Archive for November, 2008

After a lengthy rebuild process, the final beam is going to be put into place. While this doesn’t mean construction is finished, it is an important milestone. Like any important milestone it calls for a party, and even Mayor Ed Lee will be there for the party. WARNING TO ALL: champagne and forklifts do NOT mix (you can also add pile drivers, jack hammers, cranes, and nail guns to that list too).

The Mayor looks to approve a plan that would bring local, sustainable food to San Francisco. With the new policy comes discussions of alternative energy use and regional food branding.

Willie Brown discusses George Moscone’s legend, Dianne Feinstein’s future political plans, and Black Friday’s success in our slumping economy.

Mayor Newsom’s Project Homeless Connect was the lastest to hit the chopping block of the Budget Committee’s cuts yesterday.

New School Board members will take their seats in January, and will almost immediately face issues such as budget cuts and changes to the school assignment process.

Ah, Valencia Street. Right there, next to Mission Street, the cultural hub of the Mission District. First floor? $11 Coffee. Second floor? Skinny jeans! And now on the third floor, the place where you get your ironic tattoo. Yes, Valencia Street is changing and Supervisor Campos is investigating whether or not a moratorium on restaurants should be considered, while also making it easier for health services (massage and tattoo, anyone?) to be located on the corridor. As a proud dweller adjacent to Valencia Street, I’ll say this: fewer hipsters, more burritos, please.

Everything you ever wanted to know about our iconic public transit vehicles and MORE!

How will the Mayor and the incoming Board of Supervisors get along? If history is any indication…

Termed out Supes are busy working to get legislation passed before they lose their titles.

Newly received federal stimulus dollars will be used to conduct repairs on hundreds of public housing units, and prepare Hunter’s View for reconstruction.

There will be new bike lanes on a three-block stretch on both Fell and Oak, removing some parking. Cycling and pedestrian advocates were pleased, while some motor vehicle drivers and business owners were not. In related news, paint stripers and people who like the sound of bicycle bells were happy, although people who hate helmets and transportation that involves self-propulsion were displeased.

Potential candidates line up for open supervisoral races in 2010.

Supervisor proposes new chain store restrictions for Van Ness Avenue.

Bay Guardian writers wonder if San Francisco could benefit from its own New Deal.

The Bay Guardian takes a swipe at the Redevelopment Agency and the Planning Department for their decision to give the public only 15 extra days to review the draft environmental impact report for the Candlestick development.  If you’re looking for a little light holiday reading, the 4,400 page report is available for public review.

Nonprofit directors will not have limits placed on their salaries by legislation.

The Board of Supervisors approves a plan to shift oversight of taxis to the Municipal Transportation Authority.

Following the lead of public libraries, the Planning Department offers amnesty for a limited time to Eastern Neighborhoods property owners not in compliance with the area’s new zoning laws.

As tax revenues lag behind previous projections, the city’s Health Commission asks that its programs be spared some of the pain.

Mayor Dellums fills five positions left open in Oakland, nominating Dan Lindheim to the key post of city administrator after Deborah Edgerly’s controversy rocked city government.

 The City files suit against two Public Utilities Commission employees in response to an alleged kickback scheme.

A new television drama is slated to begin filming in San Francisco this summer and Supervisor Alioto-Pier attempts to extend the City’s current film-incentive program for another three years.

The Examiner reports on a Civil Service Commission hearing to review allegations of wrongdoing in the Police Department.

The lights in San Francisco shine a bit more dimly this morning, as people learn of Barbara Newsom’s passing. Representative to the United Nations, champion of women’s rights, sister-in-law and aunt of a United States Speaker and a San Francisco Mayor, husband to a San Francisco Supervisor, and as Grandma Barbara, founder of the World Explorer’s Club, Barbara strode this earth with confidence, determination, and joie de vivre. Her family is in our thoughts today.

San Francisco’s schools are feeling the pinch, and considering cutting back on busing to help conserve some cash. A whole new generation of children will now have the opportunity to complain about walking two miles to school, in the cold, uphill… both ways.