Archive for March, 2010

Some City officials and park advocates think that the Department of Recreation and Parks got a little too into the St. Patty’s Day spirit last weekend with the construction of a $10K parade float.

Looks like the Alexandria Theater on 18th and Geary is finally going to get its much-needed makeover.  Supervisor Eric Mar announced this weekend that the building’s owners and City planners have finally reached an agreement about What’s Next.  Get your popcorn and soda ready!

Registries are the talk of the town these days: register party promoters, register weddings and baby showers and golden anniversaries, and register medical pot dispensaries.  Toke up on this one.

Yesterday, the Board of Supes reviewed Mayor Lee’s proposed budget and specifically the millions cut to local health care, including mental health services and substance abuse programs. Although the cuts aren’t as deep as years passed, some local health advocates say the cumulative impact will be devastating. Somebody call a doctor and get this one sorted out.

The Board of Supes prepares to vote on new legislation to help the City Treasurer collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes and fine businesses who didn’t pay up in the first place.

Efforts are underway to organize Muni riders to advocate for their rights.  Elsewhere, Mayor Newsom is considering filling an empty Muni board spot with a veteran rider to bring a “real world” perspective to the table.  So if you’re particularly steamed about fare hikes, a canceled route, late buses, or any of the other numerous hijinks that occur on your way to work, get involved!

The Chron holds Mayor Brown’s column and Matier and Ross until Tuesday, as per usual: you’ll find Willie taking on Why Larry Ellison is Not To Be Trifled With, what he thinks about Michael Bauer’s Top 100 selections, and a Bill Cosby Texas anecdote from 1972 - while Matier and Ross talk up a conflict between Rec/Park and some Golden Gateway tenants, why a sudden opening on the San Francisco State Building Authority panel just happened, what Jim Brown thinks, and how a local motorcyclist has become notorious.

The San Francisco Business Times discusses how another very powerful city official may soon leave the city for greener pastures.

In the wake of more media attention on the SFPD crime lab, Police Chief Greg Suhr invites its national accrediting body back for another looksee.

Some members of the San Francisco Commission on Animal Control and Welfare are concerned that Recreation and Parks and the PUCs’ newest employees, goats, will be harmed by city fencing.  No.  This is not a joke.  San Francisco does, in fact, have nomadic goats in some open spaces to help with its gardening and upkeep - for less than minimal wage.  (Don’t get any funny ideas, people.)

Our friends over at the Bay Guardian have some thoughts on the unintended consequences of the City’s Sunshine Ordinance. Read up!

With construction of the new Lowe’s on Bayshore Boulevard complete, the store opens its doors to San Francisco and encourages additional businesses to locate on the corridor.

Mayor Gavin Newsom wants to prohibit texting by City officials during public meetings, citing the ability of lobbyists to unfairly influence votes using the technology.

A bunch of Mayors, Assemblymembers, Senators, and other folks (including our Mayor) are NOT running for Governor, according to Newsweek.  (Nice of them to check in.)  Read up to find out why…

Lunch might well be free, but Matier and Ross and Willie Brown are behind the pay curtain this morning.  Phil and Andy discuss the politics behind the Police Commission’s recent Taser decision and what might come of it, who’s winning the early RCV-oriented polls for Mayor, and Jerry Brown’s fitness plan, while Willie Brown talks about Gavin Newsom and the LG job, who’s working to corral six votes for Mayor, Condi Rice about town, and Oscar pics.  Grab a fistful of laundry quarters and head down to the newsstand if you want the details…

Some think that the Northeast Embarcadero Study is not thorough enough to environmentally assess the impacts of what could spring up between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building.  The study was meant to encourage the community to discuss the pros and cons of building along the inland side of the Embarcadero and create some consensus on how to develop the area, but with the recent lawsuit we know this is not going to be the case.

The battle between neighbors and the Masonic Auditorium and Live Nation continues in the wake of a Planning Commission decision in favor of the venue owner and operator.

The City Attorney’s office looks into whether or not SFMTA’s senior board members are eligible for one more term.  And with a $56 million budget shortfall, who wouldn’t want to stick around for more?

Supervisor Chris Daly has proposed a charter amendment to combine the SFPD with the Sheriff’s Department to help save some dough.  And if you think this sounds familiar, it is.  A similar proposal was shot down back in 2003.

According to the Chamber of Commerce, a majority of San Franciscans think our city is moving in the wrong direction.  And in no big surprise, we’re particularly concerned about Muni and our schools.  But what it all boils down to?  It’s the economy, stupid.

The Chronicle reports that Attorney General Jerry Brown will officially declare his candidacy for governor later today.  Ummmm, duh.

The Mayor writes a letter to the Board of Supervisors asking them to pull a rent ordinance measure from the November ballot.