SAN FRANCISCO — Covered California's upcoming annual open enrollment will begin on November 1 and last until January 31 for the 2026 health insurance coverage. The California-State-sponsored agency announced that the average health plan rate was expected to increase 10.3% in 2026. Experts on health care services are concerned that more Californians will become uninsured because of the big raise and affordability.

SAN FRANCISCO — The recall election to remove District 4 (D4) Supervisor Joel Engardio will be held on September 16. Voters in D4 may begin to vote on the recall starting August 18 by mail, early voting at City Hall, or dropping off ballots at three locations.

SAN FRANCISCO — Under the PermitSF legislative package introduced by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie to drive the city's economic recovery and support small businesses, some of the ordinances take effect on August 16 including the elimination of permit fees for sidewalk displays and storefront awnings.

When people turn 65, many face a shift in their health insurance coverage. Some may feel unsettled or frustrated to find out that their Medicaid coverage ends. In this month’s column, we will explain why this happens and what options may still be available.

OAKLAND — Two banks in Oakland Chinatown were broken into by a U-Haul truck almost at the same time lately that has shocked the local Asian community on the crime situation in Oakland. The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce demanded stronger police presence and announced more surveillance cameras to be installed to protect the community.

Dear Editor,

SAN FRANCISCO — Rita F. Lin has always believed in the U.S. legal system for justice. She has had vast experience in both criminal and civil practice on federal and state levels. But she didn't expect herself one day to become the first Chinese American woman judge in the 175-year history of the U.S. District Court in Northern California.

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Chinatown has a profound history as the oldest Chinatown in North America, the oldest Chinese school for teaching Chinese languages in North America was also established in San Francisco Chinatown in 1888.

SAN FRANCISCO — On August 5, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) began issuing speeding citations at 33 intersections across the city to drivers who were traveling at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit. The data collected during the period issuing warnings instead of citations indicated that Fulton Street between Arguello Boulevard and 2nd Avenue in the Richmond District stood out, having most drivers to be issued with warnings for speeding violations.

SAN FRANCISCO — The pedestrian bridge connected the Hilton Hotel to Portsmouth Square has been an icon and landmark of San Francisco Chinatown for over five decades. It also has had a profound Chinese American history of fighting for representation, providing a peaceful and safe open space for children and seniors, and good Feng Shui bringing in well-being to Chinatown. Leaders and members of the Chinese community have been trying hard to save the bridge from being removed by the city under the approved plan of Portsmouth Square renovation.