Meaghan Mitchell

For Mary Conde, vice president of production at Another Planet Entertainment and chief organizer of this weekend’s Outside Lands music festival, the comeback of the city’s entertainment scene began on a Monday afternoon last month when she told her team to “send the tweet.”

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For Mary Conde, vice president of production at Another Planet Entertainment and chief organizer of this weekend’s Outside Lands music festival, the comeback of the city’s entertainment scene began on a Monday afternoon last month when she told her team to “send the tweet.”

The message, from the Twitter account of The Independent music hall on Divisadero St., revealed a surprise last-minute Metallica performance that evening that Conde had secretly put together. Only 500 tickets were available, $20 each, vaccine documentation required.

The message, from the Twitter account of The Independent music hall on Divisadero St., revealed a surprise last-minute Metallica performance that evening that Conde had secretly put together. Only 500 tickets were available, $20 each, vaccine documentation required.

Lucky fans who secured wristbands took to social media to express their glee, with one fan <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcjeanelle/status/1438711410716864519?s=20">tweeting</a> that it “feels like old times in the Independent in SF.”&nbsp;

Lucky fans who secured wristbands took to social media to express their glee, with one fan <a href="https://twitter.com/nbcjeanelle/status/1438711410716864519?s=20">tweeting</a> that it “feels like old times in the Independent in SF.”&nbsp;

That’s exactly the feeling Metallica super-fan Conde was looking for—a sign that things were looking up for the city’s live music scene, which had ceased to exist during the pandemic.

That’s exactly the feeling Metallica super-fan Conde was looking for—a sign that things were looking up for the city’s live music scene, which had ceased to exist during the pandemic.

Outside Lands attendees sing along to Rico Nasty’s music at the Twin Peaks Stage on October 30, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OSL-04.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13198"/><figcaption>Outside Lands attendees sing along to Rico Nasty’s music at the Twin Peaks Stage on October 30, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OSL-04.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13198"/><figcaption>Outside Lands attendees sing along to Rico Nasty’s music at the Twin Peaks Stage on October 30, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

“I felt like I was legit in my happy place that night at the Independent,&#8221; Conde told Here/Say. &#8220;I think I had more fun selling the tickets to that show than I had at the show because it was so amazing, and people really showed up. I even had a doctor show up in his surgical garb.&#8221;

“I felt like I was legit in my happy place that night at the Independent," Conde told Here/Say. "I think I had more fun selling the tickets to that show than I had at the show because it was so amazing, and people really showed up. I even had a doctor show up in his surgical garb."

“I felt like I was legit in my happy place that night at the Independent,&#8221; Conde told Here/Say. &#8220;I think I had more fun selling the tickets to that show than I had at the show because it was so amazing, and people really showed up. I even had a doctor show up in his surgical garb.&#8221;

Now, Conde and her team are gearing up for their largest event, the 13th annual Outside Lands music festival, which kicks off this evening and runs through the weekend with six stages spread across Golden Gate Park&#8217;s Hellman Hollow, Speedway Meadow, and Marx Meadow.

Now, Conde and her team are gearing up for their largest event, the 13th annual Outside Lands music festival, which kicks off this evening and runs through the weekend with six stages spread across Golden Gate Park's Hellman Hollow, Speedway Meadow, and Marx Meadow.

Now, Conde and her team are gearing up for their largest event, the 13th annual Outside Lands music festival, which kicks off this evening and runs through the weekend with six stages spread across Golden Gate Park&#8217;s Hellman Hollow, Speedway Meadow, and Marx Meadow.

The festival is being held for the first time in the fall, after being canceled last year. And the  Halloween weekend promises some extra twists: Another Planet is encouraging participants to dress up for Halloween, though there are plenty of rules. Costumes such as headdresses that are deemed a form of cultural appropriation are not permitted; First responder costumes, such as firemen or health workers, are also prohibited, and toy weapons will be confiscated. Masks or costumes that cover your whole face are banned, as are hard-sided helmets and fake blood.

The festival is being held for the first time in the fall, after being canceled last year. And the Halloween weekend promises some extra twists: Another Planet is encouraging participants to dress up for Halloween, though there are plenty of rules. Costumes such as headdresses that are deemed a form of cultural appropriation are not permitted; First responder costumes, such as firemen or health workers, are also prohibited, and toy weapons will be confiscated. Masks or costumes that cover your whole face are banned, as are hard-sided helmets and fake blood.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/IMG_0753-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13135"/><figcaption>Mary Conde, vice president of production at Another Planet Entertainment, at her San Francisco office. | Photo by Joel Aguero</figcaption></figure>

Conde said that otherwise the set-up of the event&nbsp;is similar to past festivals. Instead of a live comedy tent, the festival will host a DJ tent dedicated to summer. Other headliners include DJ Zoo, who grew up in the Sunset District.

Conde said that otherwise the set-up of the event&nbsp;is similar to past festivals. Instead of a live comedy tent, the festival will host a DJ tent dedicated to summer. Other headliners include DJ Zoo, who grew up in the Sunset District.

Conde told us she is still dealing with pandemic-related issues ranging from supply chain to staffing. But the biggest challenge has been organizing a festival at this scale at this time of year while school is in session. To mitigate traffic issues around schools in the immediate area, Conde has hired extra police officers to help parents pick up their kids around school zones.&nbsp;

Conde told us she is still dealing with pandemic-related issues ranging from supply chain to staffing. But the biggest challenge has been organizing a festival at this scale at this time of year while school is in session. To mitigate traffic issues around schools in the immediate area, Conde has hired extra police officers to help parents pick up their kids around school zones.&nbsp;

Conde and her team have also secured volunteers from SFPD on Halloween to enhance pedestrian safety for kids out trick or treating.&nbsp;

Conde and her team have also secured volunteers from SFPD on Halloween to enhance pedestrian safety for kids out trick or treating.&nbsp;

“I think when you start looking at the fact that it&#8217;s Friday and there is a major event happening kicking off the holiday weekend, it&#8217;s just a lot of activity happening in a small space,” said Conde.

