—donate today!.

You rely on us for accurate, timely coverage—and we rely on you to help keep the news forever free, for everyone.

Donate today!


This email was sent to *|EMAIL|*
Unsubscribe from this newsletter — Opt out of all emails from *|LIST:COMPANY|*
*|LIST_ADDRESSLINE_TEXT|**|IF:REWARDS|*

*|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*

Follow Us

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