Archive for December, 2008

(OK, that title was a bit too obvious.  Sorry.)  But in any event, the Board of Supes takes up the problem of unauthorized towing companies preying on our drivers.  Because, Dude, you should know where your car is.

Folks at the 911 call center and politicians talk about the changes that have led to fewer delays.  Bravo!

The impacts of the declining price of cardboard are felt on the streets of San Francisco.

From December 24 through January 1, the Barbary Coast elves are going to sleep in a little, and Suspects will be updated only sporadically. Please use the Internets and the watercooler to get your political fixes, and we’ll see you next year!

Matier and Ross tell you everything you need to know about that BART shooting, political maneuvering in Oakland, and a party Mayor Newsom is throwing with an intriguingly broad guest list.

The good news: the City is getting $35M from folks like Priceline and Travelocity to settle a dispute over hotel room taxes.  The bad news: it’s got to sit in a bank account until a lawsuit ends.  Fingers crossed…

A Berkeley group sues, saying that Care Not Cash discriminates against the disabled homeless.

Former Mayor Brown comments on the Illinois Governor’s scandal, the party of the year, and his latest conversation with Quincy Jones.

The duo comments on Chief Fong’s retirement, the 2010 gubernatorial race, Ron Dellums’ next possible job, and more…

The Chron looks at the number of murders that took place in 2008, and the challenges facing our next police chief.

The Examiner reports on a legal challenge to Proposition M, and what it all means for renters and their landlords.

The Chronicle discusses the number of people who have yet to buy holiday gifts, and the Mayor and Chamber’s efforts to get them shopping. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in my procrastination.

Staffers for Supervisors particiapate in the 2nd annual Holiday Treat Throwdown.

Incoming Supervisors join a few current members on the steps of City Hall to rally for immigration rights.

Leaders of the local gay community protest the choice of an evangelical pastor known for anti-gay comments to give the inaugural prayer.

The Examiner columnist discusses the governor’s race, the impact of budget cuts on the City’s attorneys, and whether we should change the name of Election Day to Suggestion Day.

A Mission District taco truck is refusing to leave its longtime place of business near O’Connell High School. Can we compromise with daily visits from the Tamale Lady instead?

The overturning of the ban on stem cell research means local research organizations can use their facilties more effectively.

The Examiner reports San Francisco is the third busiest city in the nation when it comes to holding citywide events. I think a street fair is in order to celebrate.

Burnell Holland, former Editor-In-Chief of Usual Suspects, reallyreally wants a job in the Obama administration. You can help him to earn one, just by saying something nice about him. Would you, please? Please please? We invite you to read more about our effort here, and then visit the Burnell For Obama website and do something swell for a guy who has been working his entire life to build up the good karma - and who will work his tail off for the incoming President. Thank you.

The duo reports on an unlikely state Supreme Court Case that kicked off this week, the pay cut for Oakland politicians that never was, and recent inductees into the California Hall of Fame.

The SF Weekly reports that U-visas for non-citizen victims of crimes are being issued with hesitation by the SFPD. After the recent experience of the Juvenile Probation Department in shielding immigrants that eventually went on to commit crimes, some might not blame ‘em.

A hearing on Supervisor Peskin’s proposal to put the kibosh on $35M in planned wage increases for City workers was put on hold yesterday, as the rest of the Board takes some time to marinate in the Mayor’s proposed cuts.

While much of the City is busy counting beans, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is counting potholes and (un)celebrates the identification of number 1000.

David Latterman brings some needed order to our chaotic little world as Fall Line Analytics delivers its RCV Analysis of the November 2008 election for your reading pleasure.