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Community calendar | Bay Area events (May–June 2026)

Michelle Gonzalez (voz principal), Don Marsh (también conocido como The Enhancer) (teclados), Gabriel Sandino (guitarra). Michelle Gonzalez lead Vocals, Don Marsh AKA The Enhancer Keyboards, Gabriel Sandino Guitar

by the El Reportero staff

Paris Escovedo Brings “Ghetto Jazz” to Oakland
Bay Area percussionist, producer and Billboard-charting artist Paris Escovedo will perform a concert at Yoshi’s celebrating the upcoming release of his new album while honoring the legacy of his father, Latin rock musician Coke Escovedo. The Oakland-born performer blends funk, soul, Afro-Cuban rhythms, hip hop and Latin jazz into what he calls “Ghetto Jazz.”

The evening is expected to include guest appearances and tributes to the sounds of Azteca and Santana, featuring musicians connected to the Escovedo family’s Bay Area music history. Sunday, May 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show starts at 7 p.m. , 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA 94607. Tickets: $30-$54.

“Meet Your Assessor” Community Conversation in North Beach
San Francisco Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres will host a public meeting focused on property assessments, homeowner protections and recent changes affecting property values throughout the city.

Residents will have the opportunity to learn more about Propositions 13 and 19, property value declines, assessment appeals and services available through the Assessor-Recorder’s Office. Organizers say the event is intended to help residents better understand assessments while providing direct access to city officials for questions. Wednesday, May 20. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; program begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 7:15 p.m. North Beach Branch Library, 850 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, CA 94133. Free admission. Registration: bit.ly/ASRD3CommunityMeeting.

Latin Jazz Evening with The Cuband at Tilden Golf Course
The Cuband will bring live Latin jazz rhythms to The Overlook inside Tilden Park Golf Course in the Berkeley hills.

The group features local musicians blending Cuban-inspired percussion, saxophone and Latin jazz sounds in an outdoor setting overlooking the East Bay. Organizers say the evening will also include Cuban-style food specials, games and a family-friendly atmosphere designed for music lovers and visitors seeking a relaxed Friday gathering after work. The event is free and open to all ages. Friday, May 22, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., The Overlook at Tilden Park Golf Course, 10 Golf Course Dr., Berkeley, CA 94708.

Poncho Sanchez Returns to Oakland with Latin Jazz Performance
GRAMMY-winning conguero, bandleader and Latin jazz musician Poncho Sanchez will bring his Latin Jazz Band to Oakland’s Yoshi’s for an evening of Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz improvisation and percussion-driven grooves. Internationally known for blending bebop, salsa, funk and traditional Latin sounds, Sanchez has spent decades building a reputation as one of the leading figures in contemporary Latin jazz.

His concerts often feature extended percussion sessions, energetic dance rhythms and tributes to influential artists including Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaría and Dizzy Gillespie. The performance is expected to attract Bay Area Latin jazz fans and longtime followers of Yoshi’s live music series. Friday, May 22, 7:30 p.m., Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA 94607.

Mission Varrio Project at Carnaval San Francisco
Mission Varrio Project will perform live during Carnaval San Francisco as part of the Main Stage entertainment lineup. Known for blending Latin rhythms, percussion and multicultural influences, the Bay Area group is expected to bring dance music to one of the city’s annual street festivals.

The appearance will also coincide with the filming of a music video for the group’s upcoming single “Carnavalera,” inviting the public to participate in the festive atmosphere. Sunday, May 24, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Main Stage, 22nd Street & Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA. Free admission.

La Gente SF cerrará Carnaval San Francisco con ritmos latinos y energía multicultural. La Gente SF will close out Carnival San Francisco with Latin rhythms and multicultural energy.

La Gente SF Returns to Carnaval San Francisco
Bay Area Latin fusion group La Gente SF will return to Carnaval San Francisco for a closing performance on the festival’s 22nd Street and Harrison Street stage. Known for blending reggae, cumbia, salsa, hip hop and world music influences, the San Francisco-based band has built a strong following through energetic live shows and multicultural sounds rooted in the Mission District community.

Organizers say the group will perform the festival’s final live set of the evening, bringing dance rhythms and celebration to one of San Francisco’s largest annual cultural events. Sunday, May 24, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Carnaval San Francisco Main Stage, 22nd Street & Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA. Free admission.