“I think when you start looking at the fact that it's Friday and there is a major event happening kicking off the holiday weekend, it's just a lot of activity happening in a small space,” said Conde.

“I think when you start looking at the fact that it&#8217;s Friday and there is a major event happening kicking off the holiday weekend, it&#8217;s just a lot of activity happening in a small space,” said Conde.

Tanner Plott, dressed as Cruella de Vil, waits for the N Judah MUNI to take them to Outside Lands Music Festival alongside Carisa Ramage and Daniel Henry, who were collectively dressed up as “Jungle Cruise” on October 30, 2021. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OSL-28.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13204"/><figcaption>Tanner Plott, dressed as Cruella de Vil, waits for the N Judah to take them to Outside Lands Music Festival alongside Carisa Ramage and Daniel Henry, who were collectively dressed up as “Jungle Cruise” on October 30, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

Despite the logistical headaches of the festival, the payoff in terms of fun and finances for San Francisco could be great this weekend.&nbsp;

Despite the logistical headaches of the festival, the payoff in terms of fun and finances for San Francisco could be great this weekend.&nbsp;

Mayor London Breed noted that Outside Lands is an economic boon to San Francisco in a social media post recently: “This festival brings the equivalent of 700-year-round jobs to our city, growing our economy and giving exposure to many restaurants, wineries, and breweries that struggled during the pandemic,” she said.

Mayor London Breed noted that Outside Lands is an economic boon to San Francisco in a social media post recently: “This festival brings the equivalent of 700-year-round jobs to our city, growing our economy and giving exposure to many restaurants, wineries, and breweries that struggled during the pandemic,” she said.

One notable food-focused attraction, “A Taste of the Bay Area,” will feature cheekily-named food vendors Bacon Lands, Choco Lands, Cheese Lands and the seafood-focused Outside Clams, as well as designated imbibing areas, among them Wine Lands, Beer Lands and Cocktail Magic.

One notable food-focused attraction, “A Taste of the Bay Area,” will feature cheekily-named food vendors Bacon Lands, Choco Lands, Cheese Lands and the seafood-focused Outside Clams, as well as designated imbibing areas, among them Wine Lands, Beer Lands and Cocktail Magic.

The festival will offer up another full schedule of collaborative cooking demonstrations at the GastroMagic stage, a demo space that showcases creative performances involving food and has proven to be extremely popular. You’ll find some of San Francisco’s renowned chefs like Brenda Buenviaje of Brenda’s French Soul Food for the return of ‘Beignets and Bounce Brunch,’ with rapper Big Freedia and transgender performance artist Katey Red performing live.&nbsp;

The festival will offer up another full schedule of collaborative cooking demonstrations at the GastroMagic stage, a demo space that showcases creative performances involving food and has proven to be extremely popular. You’ll find some of San Francisco’s renowned chefs like Brenda Buenviaje of Brenda’s French Soul Food for the return of ‘Beignets and Bounce Brunch,’ with rapper Big Freedia and transgender performance artist Katey Red performing live.&nbsp;

Conde has been in the live music game since 1982, when she worked for Bill Graham at a Grateful Dead show in Oakland called Day on the Green.&nbsp;

Conde has been in the live music game since 1982, when she worked for Bill Graham at a Grateful Dead show in Oakland called Day on the Green.&nbsp;

Concertgoes arrive and depart the Sutro Stage in Lindley Meadow in Golden Gate Park at Outside Lands on October 30, 2021. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/OSL-02.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-13201"/><figcaption>Fans arrive and depart the Sutro Stage in Lindley Meadow at Outside Lands on October 30, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

“I was fresh out of high school and just felt like I saw something I didn&#8217;t know existed,” said Conde. “Everything from peeking behind the curtain and seeing the wonderful wizard. There is just all this magic to make events happen. And it&#8217;s not always glamorous, certainly, but it&#8217;s important.”&nbsp;

“I was fresh out of high school and just felt like I saw something I didn't know existed,” said Conde. “Everything from peeking behind the curtain and seeing the wonderful wizard. There is just all this magic to make events happen. And it's not always glamorous, certainly, but it's important.”&nbsp;

“I was fresh out of high school and just felt like I saw something I didn&#8217;t know existed,” said Conde. “Everything from peeking behind the curtain and seeing the wonderful wizard. There is just all this magic to make events happen. And it&#8217;s not always glamorous, certainly, but it&#8217;s important.”&nbsp;

Her hope is that this year especially, Outside Lands will bring back a renewed energy that San Francisco desperately needs.&nbsp;

Her hope is that this year especially, Outside Lands will bring back a renewed energy that San Francisco desperately needs.&nbsp;

“I think the one thing that 2020 really brought home to me was that it&#8217;s really important to have these communal settings and people need to have this connection in the community that comes from everybody,” Conde said. “Tonight people will float out of Golden Gate Park after having that shared experience of seeing their favorite [artist] singing their favorite songs. And it doesn&#8217;t matter whether or not I like that performer or I sing along to that song as well. What matters to me is that we provided a space that was safe,&nbsp;was welcoming and that there was some hospitality.”

“I think the one thing that 2020 really brought home to me was that it's really important to have these communal settings and people need to have this connection in the community that comes from everybody,” Conde said. “Tonight people will float out of Golden Gate Park after having that shared experience of seeing their favorite [artist] singing their favorite songs. And it doesn't matter whether or not I like that performer or I sing along to that song as well. What matters to me is that we provided a space that was safe,&nbsp;was welcoming and that there was some hospitality.”

