California lawmakers return to work on Wednesday for the start of an election-year legislative session dominated by decisions on artificial intelligence and the state&#8217;s struggling budget.

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California lawmakers return to work on Wednesday for the start of an election-year legislative session dominated by decisions on artificial intelligence and the state's struggling budget.

California lawmakers return to work on Wednesday for the start of an election-year legislative session dominated by decisions on artificial intelligence and the state&#8217;s struggling budget.

The budget is a big issue every year in California, which is the nation&#8217;s most populous state and has an economy larger than that of all but four countries. But this year, lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will have to figure out how to cover an estimated $68 billion deficit—a shortfall that is larger than the entire operating budgets of many states.

The budget is a big issue every year in California, which is the nation's most populous state and has an economy larger than that of all but four countries. But this year, lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will have to figure out how to cover an estimated $68 billion deficit—a shortfall that is larger than the entire operating budgets of many states.

The budget is a big issue every year in California, which is the nation&#8217;s most populous state and has an economy larger than that of all but four countries. But this year, lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom will have to figure out how to cover an estimated $68 billion deficit—a shortfall that is larger than the entire operating budgets of many states.

And with California companies at the forefront of the artificial intelligence boom, a number of state lawmakers are eyeing new rules to govern the use of the technology before it can dominate daily life—much like social media has.

And with California companies at the forefront of the artificial intelligence boom, a number of state lawmakers are eyeing new rules to govern the use of the technology before it can dominate daily life—much like social media has.

The California Legislature is scheduled to convene Wednesday afternoon, giving lawmakers a week to settle in before Newsom sends over his first budget plan. Cutting the budget is never easy, but it&#8217;s especially difficult in an election year when many legislators must then ask voters in November to reelect them.

The California Legislature is scheduled to convene Wednesday afternoon, giving lawmakers a week to settle in before Newsom sends over his first budget plan. Cutting the budget is never easy, but it's especially difficult in an election year when many legislators must then ask voters in November to reelect them.

The California Legislature is scheduled to convene Wednesday afternoon, giving lawmakers a week to settle in before Newsom sends over his first budget plan. Cutting the budget is never easy, but it&#8217;s especially difficult in an election year when many legislators must then ask voters in November to reelect them.

Plus, lawmakers will be following a pair of new leaders as they navigate their first budget negotiations, an arduous process that happens mostly behind closed doors and requires gaining consensus among the Democrats who control a majority of seats in the Legislature. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas took over last summer, and incoming Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire is scheduled to take over next month.

Plus, lawmakers will be following a pair of new leaders as they navigate their first budget negotiations, an arduous process that happens mostly behind closed doors and requires gaining consensus among the Democrats who control a majority of seats in the Legislature. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas took over last summer, and incoming Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire is scheduled to take over next month.

They will also guide debates on the use of generative artificial intelligence tools and attempts to rein in the fast-growing industry.

They will also guide debates on the use of generative artificial intelligence tools and attempts to rein in the fast-growing industry.

What Type of AI Regulation Is in the Works?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-type-of-ai-regulation-is-in-the-works">What Type of AI Regulation Is in the Works?</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-type-of-ai-regulation-is-in-the-works">What Type of AI Regulation Is in the Works?</h2>

Multiple lawmakers are preparing a host of bills to regulate the use of generative artificial intelligence tools—bills aimed at the potential impacts on privacy, discrimination, job protections and misinformation during an election year.

Multiple lawmakers are preparing a host of bills to regulate the use of generative artificial intelligence tools—bills aimed at the potential impacts on privacy, discrimination, job protections and misinformation during an election year.

Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan has said she will introduce a bill to prohibit the use of AI systems that discriminate against people, which would have required companies to evaluate the algorithms they develop and disclose any potential discriminatory risks. She introduced a similar bill last year but couldn&#8217;t advance it.

Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan has said she will introduce a bill to prohibit the use of AI systems that discriminate against people, which would have required companies to evaluate the algorithms they develop and disclose any potential discriminatory risks. She introduced a similar bill last year but couldn't advance it.

Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan has said she will introduce a bill to prohibit the use of AI systems that discriminate against people, which would have required companies to evaluate the algorithms they develop and disclose any potential discriminatory risks. She introduced a similar bill last year but couldn&#8217;t advance it.

Assemblymember Ash Kalra wants to protect actors and artists by limiting studios&#8217; ability to replicate performers&#8217; work using AI, a sticking point in contract negotiations last year between actors and studios. The bill would allow performers to escape vague language in contracts that allow companies to use AI to create a digital version of themselves.

