Archive for December, 2008

The Chron reports on how San Francisco and other counties are bracing for cuts, and the Examiner reports on how folks no longer working for the City due to layoff notices still cost the City money…

CW Nevius of Chronicle writes about the changes occurring in one of San Francisco’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

M&R comment on the fact that - even as the state is experiencing a record deficit - all but two of the newly minted members of the California legislature have leased new cars on the state’s dime. Meanwhile, Supervisor Peskin and former Supervisor Angela Alioto have a (spirited) conversation and the budget cuts may soon affect the city’s legal wing.

And now, we say those magic six words that tingle everyone’s spine: "David Latterman has crunched the data." Yeah, yeah, we know, "I love you forever and ever" is sexier, but this is a page about San Francisco politics. Click over to our Deleon and Latterman page and read what the Fall Line Analytics guru has to say about what happened and why.

Josh Sabatini of the Examiner pores over the campaign finance reports and tells us who spent what and how public financing worked and how much was spent in each district and a whole bunch of other stuff. Read up.

When is my bus coming, Muni patrons ask? Well, given the given the state of the economy, the light at the end of the tunnel is probably NOT going to be an oncoming train. The budget deficit is forcing Muni planners to play catch-up, rather than moving our system forward. (And if you haven’t seen the original cartoon from which the headline is taken, please click here. Nobody does it better than the New Yorker.)

In efforts to address the continuing issue of homelessness in the city, Mayor Gavin Newsom has introduced a new program, Daily Homeless Connect.  As a spinoff to the existing Project Homeless Connect, the new program is expected to begin in February 2011 and operate year round.

Today we get an update on the renovation of San Francisco’s #1 revenue generator, the Moscone Center, with a glance at its potential to draw more high-spending tourists and conventions to the city following its ambitious underground expansion and makeover.

The duo highlights some startling facts related to the recent and tragic murder of a single mother, new athletic fields on Treasure Island, and the Governor’s welcome present to the state’s new crop of legislators.

The investigation of the slaying of journalist Chauncey Bailey takes a twist with the introduction of a new (and detailed) witness account.

 Da Mayor comments on his recent dining experience with the State Attorney General and other SF politicos, the latest movie reviews, this year’s auto show, and the joys of strolling along San Francisco streets.

Proposed plans for Treasure Island have been awarded the 2008 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award in the sustainable communities category. I wonder what color the medal is…

C.W. Nevius revisits the Tenderloin Candid Camera that became a world wide internet sensation, and its effects on the intrepid videographer who created the site. Note to self: don’t post your personal information on the internet…

The Bay Area Reporter discusses the impacts layoffs will have on the Department of Public Health.

The verdict is in: the State will shell out $335,000 to the woman whose car was hit during former Senator Carole Migden’s infamous drive through Solano County.

In an attempt to address the growing budget deficit, Supervisor Peskin suggests a number of cuts, including reducing funding for the arts.

The Chronicle reports on the Mayor’s apparent lack of attention to San Francisco’s budget problems in his State of the City address.

 A recent report shows SF Police have made arrests in only 26 percent of homicide cases this year.

Supervisor David Campos has officially filed for re-election for District 9 supe.

Owners of condos purchased long ago under a City affordable housing program are debating rules on how they can use or sell their property.

The Board of Supervisors adopts legislation bannning advertisements for alcohol on City property.

Whoever said remembering how to ride a bike is the easiest part will be getting a run for their money come 2012, as the regional bike sharing plan B-cycle will make riding a bike in SF as easy as swiping a card at a designated location.

The Mayor’s office seeks to expand the popular street closing program and bring it to other neighborhoods throughout the city.

Its not quite Rockefeller Plaza, but the holiday lights on McLaren Lodge’s Cypress go live tonight.

Facing a $500 million shortfall, the mid-year budget cuts will be announced tomorrow. Expect layoffs, service cuts, and some vocal outrage.