Big IPOs Add Even More Pressure To Red-Hot Bay Area Housing Market

Posted on April 13, 2019 by

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) — Is the San Francisco IPO millionaire land rush over-hyped? Not if you talk with local high-end real estate agents.

Uber is expected to make its IPO filing public Thursday and it’s likely to be one of the biggest ever for a tech company. In the wake of the launch of Lyft stock and with several other local IPOs in the wings, San Francisco’s high end real estate market may soon be glowing red hot.

Analysts agree, but say it’s too early to know the magnitude of the IPO effect.

KPIX 5 toured a 5-bedroom, 5.5 bath Telegraph Hill home featuring sweeping views of the Bay and San Francisco landmarks from multiple levels. Located at 233 Chestnut Street, it is on the market for $8.3 million.
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It joins an already competitive market in a city where there are roughly 6,500 home sales a year.
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“It’s actually been challenging, because what I’m seeing on the market is not a lot of inventory,” said Amir Gupta, who is looking to buy. “I think it’s because sellers are waiting, for an IPO frenzy to sell into.”
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Gupta is a developer searching for a home for himself in the $3 million range. He says he’s been outbid three times since December.
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“They’re freaking out that it’s only going to become more competitive, and I think nobody has a crystal ball ultimately, but we do know that it certainly isn’t going to tank,” said realtor Justin Fichelson. “We’re going to have a few thousand people with $5 million plus in their pockets suddenly, it’s going to get more competitive.”
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Realtor Justin Fichelson says his clients feel an urgency to buy now. Sellers are thinking about holding onto properties to get bigger payouts.
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“It’s a great market right now, there’s more than enough buyers out there, there’s a lot of competition,” said Fichelson. “There’s no point in waiting, because there are other factors, interest rates could rise, the political climate could change.”
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He says the momentum is likely to be steady and subtle.

Chief Market Analyst at Compass Patrick Carlisle says after peaking last spring, the housing market cooled. But the financial markets bounced back this year.
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Another factor to keep in mind – most employees have to wait 6 months after an IPO, before they can sell their shares.
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“I don’t expect that market will be as crazy competitive as it was last year,” said Carlisle. “I have a tendency to think the IPO millionaire rush has been overhyped, but we’ll know a lot more in another couple months.”

Article source: https://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2019/04/11/san-francisco-real-estate-ipos-luxury-homes-tech-stock-market/

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Bay Area political events: Covering refugee crises, religious liberty

Posted on April 12, 2019 by

Upcoming political events in the Bay Area.

WEDNESDAY

Covering refugee crises: How politics complicates journalists’ job of covering migrant refugee crises. A discussion with Giovanna Dell’Orto, associate professor at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication and affiliated faculty at the Center for German and European Studies and department of political science. $20 for non-World Affairs Council members, $7 for students. 6:30 p.m., 312 Sutter St., Suite 200, San Francisco. More information is here.

Religious liberty: Judge Kyle Duncan of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals discusses the intersection of religious liberty and the administrative state. Sponsored by the Bay Area Federalist Society. $10 for nonmembers. 6:30 p.m., Gibson, Dunn Crutcher, 555 Mission St., Suite 3000, San Francisco. More information is here.

THURSDAY

Valerie Jarrett: Former adviser to President Barack Obama discusses her book “Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward,” in a Commonwealth Club event. $35 for nommembers, $10 for students. Noon, Marines Memorial Theater, 609 Sutter St., San Francisco. More information is here.

Women’s equality in California: Authors of “Paving the Way: Women’s Struggle for Political Equality in California” talk about their work. Free. 4 p.m., Institute of Governmental Studies library, 109 Moses Hall, UC Berkeley. More information is here.

Women at the Supreme Court: Panel discussion with women litigators who have made more than 50 appearances combined before the U.S. Supreme Court. Free. 6 p.m., UC Berkeley School of Law, Warren Room, 295 Simon Hall, 2745 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. More information is here.

FRIDAY

Trump-Russia hoax: A socialist analysis of the Mueller report and the need to build a movement for social justice. $3-$10. 7 p.m., 2969 Mission St., San Francisco. More information is here.

SUNDAY

Eric Swalwell: East Bay Democratic congressman and presidential candidate holds a campaign kickoff rally. 2 p.m., Dublin High School, 8151 Village Pkwy., Dublin. More information is here.