Tony Lindsay & Friends Live at East Palo Alto’s EPACENTER
Award-winning vocalist Tony Lindsay, best known for his longtime work with Santana, will headline a special concert alongside an all-star lineup of Bay Area musicians at EPACENTER in East Palo Alto. The performance is expected to feature soul, funk, jazz, Latin and rhythm-and-blues influences performed by veteran musicians including David K. Mathews, Karl Perazzo, Billy Johnson, Myron Dove and Cedricke Dennis.

Organizers say the concert celebrates the Bay Area’s multicultural music traditions while supporting community arts programming at EPACENTER. Saturday, June 6, 2026. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show begins at 6:30 p.m. EPACENTER, East Palo Alto, CA. Tickets: $25 for East Palo Alto residents, $75 general admission, $125 VIP.

 

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Indigenous warrior remembered 505 years after his death

La conmemoración tuvo lugar en Tizatlán, un antiguo señorío gobernado por la dinastía Xicohténcatl. INAH. The commemoration took place in Tizatlán, an ancient lordship ruled by the Xicohténcatl dynasty. INAH.

by the El Reportero staff

Ceremonies, artistic presentations and cultural gatherings were held this week in the Mexican state of Tlaxcala to commemorate the 505th anniversary of the death of Xicohténcatl Axayacatzin, the Indigenous warrior remembered for opposing the alliance between Spanish conquistadors and Tlaxcalan leaders during the conquest of Mexico.

The main events took place May 12 at the archaeological zone of Tizatlán, considered one of the most important ceremonial centers of the ancient Tlaxcalan republic and historically connected to the Xicohténcatl family. Participants honored the warrior through civic ceremonies, traditional dances and historical presentations highlighting his role as a symbol of Indigenous resistance and cultural identity.

Conmemoraron el aniversario luctuoso de Xicohténcatl, guerrero indígena opuesto a la alianza hispano-tlaxcalteca en Tlaxcala históricamente. Conmemoraron aniversario luctuoso de Xicohténcatl, guerrero indígena opuesto a alianza hispano-tlaxcalteca en Tlaxcala históricamente.

A controversial historical figure

Known as Xicohténcatl the Younger, the military leader remains one of the most debated figures of the conquest period. Historical accounts describe him as strongly opposing the alliance established between Tlaxcalan rulers and Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés after the Spaniards arrived in central Mexico in 1519.

According to historians, Xicohténcatl believed the Spanish presence threatened Indigenous traditions, political independence and religious beliefs. He led military resistance against Spanish forces during early confrontations near Tlaxcala before local leaders eventually agreed to ally themselves with Cortés against the Mexica Empire.

Reports indicate the young commander reluctantly obeyed military orders after the alliance was formed, although he continued distrusting the Spanish campaign. In 1521, shortly before the fall of Tenochtitlán, Cortés accused him of desertion and conspiracy. Xicohténcatl was later captured near Texcoco and executed by hanging on May 12, 1521.

Symbol of Indigenous identity

In recent years, the warrior’s legacy has gained renewed recognition across Tlaxcala. Since 2022, the local Congress officially declared May 12 as the “Day of Xicohténcatl Axayacatzin, Identity and Strength of Tlaxcala.”

Organizers of this year’s events said remembering the Indigenous leader helps preserve historical memory and encourages reflection on the conquest from Indigenous perspectives. Cultural groups participating in the ceremonies added that younger generations are showing renewed interest in Indigenous history and traditions connected to the conquest era.

Today, statues, murals and public spaces throughout Tlaxcala continue honoring Xicohténcatl as a defender of Indigenous sovereignty and cultural identity.

– With reports by México Desconocido.

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SF proposal seeks to limit shadow-related delays on housing projects

Nueva propuesta aceleraría proyectos de vivienda en San Francisco. New proposal would accelerate housing projects in San Francisco. Image by El Reportero.

by the El Reportero staff

San Francisco officials unveiled a new housing proposal this week aimed at reducing delays caused by disputes over shadows cast by new developments, part of a broader effort to accelerate housing construction across the city.

The measure, known as the SHADE Act, was introduced Thursday by San Francisco Supervisor Bilal Mahmood. Supporters say the proposal would prevent certain housing projects from being stalled for years because of complaints that taller buildings could create additional shadows over parks, plazas, or public spaces.

City leaders backing the measure argue that San Francisco’s housing shortage has reached critical levels and that lengthy approval battles have slowed construction while driving up housing costs. Advocates for the proposal say some neighborhood opposition groups have increasingly used shadow regulations and environmental review processes to delay or block residential developments, even during a worsening affordability crisis.

