San Francisco

A mountain lion walks into a light source on top of foliage while two other cubs follow close behind as they look towards the frame.

Commentary

California safeguards pumas as federal rules fail to protect their habitat

The state placed six mountain lion species on the threatened list, so road and land developers must evaluate projects to not isolate pumas.

By Tiffany Yap • April 1, 2026

LA City Hall is framed by lush green trees and a partly cloudy sky, standing tall in the center with a clear view of its tiered architecture. The foliage in the foreground adds depth and contrast to the modern lines of the building.

Commentary

Should Los Angeles’ City Council get bigger for better representation? Let voters decide

California’s largest city has 265,000 people per council member, more than most major cities. Voters might vote to reduce that by expanding the council.

By

Jim Newton

• March 5, 2026

A white train in makes it's way down train tracks towards a station with a person waiting. The San Francisco skyline can be seen in the background.

Commentary

Los Angeles and Bay Area voters will decide whether to hike already high sales taxes

San Franciscans will consider a percentage point increase in the sales tax while Bay Area and LA-area voters will be asked for a half a percentage point.

By

Dan Walters

• March 3, 2026

Justice

California sues websites that publish blueprints for 3D printer ghost guns

California law enforcement agencies seize about 11,000 ghost guns every year. The state now is suing websites that help people manufacture untraceable firearms.

By

Cayla Mihalovich

• February 7, 2026

A train is traveling along railroad tracks toward the frame, with a line of trees in the background and an array of apartment buildings and homes on a hill in the background.

Politics

New transit housing bill revives California’s Democratic divisions over local control

A bill to close a loophole in a landmark housing law to make it clear which cities are affected has Democratic lawmakers divided again about the state’s role in telling cities where to build.

By

Nadia Lathan

• February 4, 2026

Oakland police officers walk through a crime scene outside the West Oakland BART station on Jan. 3, 2018. Photo by Gabrielle Lurie, San Francisco Chronicle via AP

Justice

California cities just saw their lowest homicide rates in decades. It’s not clear why

Homicides in California surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, killings are down to historic lows in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco and many other cities.

By

Nigel Duara

• January 26, 2026

U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi makes remarks at a political event held by pro choice groups in Washington D.C. on June 23, 2023.

Politics

Rep. Nancy Pelosi announces retirement after 38 years in Congress

Her retirement, which comes amid Democrats’ cries for a new generation of leadership, sets the stage for a showdown between a progressive challenger and a well-known moderate state senator.

By

Maya C. Miller

• November 6, 2025

A heavily armed officer in tactical gear confronts protesters holding signs during a demonstration, with one sign reading “No ICE or troops in the Bay!” and others calling for community protection. A burst of light cuts across the tense scene as onlookers record with their phones.

Justice

Trump calls off expected immigration show-of-force in San Francisco

President Trump name-dropped Bay Area tech executives when he called off an immigration enforcement surge in San Francisco. Gov. Newsom was prepared to sue over a potential National Guard deployment.

By

Carolyn Jones

• October 23, 2025

A lawmaker, wearing a light blue suit and patterned tie, stands in front of a microphone, while surrounded by other lawmakers sitting at their desks inside a legislative room of the state Capitol.

Politics

It’s official: Scott Wiener is running for Nancy Pelosi’s seat in Congress

State Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco launched his campaign for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s seat. His long–awaited announcement comes even as Pelosi demurs on whether she’ll retire or run for a 19th term.

By

Maya C. Miller

• October 22, 2025

Housing

Gavin Newsom signs law overhauling local zoning to build more housing

After weeks of waiting, California’s governor signed a bill that will allow mid-rise apartment buildings near major transit stops in California’s biggest metro areas.

By

Ben Christopher

• October 10, 2025