TUESDAY

Young women in politics: Political and Proud CA celebrates young women who are leaders in the greater Alameda community. Discussion panels on Effective Organizing and Leadership, moderated “Rad Women” series author Kate Schatz, and on Young Women Paving the Way in Male-Dominated Fields, moderated by Alameda school board President Mia Bonta. Free, registration encouraged. 6:30 p.m., Encinal Junior and Senior High School Student Center, 210 Central Ave., Alameda. More information is here.

Tech’s effect on S.F.: “Silicon City” author Cary McClelland and journalist Kim-Mai Cutler in a conversation about the changes the digital economy has brought to San Francisco. $15. 6 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

“Charm City”: Screening of a documentary about violence in Baltimore and how a group of police, citizens, community leaders and government officials tried to combat it. Followed by a roundtable discussion. Free. 6:30 p.m., Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. More information is here.

APRIL 17

Sean Spicer: Former press secretary for President Trump talks about media bias and the threat it poses to the U.S. Sponsored by Berkeley College Republicans. Free. 7 p.m., Evans Hall, UC Berkeley. More information is here.

William Burns: Former deputy secretary of state and former ambassador to Russia in conversation at the Commonwealth Club with ex-Rep. Ellen Tauscher. $25 for members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

New citizen voting: Democracy Action volunteers will register new citizens to vote following swearing-in ceremonies. Two sessions, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. More information is here.

Russia’s re-emergence: A discussion about Russia’s re-emergence as a global power, with Angela Stent, director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies at Georgetown University. $20 for nonmembers of the World Affairs Council, $7 for students. 6:30 p.m. World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., Suite 200, San Francisco. More information is here.

APRIL 18

Lawrence Lessig: Harvard legal scholar gives a TED+Salon talk on the future of democracy. Comedian Will Durst opens. $32.50 and up. 7:30 p.m., Angelico Hall, Dominican University, 50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael. More information is here.

APRIL 19

Immigration issues: A discussion of immigration issues threatening vulnerable communities. Panelists include Catherine Tactaquin, executive director of the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Martha Ockenfels-Martinez of Human Impact Partners; and Lara Kiswani, executive director of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center. Free. 6:30 p.m., Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290. More information is here.

APRIL 22

S.F. environment: Debbie Raphael, director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment, holds a QA. Free. 6:30 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

APRIL 23

Conversation about race: Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, and Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, appear at a town hall meeting about racial issues. 6:30 p.m., Diablo Valley College cafeteria, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. More information is here.

APRIL 24

Legal marijuana: Is legalization of recreational use of marijuana a good idea? Panelists talk about the controversies, risks, and challenges surrounding legalization. Free. Noon, online and at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., Room 2201, San Francisco. More information is here.

APRIL 25

Housing crisis: A discussion about the struggle to build enough affordable housing in California. Panelists include state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco; Kate Hartley of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development; Matt Schwarz of the California Housing Partnership; Ramon Kochavi of Marcus and Millichap Commercial Real Estate Investment; Chris Martin of Housing California; and Zack Olmstead of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Free. 4 p.m., online and at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., Room 2201, San Francisco. More information is here.

Animal issues: State Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, speaks about humane issues to the East Bay Animal PAC. 5:30 p.m., Temescal Works, 490 43rd St., Oakland. RSVP and more information here.

Josh Harder/TJ Cox: Newly elected Central Valley Democratic House members hold a thank-you event with Bay Area campaign volunteers. Free, RSVP required. 6 p.m., Covo, 981 Mission St., San Francisco. More information and registration here.

Gun violence prevention: A community forum with Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and members of Congregation Shomrei Torah’s Social Action Committee. Free, RSVP encouraged. 7 p.m., 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. More information is here.

Documentary shorts: A screening of five documentary shorts as part of the Appreciating Diversity film series. Screenings include two by Elizabeth Lo, “Mothers Day” and “Hotel 22,” and the Oscar-nominated “4.1 Miles.” Free. 7 p.m., 325 Highland Ave, Piedmont. More information is here.

U.S.-North Korea: Kathleen Stephens, U.S. ambassador to South Korea under former President Barack Obama, discusses U.S. policy toward North Korea. Free. 6 p.m., Room 121, J. Paul Leonard Library, San Francisco State University, 1630 Holloway Ave. at 19th Avenue. More information is here.