The legislation would streamline portions of the approval process for qualifying projects, especially those that include affordable housing units or are located near public transit corridors. Supporters believe the changes could help the city meet state housing mandates and encourage more residential development in densely populated neighborhoods.

Critics, however, warn that reducing oversight could weaken protections for public spaces and diminish environmental review standards that residents have relied on for decades. Some community groups say shadows can negatively affect parks and recreational areas that are already limited in many parts of the city.

The debate reflects broader tensions in San Francisco between preserving neighborhood character and increasing housing production as officials face mounting pressure to address affordability and homelessness.

The proposal is expected to generate significant discussion at City Hall in the coming weeks as supervisors and community advocates weigh its long-term impact on development and urban planning.

With reports from local media and community sources.

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Mexico pushes back against reports of alleged CIA role in cartel-linked killing

Apartamentos Live Oak en Ukiah, 26 de febrero. Live Oak ofrece a sus residentes acceso a espacios comunes, como un jardín comunitario y salas de reuniones para visitantes. Live Oak Apartments in Ukiah on Feb. 26. Live Oak offers its residents access to common spaces, such as a community garden and meeting rooms for visitors. Photo by Manuel Orbegozo for CalMatters

by the El Reportero staff

Mexico’s federal government is strongly denying reports that U.S. intelligence agencies participated in a deadly operation targeting an alleged cartel member near Mexico City, as tensions continue growing over security cooperation between Mexico and the United States.

The controversy began after CNN published a report claiming that the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had expanded covert anti-cartel activities in Mexico and may have been connected to an operation that resulted in the death of Francisco Beltrán, an alleged Sinaloa Cartel operative known as “El Payín.”

Beltrán died March 28 when an explosive device destroyed a vehicle traveling along the Mexico City-Pachuca highway. Another passenger was also killed in the blast. Mexican authorities initially treated the attack as part of ongoing organized crime violence tied to disputes between criminal groups.

International attention intensified after CNN cited anonymous U.S. officials who allegedly claimed that the CIA had increased intelligence and tactical operations against Mexican cartels through a specialized unit known as the Ground Branch.

The report suggested the agency may have provided surveillance, planning or operational support connected to actions against cartel members.

Mexico’s government quickly rejected the allegations.

Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said Mexico does not allow foreign agencies to carry out unilateral military or covert operations inside national territory.

“The Mexican government rejects any suggestion that foreign agencies conduct lethal operations inside our country,” García Harfuch said publicly.

President Claudia Sheinbaum also dismissed the claims during her daily press conference, criticizing what she described as irresponsible reporting by foreign media outlets.

“This information is false,” Sheinbaum said. “There is no evidence of operations of this type carried out by foreign agencies in Mexico.”

The CIA, which rarely comments publicly on intelligence matters, also issued a denial. U.S. officials reportedly warned that such reports could place intelligence personnel and bilateral cooperation efforts at risk.

Drug cartels continue controlling major trafficking routes while expanding into extortion, human smuggling, fuel theft and other criminal activities. Violence linked to rival criminal organizations remains a serious issue in Mexican states.

At the same time, political debate in the United States has intensified regarding how aggressively Washington should respond to cartel activity.

President Donald Trump and several Republican lawmakers have repeatedly argued that Mexican cartels should be treated as terrorist organizations.

Those comments have generated concern among Mexican political leaders, who view any unauthorized foreign intervention as a violation of national sovereignty.

Mexican officials insist that cooperation with the United States must remain limited to agreed intelligence sharing, training and coordinated law enforcement activities.

The issue became more sensitive following another incident earlier this year involving two U.S. personnel believed to be connected to intelligence operations in Mexico.

The individuals died in a vehicle crash in the northern state of Chihuahua after reportedly participating in an anti-drug mission alongside Mexican authorities. The incident raised questions about the extent of U.S. involvement in domestic Mexican security operations.

President Sheinbaum later stated that Mexico’s federal government had not been informed beforehand about the participation of the U.S. personnel involved in that operation.

Meanwhile, The New York Times separately reported that Mexican forces carried out the operation against Beltrán while U.S. agencies allegedly provided intelligence and logistical assistance. Mexican authorities also denied that version of events.

Experts note that intelligence collaboration between Mexico and the United States has existed for decades, but public acknowledgment of operational participation by U.S. agencies remains politically controversial inside Mexico because of the country’s history of defending its sovereignty from foreign intervention.

The controversy also comes as internal conflict within the Sinaloa Cartel continues escalating following arrests, extraditions and leadership struggles involving major cartel figures.