Assemblymember Ash Kalra wants to protect actors and artists by limiting studios' ability to replicate performers' work using AI, a sticking point in contract negotiations last year between actors and studios. The bill would allow performers to escape vague language in contracts that allow companies to use AI to create a digital version of themselves.

Assemblymember Ash Kalra wants to protect actors and artists by limiting studios&#8217; ability to replicate performers&#8217; work using AI, a sticking point in contract negotiations last year between actors and studios. The bill would allow performers to escape vague language in contracts that allow companies to use AI to create a digital version of themselves.

State Sen. Scott Wiener said he will try to establish a sweeping industry-wide safety framework. The San Francisco Democrat aims to focus on tackling some of the biggest risks in public safety and security, such as AI-generated bioweapons, cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns.

State Sen. Scott Wiener said he will try to establish a sweeping industry-wide safety framework. The San Francisco Democrat aims to focus on tackling some of the biggest risks in public safety and security, such as AI-generated bioweapons, cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns.

The bill, still light in details, will be &#8220;among the first attempts at broad regulation of AI,&#8221; Wiener said.

The bill, still light in details, will be "among the first attempts at broad regulation of AI," Wiener said.

The bill, still light in details, will be &#8220;among the first attempts at broad regulation of AI,&#8221; Wiener said.

Scott Wiener, California Senator, attends celebration at John's Grill downtown San Francisco on the occasion of the restaurant's 115th Anniversary. On Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Jana Ašenbrennerová for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFSongJohns_20231004_JA_USA_157393.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with glasses and a beard looking thoughtful, wearing a suit and tie, blurred saxophonist in the background." class="wp-image-208315"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">State Sen. Scott Wiener plans to introduce a bill regulating artificial intelligence.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SFSongJohns_20231004_JA_USA_157393.jpg?w=2500" alt="A man with glasses and a beard looking thoughtful, wearing a suit and tie, blurred saxophonist in the background." class="wp-image-208315"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">State Sen. Scott Wiener plans to introduce a bill regulating artificial intelligence.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fighting-over-election-rules">Fighting Over Election Rules</h2>

Beyond the budget and artificial intelligence, lawmakers are also expected to fight over rules governing their own elections.

Beyond the budget and artificial intelligence, lawmakers are also expected to fight over rules governing their own elections.

Republican Assemblymember Vince Fong is running to replace former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Congress. But he&#8217;s also on the ballot for reelection to his Fresno Assembly seat, creating a legal kerfuffle that has angered Democrats.

Republican Assemblymember Vince Fong is running to replace former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Congress. But he's also on the ballot for reelection to his Fresno Assembly seat, creating a legal kerfuffle that has angered Democrats.

Republican Assemblymember Vince Fong is running to replace former U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Congress. But he&#8217;s also on the ballot for reelection to his Fresno Assembly seat, creating a legal kerfuffle that has angered Democrats.

Fong decided to run for Congress after he had already filed for the Assembly seat. California Secretary of State Shirley Weber at first refused to put Fong on the ballot for the Congressional seat, citing a state law that does not allow people to appear on the ballot twice. But Fong sued, and a state judge ruled in his favor. Weber has said she will appeal the ruling.

Fong decided to run for Congress after he had already filed for the Assembly seat. California Secretary of State Shirley Weber at first refused to put Fong on the ballot for the Congressional seat, citing a state law that does not allow people to appear on the ballot twice. But Fong sued, and a state judge ruled in his favor. Weber has said she will appeal the ruling.

Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo—who is not running for reelection because she is seeking a seat on the Los Angeles City Council—has vowed to introduce legislation she says &#8220;will clear up this mess.&#8221;

Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo—who is not running for reelection because she is seeking a seat on the Los Angeles City Council—has vowed to introduce legislation she says "will clear up this mess."

Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo—who is not running for reelection because she is seeking a seat on the Los Angeles City Council—has vowed to introduce legislation she says &#8220;will clear up this mess.&#8221;

&#8220;Under no circumstances should candidates be able to run for two offices at the same time,&#8221; she said.

"Under no circumstances should candidates be able to run for two offices at the same time," she said.

&#8220;Under no circumstances should candidates be able to run for two offices at the same time,&#8221; she said.

The legislative session runs through the end of August, but lawmakers only have until the end of January to decide which of the bills introduced last year, if any, they will attempt to pass this year.

The legislative session runs through the end of August, but lawmakers only have until the end of January to decide which of the bills introduced last year, if any, they will attempt to pass this year.