“I think the one thing that 2020 really brought home to me was that it&#8217;s really important to have these communal settings and people need to have this connection in the community that comes from everybody,” Conde said. “Tonight people will float out of Golden Gate Park after having that shared experience of seeing their favorite [artist] singing their favorite songs. And it doesn&#8217;t matter whether or not I like that performer or I sing along to that song as well. What matters to me is that we provided a space that was safe,&nbsp;was welcoming and that there was some hospitality.”

Outside Lands organizer Mary Conde aims for unique Halloween revival

Annie Gaus

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicked off the process of wrangling and finalizing the city’s budget with the first in a series of hearings that will determine where billions of dollars will go over the next two years.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicked off the process of wrangling and finalizing the city’s budget with the first in a series of hearings that will determine where billions of dollars will go over the next two years.&nbsp;

At a budget committee meeting on Wednesday, Supervisors Matt Haney, Hillary Ronen and Gordon Mar heard presentations from City Controller Ben Rosenfield and Ashley Groffenberger, budget director for Mayor London Breed, who gave a breakdown of the city’s revenue outlook and the allocations proposed in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

At a budget committee meeting on Wednesday, Supervisors Matt Haney, Hillary Ronen and Gordon Mar heard presentations from City Controller Ben Rosenfield and Ashley Groffenberger, budget director for Mayor London Breed, who gave a breakdown of the city’s revenue outlook and the allocations proposed in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

Breed’s budget proposal, which she <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">previewed last week</a>, sets aside $13.1 billion for the fiscal year ending in 2022 and $12.8 billion for the following year. San Francisco operates on a two-year budget cycle, and its fiscal years end in July.&nbsp;

Breed’s budget proposal, which she <a href="https://sfstandard.com/mayor-breed-unveils-13-billion-budget-aimed-at-equitable-recovery/">previewed last week</a>, sets aside $13.1 billion for the fiscal year ending in 2022 and $12.8 billion for the following year. San Francisco operates on a two-year budget cycle, and its fiscal years end in July.&nbsp;

“We have the chance to make a fundamental change,” said Breed of her proposal, which has a particular focus on COVID-19 recovery and response, public safety and homelessness.&nbsp;

“We have the chance to make a fundamental change,” said Breed of her proposal, which has a particular focus on COVID-19 recovery and response, public safety and homelessness.&nbsp;

Among the notable line items are $1 billion to create new placements for homeless individuals and families, $300 million for behavioral health services and millions in funding for alternative public safety programs such as<a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-boost-police-safety-patrols-in-tenderloin-and-mid-market"> </a>street <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">ambassadors in the downtown area </a>and additional street crisis response teams. The budget also proposes a new Office of Justice Innovation that would be housed within the Mayor’s Office, various tax and fee waivers for businesses and low-income individuals, and other economic and workforce initiatives.

Among the notable line items are $1 billion to create new placements for homeless individuals and families, $300 million for behavioral health services and millions in funding for alternative public safety programs such as<a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/san-francisco-to-boost-police-safety-patrols-in-tenderloin-and-mid-market"> </a>street <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/plan-to-revive-san-francisco-s-deserted-downtown-takes-shape">ambassadors in the downtown area </a>and additional street crisis response teams. The budget also proposes a new Office of Justice Innovation that would be housed within the Mayor’s Office, various tax and fee waivers for businesses and low-income individuals, and other economic and workforce initiatives.

Supervisor Ronen, who represents District 9, raised concerns about “duplication” of services between some of the items in Breed’s budget and <a href="https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/">Mental Health SF</a>, an initiative passed in 2019 that seeks to create, among other things, a central coordinating center for mental health services in the city.&nbsp;

Supervisor Ronen, who represents District 9, raised concerns about “duplication” of services between some of the items in Breed’s budget and <a href="https://www.mentalhealthsf.org/">Mental Health SF</a>, an initiative passed in 2019 that seeks to create, among other things, a central coordinating center for mental health services in the city.&nbsp;

“I’m not exactly sure what the purpose is,” said Ronen, speaking of the proposed Office of Justice Innovation. “We’re creating all of these random street teams, and a whole new unit within the Mayor’s Office and I’m worried we’re falling back into old habits.”&nbsp;

“I’m not exactly sure what the purpose is,” said Ronen, speaking of the proposed Office of Justice Innovation. “We’re creating all of these random street teams, and a whole new unit within the Mayor’s Office and I’m worried we’re falling back into old habits.”&nbsp;

Supervisors also questioned the level of funding for law enforcement in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

Supervisors also questioned the level of funding for law enforcement in the mayor’s budget.&nbsp;

Breed’s proposal calls for stabilization of San Francisco’s police force, including two academy classes to replace the roughly 80 who retire or leave each year. Supervisor Mar asked how soon the new alternative safety programs, such as street response teams, would result in a reduced need for police officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Breed’s proposal calls for stabilization of San Francisco’s police force, including two academy classes to replace the roughly 80 who retire or leave each year. Supervisor Mar asked how soon the new alternative safety programs, such as street response teams, would result in a reduced need for police officers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, the Board of Supervisors published a list of 386 <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Public%20List%20of%20Budget%20Requests%20-%20Updated%206.9.21%20-%20Citywide%20Requests.pdf">budget requests</a> totaling $545 million in the upcoming year. Those requests run the gamut, ranging from $25 million to finance affordable housing projects to smaller line items, such as $25,000 to fund a native plant garden at McLaren Park.&nbsp;

Prior to Wednesday’s hearing, the Board of Supervisors published a list of 386 <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Public%20List%20of%20Budget%20Requests%20-%20Updated%206.9.21%20-%20Citywide%20Requests.pdf">budget requests</a> totaling $545 million in the upcoming year. Those requests run the gamut, ranging from $25 million to finance affordable housing projects to smaller line items, such as $25,000 to fund a native plant garden at McLaren Park.&nbsp;

Primarily due to federal funding—the city is set to receive about $625 million in COVID-19 recovery funds—San Francisco budget officials were able to balance the city’s budget over the next two years. But there’s still a great degree of uncertainty over what <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sf-s-budget-surplus-grows-but-big-risks-remain">the local revenue picture</a> will look like after that, and how quickly key sources of tax dollars will recover as federal funds dry up.