Max Blumenthal: Journalist and author of “The Management of Savagery” analyzes how extremist forces that threaten peace across the globe are the end products of U.S. inevitable imperial designs. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. More information is here.

APRIL 25-27

Right-wing studies: UC Berkeley’s Center for Right-Wing Studies holds a three-day conference hosting scholars whose work deals with the right as a social, political andintellectual phenomenon from the 19th century to the present day. $25, $20 for students. Full agenda and more information are here.

APRIL 26

John Hickenlooper: Democratic presidential candidate and former Colorado governor speaks at the Commonwealth Club. $30 for nonmembers, $15 for students. Noon, 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

APRIL 27

Conversation about race: Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, and Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, appear at a town hall meeting about racial issues. Noon, Black Repertory Group Theater, 3201 Adeline St., Berkeley. More information is here.

Earth Day: The annual environmental celebration and cleanup day is marked by several events around the Bay Area. A list is here.

MAY 1

Brett McGurk: Former U.S. special envoy in the campaign against ISIS under President Trump and former President Barack Obama talks about his experiences and the direction of American foreign policy. $30 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 7

Criminal justice: Emily Bazelon, author of “Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration,” discusses the power of prosecutors. $25 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 11

Green New Deal: A town hall on the congressional climate-change resolution, sponsored by the Sunrise Movement. Free. 6:30 p.m., Rinconada library, 1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto. More information is here.

Newsom chief of staff: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff, Ann O’Leary, discusses her job and goals. $15. 7:30 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 15

New citizen voting: Democracy Action volunteers will register new citizens to vote following swearing-in ceremonies. Two sessions, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. More information is here.

MAY 29

Food system equity: A conversation about access, affordability and equity in the food system. Speakers include Danielle Nierenberg of Food Tank, Chronicle food writer Justin Phillips, Tom Philpott of Mother Jones, Leigh Gaymon-Jones of the Castanea Fellowship and Chez Panisse founder Alice Waters. $25. 7 p.m., SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco. More information is here.

To list an event, email Politics Editor Trapper Byrne at tbyrne@sfchronicle.com

Article source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Bay-Area-political-events-Climate-change-and-13750243.php

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San Francisco’s Housing Market Braces for an IPO Millionaire Wave

Posted on April 11, 2019 by

Real-estate agent Jeffrey Hyland and his team recently trawled Forbes’s wealth ranking and sifted through tech databases to identify the 50 people most likely to strike it megarich from the anticipated public offerings of tech unicorns like Uber, Palantir, Pinterest, Slack, Airbnb and Postmates.

The group then sent each of those 50 people an embossed box jammed full of glossy marketing materials for the property they are peddling: a $110 million parcel of land in Tiburon, just north of San Francisco.

…

Article source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/will-the-ipo-boom-blow-up-san-franciscos-housing-market-11554997194

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San Francisco’s IPO Panic Is All Hype

Posted on April 10, 2019 by

Will SF’s Housing Market Actually Get More Expensive, or Could It Keep Cooling Off?

The actual number of millionaires, post-tax, is one thing to consider?—?then there’s how many will have enough money left over to be able (and want to) buy a home in SF.

The assumption is, of course, that new tech IPOs will result in an overwhelming demand for real estate and drive prices up?—?new momentum promised for a city that has seen home prices cooling off over the past year. The current line from a lot of realtors: buy now or be priced out forever. But what if the industry is overestimating the demand and underestimating the increase in housing supply that will take place in SF? That’s exactly what Sam Dogen, founder of Financial Samurai, is afraid of.

While the IPOs could have some amount of impact on raising prices, they also very well couldn’t—in fact, there’s a plausible scenario where real estate keeps cooling off, Dogen warned.

San Franciscos IPO Panic Is All Hype

Given that the median home price is about $1.5 million in San Francisco and that most employees have been at their company for less than two years, are under 35 and make less than $200,000 annually, they probably don’t already have a 20 percent downpayment saved up. So in order to purchase a home in or above the median price range and still have a healthy budget for other expenses and be able to pay taxes, he estimates that they would have to sell at least $2 million in options.