Violence among rival factions has increased in several regions as criminal groups compete for control over trafficking routes and illegal operations.

For now, both Mexico’s government and the CIA continue firmly denying that U.S. intelligence agencies participated directly in lethal operations on Mexican soil.

Despite those denials, the reports have fueled renewed debate in both countries over how far bilateral security cooperation should go in the continuing fight against organized crime.

– With reports from Mexico News Daily, CNN and international media sources.

 

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Leading candidate for UN secretary general would push abortion until birth worldwide

Michelle Bachelet durante conferencia internacional sobre derechos humanos y políticas globales. Michelle Bachelet during international conference on human rights and global policies.

Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet told reporters she would use the UN’s top post to push for the full decriminalization of publicly funded abortion worldwide

The selection process for the next U.N. secretary general began in November 2025 – and one of the top candidates is an abortion extremist who supports abortion until birth.

The leading candidate is currently Rafael Grossi of Argentina, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency. One of the most discussed candidates, however, is Michelle Bachelet, the former president of Chile and former U.N. high commissioner for human rights.

Bachelet was initially nominated by Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, which was led at the time by a leftist government. Chile, which elected a staunchly conservative and pro-life government last year, has since withdrawn its support for her nomination. Bachelet is hoping the support from the other sponsoring countries will keep her candidacy viable.

Bachelet, however, has become increasingly controversial as her track record as U.N. high commissioner comes under scrutiny. According to Julia Książek at the Ordo Iuris Center for International Law:

During her tenure as the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, she was actively involved in promoting the so-called reproductive and sexual rights, which include, among other things, abortion – at least in the eyes of the abortion lobby, which for years has been using the concept of “sexual and reproductive health and rights” to try to sneak the so-called right to abortion into international law. … During a recent press conference after the hearing before the General Assembly, she announced that, while serving as Secretary-General, she would push for the right to abortion on demand up to birth, emphasizing the need to implement the decisions of the CEDAW Committee.

“This U.N. body is calling for the decriminalization of abortion in all cases, its public funding, and access for transgender people – including children – to gender-transition procedures and privileges associated with their preferred identity,” Książek noted. “Bachelet knowingly invoked CEDAW twice, even though U.N. treaties do not recognize abortion as a human right.”

Bachelet’s abortion extremism has attracted the attention of pro-life politicians in the United States. As first reported by Devex on March 30, a coalition of 28 GOP senators and members of Congress have called on the Trump administration to veto Bachelet’s bid, writing a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 25.

“Dr. Bachelet’s resume reveals a pro-abortion zealot intent on using political authority to override state sovereignty in favor of extreme agendas,” the letter states. “She has incorrectly claimed that abortion is a human right while failing to provide an honest assessment of the true human rights abuses committed by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party).” The GOP leaders also noted Planned Parenthood’s support for Bachelet, as well as her pro-abortion track record as Chilean president, when she “campaigned on weakening Chile’s pro-life law protecting unborn life in all circumstances.”

As U.N. high commissioner, Bachelet published a formal statement the day Roe v. Wade was overturned, condemning the Dobbs decision. “Access to safe, legal and effective abortion is firmly rooted in international human right law and is at the core of women and girls’ autonomy and ability to make their own choices about their bodies and lives, free of discrimination, violence and coercion,” she stated, adding that Dobbs “strips such autonomy from millions of women in the U.S.”

The position Bachelet is vying for is significant. “The person holding the position serves not only as the organization’s highest official, but also as a mediator, an initiator of political action, and the symbolic representative of the international community,” Książek noted. “Amid rising geopolitical tensions, ideological disputes, and global crises, this choice assumes special significance, shaping how the entire U.N. system functions.”

Rubio is staunchly pro-life and his State Department has taken an active interest in pro-life efforts around the world, delivering a robust new Mexico City Policy in January and monitoring the arrests of pro-life activists in the U.K. Thus, it seems likely that the U.S. will vigorously oppose Bachelet’s candidacy.

“The United States is looking for a practical, driven, and reform-focused candidate who will safeguard the valuable contributions of member states, restore competent management, and streamline the organization significantly,” a State Department spokesperson told EWTN. “Any new secretary-general needs to return the U.N. to its primary purpose – maintaining peace and security in the world rather than the absurd, politicized, woke ideology that has undermined the institution’s effectiveness.”

