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The student-run magazine of San Francisco State University

Xpress Magazine

The student-run magazine of San Francisco State University

Xpress Magazine

The student-run magazine of San Francisco State University

Xpress Magazine

Ben Rubin

Ben Rubin, Staff Reporter

Ben Rubin (he/him) is a staff reporter for Xpress Magazine. He’s a fourth-year student at SF State pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in political science. Originally from the East Bay, he’s lived throughout the Bay Area and now resides in Oakland. Previously, he interned for Alameda Neighborhood News, a small independent online newspaper. In his spare time, he enjoys being with close friends and loved ones, listening to music, reading the news and cooking. 

All content by Ben Rubin
District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan at a San Francisco Candidate Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of San Francisco, in the Mission Bay Conference Center on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (Giselle Garza Lerma / Xpress Magazine)

A Conversation With Connie Chan

Ben Rubin, Staff Reporter
May 15, 2026

In June, San Francisco residents will vote in a top-two primary election for the 11th Congressional District to decide which two candidates will be on November’s general election ballot to replace former...

Saikat Chakrabarti, candidate for the 11th Congressional District, is campaigning for the youth vote in San Francisco. (Photo courtesy of Saikat Chakrabarti)

A Conversation with Saikat Chakrabarti

Ben Rubin, Staff Reporter
April 12, 2026

In November, San Francisco residents will vote for the 11th Congressional District candidates. Amplified pressure lies on the candidates after former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is not running for...

Dave Hodges handles a strain of psychedelic mushrooms known as “Loving Teacher,” as indicated by the stamped-on hearts. (Julian Olson / Xpress Magazine)

Churches and Clinics: Psychedelic Health

Ben Rubin, Staff Reporter
March 12, 2026

On a rainy morning in a sleepy part of the Oakland hills, Dave Hodges, founder and pastor of Zide Door — an Oakland-based church of entheogenic plants — sits in the living room of what he calls the...

Xpress reporter Ben Rubin reads hateful messages on Yik Yak in response to his request asking for users to share their experiences on the app. (Julian Olson / Xpress Magazine)

Anonymity: A Double-edged Sword

Ben Rubin, Staff Reporter
February 19, 2026

Much of the posting done on Yik Yak, and other similar anonymous social media platforms, is somewhat akin to bathroom graffiti — short, often impulsive messages that can be humorous, maybe even insightful,...

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The student-run magazine of San Francisco State University
Ben Rubin