Of those who could pull that off, he suspects that only a small percentage will want to. Then, there’s the issue of spending that much money to buy instead of rent or move elsewhere to make their money go further. After all, millennials, as everyone loves to point out, love spending their cash on experiences more than things. And many are wising up to whether SF is really the best place in which to invest in real estate.

Aside from the issue of demand, there’s the issue of supply.

The SF Bay Area real estate market has been dipping since mid-2018. Part of the reason: the inventory of homes for sale has been consistently growing and is now at a seven-year high?—?a fact that’s often overlooked. Why such a surge? Dogen credits that to many factors, including an aging population, increased congestion and general unaffordability. “There is a demographic shift away from SF to lower-cost places,” he said.

“There’s a good chance the tech-IPO hoopla will awaken a slumbering bear of homeowners in the SF Bay Area who flood the market with new supply.”

Dogen thinks that supply number will only grow as more sellers try to cash in over the next two years. A lot of homeowners, he believes, are sitting pretty but are waiting for the right time to sell, having chosen to hold off in 2017 and even 2018 as the real estate market became weaker. Many are now thinking that 2019 and 2020 are the ideal times to sell, when, they are being told, an IPO surge will lift prices back to an all-time high.

45e65 1%2AKdll33neeN2WY3SQK97sFQ San Franciscos IPO Panic Is All Hype
Courtesy of Realtor.com

But what happens when they all try to sell within the same time frame in an underwhelming market? The greater surge of supply could potentially even outweigh demand, resulting in a decrease in prices instead of an increase when the IPO rush is said and done.

“There’s a good chance the tech-IPO hoopla will awaken a slumbering bear of homeowners in the SF Bay Area who flood the market with new supply,” Dogen writes in his piece “How New Tech IPOs Could Cause SF Bay Area Real Estate Prices to Fall Further.” “But things could get even worse given how slowly it usually takes for homeowners to read headlines, contact an agent and prepare their home for sale. The Johnny-come-latelies would create even more supply past the new equilibrium, thoroughly overwhelming demand.”

That is, of course, just one scenario. But it is a plausible scenario.

When the Hype has Real Consequences

Nearly everyone I spoke to worried about the overconfidence in this year’s IPO rush and its consequences, whether that means people betting too much on stocks, deciding to buy a home before they’re financially ready, deciding not to sell when they should or something else.

“It’s been 10 years of boom, so we have a group of 35-and-under people who have never experienced a bust?—?there’s a feeling that they can’t lose,” said Dogen. “I worry people are getting caught up in the mania, in a sexy headline being shared around, so they are acting in ways that will put them at financial risk.”

Speculators use things like the IPOs and take advantage of industry booms to drive up prices and drive out long-term tenants.

And those aren’t the only effects. One particularly compelling part of the NYT piece mentions a meeting of housing-rights activists in the Mission district, quoting Sarah “Fred” Sherburn-Zimmer, the executive director of the Housing Rights Committee of San Francisco, as saying, “It’s going to mean mass displacement,” about “the coming wealth influx.”

But Sherburn-Zimmer says that quote wasn’t the full picture of what she was saying—it didn’t include the context of real estate speculation. The IPOs may or may not wildly impact housing prices, she said, but the hype around them certainly will. Speculators use things like IPOs and take advantage of industry booms to drive up prices or drive out long-term tenants. Representatives should be doing more to protect tenants from these threats on an ongoing basis, she says.

“It’s a cycle: they create speculation, which gets reported on, which feeds the fire, which causes landlords to start saying they can get twice as much money to pressure tenants out,” she said. “No matter whether this wave ends up being big or small, average folks lose.”

In a sense, that’s what it comes down to. What we’re seeing is a self-fulfilling prophecy not just in the NYT but across media, real estate and the tech sectors: creating hype without giving thought to other, less dramatic scenarios based on facts, or what the very real impact of that in and of itself may be on our city.

San Francisco has a lot of very real issues now. People are struggling now. That’s not to say that unaffordability might not get worse. It very well might. Thinking and planning for the future is one thing; wasting energy by panicking about a doomsday scenario is another. Let’s focus on creating a city that can better withstand tech’s ebbs and flows. One we can and want to live in now.