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Study links five nutrients to lower dementia risk among older adults

by Coco Somers

A new study published in May 2026 identified five dietary nutrients associated with a reduced risk of dementia among older adults. Researchers followed more than 6,200 U.S. adults aged 50 and older for seven years.

The study analyzed 101 dietary nutrients using food frequency questionnaires and cognitive assessments, then created composite scores to evaluate how nutrient combinations affected dementia risk.

Five nutrients were linked to a lower dementia risk: isorhamnetin, dietary fiber, beta-tocopherol, beta-tocotrienol and manganese. The findings highlight the potential of diet to influence cognitive decline, adding to growing research connecting whole food patterns to brain health. Researchers noted the observational design cannot prove causation but provides strong associative evidence.

Five nutrients linked to protective effects

Isorhamnetin, a plant flavonol with anti-inflammatory properties, was associated with neuroprotective effects and lower dementia risk. Sources include apples with skin, berries, green tea, kale, onions and pears.

Berry anthocyanins have been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier and improve signaling in brain regions responsible for memory.

Dietary fiber, which feeds gut bacteria and supports cognitive function, was also protective. Fiber has been shown to delay brain inflammation and aging.

Beta-tocopherol and beta-tocotrienol, forms of vitamin E with antioxidant activity, were linked to protection against oxidative stress. Sources include hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and walnuts.

Manganese, essential for enzyme function and brain energy metabolism, was also protective. Sources include oats, pecans, pineapple and spinach.

The study reinforces that these nutrients work together. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables provide antioxidant nutrients such as vitamins C and E that may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Foods associated with higher dementia risk

The study found diets high in added sugars were linked to increased dementia risk.

Recent research published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging reported that high sugar intake was associated with a 43% higher dementia risk, even after controlling for age, sex, education and lifestyle factors.

Some dairy-derived nutrients, including lactose, were also associated with greater risk, though researchers cautioned dairy foods also contain beneficial nutrients like vitamin D and calcium. Experts noted overall dietary patterns matter more than individual foods.

A separate 25-year Swedish study found full-fat cheese and cream were linked to lower dementia risk, highlighting the complexity of dairy’s role in brain health.

The study’s authors emphasized their findings on lactose should not be interpreted as a blanket recommendation to avoid dairy.

Overall health benefits

The nutrients linked to lower dementia risk also support general health. Dietary fiber aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress, while manganese contributes to energy metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Flavonoid-rich foods have also been associated with lower concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers.

In addition, choline, a nutrient similar to B vitamins, has been linked to slower cognitive decline.

The overall dietary pattern emphasized by these findings — fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains — is consistent with the Mediterranean diet, which research suggests may delay brain aging by 2.5 years.

Implications for dietary recommendations

The findings suggest emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods may help reduce dementia risk. Researchers said nutrients likely work in combination, supporting overall dietary patterns rather than isolated supplements.

The study adds to evidence that diet is a modifiable risk factor for dementia and that focusing on protective nutrients may offer practical guidance for older adults seeking to preserve cognitive function. Food.news.

 

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CIA director holds unusual meeting in Havana Amid Cuban crisis

by the El Reportero wire services

CIA Director John Ratcliffe held a surprise meeting in Havana on Thursday, May 14, 2026, sparking new speculation about the future of relations between the United States and Cuba as the island faces one of its worst economic and energy crises in decades.

The meeting, confirmed by both Cuban authorities and U.S. officials, included talks with senior representatives of Cuba’s Interior Ministry and members of the island’s intelligence services. Among those attending was Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro.

According to international reports, Ratcliffe personally delivered a message from President Donald Trump indicating that Washington would be willing to discuss economic and security cooperation, although conditioned on “fundamental changes” within the Cuban system.

The visit comes amid growing tensions between the two countries and a severe fuel shortage in Cuba that has caused prolonged blackouts, protests, and major difficulties for transportation and food production. The U.S. administration has tightened energy restrictions and economic sanctions against the Cuban government in recent months.

The Cuban government, meanwhile, stated during the meeting that the island “does not represent a threat to the national security of the United States” and again denied harboring terrorist groups or foreign military bases. Cuban officials also expressed interest in maintaining bilateral cooperation on regional security and law enforcement matters.

Although secret or discreet meetings between intelligence agencies from both countries have occurred at different moments since the Cold War, the public presence of a CIA director in Havana represents a rare and politically sensitive event. Analysts believe the contact could reflect Washington’s concerns about regional stability, migration, and Caribbean security.

