Archive for June, 2010

The Guardian’s longtime editor, Tim Redmond, explains to us the fine points that differentiate a “coalition” and a “machine” - and tsk tsk’s a D6 Supe candidate along the way.

The unique voice that is Mr. Smith over at the Weekly weighs in again with a very Thomas Paine-y proposal - no, not a column in favor of the French Revolution, but rather a column riddled through and through with Common Sense.  His suggestion?  People who pilot bicycles, and those who drive cars, should OBEY THE LAW and STOP SCREWING WITH OTHERS.  Cops should fine or arrest people who continue to disobey the law and screw with others, no matter their wheels.  And, because we are good at predicting the future, please watch this space in coming days to read about bicyclists and motorists pillorying Smith for his idiocy, and saying that it’s not THEM that’s causing the problem - it’s the OTHER guys.  (We’re kinda predictable that way, here in San Francisco.)  Mr. Smith?  Thank you for this calm, thoughtful column.  Bravo.

The City is working to create a sting operation to nab bicycle thieves.  Some Come Steal Me bicycles, already outfitted with some secret transponders, will be left in a few fun places that are already hotbeds of Bike Thievin’ Activity, and when nature takes its course, the cops will show up and tote Mister Stealing Man off to the pokey.  And we know you don’t care what we think about things - we just summarize the news - but FYI, Suspects Likes This.  (Yep.  We’re not worried about pissing off the all-powerful Bike Stealing Lobby.  The hell with them.)

In today’s paper edition of the Chronicle, Matier and Ross tell us about the image conscious Russian President, the race for Abel Maldonado’s former seat, discussions in Oakland to avoid police layoffs, and the booing of Jamarcus Russell at a boxing match.  Meanwhile, Willie Brown gives us his opinion about the Medvedev visit, the Sister City trip to Shanghai, Sarah Palin’s staying power, and Walter Shorenstein.

Concerns are raised about where to place programs that are displaced due to the renovation of the Sunset Recreation Center.

The Business Times explores recent action by members of Board of Supes to take a bite out of any future highrises in the city.

The SF Business Times considers this fall’s supervisorial races and suggests that the Board’s politics may be headed more to the left (to the left).

Tough times don’t leave time for horsing around, particularly at City rec centers, which will all close two days each week beginning at the end of the summer.

Perhaps it’s the rain or perhaps it’s the gods, but we’re experiencing technical difficulties this morning at Suspects.  Thanks for bearing with us as we fix the kink.  Happy Friday!

The SF Planning Commission approves an expanded Walgreens in the Castro after the drugstore plans to integrate a mini-museum of LGBT history.

The BAR happily reports that at least one program has been saved from the budget axe this year.  Well, at least so far…

Local green businesses are up in arms about a series of ballot initiatives that could negatively impact the industry and environment.  And being the green city that we are, San Francisco is ready to join in the fight.  (In an eco-friendly way that involves a lot of recycling, of course.)

Okay, so maybe it’s more like “foggy town,” but regardless, summer is here.  And with summer comes an annual spike in crime throughout the city.  This year both the SFPD and City Hall are bracing for it to be worse than usual thanks to that darn global economic crisis.

In today’s BAR, SF Pride officials admit that the organization’s finances are in a dismal state, but we all know the first step to solving a problem is admitting that you have one.  Keep calm and carry on, says Pride organizers, and let’s get moving on Pride 2011.

According to the Guardian, the Mayor and the Police Chief are in conflict with the Board over CompStat, with a wide-ranging debate transpiring about where things should go from here.

The Guardian examines a proposal to privatize health services in City jails.

The Weekly’s unique voice talks about the background of the Chief of the Park Rangers in San Francisco.  An interesting story, naturally - it’s Matt Smith, you know.

And in related news, the sun came up in the East this morning.  No, but seriously - Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi has suggested that the 72-year old contract that locks in the City’s fees for our power franchise be changed, and the Guardian editorializes that that’s a good idea.  Read up.

Under proposed measures meant to reduce the skyrocketing Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District’s budget shortfall (apparently these are quite common), the days of cruising over the landmark with your friends and into the city without paying toll may be over, among other changes.  Oh, the humanity!

With unemployment numbers hovering around ten percent and the city struggling to create new business opportunities, local economists and San Francisco think tank SPUR are calling for the creation of an economic development center to encourage job growth.

The Examiner team reports on the plans set forth by CVS Pharmacy to open two new stores in San Francisco (one of which is in my home district!)  Toothbrushes, drugs, and ice cream for all!

In the print edition of the Chronicle, Matier and Ross tell us about mass police layoffs in Oakland, Supervisor Alioto-Pier’s fight to keep her District 2 seat, several police unions getting together, and more.  Meanwhile,  Willie Brown tells us about the Shanghai World Expo, the future exposure of Meg Whitman, the past exposure of Carly Fiorina, and gives us a few new movie reviews.

Hundred of properties in San Francisco are penalized for not cleaning up after themselves.

The Board is considering putting a measure on the ballot that will split the appointments for the Rec and Park Commission.

Supervisor Eric Mar is at it again, although, something tells me he won’t get made fun of by a Daily Show correspondent for it this time. Supervisor Eric Mar is taking aim at making sure there are more healthy food options in low-income areas, an admirable effort indeed - it’s definitely food for thought. (I can’t update without at least one awful pun.)