So when we heard that a recent senior community theater production left participants and audiences with what can only be described as a "lasting sting," we wanted to dig in. The details are still emerging, but the broader picture is one we've seen before in this city: community spaces that are underfunded, underappreciated, and left to fend for themselves while San Francisco funnels billions into programs with far less tangible community impact.

Let's put some numbers in perspective. The city's budget has ballooned past $14 billion — yes, billion with a B — and yet senior community centers across the city operate on shoestring budgets, relying heavily on volunteers and donated supplies. These are spaces where older San Franciscans find purpose, connection, and something to do besides stare at a wall wondering why their property taxes keep climbing.

Community theater isn't glamorous. It's not going to win any Tony Awards. But it represents exactly the kind of organic, self-directed community building that government programs spend millions trying (and usually failing) to manufacture. When seniors organize a production themselves, that's social infrastructure that costs taxpayers virtually nothing.

Whatever went sideways with this particular production, the real drama isn't on stage — it's at City Hall, where decision-makers consistently prioritize flashy new initiatives over maintaining the basic community spaces that actually work.

SF's seniors have earned the right to their spotlight. The least the city can do is make sure the lights stay on.