January 2026 - Beyond Chron

What is SF’s Merger of Planning and DBI Really About?

Posted January 26, 2026 by Randy Shaw

Mayor Lurie plans to merge the Planning Department, Permit Center and the Department of Building Inspection. The mayor believes it “Will Save San Franciscans Time and Money, Improve Customer Experience, and Deliver More Coordinated, Accountable, Transparent Permitting Process.” Everyone supports Read More »

In Defense of Steve Kerr

Posted January 26, 2026 by Randy Shaw

Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors is a great coach. His leading the team to an unexpected fourth title in 2022 put him in the pantheon of all-time NBA coaching greats. So why do so many callers to the Read More »

CVS Closure Reversed And A Storage Company Moving Into Van Ness

Posted January 26, 2026 by Sebastian

CVS announcement to shutter its store at 701 Van Ness on February 24 created panic among the Cathedral Hill and the neighboring Tenderloin communities, especially for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and low-income residents who depend on the store for Read More »

Why is San Francisco Allowing Apartment Fires?

Posted January 20, 2026 by Randy Shaw

City Must Mandate Sprinklers Last week tenants displaced by a fire at 50 Golden Gate pleaded with the Board of Supervisors for help. Soon after, the mayor and Board President proposed a $535 million June bond for “essential funding” for Read More »

Is Van Ness Becoming The Avenue Of Empty Buildings and Promises?

Posted January 20, 2026 by Sebastian

Things were finally looking up on Van Ness last year with the new mayor, Mayor Daniel Lurie, and the new junior Supervisors, Stephen Sherrill and Danny Sauter, who share the jurisdiction over Van Ness. They introduced legislation to permit “formula Read More »

VA Is Cutting Critical Jobs and Crippling Care at SF VA Medical Center

Posted January 20, 2026 by Suzanne Gordon

Most VA doctors and nurses don’t spend their lunch hours attending rallies in front of their hospital or clinic. They’re too busy charting, catching up on research, or reaching out to patients. On Wednesday January 15th, however, about 50 nurses, Read More »

How Jesse Jackson Built Black Political Power

Posted January 19, 2026 by Randy Shaw

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a good time to recall how Jesse Jackson helped build the post-King movement. Unlike King, Jackson’s contributions have been underestimated. His role in building Black political power is often associated with Barack Obama. But Read More »

A Mid-Market Comeback in 2026?

Posted January 12, 2026 by Randy Shaw

San Francisco’s Market Street between Fifth and Ninth Streets features historic buildings, dazzling new housing and hotels, and legendary theaters. It has the city’s only IKEA, two MUNI and BART stations, and many small businesses. So why is Mid-Market struggling? Read More »