Primarily due to federal funding—the city is set to receive about $625 million in COVID-19 recovery funds—San Francisco budget officials were able to balance the city’s budget over the next two years. But there’s still a great degree of uncertainty over what <a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sf-s-budget-surplus-grows-but-big-risks-remain">the local revenue picture</a> will look like after that, and how quickly key sources of tax dollars will recover as federal funds dry up.

“Business and hotel [taxes] have a long way to recover,” said Carol Lu, a revenue manager at the Controller’s Office, noting that hotel taxes may not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2025 or 2026. The office is also expecting 25 percent of the city’s workforce to telecommute permanently, which may affect business taxes long-term.&nbsp;

“Business and hotel [taxes] have a long way to recover,” said Carol Lu, a revenue manager at the Controller’s Office, noting that hotel taxes may not recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2025 or 2026. The office is also expecting 25 percent of the city’s workforce to telecommute permanently, which may affect business taxes long-term.&nbsp;

Another risk is FEMA reimbursement for emergency expenses San Francisco incurred during the pandemic. The city is currently expecting reimbursement of $430 million for disaster costs, including a shelter-in-place program for unhoused individuals that will begin winding down this year.&nbsp;

Another risk is FEMA reimbursement for emergency expenses San Francisco incurred during the pandemic. The city is currently expecting reimbursement of $430 million for disaster costs, including a shelter-in-place program for unhoused individuals that will begin winding down this year.&nbsp;

However, the federal agency undergoes a lengthy process of evaluating, approving and auditing claims—and it’s not uncommon for FEMA to deny some of the reimbursement claims in the end, said City Controller Rosenfield. Either way, it may take years to get clarity on how much of that $430 million San Francisco will actually receive.&nbsp;

However, the federal agency undergoes a lengthy process of evaluating, approving and auditing claims—and it’s not uncommon for FEMA to deny some of the reimbursement claims in the end, said City Controller Rosenfield. Either way, it may take years to get clarity on how much of that $430 million San Francisco will actually receive.&nbsp;

“They have a huge amount of claims coming in from all over the country, and it’s going to take some time,” said Rosenfield. “For the Loma Prieta earthquake, it took almost a decade to clear all the [claims].”&nbsp;

“They have a huge amount of claims coming in from all over the country, and it’s going to take some time,” said Rosenfield. “For the Loma Prieta earthquake, it took almost a decade to clear all the [claims].”&nbsp;

Over the next three weeks, the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors will remediate the differing budget proposals, starting with a series of presentations from individual city departments next week.

Over the next three weeks, the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors will remediate the differing budget proposals, starting with a series of presentations from individual city departments next week.

Hearings and negotiations will culminate in a day of public comment on June 25, followed by final budget deliberations <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Budget_Hearing_Calendar.pdf">scheduled for</a> June 28. Mayor Breed will sign the budget by August 1.

Hearings and negotiations will culminate in a day of public comment on June 25, followed by final budget deliberations <a href="https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/Budget_Hearing_Calendar.pdf">scheduled for</a> June 28. Mayor Breed will sign the budget by August 1.

San Francisco Board of Supervisors kicks off $13B budget negotiations

Sophie Bearman

A signature-gathering effort at a local farmer’s market grew contentious after a bystander attempted to steal signed recall petitions from a volunteer on Sunday, according to eyewitness accounts.&nbsp;

A signature-gathering effort at a local farmer’s market grew contentious after a bystander attempted to steal signed recall petitions from a volunteer on Sunday, according to eyewitness accounts.&nbsp;

Man Kit Lam, a volunteer for the campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco Board of Education, said that the alleged thief, described by witnesses as a male appearing to be in his 20s and wearing red glasses, tried to steal roughly 20 signed petitions from his table at 3rd Avenue and Clement Street on Sunday. As Lam turned to assist another signator, the suspect grabbed and walked away with at least one clipboard full of signed recall petitions, he said.

Man Kit Lam, a volunteer for the campaign to recall three members of the San Francisco Board of Education, said that the alleged thief, described by witnesses as a male appearing to be in his 20s and wearing red glasses, tried to steal roughly 20 signed petitions from his table at 3rd Avenue and Clement Street on Sunday. As Lam turned to assist another signator, the suspect grabbed and walked away with at least one clipboard full of signed recall petitions, he said.

“All of a sudden, I noticed at least one clipboard was gone,” Lam told Here/Say. “I saw him—he was across the street—and he was tossing the clipboard underneath a vehicle.”&nbsp;

“All of a sudden, I noticed at least one clipboard was gone,” Lam told Here/Say. “I saw him—he was across the street—and he was tossing the clipboard underneath a vehicle.”&nbsp;

Lam, a SFUSD parent, immigrant from Hong Kong, and former anti-corruption investigator, walked across the street and confronted the suspect. Exclusive video shows the alleged thief initially arguing with Lam and denying wrongdoing. Moments later, however, the suspect produces what appears to be a batch of petitions from his jeans and hands it over, saying: “You caught me.”&nbsp;

Lam, a SFUSD parent, immigrant from Hong Kong, and former anti-corruption investigator, walked across the street and confronted the suspect. Exclusive video shows the alleged thief initially arguing with Lam and denying wrongdoing. Moments later, however, the suspect produces what appears to be a batch of petitions from his jeans and hands it over, saying: “You caught me.”&nbsp;