Among the leftover bills is a proposal by Democratic Sens. Catherine Blakespear and Nancy Skinner to require gun owners to carry liability insurance to cover the negligent or accidental use of their firearms. The bill, introduced in 2022, faced fierce opposition from firearms groups last year who said such requirements violate gun owners&#8217; constitutional rights.

Among the leftover bills is a proposal by Democratic Sens. Catherine Blakespear and Nancy Skinner to require gun owners to carry liability insurance to cover the negligent or accidental use of their firearms. The bill, introduced in 2022, faced fierce opposition from firearms groups last year who said such requirements violate gun owners' constitutional rights.

Among the leftover bills is a proposal by Democratic Sens. Catherine Blakespear and Nancy Skinner to require gun owners to carry liability insurance to cover the negligent or accidental use of their firearms. The bill, introduced in 2022, faced fierce opposition from firearms groups last year who said such requirements violate gun owners&#8217; constitutional rights.

Other bills include a proposal to require community colleges and California State University campuses to establish a mental health hotline, a measure to subsidize housing for seniors and adults with disabilities, and a plan to ban homeless encampments within 1,000 feet of a school, park, or library, among others.

Other bills include a proposal to require community colleges and California State University campuses to establish a mental health hotline, a measure to subsidize housing for seniors and adults with disabilities, and a plan to ban homeless encampments within 1,000 feet of a school, park, or library, among others.

$68B California deficit, AI regulation top agenda as lawmakers return to Sacramento

Astrid Kane

After Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/07/gavin-newsom-magic-mushrooms-decriminalization/">vetoed a bill to decriminalize certain naturally occurring psychedelics</a>, one San Francisco lawmaker simply will not abandon the fight.

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoes bill that would’ve decriminalized magic mushrooms

After Gov. Gavin Newsom <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/07/gavin-newsom-magic-mushrooms-decriminalization/">vetoed a bill to decriminalize certain naturally occurring psychedelics</a>, one San Francisco lawmaker simply will not abandon the fight.

State Sen. Scott Wiener has renewed his push to decriminalize psilocybin—the psychoactive compound in so-called magic mushrooms—along with ibogaine, peyote and DMT. This time, he’s partnering with Republican Assemblymember Marie Waldron, the minority leader in the legislature’s lower chamber. Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-playbook/2023/11/03/fentanyl-opens-a-rift-among-democrats-00125166" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first reported the news</a>.

State Sen. Scott Wiener has renewed his push to decriminalize psilocybin—the psychoactive compound in so-called magic mushrooms—along with ibogaine, peyote and DMT. This time, he’s partnering with Republican Assemblymember Marie Waldron, the minority leader in the legislature’s lower chamber. Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/newsletters/california-playbook/2023/11/03/fentanyl-opens-a-rift-among-democrats-00125166" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first reported the news</a>.

Specifically, Wiener and Waldron hope to address the point that Newsom made in his veto message, where he said that decriminalization first <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SB-58-Veto-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">required a therapeutic framework to be in place</a>.&nbsp;

Specifically, Wiener and Waldron hope to address the point that Newsom made in his veto message, where he said that decriminalization first <a href="https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SB-58-Veto-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">required a therapeutic framework to be in place</a>.&nbsp;

Mushrooms have shown potential as a novel treatment for PTSD and traumatic brain injury, so to push his bill through the Legislature, Wiener marshaled the support of first responders and combat veterans who spoke to their effectiveness.

Mushrooms have shown potential as a novel treatment for PTSD and traumatic brain injury, so to push his bill through the Legislature, Wiener marshaled the support of first responders and combat veterans who spoke to their effectiveness.

This strategy won Wiener support among some conservative colleagues in his efforts to pass his bill over the last two Legislature sessions. On Friday, he <a href="https://twitter.com/scott_wiener/status/1720466096548110682?s=46&amp;t=ATmuJNByNMCqHKA4PuWvig">tweeted that he will build on the effort</a>, taking cues from the governor and from another state that has had success with decriminalization.

This strategy won Wiener support among some conservative colleagues in his efforts to pass his bill over the last two Legislature sessions. On Friday, he <a href="https://twitter.com/scott_wiener/status/1720466096548110682?s=46&amp;t=ATmuJNByNMCqHKA4PuWvig">tweeted that he will build on the effort</a>, taking cues from the governor and from another state that has had success with decriminalization.

Wiener and Waldron will work on “bipartisan legislation allowing regulated therapeutic psychedelic use as in Colorado, but w[ith] no decriminalization outside the regulated context,” the tweet said.