The meeting also coincided with reports about the release and exile departure of a Cuban opposition activist imprisoned since the July 2021 protests, as well as discussions regarding possible U.S. humanitarian aid to address the crisis on the island.

So far, neither side has announced concrete agreements. However, the meeting has attracted international attention because of the historical symbolism of direct dialogue between Washington and Havana during one of the most tense moments in recent years.

With reports from international media and wire services.

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Did Newsom’s $3.8 billion hotels-to-housing program pay off? We filed 100 records requests to find out

El edificio del Quality Inn & Suites, situado a lo largo de Conejo Boulevard, permanece vacío en Thousand Oaks el 26 de febrero de 2026. The Quality Inn & Suites building, located along Conejo Boulevard, stands empty in Thousand Oaks on February 26, 2026. Photo by Julie Leopo-Bermudez for CalMatters.

by Lauren Hepler and Marisa Kendall

CalMatters

Gov. Gavin Newsom launched California’s Homekey program during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as an emergency effort to quickly convert hotels, motels and other buildings into housing for homeless residents. State officials described the initiative as one of the largest homelessness housing investments in California history, eventually committing more than $3.8 billion to the effort.

The program aimed to move people indoors rapidly while bypassing many of the delays and regulations that typically slow affordable housing construction. Local governments received upfront funding to acquire and convert properties, often completing projects in months rather than years. Supporters argued the urgency of the homelessness crisis required faster action and fewer bureaucratic barriers.

To examine the results of the massive state investment, CalMatters filed more than 100 public records requests with cities and counties that received Homekey funding. Reporters reviewed records involving roughly 250 projects announced through the end of 2024, visited sites across California and interviewed residents, developers and public officials involved in the program.

The findings revealed mixed results.

In many cases, Homekey succeeded in creating housing far faster than traditional affordable housing programs. According to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, nearly 13,500 people now live in Homekey sites statewide. Smaller rural communities that previously lacked homeless housing infrastructure were able to establish long-term housing programs for the first time. Counties including Mendocino and Ventura reported that residents were able to stabilize their lives through access to counseling, health services and supportive programs connected to the new housing developments.

But the investigation also uncovered serious problems.

Some projects experienced significant delays, cost overruns or operational failures after rapid approvals and limited oversight. Thousands of promised housing units remain unfinished or stalled. In several cases, grants announced publicly by the state were later canceled or abandoned after developers or local governments backed out. One developer reportedly collapsed financially under the weight of a difficult Homekey project, while another is now facing fraud charges connected to program operations.

Critics say the program’s rushed structure reduced accountability. Earlier this year, California lawmakers rejected legislation that would have ordered a formal audit of Homekey spending and outcomes. No state agency has yet produced a comprehensive public evaluation detailing how many projects ultimately succeeded, stalled or failed altogether.

State housing officials defend the initiative, arguing that emergency conditions during the pandemic demanded unprecedented speed. Officials also say the state has adjusted the program over time by extending construction timelines and modifying funding requirements for newer phases of the effort.

The debate over Homekey comes as California prepares to invest billions more into homelessness and mental health housing through voter-approved Proposition 1 funding. Supporters view Homekey as proof that governments can create housing rapidly when political will and funding align. Critics argue the experience demonstrates the risks of spending large amounts of public money without stronger oversight and long-term operational planning.

Background: California’s homelessness crisis continues

California continues to face the nation’s largest homeless population, with more than 180,000 people estimated to be unhoused statewide in recent years. Rising housing costs, shortages of affordable apartments, mental health struggles and substance abuse have all contributed to the crisis, especially in major urban areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland and San Diego.

State leaders have increasingly turned toward hotel and motel conversions as a faster alternative to building affordable housing from the ground up, a process that can take years because of environmental reviews, zoning regulations and financing requirements. During the pandemic, empty hotels provided an opportunity for governments to quickly create shelter and permanent housing units while tourism activity slowed dramatically.

Supporters of the Homekey model argue that many formerly homeless residents benefit from having private rooms, bathrooms and on-site supportive services instead of living in crowded shelters or encampments. Housing advocates say stable housing often improves access to medical care, employment opportunities and mental health treatment.

However, critics continue questioning whether California’s homelessness spending is producing measurable long-term reductions in street homelessness. Several cities that received major homelessness funding still struggle with visible encampments, public safety concerns and growing pressure from residents and businesses demanding faster results.

The future of programs like Homekey may influence how California addresses homelessness for years to come, especially as state and local governments continue debating whether emergency housing strategies should replace or supplement traditional affordable housing development.