Lam filed a police report, and says he plans to press charges if the suspect is apprehended. In video recordings obtained by Here/Say, at least one other eyewitness is heard describing the would-be heist to police officers, saying that he spotted the suspect running off with petitions.&nbsp;

Lam filed a police report, and says he plans to press charges if the suspect is apprehended. In video recordings obtained by Here/Say, at least one other eyewitness is heard describing the would-be heist to police officers, saying that he spotted the suspect running off with petitions.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/V8pAiQrTwV1q75b8j9Q0Ba9lucqSrZrHXdYK1xi3DqH5NocgyPAGnGtGTNW4AvwD7s-neM7JWWwEbfDTATONH4I3SiTlmL_SR7j581kJjVYRoP9bZKZFXyLD33h3ohD-f7VRLVPn" alt=""/><figcaption>Man Kit Lam provides an eyewitness account to SFPD on Sunday, May 30 after signed BOE recall petitions were allegedly stolen from his table at the farmer’s market. | Photo by Jenny G. Shao</figcaption></figure>

On Wednesday, SFPD spokesperson Robert Rueca said the investigation is “active and ongoing” and asked anyone with information to contact the department’s <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/contact-and-directory/anonymous-tip-lines">tip line</a>.

On Wednesday, SFPD spokesperson Robert Rueca said the investigation is “active and ongoing” and asked anyone with information to contact the department’s <a href="https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/contact-and-directory/anonymous-tip-lines">tip line</a>.

Under <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;sectionNum=18631">California election code</a>, taking by force or stealth any initiative, referendum or recall petition with signatures affixed to it from a signature gatherer is a crime punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

Under <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;sectionNum=18631">California election code</a>, taking by force or stealth any initiative, referendum or recall petition with signatures affixed to it from a signature gatherer is a crime punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.&nbsp;

“Even if the petitions stolen were not large numbers&#8230;it is interfering with the process. It is an attempt to intimidate us,” said Siva Raj, a SFUSD parent who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">co-launched the recall campaign</a> with his partner Autumn Looijen.

“Even if the petitions stolen were not large numbers...it is interfering with the process. It is an attempt to intimidate us,” said Siva Raj, a SFUSD parent who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">co-launched the recall campaign</a> with his partner Autumn Looijen.

“Even if the petitions stolen were not large numbers&#8230;it is interfering with the process. It is an attempt to intimidate us,” said Siva Raj, a SFUSD parent who <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-school-board-recall-meet-team-parents-founders/">co-launched the recall campaign</a> with his partner Autumn Looijen.

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-board-education-recall-efforts/">recall effort</a>—fueled largely by concerns over a slow reopening process—is targeting Board President Gabriela López, Vice President Faauuga Moliga and Commissioner Alison Collins, the three Board of Education members currently eligible for recall. The campaign must deliver 51,325 valid signatures per school board member, equivalent to 10 percent of registered voters in San Francisco, by September 1. If that effort succeeds, the recall will qualify for a special election.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://sfstandard.com/sf-board-education-recall-efforts/">recall effort</a>—fueled largely by concerns over a slow reopening process—is targeting Board President Gabriela López, Vice President Faauuga Moliga and Commissioner Alison Collins, the three Board of Education members currently eligible for recall. The campaign must deliver 51,325 valid signatures per school board member, equivalent to 10 percent of registered voters in San Francisco, by September 1. If that effort succeeds, the recall will qualify for a special election.&nbsp;

The Board of Education is one of a few recall efforts taking place locally and at the state level this year.&nbsp;

The Board of Education is one of a few recall efforts taking place locally and at the state level this year.&nbsp;

A campaign to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom already gathered the necessary number of signatures and will appear on the ballot in a special election later this year. In San Francisco, in addition to the Board of Education recall campaign, there are two active efforts to recall District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/chesa-boudin-explainer-district-attorney-san-francisco/">Chesa Boudin</a>. The first effort, which launched in March,&nbsp; has until August 11 to gather at least 51,325 valid signatures; a second effort launched in late May and must gather that amount by October 25 in order to qualify for a special election.

A campaign to recall California Governor Gavin Newsom already gathered the necessary number of signatures and will appear on the ballot in a special election later this year. In San Francisco, in addition to the Board of Education recall campaign, there are two active efforts to recall District Attorney <a href="https://sfstandard.com/chesa-boudin-explainer-district-attorney-san-francisco/">Chesa Boudin</a>. The first effort, which launched in March,&nbsp; has until August 11 to gather at least 51,325 valid signatures; a second effort launched in late May and must gather that amount by October 25 in order to qualify for a special election.

Lam said he began volunteering with the Board of Education recall to speak up for his son, a SFUSD student who has struggled during distance learning, and because Collins “insulted the entire Chinese community” in publishing offensive tweets about Asian families and later suing the school district for $87 million.&nbsp;

Lam said he began volunteering with the Board of Education recall to speak up for his son, a SFUSD student who has struggled during distance learning, and because Collins “insulted the entire Chinese community” in publishing offensive tweets about Asian families and later suing the school district for $87 million.&nbsp;

Lam added that he’s been harassed multiple times while working the recall table, with strangers shouting insults and, on at least one occasion, accusing him of being a “right-winger” and funded by tech money.&nbsp;

Lam added that he’s been harassed multiple times while working the recall table, with strangers shouting insults and, on at least one occasion, accusing him of being a “right-winger” and funded by tech money.&nbsp;

“My wife said, ‘I&#8217;m a Democrat. I&#8217;ve been a Democrat since before you were born,’” Lam added.&nbsp;

“My wife said, ‘I'm a Democrat. I've been a Democrat since before you were born,’” Lam added.&nbsp;

“My wife said, ‘I&#8217;m a Democrat. I&#8217;ve been a Democrat since before you were born,’” Lam added.&nbsp;

The Board of Education recall effort has raised about $100,000 to date, according to organizers, about half of which is from small donors giving $100 or less. Lam said he’s been spending the majority of his free time volunteering for the recall, which he sees as a fundamental democratic right.&nbsp;

The Board of Education recall effort has raised about $100,000 to date, according to organizers, about half of which is from small donors giving $100 or less. Lam said he’s been spending the majority of his free time volunteering for the recall, which he sees as a fundamental democratic right.&nbsp;

“In San Francisco, we praise this city as so liberal and so democratic. But we have people—they are nuts. And they are doing things that are undemocratic,” Lam continued. “This is America. We have the right to petition the government. I’m not doing something illegal, but he is.”

