Positive economic news? No need to clean your glasses, this story is real and ready to make you optimistic. According to a recent report from the Controller’s Office, tourism is close to being back up to its pre-recession numbers. Those crazy, map packed and camera wielding Iowans might just be the ones to raise our revenues. So the next time you see a tourist, help them turn their map right side up and offer directions. Represent and make San Francisco proud.
The Chron reports on the sorry state of affairs that is Muni’s surveillance camera system - a recent analysis showed that about half the cameras on Muni don’t, you know, um, WORK. Rachel Gordon reports, and politicians and bureaucrats weigh in.
Mayor Gavin Newsom’s efforts to recruit green-tech to San Francisco pay off with the move by a Spanish solar power company to establish its North American headquarters in the city.
The SF Housing Authority has extended their eviction freeze one more month in hopes that public housing tenants will win the September lottery and that the organization will sort out their record keeping and make sure they are holding the right folks accountable.
You’ll recall that a father and his two sons, members of San Francisco’s Bologna family, were viciously slain, allegedly by a man shielded by San Francisco’s sanctuary policy. Now a federal judge has ruled that their survivors may proceed with a lawsuit against the City for allowing the alleged killer to go free.
The Examiner reports on the questionable fate of a bed-bedazzled, century-old SoMa building, which has been vacant since layered socks and New Kids on the Block were all the rage.
Richard Henry Fogel, a newspaper editor and co-founder of San Francisco’s Bay City News Service, died on Sept. 9, 2009, at the age of 86. Fogel was a steadfast advocate for the public’s right to access government information, whose efforts later helped craft the principles of the Freedom of Information Act. We thank him for his service to his profession and to our country.
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District announces that today will be Spare the Air Day and asks Bay Area residents to rely on transit and other alternative forms of transportation.
The Examiner reports that the Department of Recreation and Parks may be playing a little too rough ‘n tumble, with 20% of its employees filing for workers compensation last year. General Manager Phil Ginsburg shares his proposed solutions.
San Francisco Superior Court will close its doors the third Wednesday of every month, and the impacts could reverberate throughout the City’s legal system. Unless you’re scheduled for jury duty that day, in which case: score!
SFBG Editor Tim Redmond opines on the need for a Community Congress to more strongly advocate for the needs of the poor and working class communities in San Francisco.
With this November’s election rapidly approaching, Suspects is holding another contest to determine the 2009 winner of the illustrious and over-the-top title: San Francisco’s Best Political Mind. This year, we’re going to continue our tradition of an on-your-honor entry fee that goes to a local non-profit, and we’re going to give away $500 to the winner. For all the details, head over to Facebook, search for SF Usual Suspects and join us as a fan - or you can click here to get all the information you need. The contest runs through 5pm on Friday the 25th, so by all means procrastinate until then!
After 18 months of back and forth negotiations between the Hilton at Union Square and its hotel workers, an agreement has finally been reached. But careful, while this is a huge step for both parties, there might be more to come for the hotel’s counterparts. I hear the Starwood and the Marriot are next on the list…
Whether you’re a third-grader or a member of the Board of Supervisors, August means the end of the beginning of summer break. The Examiner reports on what our Supes are doing during their time off.
That’s right, ladies and germs, it’s H1N1 Shot Time! The Mayor and the First Lady join the Department of Public Health to set a good example by getting some sweet, H1N1-defending nose spray. Children, pregnant women, health care providers, and those with a high risk of influenza infection are priority demographics to receive both flu shots and H1N1 vaccinations (aka swine flu).
Yoyo Chan
A San Francisco native, Yoyo is an advocate who works hard to keep San Francisco posted on the political beat. When not updating Usual Suspects, she can be found at the beach, exploring new wine bars, or hiking California's trails.
Positive economic news? No need to clean your glasses, this story is real and ready to make you optimistic. According to a recent report from the Controller’s Office, tourism is close to being back up to its pre-recession numbers. Those crazy, map packed and camera wielding Iowans might just be the ones to raise our revenues. So the next time you see a tourist, help them turn their map right side up and offer directions. Represent and make San Francisco proud.
Yoyo Chan