In This Issue

IN A LETTER that runs on page 6 of this issue, state senator John Burton, in his usual subtle style, suggests we at the Bay Guardian "ought to get our heads our of our ass" and give Mayor Gavin Newsom more credit for his dramatic gay-marriage initiative.

Burton's got a point. I'll admit it: I was slow to praise Newsom. So let me say, now and for the permanent record, that what the mayor of San Francisco has done here is profoundly important. He's taken a bold step that has put this city where it ought to be, at the forefront of what is quickly becoming a national revolution. Ten years from now this battle will be long over, and gay marriage will be part of life in the United States, and Newsom will go down in history as one of the pioneers. These days, like almost everyone I know, I'm particularly proud to be a San Franciscan, and Newsom is very much a part of that.

And now that Newsom has become (rightly) an international star on the civil rights scene, he's gone and vetoed Sup. Chris Daly's housing demolition ban – and although it's a bit early to define his mayoral administration, I think what we've seen in the past few weeks gives a strong hint of what's in the future. Newsom wants to be a reformer, and I hope he carries out his promises to eliminate his predecessor's climate of political sleaze (he can start by endorsing SCA 1 and taking a leadership role in the statewide campaign for greater sunshine – see page 16). And on social issues – even tough, controversial social issues – he may turn out to be a real progressive.

But on economic issues and things involving the powerful people whose money put him in office – like Daly's demolition ban – he's going to be with downtown most, if not all, of the time.

It's an interesting political mix – a fearless, crusading social liberal and reformer who's also a pro-developer fiscal conservative – and the reception he's gotten so far suggests that, whatever he is, Newsom is no political fool. There was a time when almost every civil rights leader, and almost every queer activist, was also something of a progressive on economic issues, but (sigh) that's no longer the case.

So yeah, Senator Burton, the mayor deserves credit. You go, Gavin. We're still keeping an eye on you.