“In San Francisco, we praise this city as so liberal and so democratic. But we have people—they are nuts. And they are doing things that are undemocratic,” Lam continued. “This is America. We have the right to petition the government. I’m not doing something illegal, but he is.”

SFPD investigating attempted theft of signed school board recall petitions

Sameea Kamal at CalMatters

Another coronavirus variant spreading like wildfire, and another huge state budget surplus: In some ways, 2022 is off to a similar start as 2021.&nbsp;

Another coronavirus variant spreading like wildfire, and another huge state budget surplus: In some ways, 2022 is off to a similar start as 2021.&nbsp;

That could carry over to the state Legislature’s new session starting today. In addition to the pandemic and surplus, California is dealing with some of the same big issues it has long grappled with, including housing and climate change.&nbsp;

That could carry over to the state Legislature’s new session starting today. In addition to the pandemic and surplus, California is dealing with some of the same big issues it has long grappled with, including housing and climate change.&nbsp;

“Our challenges continue to be the challenges that we have started and built momentum to work towards,” Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, told CalMatters.&nbsp;

“Our challenges continue to be the challenges that we have started and built momentum to work towards,” Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins, a San Diego Democrat, told CalMatters.&nbsp;

The difference? Looking at key issues more through a lens of equity, she said.

The difference? Looking at key issues more through a lens of equity, she said.

The state Assembly’s agenda shares those priorities, said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, a Lakewood Democrat. Access to health care will be another focus: “We’re proud of where we are as a state, but we need to make sure that everybody in the state is covered.”&nbsp;

The state Assembly’s agenda shares those priorities, said Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, a Lakewood Democrat. Access to health care will be another focus: “We’re proud of where we are as a state, but we need to make sure that everybody in the state is covered.”&nbsp;

Where will things look a little different? The state Capitol complex is undergoing renovations, which means the “<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article255966717.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacteria Bear</a>” is safely in storage for now.

Where will things look a little different? The state Capitol complex is undergoing renovations, which means the “<a href="https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article255966717.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bacteria Bear</a>” is safely in storage for now.

The public and press will be allowed to attend in person, but due to COVID, access and seating will continue to be limited,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.ca.gov/pdfpublications/dailyfile">masks and social distancing will be required</a>&nbsp;and meetings will continue to be livestreamed. “We had hoped that as we go back, we’d be through the pandemic, but it hasn’t gone away,” Atkins said. “We’re going to have to continue to bear that in mind.”

The public and press will be allowed to attend in person, but due to COVID, access and seating will continue to be limited,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.senate.ca.gov/pdfpublications/dailyfile">masks and social distancing will be required</a>&nbsp;and meetings will continue to be livestreamed. “We had hoped that as we go back, we’d be through the pandemic, but it hasn’t gone away,” Atkins said. “We’re going to have to continue to bear that in mind.”

There’s also the makeup of the Legislature itself. Following the redistricting process after the 2020 census, state Senate and Assembly district lines have been shaken up — and a number of lawmakers will be lame ducks this session because they’re not running for re-election in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There’s also the makeup of the Legislature itself. Following the redistricting process after the 2020 census, state Senate and Assembly district lines have been shaken up — and a number of lawmakers will be lame ducks this session because they’re not running for re-election in 2022.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here are four themes to watch in the new legislative session:

Here are four themes to watch in the new legislative session:

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cash-rules">Cash rules</h3>

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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cash-rules">Cash rules</h3>

Compared to the&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/06/california-newsom-budget-deal/">$76 billion surplus from 2021</a>, California is&nbsp;<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4472">projecting a $31 billion surplus</a>&nbsp;in the general fund, plus $20 billion in Proposition 98 funding for education.&nbsp;

Compared to the&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/06/california-newsom-budget-deal/">$76 billion surplus from 2021</a>, California is&nbsp;<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4472">projecting a $31 billion surplus</a>&nbsp;in the general fund, plus $20 billion in Proposition 98 funding for education.&nbsp;

The windfall is fueled, like last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/LAOEconTax/Article/Detail/712?utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=outlook">with tax revenue</a>&nbsp;and federal funds. In addition, the November&nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/71drM5nRmQ">cap-and-trade auction</a>&nbsp;generated $732 million, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4480?utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=4480">Legislative Analyst’s Office</a>.&nbsp;

The windfall is fueled, like last year,&nbsp;<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/LAOEconTax/Article/Detail/712?utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=outlook">with tax revenue</a>&nbsp;and federal funds. In addition, the November&nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/71drM5nRmQ">cap-and-trade auction</a>&nbsp;generated $732 million, according to the&nbsp;<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4480?utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=4480">Legislative Analyst’s Office</a>.&nbsp;

In his budget proposal that is due by Jan. 10, Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed to include&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/12/california-crime-newsom-budget/">more than $350 million to stop organized retail thefts</a>, plus more money for&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2021/12/governor-newsom-budget-priority/">dyslexia programs after authoring a children’s book</a>&nbsp;on his own battles. He’s also hinted that he’ll include&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2021/11/california-stimulus-checks/">another round of stimulus checks</a>.

