Today from Mission Local

Good afternoon!

Breaking: A city investigation into allegations made last year found that former chief assistant treasurer Tajel Shah steered a $7M software contract toward a friend’s company. Kelly Waldron writes that an alleged lack of checks and balances in the Office of the Treasure and Tax Collector enabled Shah’s manipulation of the bidding process.

D9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder is returning to City Hall after a three-month leave of absence for mental health issues. She talked with Joe Rivano Barros about the pressures of the job, her priorities for the district, and the “gracious and kind” response she’s received from the mayor and colleagues.

And Dennis Herrera is retiring, after a quarter-century in city government. He’s been the manager of the public utilities commission since 2021, and was the elected city attorney for nearly 20 years. Io Yeh Gilman looks at Herrera’s legacy, including his role in legalizing same-sex marriage.

Here’s the back story from Joe Eskenazi on why Herrera was appointed to the PUC by then-Mayor London Breed. Hint: “live-in watchdog.”

More soon,

Sara

Two hands holding cocktails, one pink in a coupe glass and one yellow in a rocks glass with a dried lime, against a pink background; text reads "The Pixie and Juice Box only at Beauty.

This newsletter is made possible by: Beauty Bar SF
The Mission just got one of its gems back! Beauty Bar has reopened with a full remodel, fresh cocktails [try the Green Michelada 👀], and the late-night dancing you know and love. Fridays and Saturdays are already packed. Come see for yourself: 2299 Mission Street.


Latest News

Former S.F. official violated ethics rules, city audit finds 

Tejal Shah had a management style “largely defined by intimidation,” report says.

A woman with long dark hair wearing a white shirt stands by a window with blinds, looking out. Framed artwork is visible on the wall behind her.

Supervisor Jackie Fielder to return after mental health leave 

 “I’ve been running 100 miles an hour since really early 2023, when I started the campaign.”

Public utilities boss Dennis Herrera to retire after 25 years at City Hall

As city attorney, Herrera sued PG&E multiple times.


Back Story

Two men stand together in a living room, smiling and holding up their hands to display five fingers each. A decorative mirror and framed photos are visible on the mantel behind them.

Putting Dennis Herrera atop the PUC is weird. But it’s a weird town.

“Look, Dennis Herrera does not have to go out and fix the dam. They have professionals who can fix the dam.”


SNAP

A black circle with a yellow triangle and an eye painted inside it on a textured surface, partially covered by green leaves at the top.
Here’s looking at you
By Robert Weiner


Events

People in colorful costumes participate in a vibrant pride parade, waving a large rainbow banner, with tall buildings and a cheering crowd in the background.

Your guide to S.F. Pride 2026: Marches, parties, and more

“You know Pride has begun when you hear the roar of hundreds of bikes.”


Illustration promoting donations to Mission Local, featuring sunny San Francisco, a smiling sun, and a computer with sunglasses; text says, “Summer can be hot in San Francisco, but you know what’s cool?”.


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|*

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.