Wiener and Waldron will work on “bipartisan legislation allowing regulated therapeutic psychedelic use as in Colorado, but w[ith] no decriminalization outside the regulated context,” the tweet said.

Bipartisanship <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/30/scott-wiener-newsom-california-decriminalize-magic-mushrooms/">was always part of Wiener’s strategy</a>, as his bill faced substantial opposition in Sacramento even though Democrats dominate the state Legislature. The party holds a 62-18 supermajority in the Assembly and a 32-8 advantage in the state Senate, but a number of lawmakers from his party voted against Wiener’s bill, forcing him to identify potential GOP support.&nbsp;

Will California decriminalize magic mushrooms? Gov. Gavin Newsom to decide

Bipartisanship <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/30/scott-wiener-newsom-california-decriminalize-magic-mushrooms/">was always part of Wiener’s strategy</a>, as his bill faced substantial opposition in Sacramento even though Democrats dominate the state Legislature. The party holds a 62-18 supermajority in the Assembly and a 32-8 advantage in the state Senate, but a number of lawmakers from his party voted against Wiener’s bill, forcing him to identify potential GOP support.&nbsp;

Decriminalization, it should be noted, is not the same as legalization. It allows the personal and guided use, cultivation and possession of naturally occurring psychedelics, but not the sale.

Decriminalization, it should be noted, is not the same as legalization. It allows the personal and guided use, cultivation and possession of naturally occurring psychedelics, but not the sale.

In the absence of a legal framework, mushroom churches <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/29/san-francisco-castro-district-magic-mushroom-church-of-cosmic-consciousness/">have begun to proliferate through the Bay Area</a>, with several opening in San Francisco this year.&nbsp;

San Francisco gets a magic mushroom church that actually feels like a church

In the absence of a legal framework, mushroom churches <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/29/san-francisco-castro-district-magic-mushroom-church-of-cosmic-consciousness/">have begun to proliferate through the Bay Area</a>, with several opening in San Francisco this year.&nbsp;

San Francisco lawmaker joins forces with Republican for magic mushroom decriminalization

Annie Gaus

In what’s described as a multiyear effort to take control of San Francisco politics, a group of moderate Democrats is planning to take over a low-profile but influential board tasked with steering endorsements in key local races.

In what’s described as a multiyear effort to take control of San Francisco politics, a group of moderate Democrats is planning to take over a low-profile but influential board tasked with steering endorsements in key local races.

On Saturday in Hayes Valley, state Sen. Scott Wiener and Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan stumped for a group calling itself Democrats for Change, which is running a slate of candidates for the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC).&nbsp;

On Saturday in Hayes Valley, state Sen. Scott Wiener and Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan stumped for a group calling itself Democrats for Change, which is running a slate of candidates for the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee (DCCC).&nbsp;

The committee, known as “D-Trip” to political wonks, is the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/16/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-party-dccc/">governing body of the local Democratic Party</a>. Its duties include registering voters and making endorsements that carry the official party endorsement—an endorsement that political observers believe can win or lose elections in deep-blue San Francisco.&nbsp;

San Francisco moderate Democrats want a clean sweep of local party

The committee, known as “D-Trip” to political wonks, is the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/16/san-francisco-moderate-democrats-party-dccc/">governing body of the local Democratic Party</a>. Its duties include registering voters and making endorsements that carry the official party endorsement—an endorsement that political observers believe can win or lose elections in deep-blue San Francisco.&nbsp;

“The Democratic County Central Committee is also incredibly important because it built the Democratic Party in San Francisco,” Wiener told an audience of roughly 75 people who sipped boba drinks and snacked on Malaysian food at the afternoon event.&nbsp;

“The Democratic County Central Committee is also incredibly important because it built the Democratic Party in San Francisco,” Wiener told an audience of roughly 75 people who sipped boba drinks and snacked on Malaysian food at the afternoon event.&nbsp;

“It … really makes sure that people are engaged in the Democratic Party, so that we have diversity in the Democratic Party and that we make clear that we are a big tent party and we are not a party of ideological purity,” Wiener added.&nbsp;

