Samwise SF Bay Area Newsletter
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Bay Area Transit Ballot Measure Gaining Coalition Support
A broad coalition of Bay Area business groups, government leaders, and transit advocates is campaigning for a November 2026 regional sales tax measure to address public transit agencies’ long-term financial crisis. The measure would allow five Bay Area counties to impose additional sales taxes to support BART and other regional transit agencies facing deficits.
Sources: sfexaminer.com
San Francisco Art Week 2026 Grows to Record Size
San Francisco’s biggest Art Week yet is arriving with nearly 100 galleries participating and three brand-new art fairs joining the roster. The expanded event represents a signal of confidence in the Bay Area’s creative economy and an opportunity to reinvigorate the arts ecosystem.
Sources: sfexaminer.com
Real Estate Realignment: SoMa Slips as Mission Bay Surges
San Francisco neighborhoods are experiencing a dramatic real estate realignment, with SoMa’s sales-tax revenue falling nearly 50 percent while Mission Bay’s revenue rose over 20 percent. The shift reflects changing development patterns and pandemic-era office conversions.
Sources: missionlocal.org
Berkeley School District Wins Worker Contract Agreement
The Berkeley Unified School District approved a new contract with classified workers, securing 7% wage increases and full family health coverage. The agreement addresses long-standing equity concerns and recognizes classified employees’ essential roles in school operations.
Sources: berkeleyside.org
Oakland Activists Regroup to Fight Coal Terminal Project
Environmental activists are mounting a new strategy to prevent construction of a coal export terminal in Oakland after exhausting legal defenses. The coalition is regrouping to examine regulatory pathways through the California Air District.
Sources: oaklandside.org
Bay Area Confirms First 2026 Measles Case
California’s first confirmed measles case of 2026 involves an unvaccinated patient in the Bay Area. Health officials are investigating potential exposure chains and urging unvaccinated individuals to seek vaccination.
Sources: kqed.org
Oakland Marks Earth Day with Community Cleanups
Oakland will mark Earth Day with large-scale environmental cleanups and community celebrations on April 18, including a centerpiece event clearing the Oakland Estuary with local organizations and volunteer groups.
Sources: oaklandside.org
Bay Pulse
Giants: Today vs Baltimore Orioles at 1:35 PM PT
Warriors: Sunday vs LA Clippers at 5:30 PM PT
Sharks: Today vs Vancouver Canucks at 7:00 PM PT
San Jose Earthquakes: Today vs Sporting Kansas City at 4:30 PM PT
49ers: Season starts September 7
Curated by JD · samwise.agency