Archive for April, 2009

The Board of Supervisors gives the Mayor a preview of their funding priorities for the coming year’s budget.

…at least as far as the library is concerned.  Get your books back to the library soon, and they’ll pretend that you don’t owe a fine.  Everybody wins!

The Guardian opines that as Mayor Newsom advocates for changes in the auto industry, his role should focus on handling the economic crisis and advocating for the green transformation of his own city.

The Guardian argues that federal money targeted for green jobs must go towards communities that need the stimulus the most.

If the State Legislature doesn’t vote today to hold a June 21 special election, art, music, and physical education programs, plus approximately 500 teachers, aides, and other department staff, may be on the chopping block.

Muni plans to install $2 million of video camera equipment in its buses in order to inspect drivers and prevent faulty accident claims.  Just watch out next time you’re on the bus, your mug may just end up on Candid Camera.

After this week’s federal raid of Oaksterdam University, the medical marijuana training school founded by Richard Lee, Mr. Lee decided to trade in his bong for a peace pipe. The possibility of major federal drug charges (and confiscation of his stock of mother plants) was enough to convince him to close the doors of the school.

San Francisco’s newest streetcar hails from Down Under.  A gift from Melbourne’s mayor, streetcar number 916 will go into service some time next year.  Welcome to the fleet!

A Green Home Improvement District is planned for Bayshore Boulevard, and members of the Board of Supervisors weigh in with their support.

The local media reports on a controversial staffing move at the San Francisco Police Department, raising questions about the motives behind the action.

The Examiner fills us in on why some organizers think next year’s North Beach Festival should be held off of Washington Square Park’s grass and onto Columbus’ street.  Turns out, cement is a heck of a lot easier to take care of than grass.  I will say that the park does provide a nice ambiance but just let me know where the beer garden will be relocated and no one will get hurt.

Mr. Ross covers the Employee Free Choice Act, “Trauma” rebate drama, a Subaru showdown on the Peninsula, and more in his column today.

Legislation is on the way, promising fines for those who don’t properly sort their recycling and refuse.  Let’s divide and conquer, people!

The San Francisco Housing Authority closes the books on several long-simmering legal matters, and looks to the future.

BART takes you to its leader. Grace Crunican, BART’s (relatively) new general manager is interviewed by the SF Business Times. Find out what’s in store for BART, why Crunican’s employees like her leadership style, what’s on her iPod (John Mayer? Let’s agree to disagree.), and what she’d rather be doing.

At the California Academy of Sciences, people debate different plans for the living roof.

The Examiner reports that vendors are alleging unkept promises and outstanding payments by skiing event impresarios.

The Examiner opines on how to create more jobs in San Francisco.

The Chron’s Phil Bronstein goes toe-to-toe with Stephen Colbert on the future of the newspaper industry, how reporting gets done, and what the hell will happen to journalism.  Shockingly, irony abounds.  Check out the video.

The Library takes some new measures to help homeless patrons.

The Examiner reports that there’s plenty of available - and cheap - office space.  Start a business, people!

The Bay Guardian opines on San Francisco’s budget deficit and the City’s efforts to close the gap.

San Francisco’s infamous Big Wheel race may be put on hold due to permitting requirements.  Bummer, I had my wheelies tricked out and ready to go.