Archive for April, 2009

Despite the statewide increase in student dropout rates, San Francisco is proud to say that it is seeing a gradual decrease in dropouts at its schools.

The San Francisco Democratic Party Unity Luncheon becomes the focal point for a conflict over the future of development in San Francisco.  Yep - the “Unity” Luncheon.  Oh irony - how cruel thy sting!

The SF Weekly reports on the politics of the Police Commission, how it’s broken, and the need for reform.

Cost savings realized by reducing the number of street-sweepers seems to have been more than offset by the reduction in the number of tickets written for street-sweeping violations.  Hmmmm.

Barbary Coast Consulting is looking for an impressive college student to intern with us this fall. If you know someone who would be a great fit, please direct him or her here. The application period extends through Friday, September 16, so get those stellar applications in ASAP!

San Francisco finds itself entangled in an inheritance battle, all in the name of art for the M.H. de Young Memorial Museum.

As Nob Hill residents try to clean up the graffiti from their neighborhood in order to avoid City fees, many historic buildings are getting an unpleasant makeover from the cover-up.

The Bay Guardian examines what the latest Supes vote regarding the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District Board of Directors says about the parallel progressive and labor movements and the future relationship of the two.

Get ready for the warm weather and the season of street fairs. Better have your pocketbook ready too, these street fairs may not be free for long.

With one week to go until its annual celebration, the San Francisco Bay Guardian reports on Earth Day’s origins.

Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi and his partner Eliana Lopez welcome a little boy to their family. Insiders claim there’s a 50/50 chance of young ‘Barack Mirkarimi’ making his debut at City Hall in coming weeks…

Mayor Gavin Newsom picks up two endorsements - one from a world-famous politician - in his quest for Governor.

The Public Safety Committee is expected to vote tomorrow on Supervisor David Chiu’s legislation that will allow the SFMTA to crackdown on illegal taxis in the city.

The Examiner reports on the recent arrest of a smog check station owner, and why San Francisco is cracking down on those cheating the smog system.

The Chronicle takes a closer look at the tumultuous journey of the recently denied 555 Washington housing development and the politics surrounding similar projects.

The Examiner reports on the closing of a popular nightclub following a recent shooting and the related legislation pending at the Board of Supervisors that would give the police more flexibility to close down nightclubs that are plagued with violence.

The Chronicle takes a look at the green transportation habits of Bay Area mayors.  So far Berkeley’s mayor seems to be taking the greatest strides to reduce his carbon footprint.  Literally.

Under a new plan, the MTA will have more direct oversight of SFPD officers assigned to the traffic beat, and won’t have to pay as steep a price for their services.

The Examiner reports that in exchange for zoning changes back in 2005, SoMa developers in the Rincon Hill area agreed to pay special fees to  support community benefit efforts.  And, five years later, they stayed true to their word, doling out $2 million which is being split amongst 19 nonprofits.  Talk about Let’s Make a Deal, ey?

Public Defender Jeff Adachi anticipates the need to end a successful drug treatment program due to budget constraints.

Governor Schwarzenegger vetoes the bill that would have banned gun shows at the Cow Palace.

Ken Garcia discusses the tribute to philanthropist Warren Hellman that’s in the works.

The Examiner reports on the slow development that has followed the unveiling of the T-Third line.

Report shows that San Francisco does a good job of building housing at both ends of the income spectrum, but is challenged in constructing middle income housing.