“It … really makes sure that people are engaged in the Democratic Party, so that we have diversity in the Democratic Party and that we make clear that we are a big tent party and we are not a party of ideological purity,” Wiener added.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/laitung06.jpg?w=2500" alt="A group of moderate Democrats including prosecutor Nancy Tung gather in an office sipping Boba drinks. " class="wp-image-227185"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nancy Tung, a member of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, speaks to attendees at an event promoting the Democrats for Change slate. The moderate slate wants to steer endorsements in future elections.｜Mike Ege/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Entrepreneur Michael Lai, a candidate and co-host of the event, rallied the crowd by ticking off common priorities for local moderates: bringing algebra back to public middle schools, building ample housing and ensuring public safety.&nbsp;

Entrepreneur Michael Lai, a candidate and co-host of the event, rallied the crowd by ticking off common priorities for local moderates: bringing algebra back to public middle schools, building ample housing and ensuring public safety.&nbsp;

“If you want these things, we need to win,” Lai said.&nbsp;

“If you want these things, we need to win,” Lai said.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.sfdemocratsforchange.org">Democrats for Change slate</a> is running two dozen candidates across San Francisco and is partially backed by the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/20/tech-families-abundant-sf-millions-housing-transportation-education/">moderate political group Abundant SF</a>. The group’s director, Todd David, said it has around $500,000 in funds committed to the March 2024 DCCC race so far. Other moderate political groups and clubs are also expected to promote the candidates.&nbsp;

San Francisco &#8216;tech families&#8217; plot to spend millions influencing policy

The <a href="https://www.sfdemocratsforchange.org">Democrats for Change slate</a> is running two dozen candidates across San Francisco and is partially backed by the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/20/tech-families-abundant-sf-millions-housing-transportation-education/">moderate political group Abundant SF</a>. The group’s director, Todd David, said it has around $500,000 in funds committed to the March 2024 DCCC race so far. Other moderate political groups and clubs are also expected to promote the candidates.&nbsp;

Moderates running for the committee include Supervisors Catherine Stefani and Matt Dorsey, former assembly candidate Bilal Mahmood and supervisorial candidates Marjan Philhour and Trevor Chandler.

Moderates running for the committee include Supervisors Catherine Stefani and Matt Dorsey, former assembly candidate Bilal Mahmood and supervisorial candidates Marjan Philhour and Trevor Chandler.

Tan, an investor who’s known for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">taking swings at progressives on his X account</a>, took the floor with words of praise for Wiener and Nancy Tung, a prosecutor and one in a small group of moderates currently serving on the DCCC.&nbsp;

Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan’s war on San Francisco politics has only just begun

Tan, an investor who’s known for <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/27/garry-tan-y-combinator-declares-war-san-francisco-politics-progressives-elon-musk/">taking swings at progressives on his X account</a>, took the floor with words of praise for Wiener and Nancy Tung, a prosecutor and one in a small group of moderates currently serving on the DCCC.&nbsp;

“[Progressives] are afraid because they should be afraid,” Tan said. &#8220;They are not going to win anymore.”&nbsp;

“[Progressives] are afraid because they should be afraid,” Tan said. "They are not going to win anymore.”&nbsp;

“[Progressives] are afraid because they should be afraid,” Tan said. &#8220;They are not going to win anymore.”&nbsp;

Lai described the effort to take control of the committee as part of a long-term effort to steer San Francisco politics in a more “pragmatic” direction.

Lai described the effort to take control of the committee as part of a long-term effort to steer San Francisco politics in a more “pragmatic” direction.

“Right now, I think the [Democratic County Central Committee] is not very representative of the majority of San Francisco,” Lai said.

“Right now, I think the [Democratic County Central Committee] is not very representative of the majority of San Francisco,” Lai said.

“It&#8217;s out of touch, endorsing two of the three members of the school board who were recalled and endorsing against the DA recall,” Lai added, pointing to the 2022 recalls of school board members and former District Attorney Chesa Boudin.&nbsp;

“It's out of touch, endorsing two of the three members of the school board who were recalled and endorsing against the DA recall,” Lai added, pointing to the 2022 recalls of school board members and former District Attorney Chesa Boudin.&nbsp;

“It&#8217;s out of touch, endorsing two of the three members of the school board who were recalled and endorsing against the DA recall,” Lai added, pointing to the 2022 recalls of school board members and former District Attorney Chesa Boudin.&nbsp;

The committee race—an obscure contest often glossed over by voters—is viewed as a prelude to key November races that could further shake up the Board of Supervisors, where progressives who largely oppose Mayor London Breed hold a narrow majority.

The committee race—an obscure contest often glossed over by voters—is viewed as a prelude to key November races that could further shake up the Board of Supervisors, where progressives who largely oppose Mayor London Breed hold a narrow majority.

