Archive for May, 2011

As we’ve done from time to time in years past, Suspects is collecting and displaying this election season’s political documents in one handy, centralized location. We need your help to make sure everyone sees all the puff pieces, hit pieces, slate cards, walk pieces, door hangers, and (new this year!) television ads - so click here to find out how to get your favorite candidate’s mail into our database.

The moving costs for four SFUSD schools are raising the eyebrows and dropping the jaws of a number of City officials.

No, it’s not a fancy dish or a ballet movement. It’s what started a neighborhood battle between a Russian Hill couple and the City. Supervisor Scott Wiener weighs in on the issue and has introduced legislation that might prevent cartouche battles in the future. (And in case you haven’t Googled what a cartouche is yet, you NEED to check out the Ex’s article!)

If you’ve been keeping up at the state level, you’ll know that there’s been talk of extending a 1 percent statewide sales tax. If that fails? Mayor Lee’s (sort of) got a back up plan. The Examiner gives us the scoop.

The SFUSD school board granted teachers an extension to obtain PE credentials to teach JROTC and extended the program for another two years in some district schools.

The San Francisco Business Times shares their view on the city’s development cap. Summary: They are not fans of the development cap. Executive Summary: Boo, development cap.

A judge in San Francisco dismissed several criminal cases at the request of the District Attorney because of the credibility of testimony from one particular police officer.

Following the recommendation of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, BART gets approval to purchase Tasers for every officer on its police force.

The Chronicle follows up on yesterday’s article, which filled us in on the City’s sit/lie law and how enforcement is playing out in the Haight. Today, the focus is on those who tend to receive sit/lie tickets - older alcoholics.

OK, perhaps it *is* too complicated for some knuckleheads out there who would rather get on through the back door and then rob and beat the Muni driver with their skateboards.  This is redonkulous, and needs to stop.  Increase the peace, stupid knuckleheads, or I’ll take you to the zoo.

…so goes the Union Street Fair. For all you youngsters who preferred the beer gardens to the streets lined with baby strollers and face painting, you’re outta luck this year. The verdict is in and there will be no booze at the fair. And in completely unrelated news, every store in the city seems to have sold out of flasks.

Renovations at Dolores Park are at risk of being delayed following a last minute appeal of the $11.5 million bond project, which would create two off-leash dog play areas. Citing child obesity rates, the appellant claims that the space should be for kids to frolic - not pooches.

Today, in light of the manslaughter charges against a San Francisco cyclist, our friends down south weigh in on the turf war that seems to be a-brewin’ over our sacred streets.

The Ex tells us about a recent campaign fundraiser invite that a lobbyist sent to his distribution list and why that certain invite might be raising more than a few eyebrows.

Though it is TBD whether California’s future high speed rail will be mono or bi or tri-railed, I’m including a tribute to “The Simpson’s” circa 1993 episode because it was awesome.  Today’s Ex ventures into what could happen to the Fourth Street exit should one possible speed rail route be executed.  Not as bad as what occurred in Springfield, but the plan does conjure up similar images - in the interim.

Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting and CA Reinvestment Coalition’s Kevin Stein take an in-depth look at the foreclosure crisis facing the Bay Area and what our local politicians can do about it. Read up!

The Bay Area Reporter covers District Attorney Gascón’s announcement that he will be setting up community courts in the Mission and Bayview to help deal with misdemeanors.

Police Chief Greg Suhr and Mayor Lee announce the City’s first special victims unit that combines several units within the department.

Following last week’s system failure of the City’s emergency communications technology, Mistermayor wants to know what happened and how we can prevent it from happening again.  Sounds like a great idea to me, especially learning that when the system fails, emergency personnel resort to using pens, paper, and radios (like the olden times!).

Today’s Examiner gives us the 411 on what Muni is considering in efforts to speed up the overcrowded N-Judah line. Sounds like a great idea, but transit advocates such as N-Judah Chronicles’ (props!) Greg Dewar have doubts about the plan. Read up!

The Chronicle profiles Recreation and Parks Commission President and America’s Cup torchbearer Mark Buell in today’s Sunday edition.  Spend the extra change and grab a hard copy.  Go ahead - treat yourself.

More taxis will make their way into San Francisco. I wonder how those cars with mustaches feel about it… I guess you must-ache them how they feel in order to find out (boom, Wednesday pun).

The San Francisco Unified School District hopes voters will approve a $531 million bond to renovate (and simply fix) its aging facilities.  We’re talking leaky facets, broken windows, and cracked pavement.

Despite the passage of Prop H in 2004, music and art programs are taking a hit in San Francisco public schools.