In his budget proposal that is due by Jan. 10, Gov. Gavin Newsom has vowed to include&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/12/california-crime-newsom-budget/">more than $350 million to stop organized retail thefts</a>, plus more money for&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2021/12/governor-newsom-budget-priority/">dyslexia programs after authoring a children’s book</a>&nbsp;on his own battles. He’s also hinted that he’ll include&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2021/11/california-stimulus-checks/">another round of stimulus checks</a>.

Neither of the spending priority lists put out by Senate or&nbsp;<a href="https://a19.asmdc.org/sites/a19.asmdc.org/files/2021-12/2022%20Budget%20Blueprint%20FNL_0.pdf">Assembly leaders</a>&nbsp;mention a stimulus check. Instead, they are framing the budget around a more inclusive economic recovery and a more equitable economy.

Neither of the spending priority lists put out by Senate or&nbsp;<a href="https://a19.asmdc.org/sites/a19.asmdc.org/files/2021-12/2022%20Budget%20Blueprint%20FNL_0.pdf">Assembly leaders</a>&nbsp;mention a stimulus check. Instead, they are framing the budget around a more inclusive economic recovery and a more equitable economy.

<a href="https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/news/20211208-senate-budget-key-values-focus-putting-california%E2%80%99s-wealth-work-more-equitable-economy">Atkins said</a> California’s economy is strong, but that&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2021/12/california-racial-inequality-budget/">wealth needs to be put to work</a>.

<a href="https://sd39.senate.ca.gov/news/20211208-senate-budget-key-values-focus-putting-california%E2%80%99s-wealth-work-more-equitable-economy">Atkins said</a> California’s economy is strong, but that&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/california-divide/2021/12/california-racial-inequality-budget/">wealth needs to be put to work</a>.

“Those at the top are doing better than ever before, and that’s good for California in terms of our revenue,” Atkins said in an interview. “But as strong as the economy is, we face a homelessness crisis that you see every day in every corner of the state. And we know how hard it is for everyday, ordinary families to get by.”

“Those at the top are doing better than ever before, and that’s good for California in terms of our revenue,” Atkins said in an interview. “But as strong as the economy is, we face a homelessness crisis that you see every day in every corner of the state. And we know how hard it is for everyday, ordinary families to get by.”

The&nbsp;<a href="https://sbud.senate.ca.gov/sites/sbud.senate.ca.gov/files/1208-SenateBudgetPlan-Step1.pdf">Senate plan builds&nbsp;on</a>&nbsp;2021 programs, including targeted relief such as the child tax credit, Earned Income Tax Credit&nbsp;and small business aid.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://sbud.senate.ca.gov/sites/sbud.senate.ca.gov/files/1208-SenateBudgetPlan-Step1.pdf">Senate plan builds&nbsp;on</a>&nbsp;2021 programs, including targeted relief such as the child tax credit, Earned Income Tax Credit&nbsp;and small business aid.&nbsp;

Senate and Assembly leaders also say they will seek to put more money into K-12 schools and higher education, and look to maintain the state’s reserves “to protect the progress we are making from future downturns,” per Atkins. Last year, the Legislature was able to maintain&nbsp;<a href="https://calbudgetcenter.org/resources/analysis-2021-22-state-budget/">$25 billion in reserves</a>.

Senate and Assembly leaders also say they will seek to put more money into K-12 schools and higher education, and look to maintain the state’s reserves “to protect the progress we are making from future downturns,” per Atkins. Last year, the Legislature was able to maintain&nbsp;<a href="https://calbudgetcenter.org/resources/analysis-2021-22-state-budget/">$25 billion in reserves</a>.

Rendon said that the budget surplus would enable California to “rebuild infrastructure in every corner of the state.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are calling for $3.3 billion to be spent on water projects, most of which would go to the contentious Sites Reservoir.&nbsp;

Rendon said that the budget surplus would enable California to “rebuild infrastructure in every corner of the state.”&nbsp;Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are calling for $3.3 billion to be spent on water projects, most of which would go to the contentious Sites Reservoir.&nbsp;

Expending one-time funds on infrastructure would help the Legislature avoid exceeding the&nbsp;<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/reports/2021/4416/SAL-042121.pdf">Gann Limit</a>, which requires that when the state hits a spending revenue threshold two years in a row, the excess money must be reimbursed to taxpayers or spent on schools. Revenue spent on building reserves and paying off debt is excluded from the limit.&nbsp;

Expending one-time funds on infrastructure would help the Legislature avoid exceeding the&nbsp;<a href="https://lao.ca.gov/reports/2021/4416/SAL-042121.pdf">Gann Limit</a>, which requires that when the state hits a spending revenue threshold two years in a row, the excess money must be reimbursed to taxpayers or spent on schools. Revenue spent on building reserves and paying off debt is excluded from the limit.&nbsp;

<a href="https://twitter.com/jasonsisney/status/1468262450516561927?s=20">Jason Sisney</a>, Rendon’s budget advisor, noted that the Gann limit did not kick in last year, despite the historic surplus.&nbsp;

<a href="https://twitter.com/jasonsisney/status/1468262450516561927?s=20">Jason Sisney</a>, Rendon’s budget advisor, noted that the Gann limit did not kick in last year, despite the historic surplus.&nbsp;

Assembly Budget Chairperson Phil Ting, a San Francisco Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://a19.asmdc.org/press-releases/20211209-assembly-budget-blueprint-aims-deliver-prosperity-more-californians-while">told reporters last month</a>&nbsp;that with less money than last year to expand programs, the Legislature is likely to employ more creative one-time funding measures, including on transportation and transit, which didn’t receive as much funding in 2021.

Assembly Budget Chairperson Phil Ting, a San Francisco Democrat,&nbsp;<a href="https://a19.asmdc.org/press-releases/20211209-assembly-budget-blueprint-aims-deliver-prosperity-more-californians-while">told reporters last month</a>&nbsp;that with less money than last year to expand programs, the Legislature is likely to employ more creative one-time funding measures, including on transportation and transit, which didn’t receive as much funding in 2021.