Six of the board’s 11 seats will be up for grabs. The committee will be making endorsements up and down the ballot, holding sway in what could be a highly competitive mayor’s race and other contests.

Six of the board’s 11 seats will be up for grabs. The committee will be making endorsements up and down the ballot, holding sway in what could be a highly competitive mayor’s race and other contests.

On the other side of San Francisco’s narrow political aisle—the city’s politics are split between moderate and progressive Democrats—progressives are running their own labor-backed slate of candidates. Progressives who have filed to run include former Supervisors John Avalos and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/03/18/former-supervisor-jane-kim-targeted-in-ethics-complaint-over-controversial-stevenson-street-project/">Jane Kim</a>, City College Trustee <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/10/discontent-with-city-college-propelled-3-challengers-to-victory-and-its-tax-measure-to-defeat/">Vick Chung</a> and Frances Hsieh, an aide to Supervisor Connie Chan.

Former supervisor Jane Kim targeted in ethics complaint over Stevenson Street housing project

Discontent with City College propelled 3 challengers to victory and its tax measure to defeat

On the other side of San Francisco’s narrow political aisle—the city’s politics are split between moderate and progressive Democrats—progressives are running their own labor-backed slate of candidates. Progressives who have filed to run include former Supervisors John Avalos and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/03/18/former-supervisor-jane-kim-targeted-in-ethics-complaint-over-controversial-stevenson-street-project/">Jane Kim</a>, City College Trustee <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/10/discontent-with-city-college-propelled-3-challengers-to-victory-and-its-tax-measure-to-defeat/">Vick Chung</a> and Frances Hsieh, an aide to Supervisor Connie Chan.

Fight brewing among San Francisco Democrats for control of powerful board

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have blocked insurance companies from charging more than $35 for a month&#8217;s supply of insulin.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have blocked insurance companies from charging more than $35 for a month's supply of insulin.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have blocked insurance companies from charging more than $35 for a month&#8217;s supply of insulin.

The bill would have banned health plans and disability insurance policies from imposing any out-of-pocket expenses on insulin prescription drugs above $35 for a 30-day supply. That would have included deductibles and co-pays.

The bill would have banned health plans and disability insurance policies from imposing any out-of-pocket expenses on insulin prescription drugs above $35 for a 30-day supply. That would have included deductibles and co-pays.

Newsom, a Democrat, said earlier this year that California would soon start making its own brand of insulin. The state has a $50 million contract with the nonprofit pharmaceutical company Civica Rx to manufacture the insulin under the brand CalRx. The state would sell a 10-milliliter vial of insulin for $30.

Newsom, a Democrat, said earlier this year that California would soon start making its own brand of insulin. The state has a $50 million contract with the nonprofit pharmaceutical company Civica Rx to manufacture the insulin under the brand CalRx. The state would sell a 10-milliliter vial of insulin for $30.

&#8220;With CalRx, we are getting at the underlying cost, which is the true sustainable solution to high-cost pharmaceuticals,&#8221; Newsom wrote in a message explaining why he vetoed the bill on Saturday. &#8220;With copay caps, however, the long-term costs are still passed down to consumers through higher premiums from health plans.&#8221;

"With CalRx, we are getting at the underlying cost, which is the true sustainable solution to high-cost pharmaceuticals," Newsom wrote in a message explaining why he vetoed the bill on Saturday. "With copay caps, however, the long-term costs are still passed down to consumers through higher premiums from health plans."

&#8220;With CalRx, we are getting at the underlying cost, which is the true sustainable solution to high-cost pharmaceuticals,&#8221; Newsom wrote in a message explaining why he vetoed the bill on Saturday. &#8220;With copay caps, however, the long-term costs are still passed down to consumers through higher premiums from health plans.&#8221;

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that converts sugar into energy. People who have diabetes don&#8217;t produce enough insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that converts sugar into energy. People who have diabetes don't produce enough insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that converts sugar into energy. People who have diabetes don&#8217;t produce enough insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to survive.