Article source: https://thebolditalic.com/san-franciscos-ipo-panic-is-all-hype-4f02e8272c08

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Bay Area political events: Reproductive rights, covering refugee crises

Posted on April 10, 2019 by

Upcoming political events in the Bay Area.

TUESDAY

Reproductive rights: Panel of experts and activists discusses legal state of reproductive rights around the country. Sponsored by United Democratic Club. Free. 5:30 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

WEDNESDAY

Covering refugee crises: How politics complicates journalists’ job of covering migrant refugee crises. A discussion with Giovanna Dell’Orto, associate professor at the University of Minnesota’s Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication and affiliated faculty at the Center for German and European Studies and department of political science. $20 for non-World Affairs Council members, $7 for students. 6:30 p.m., 312 Sutter St., Suite 200, San Francisco. More information is here.

Religious liberty: Judge Kyle Duncan of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals discusses the intersection of religious liberty and the administrative state. Sponsored by the Bay Area Federalist Society. $10 for nonmembers. 6:30 p.m., Gibson, Dunn Crutcher, 555 Mission St., Suite 3000, San Francisco. More information is here.

THURSDAY

Valerie Jarrett: Former adviser to President Barack Obama discusses her book “Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward,” in a Commonwealth Club event. $35 for nommembers, $10 for students. Noon, Marines Memorial Theater, 609 Sutter St., San Francisco. More information is here.

Women’s equality in California: Authors of “Paving the Way: Women’s Struggle for Political Equality in California” talk about their work. Free. 4 p.m., Institute of Governmental Studies library, 109 Moses Hall, UC Berkeley. More information is here.

Women at the Supreme Court: Panel discussion with women litigators who have made more than 50 appearances combined before the U.S. Supreme Court. Free. 6 p.m., UC Berkeley School of Law, Warren Room, 295 Simon Hall, 2745 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. More information is here.

FRIDAY

Trump-Russia hoax: A socialist analysis of the Mueller report and the need to build a movement for social justice. $3-$10. 7 p.m., 2969 Mission St., San Francisco. More information is here.

SUNDAY

Eric Swalwell: East Bay Democratic congressman holds a constituent catch-up meeting. 2 p.m., Dublin High School, 8151 Village Pkwy., Dublin.

APRIL 16

Young women in politics: Political and Proud CA celebrates young women who are leaders in the greater Alameda community. Discussion panels on Effective Organizing and Leadership, moderated “Rad Women” series author Kate Schatz, and on Young Women Paving the Way in Male-Dominated Fields, moderated by Alameda school board President Mia Bonta. Free, registration encouraged. 6:30 p.m., Encinal Junior and Senior High School Student Center, 210 Central Ave., Alameda. More information is here.

Tech’s effect on S.F.: “Silicon City” author Cary McClelland and journalist Kim-Mai Cutler in a conversation about the changes the digital economy has brought to San Francisco. $15. 6 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

“Charm City”: Screening of a documentary about violence in Baltimore and how a group of police, citizens, community leaders and government officials tried to combat it. Followed by a roundtable discussion. Free. 6:30 p.m., Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Ave., Oakland. More information is here.

APRIL 17

Sean Spicer: Former press secretary for President Trump talks about media bias and the threat it poses to the U.S. Sponsored by Berkeley College Republicans. Free. 7 p.m., Evans Hall, UC Berkeley. More information is here.

William Burns: Former deputy secretary of state and former ambassador to Russia in conversation at the Commonwealth Club with ex-Rep. Ellen Tauscher. $25 for members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

New citizen voting: Democracy Action volunteers will register new citizens to vote following swearing-in ceremonies. Two sessions, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. More information is here.

Russia’s re-emergence: A discussion about Russia’s re-emergence as a global power, with Angela Stent, director of the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies at Georgetown University. $20 for nonmembers of the World Affairs Council, $7 for students. 6:30 p.m. World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., Suite 200, San Francisco. More information is here.

APRIL 18

Lawrence Lessig: Harvard legal scholar gives a TED+Salon talk on the future of democracy. Comedian Will Durst opens. $32.50 and up. 7:30 p.m., Angelico Hall, Dominican University, 50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael. More information is here.