Source: CalMatters

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San Francisco’s permanent political class

Marvin Ramírez, editor

by Marvin Ramírez

San Francisco was once governed largely by citizens who temporarily stepped into public office, served their communities, and eventually returned to private life. Today, many residents increasingly feel they are watching something very different: the emergence of a permanent political class that circulates power within the same interconnected circles year after year.

The names may change, but often the faces remain familiar. One official leaves a position for higher office, and another from the same political network rises to replace them. Staffers become commissioners. Commissioners become supervisors. Supervisors move into state offices or other influential positions, while allies and protégés inherit the vacancies left behind. The process repeats itself so frequently that many voters have begun questioning whether San Francisco’s government still functions as a system of citizen representation or whether it has evolved into a self-sustaining political ecosystem.

This concern is not limited to one ideology or one faction. Political machines have existed throughout American history in both liberal and conservative cities alike. The issue is not whether politicians are progressive or moderate, but whether public office slowly becomes detached from ordinary life and transformed into a professional governing career.

San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors itself reflects part of this transformation. Decades ago, the position was generally viewed closer to part-time public service. Supervisors maintained stronger connections to private-sector employment and everyday life outside City Hall. Over time, however, the role evolved into a fully professionalized, full-time political career with significantly higher salaries, larger staffs, and expanded political influence.

Supporters argue that complex modern government requires full-time leadership and experienced officials. There is truth to that argument. Running a major city requires knowledge, organization, and long-term planning. Institutional experience can help maintain continuity in policy and administration.

But there is also a growing public concern that professionalized politics creates unintended consequences. When governing becomes a long-term career path, incentives begin to change. Public office risks becoming less about temporary civic duty and more about maintaining political influence, building alliances, protecting networks, and securing future advancement within government itself.

For ordinary residents, this can create a sense of distance from the people elected to represent them. A working-class resident, small-business owner, teacher, mechanic, immigrant parent, or independent community advocate may look at City Hall and feel that entering public office without insider connections has become increasingly difficult. Campaigns are expensive. Endorsement systems are powerful. Political consultants, nonprofit organizations, donor networks, and institutional alliances often shape who becomes “viable” long before voters cast ballots.

The result is a growing perception that political succession is increasingly managed from within the same circles of influence.

That perception alone is dangerous for democracy.

Public trust depends not only on elections, but on the belief that government remains genuinely open to new voices and independent leadership. When residents begin to feel that offices are passed from one insider to another, confidence in democratic institutions slowly erodes.

Recent debates surrounding proposed term-limit measures and veteran political figures have once again exposed this broader frustration. While disagreements over specific politicians may dominate headlines, the deeper issue extends beyond any individual officeholder. Many voters are questioning whether San Francisco’s political culture has become too insulated, too interconnected, and too resistant to renewal.

This does not mean experience has no value. Cities benefit from knowledgeable leadership. But democratic systems also require healthy turnover, fresh perspectives, and leaders whose lives remain rooted in experiences outside government institutions.

Public office was never intended to become an exclusive professional ladder climbed by the same interconnected networks for decades. The purpose of local government is not to create a permanent governing class. It is to administer services, protect public safety, maintain infrastructure, and responsibly manage taxpayer resources on behalf of residents.

Government functions best when elected officials remain closely connected to the realities faced by ordinary people who live outside political circles.

San Francisco still possesses extraordinary civic energy, creativity, and public engagement. But preserving that democratic spirit requires more than elections alone. It requires openness. It requires political humility. And it requires recognizing that no city benefits when power becomes concentrated within a small and recurring governing establishment.

The city does not belong to political insiders. It belongs to its residents.

Democracy renews itself when leadership remains accessible to citizens from all walks of life — not only to those already standing inside the halls of power.

-With references to recent public reporting on San Francisco term-limit proposals.

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Supporting local restaurants: PG&E Corporation Foundation funds resilience grants to help restaurants

Local restaurants can apply for more than 200 grants of $5,000 each starting June 1.

Oakland, California — For the sixth consecutive year, the PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) will fund grants to support independent restaurant owners and their staff through the California Restaurant Foundation (CRF) Restaurant Support Resilience Fund. The grants will support a record number of restaurants in Northern and Central California this year.

The announcement comes during National Small Business Week, May 3-9.

Applications for the Resilience Fund will be accepted at www.restaurantscare.org/resilience from June 1 to 30, 2026.

