Archive for February, 2009

The Examiner columnist discusses a lawsuit filed by the City Attorney’s Office against a parking lot operator accused of shorting tax revenues owed to the city.

At a City Hall hearing convened by Supervisor Campos, residents give testimony accusing the San Francisco Police Department of racial profiling.

The city’s transit planners are contemplating converting several one-way thoroughfares throughout the city into two-way streets.

The Examiner takes a look at a shooting this weekend in the Western Addition, and what it means for the status of the SFPD’s gang injunction in the area. Supervisor Mirkarimi and City Attorney Herrara weigh in on how the incident will impact the neighborhood.

The Chronicle columnist questions the recent fight in the Mission over a proposed chain store, and the reaction from the district’s home supervisor.

Mayor Newsom readies to send City officials to DC to ensure San Francisco gets its piece of the $787 billion stimulus pie.

Supervisor Chu’s proposed legislation to aid victims of domestic violence heads before the Board tomorrow.

San Francisco is the recipient of a large grant to study the effectiveness of the Healthy San Francisco program. The Board votes tomorrow on whether or not to approve the required matching funds from the Department of Public Heath.

Following up on yesterday’s piece on the generational gap between gubernatorial candidates Gavin Newsom and Jerry Brown, the Chronicle examines the online presence of a variety of world leaders.   Prime Minister Gordon Brown has a LOT of catching up to do.

Our Mayor speaks about the Obama stimulus plan as well as our own local stimulus plan and how there are still great challenges that lay ahead.

The Mayor and Board President Chiu meet with local CEOs to get an update on the private sector economy and how The City might help.

The Examiner reports on the difficulty in raising cash to rebuild the Golden Gate horse stables.

The Chronicle covers the impact of the shortage of mammogram doctors and the resulting delays occuring for our city’s patients.

With the passage of Proposition A in 2007, additional funding for Muni was authorized by the power of the voter.  While these funds have been available to other departments, severe budget cuts have forced cash-strapped departments to ask Muni for a lot more than it can pay out, thus begging the question, whose money is it?

As the Exploratorium plans to make its new home along The Embarcadero, the much needed safety precautions to protect marine life may impact the project’s construction.

The Bay Area Reporter’s weekly political column weighs in on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, Harvey Milk Day, and several LGBT candidates throughout the Golden State.

The Examiner reports that despite attempts to gain federal stimulus money, Muni’s deep budget woes will prevent the much needed repair on many of its vehicles. The bottom red line: services may have to be cut.

Supervisor Bevan Dufty shares his thoughts about new methods to help prevent the spread of HIV, and how his efforts to get the word out have resulted in a few unwanted messages that have popped up on billboards throughout the city.

Preempting the closure of some of the city’s fire stations, the San Francisco Fire Commission brainstorms how to save the agency some big ones.  One proposed idea is to have private ambulances cough up half of their fees for transporting patients to the hospital when fire trucks are usually the first responders.  Another idea is to eliminate random drug testing of firemen.  Stay tuned to see if any of these ideas turn golden.

A task force is looking into whether the City should be required to sell biodiesel at all gas stations, and if the type of fuel is the culprit of Muni’s problems with clogged air filters.

The SFBG reviews a few ideas being floated to help our budget problems, but explains why they feel the ideas will only lead to additonal problems down the line.

The Mayor and the School District work together to find $11.5M to protect teacher and administrator jobs.  Will it be enough?

The Board of Supervisors comes up short in overriding two mayoral vetoes concerning the community court in the Tenderloin, and height restrictions for the New MIssion Theater. A few Supervisors cry foul.

The Guardian reports on the efforts of Board President Chiu to reach a budget consensus.

Thanks to a new trusty video surveillance system called DriveCam, Muni bus accidents decreased by half last year. Wowzers!