APRIL 19

Immigration issues: A discussion of immigration issues threatening vulnerable communities. Panelists include Catherine Tactaquin, executive director of the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Martha Ockenfels-Martinez of Human Impact Partners; and Lara Kiswani, executive director of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center. Free. 6:30 p.m., Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 Ninth St., Suite 290. More information is here.

APRIL 22

S.F. environment: Debbie Raphael, director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment, holds a QA. Free. 6:30 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

APRIL 23

Conversation about race: Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, and Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, appear at a town hall meeting about racial issues. 6:30 p.m., Diablo Valley College cafeteria, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. More information is here.

APRIL 24

Legal marijuana: Is legalization of recreational use of marijuana a good idea? Panelists talk about the controversies, risks, and challenges surrounding legalization. Free. Noon, online and at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., Room 2201, San Francisco. More information is here.

APRIL 25

Housing crisis: A discussion about the struggle to build enough affordable housing in California. Panelists include state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco; Kate Hartley of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development; Matt Schwarz of the California Housing Partnership; Ramon Kochavi of Marcus and Millichap Commercial Real Estate Investment; Chris Martin of Housing California; and Zack Olmstead of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Free. 4 p.m., online and at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., Room 2201, San Francisco. More information is here.

Animal issues: State Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, speaks about humane issues to the East Bay Animal PAC. 5:30 p.m., Temescal Works, 490 43rd St., Oakland. RSVP and more information here.

Josh Harder/TJ Cox: Newly elected Central Valley Democratic House members hold a thank-you event with Bay Area campaign volunteers. Free, RSVP required. 6 p.m., Covo, 981 Mission St., San Francisco. More information and registration here.

Gun violence prevention: A community forum with Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and members of Congregation Shomrei Torah’s Social Action Committee. Free, RSVP encouraged. 7 p.m., 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. More information is here.

Documentary shorts: A screening of five documentary shorts as part of the Appreciating Diversity film series. Screenings include two by Elizabeth Lo, “Mothers Day” and “Hotel 22,” and the Oscar-nominated “4.1 Miles.” Free. 7 p.m., 325 Highland Ave, Piedmont. More information is here.

U.S.-North Korea: Kathleen Stephens, U.S. ambassador to South Korea under former President Barack Obama, discusses U.S. policy toward North Korea. Free. 6 p.m., Room 121, J. Paul Leonard Library, San Francisco State University, 1630 Holloway Ave. at 19th Avenue. More information is here.

Max Blumenthal: Journalist and author of “The Management of Savagery” analyzes how extremist forces that threaten peace across the globe are the end products of U.S. inevitable imperial designs. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. More information is here.

APRIL 25-27

Right-wing studies: UC Berkeley’s Center for Right-Wing Studies holds a three-day conference hosting scholars whose work deals with the right as a social, political andintellectual phenomenon from the 19th century to the present day. $25, $20 for students. Full agenda and more information are here.

APRIL 27

Conversation about race: Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, and Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, appear at a town hall meeting about racial issues. Noon, Black Repertory Group Theater, 3201 Adeline St., Berkeley. More information is here.

Earth Day: The annual environmental celebration and cleanup day is marked by several events around the Bay Area. A list is here.

MAY 1

Brett McGurk: Former U.S. special envoy in the campaign against ISIS under President Trump and former President Barack Obama talks about his experiences and the direction of American foreign policy. $30 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 7

Criminal justice: Emily Bazelon, author of “Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration,” discusses the power of prosecutors. $25 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 11

Green New Deal: A town hall on the congressional climate-change resolution, sponsored by the Sunrise Movement. Free. 6:30 p.m., Rinconada library, 1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto. More information is here.

Newsom chief of staff: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff, Ann O’Leary, discusses her job and goals. $15. 7:30 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 15

New citizen voting: Democracy Action volunteers will register new citizens to vote following swearing-in ceremonies. Two sessions, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. More information is here.

MAY 29

Food system equity: A conversation about access, affordability and equity in the food system. Speakers include Danielle Nierenberg of Food Tank, Chronicle food writer Justin Phillips, Tom Philpott of Mother Jones, Leigh Gaymon-Jones of the Castanea Fellowship and Chez Panisse founder Alice Waters. $25. 7 p.m., SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco. More information is here.

To list an event, email Politics Editor Trapper Byrne at tbyrne@sfchronicle.com

Article source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Bay-Area-political-events-Climate-change-and-13750243.php

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