“We’re definitely not back towards normal, but as we sort of come out of the pandemic a little bit, it’s not exactly clear where the best investments are and where the biggest impact is,” Ting said. “This is what the budget process is for. We have from now ’til June to really identify where we can make the biggest impact.”

“We’re definitely not back towards normal, but as we sort of come out of the pandemic a little bit, it’s not exactly clear where the best investments are and where the biggest impact is,” Ting said. “This is what the budget process is for. We have from now ’til June to really identify where we can make the biggest impact.”

And while there is a budget surplus, Rendon said one challenge this year is to make sure that the Legislature is fiscally responsible, and that big and small cities alike get their fair share.

And while there is a budget surplus, Rendon said one challenge this year is to make sure that the Legislature is fiscally responsible, and that big and small cities alike get their fair share.

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Guns and abortion</h3>

In the final weeks of 2021, two hot-button issues reemerged and landed squarely on the legislative agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the final weeks of 2021, two hot-button issues reemerged and landed squarely on the legislative agenda.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

While California already has some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/explainers/california-gun-laws-policy-explained/">nation’s toughest gun control laws</a>, some are tied up in court. So Newsom&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1469865185493983234">went after guns and tied the issue to abortion</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While California already has some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/explainers/california-gun-laws-policy-explained/">nation’s toughest gun control laws</a>, some are tied up in court. So Newsom&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GavinNewsom/status/1469865185493983234">went after guns and tied the issue to abortion</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

He took a page from Texas’ playbook after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed that state’s ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy to stand in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21-463_3ebh.pdf">December ruling</a>. Newsom vowed to work with state lawmakers and Attorney General Rob Bonta —&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/03/newsom-picks-rob-bonta-as-californias-new-attorney-general/">whom he appointed</a>&nbsp;— to draft a bill that would allow private citizens to sue anyone who manufactures, distributes or sells illegal assault weapons or “ghost” guns, modeling it after Texas’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-56fe96917e21b53b581005cb30db66e0">unusually structured abortion law</a>.&nbsp;

He took a page from Texas’ playbook after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed that state’s ban on abortions after six weeks of pregnancy to stand in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/21pdf/21-463_3ebh.pdf">December ruling</a>. Newsom vowed to work with state lawmakers and Attorney General Rob Bonta —&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/politics/2021/03/newsom-picks-rob-bonta-as-californias-new-attorney-general/">whom he appointed</a>&nbsp;— to draft a bill that would allow private citizens to sue anyone who manufactures, distributes or sells illegal assault weapons or “ghost” guns, modeling it after Texas’&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-supreme-court-texas-56fe96917e21b53b581005cb30db66e0">unusually structured abortion law</a>.&nbsp;

The Texas abortion law has also prompted advocates and lawmakers to double down on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11898317/with-abortion-rights-threatened-45-recommendations-for-improving-access-in-california">abortion access in California</a>.&nbsp;

The Texas abortion law has also prompted advocates and lawmakers to double down on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kqed.org/news/11898317/with-abortion-rights-threatened-45-recommendations-for-improving-access-in-california">abortion access in California</a>.&nbsp;

A task force appointed by Newsom is recommending measures to&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2021/12/california-abortion-newsom/">make California a “sanctuary state” for abortions</a>, including helping to pay for the procedure, along with travel, lodging and other costs for women who come to California because their states limit access.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A task force appointed by Newsom is recommending measures to&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/newsletters/whatmatters/2021/12/california-abortion-newsom/">make California a “sanctuary state” for abortions</a>, including helping to pay for the procedure, along with travel, lodging and other costs for women who come to California because their states limit access.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Potentially, that could be tens of millions of dollars in state taxpayer money. If the U.S. Supreme Court effectively repeals Roe vs. Wade next summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2021/10/26-states-are-certain-or-likely-ban-abortion-without-roe-heres-which-ones-and-why">advocates say that</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2021/10/26-states-are-certain-or-likely-ban-abortion-without-roe-heres-which-ones-and-why">could lead to 26 states</a>&nbsp;immediately banning or severely limiting abortions. California would then become the closest state with broad abortion access within driving distance for 1.4 million women.

Potentially, that could be tens of millions of dollars in state taxpayer money. If the U.S. Supreme Court effectively repeals Roe vs. Wade next summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2021/10/26-states-are-certain-or-likely-ban-abortion-without-roe-heres-which-ones-and-why">advocates say that</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2021/10/26-states-are-certain-or-likely-ban-abortion-without-roe-heres-which-ones-and-why">could lead to 26 states</a>&nbsp;immediately banning or severely limiting abortions. California would then become the closest state with broad abortion access within driving distance for 1.4 million women.

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other issues</h3>

On other issues such as housing and climate change mitigation, legislative leaders said they plan to see through the investments they made last year.

On other issues such as housing and climate change mitigation, legislative leaders said they plan to see through the investments they made last year.

That includes more affordable housing for families, as well as more permanent and temporary supportive housing for homeless people. To figure out what’s working and what’s not, Rendon said incoming Assembly Housing Committee chairperson Buffy Wicks, an Oakland Democrat, will review accountability of state programs on housing,&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2021/09/california-eviction-moratorium-rent-relief/">rent relief</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/homeless/2021/11/california-homeless-camps-clearing-plan/">homelessness</a>.

That includes more affordable housing for families, as well as more permanent and temporary supportive housing for homeless people. To figure out what’s working and what’s not, Rendon said incoming Assembly Housing Committee chairperson Buffy Wicks, an Oakland Democrat, will review accountability of state programs on housing,&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/2021/09/california-eviction-moratorium-rent-relief/">rent relief</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://calmatters.org/housing/homeless/2021/11/california-homeless-camps-clearing-plan/">homelessness</a>.

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