San Francisco’s transparency watchdog found the mayor’s office violated a city law by refusing to release records about a call with President Trump about whether to call off federal forces.
Author Archives: Sylvie Sturm
Sylvie Sturm is an award-winning print journalist with 20 years of experience writing and editing for Canadian community newspapers. Since moving to the Bay Area in 2014, she’s shifted her attention towards audio journalism. She’s currently contributing to the “Civic” podcast from the Public Press. She also mentors science writers at UC San Francisco in print journalism and podcasting, and has taught media at San Francisco State University.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Health, Law & Justice, LGBTQ
Health Experts Brace for Return of Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ+ Youth
Doctors and mental health experts across the country are warning of dire consequences as the U.S. Supreme Court takes up a case that could overturn a Colorado ban on conversion therapy for minors, a practice long tied to psychological harm and elevated suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth.
Posted inHealth
San Francisco Halts Plan to Displace Dozens of Care Facility Residents With Severe Mental Illness
San Francisco health officials have reversed a controversial plan to uproot 82 long-term residents with severe mental illness from two units at a hospital-based care center. All occupants in one unit will remain in place, while those in another have been promised protections.
Posted inCity Hall, Government & Politics
Critics Say Mayor’s Secrecy Over Trump Call Undermines Public Trust
Open-government experts and civic leaders are questioning why Mayor Daniel Lurie is withholding records of a phone call with President Donald Trump that reportedly halted a federal immigration enforcement surge, saying the secrecy undermines public trust amid worries about threats to city residents’ civil rights.
Posted inCalifornia, Health
Researchers Back $23 Billion State Science Fund in Response to Deep Federal Cuts
Pushing back against what they called politicized attacks on science, state lawmakers, labor unions, university officials and researchers on Monday announced plans for a 2026 ballot initiative that would make California the largest independent funder of scientific research in the nation.
Posted inCity Hall, Government & Politics
Mayor’s Office Shields Details of Call That Supposedly Defused Conflict With Trump
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s office is refusing to release records of his the phone call with President Trump the evening of Oct. 22, which, he claimed, halted a planned federal immigration enforcement surge in the city.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Government & Politics, Health
Effects of Research Funding Cuts Ripple Through San Francisco Labs, Clinics and Lives
Federal funding cuts to medical research and new rules for grants are dismantling projects at the University of California, San Francisco, and the San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center, two of the nation’s leading research hubs.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, California, Government & Politics, Health
Looming Medicaid Cuts Threaten San Francisco’s Safety Net
Experts warn that federal funding reductions would jeopardize in-home support, block access to care and drive more patients to ERs.
Posted in“Civic” Podcast, Government & Politics
Fear and Anxiety Mount Amid Social Security Administration Upheaval
Social Security — one of the most trusted institutions in American life — is facing an upheaval that’s alarming staff and beneficiaries.
Posted inCity Hall, Law & Justice, Public Safety
Union Left in the Dark Over Possible SF Police Accountability Attorney Layoffs
As San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie signed a $15.9 billion budget Thursday, two attorneys tasked with investigating and reporting police misconduct still don’t know whether they will keep their jobs.
Cutting these positions raises concerns that the city is initiating a material reduction in police oversight while simultaneously increasing the San Francisco Police Department’s budget.