The PG&E Foundation will contribute nearly $1.3 million to the program this year, more than in any previous year. The grants will help local businesses become more resilient in the long term. A total of 213 restaurants and food service providers in the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) service area will receive $5,000 grants. This number surpasses the 188 grant recipients last year.

Since 2021, PG&E and the PG&E Foundation have contributed nearly $5.6 million to the CRF’s Restaurant Care Resilience Fund. Grants have been awarded to 863 local restaurants within PG&E’s service area. With this year’s contribution, the total number of grants awarded to restaurants in PG&E’s service area will exceed 1,000.

“Our local restaurants—many of them family-owned—are true examples of hard work and perseverance. They are the places where we gather and connect with friends and family to create memories. We are proud to continue partnering with the CRF on this program to support local restaurants as they face significant challenges during this time of economic uncertainty. Our communities are stronger when small businesses thrive,” said Carla Peterman, President of PG&E Corporation, Executive Vice President of Corporate and Customer Affairs, and Chair of the PG&E Corporation Foundation Board of Trustees.

By donating locally, we benefit our cities.

Grants can be used to cover vital business needs, such as technology and equipment upgrades. They can also help with employee training and retention, as well as unforeseen difficulties. One of last year’s grant recipients was Town’s End Brunch in San Francisco.

This family-owned restaurant specializes in classic American dishes. “It was a huge help and came at just the right time,” said Sam Elbandak, who runs the restaurant with his wife, Nazeira.

The grant helped us replace a 30-year-old refrigerator that leaked, used a lot of energy, and required expensive maintenance.

With his new refrigerator, Elbandak says he can focus on what matters most to him: his employees and customers. “We take care of them, and they take care of us… we’re like a family.”

Watch a video about one of our recent grant recipients: Torches in Petaluma.

The California Restaurant Foundation (CRF) created the Resilience Fund in 2021 to help restaurants recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the fund has awarded more than $11 million in grants to restaurants and foodservice businesses across California.

PG&E and the PG&E Corporation Foundation have supported the program since its inception. The company has maintained its support as restaurants continue to navigate economic fluctuations.

“For six years, the Resilience Fund has helped independent California restaurants address their immediate challenges while investing in stronger operations to build more sustainable businesses,” said Alycia Harshfield, president of the California Restaurant Foundation. “With PG&E’s continued partnership, we can further expand that positive impact, ensuring more California restaurants have the resources they need to adapt, grow, and continue serving as essential pillars of their communities.” PG&E Foundation funding for these charitable grants comes from PG&E shareholders, not PG&E customers.

Grant Eligibility: California-based restaurant and commercial foodservice business owners in the PG&E service area are eligible to apply.

Applicants may have up to five locations (though only one can apply). Annual revenue cannot exceed $3 million at any one location. The restaurant must have been in operation for a full year to qualify, and previous grant recipients may apply for support for a different location or concept. Mobile food businesses looking to expand to a physical location may also apply.

For more information about the California Restaurant Foundation, Restaurants Care, or the Restaurant Support Resilience Fund, visit restaurantscare.org.

We help restaurants and small and medium-sized businesses.

PG&E remains committed to helping its small and medium-sized business customers save energy and money, especially during times of economic hardship. Here are some of the ways PG&E is helping its customers:

• Bill financing. PG&E offers 0% interest loans to replace old, worn-out equipment with more energy-efficient models. Watch this video to learn how energy savings are reinvested in your business to help improve your bottom line.

• Foodservice equipment rebates. PG&E offers several rebate programs to help you save money and improve productivity when you upgrade your foodservice equipment.

• Foodservice technology center. Access key training programs, design consultants, and pilot kitchen plans to improve your operations and energy efficiency.

• Budget billing. If you own a small business, you can have a predictable bill each month by enrolling in the Budget Billing program. The program averages bills to calculate monthly payments, instead of unpredictable bills in the summer. Energy efficiency programs.

• PG&E partners with third-party companies to provide customized solutions for different business sectors.
• Find your best rate plan. Customers can use this online tool to conduct a rate analysis to see if they are on the best rate plan for their operations. The tool is projected to save customers more than $5 million this year.

• Local Energy Advisor. Contact your local small business energy advisor to find cost-saving solutions.

For more information about support for PG&E small and medium-sized business customers, visit pge.com/smbsupport.

About PG&E Corporation Foundation:

The PG&E Corporation Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, separate from PG&E and sponsored by PG&E Corporation.

About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company: A subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), PG&E is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people in a 70,000-square-mile area in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news.

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