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Bill&#8217;s Sponsor, Scott Wiener, Says Veto Is &#8216;Missed Opportunity&#8217;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bill-s-sponsor-scott-wiener-says-veto-is-missed-opportunity">Bill&#8217;s Sponsor, Scott Wiener, Says Veto Is &#8216;Missed Opportunity&#8217;</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bill-s-sponsor-scott-wiener-says-veto-is-missed-opportunity">Bill's Sponsor, Scott Wiener, Says Veto Is 'Missed Opportunity'</h2>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bill-s-sponsor-scott-wiener-says-veto-is-missed-opportunity">Bill&#8217;s Sponsor, Scott Wiener, Says Veto Is &#8216;Missed Opportunity&#8217;</h2>

State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco who crafted the bill, called Newsom&#8217;s veto &#8220;a major setback that will keep tens of thousands of diabetic Californians trapped in the terrible choice between buying insulin and buying food.&#8221;

State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco who crafted the bill, called Newsom's veto "a major setback that will keep tens of thousands of diabetic Californians trapped in the terrible choice between buying insulin and buying food."

State Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco who crafted the bill, called Newsom&#8217;s veto &#8220;a major setback that will keep tens of thousands of diabetic Californians trapped in the terrible choice between buying insulin and buying food.&#8221;

&#8220;This is a missed opportunity that will force them to wait months or years for relief from the skyrocketing costs of medical care when they could have had it immediately,&#8221; Wiener said in a statement.

"This is a missed opportunity that will force them to wait months or years for relief from the skyrocketing costs of medical care when they could have had it immediately," Wiener said in a statement.

&#8220;This is a missed opportunity that will force them to wait months or years for relief from the skyrocketing costs of medical care when they could have had it immediately,&#8221; Wiener said in a statement.

Scott Wiener, California State Senator, speaks with the media outside of City Hall in San Francisco prior to the funeral for Senator Dianne Feinstein on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. The private memorial at City Hall brought elected officials and local representatives to pay their respects and share their memories about Senator Dianne Feinstein who died on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Feinstein-Scott-Wiener.jpg?w=2154" alt="" class="wp-image-208588"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">State Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat, authored the bill. </figcaption></figure>

In January, California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued the companies that make and promote most of the nation&#8217;s insulin, accusing them of colluding to illegally increase the price.

In January, California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued the companies that make and promote most of the nation's insulin, accusing them of colluding to illegally increase the price.

In January, California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued the companies that make and promote most of the nation&#8217;s insulin, accusing them of colluding to illegally increase the price.

In March, the largest insulin makers announced they would voluntarily reduce the price of their products.

In March, the largest insulin makers announced they would voluntarily reduce the price of their products.

Newsom vetoes bill that would have capped the price of insulin; Wiener calls move ‘major setback.’

Josh Koehn

Scott Wiener announced plans to run for another term in the state Senate on Wednesday, signaling his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/14/scott-wiener-raises-820k-nancy-pelosis-future-in-congress-remains-election/">hopes to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress</a> are on ice for the time being.

Is Nancy Pelosi retiring from Congress? If so, Scott Wiener is ready

Scott Wiener announced plans to run for another term in the state Senate on Wednesday, signaling his <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/14/scott-wiener-raises-820k-nancy-pelosis-future-in-congress-remains-election/">hopes to succeed Nancy Pelosi in Congress</a> are on ice for the time being.

The former San Francisco supervisor has served in the upper chamber of the state Legislature since 2016 and has authored 75 bills that have been signed into law, according to Wiener’s campaign. Much of his work has focused on housing, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/16/yimby-winning-san-francisco-housing-war/">a new bill that could dramatically ramp up the approval of building permits</a> in the city next year.

Are YIMBYs on the verge of winning San Francisco’s housing war?

The former San Francisco supervisor has served in the upper chamber of the state Legislature since 2016 and has authored 75 bills that have been signed into law, according to Wiener’s campaign. Much of his work has focused on housing, including <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/16/yimby-winning-san-francisco-housing-war/">a new bill that could dramatically ramp up the approval of building permits</a> in the city next year.

“We’ve accomplished more than anyone thought possible on housing,” Wiener said in a statement, noting additional work to combat climate change, transportation issues, rising cases of mental illness and a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ hate. “And we’re not stopping. I will continue to fight on the issues that matter most to our community.”

“We’ve accomplished more than anyone thought possible on housing,” Wiener said in a statement, noting additional work to combat climate change, transportation issues, rising cases of mental illness and a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ hate. “And we’re not stopping. I will continue to fight on the issues that matter most to our community.”

Wiener is coming up on the end of his second four-year term in the state Senate. California legislators are allowed to serve a total of 12 years between both chambers of the Assembly and Senate. If reelected next year, Wiener would have the option of remaining in office until 2028. However, he could relinquish his seat and run for Congress if Pelosi decides to bow out at the end of her next expected term ending in 2026.

Wiener is coming up on the end of his second four-year term in the state Senate. California legislators are allowed to serve a total of 12 years between both chambers of the Assembly and Senate. If reelected next year, Wiener would have the option of remaining in office until 2028. However, he could relinquish his seat and run for Congress if Pelosi decides to bow out at the end of her next expected term ending in 2026.

Earlier this spring, Wiener created an exploratory committee for the seat Pelosi has held in the House of Representatives since 1987. He raised more than $820,000 from 616 donors in the first half of the year.&nbsp;

Earlier this spring, Wiener created an exploratory committee for the seat Pelosi has held in the House of Representatives since 1987. He raised more than $820,000 from 616 donors in the first half of the year.&nbsp;

Some speculated Pelosi might retire after giving up her speaker role in late 2022, but the Democratic stalwart <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/08/nancy-pelosi-says-she-will-run-for-reelection/">announced plans last month to run for another term</a>, leaving Wiener to wait his turn.

Nancy Pelosi says she will run for reelection in 2024

Some speculated Pelosi might retire after giving up her speaker role in late 2022, but the Democratic stalwart <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/08/nancy-pelosi-says-she-will-run-for-reelection/">announced plans last month to run for another term</a>, leaving Wiener to wait his turn.

In July, Wiener told The Standard, “If she runs again next year, I’ll support her 1,000%, because I think she’s just truly amazing.”

In July, Wiener told The Standard, “If she runs again next year, I’ll support her 1,000%, because I think she’s just truly amazing.”

Wiener’s district in the state Senate includes San Francisco, Daly City, Broadmoor, Colma and parts of South San Francisco. If reelected, he will also represent parts of San Bruno.

Wiener’s district in the state Senate includes San Francisco, Daly City, Broadmoor, Colma and parts of South San Francisco. If reelected, he will also represent parts of San Bruno.

The Nancy Pelosi effect? Scott Wiener running for state senate again

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today.

In the early 1980s, a Bay Area picker stumbled upon something incredible: a plastic garbage bag filled with 2,042 processed 35mm color slides and 102 rolls of carefully labeled black-and-white film. The images — all 8,417 of them — captured a seminal moment in San Francisco counterculture, from 1966 through the 1967 Summer of Love to 1970.

The photographer remains unknown, and most of the photos have gone unseen — until now.

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today. Based on a story by San Francisco Standard culture reporter Sam Mondros.

Find/Seek: Stories and Photos from San Francisco's Past
Tuesday, May 20
6pm-8:30pm
Four One Nine
419 Tenth Street
San Francisco

Complimentary wine and bites. 
Invitation only for guests 21 and over.

Find/Seek: Stories and Photos from San Francisco’s Past

We’re partnering with the San Francisco Ballet Young Patrons Circle to bring you an unforgettable experience.

🩰 Join us for a special night at the San Francisco Ballet

Join us for the launch of Taste of SF, a members-only culinary series from The San Francisco Standard

You’re invited: Truffle-making class at Dandelion Chocolate

Join Stripe CEO Patrick Collison, UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood, and UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons for a vital conversation on how the Bay Area's unique blend of tech innovation and world-class research drives global medical breakthroughs.

Test: Live In-Person Partay

The San Francisco Unified School District faces massive budget shortfalls and declining enrollment following a turbulent year marked by leadership changes and halted plans to close schools.

Two members of the Board of Education — former educator Phil Kim and Deputy City Attorney and SFUSD parent Jaime Huling — join The Standard’s senior editor Annie Gaus and politics reporter Han Li for a live discussion about the school district’s challenges and the path forward. The guests will also answer questions submitted by the audience.

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Robert Saleh was the off-season's first step, what comes next?

Kawakami & Lombardi Talk 49ers

San Francisco voters approved Proposition K, the ballot measure that closed the Great Highway to cars to create a park, but the election inflamed tensions between neighbors who were both for and against it. Supervisor Joel Engardio represents the Sunset, where the Great Highway resides, and joins The Standard’s political reporters Han Li and Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez to talk about the park’s future and how the neighborhood may heal after the contentious election. We’ll take your questions during the livestream.

Great Highway’s future with Supervisor Joel Engardio

Powering Global Medical Research from the Bay Area

The Daniel Lurie era: What we know so far

Mayor Daniel Lurie campaigned on bold promises to transform City Hall, and now he’s beginning to make his mark. Join The Standard's politics team to discuss his first moves in office and what they could mean for the future.

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Newsom vetoes bill that would have capped the price of insulin; Wiener calls move ‘major setback.’

The Nancy Pelosi effect? Scott Wiener running for state senate again