Archive for September, 2011

Mayoral contender and Board of Supes President David Chiu courts the title of techiest candidate in a Q&A with Chronicle columnist James Temple.

Although hanging out in parking lots is something that I thought was reserved for suburban high schoolers, it seems to have become a regular (although unwanted) part of the late-night scene. Our trusty Supes take action to deter the practice and hope to reduce violent confrontations in the process.

Nope, Icer Air has not returned to the city’s streets… But Ben Flajnik has! With bikini-clad women in tow, the Bachelor creates an absurd scene in Russian Hill. And yes, someone will get angry at me for abandoning Suspects’ ‘political news only’ policy for this one, but I can live with that. I mean, it’s the BACHELOR. Didja hear me?!

Get your answers in quick, gang! If you want to win $500 and bragging rights, be sure to enter into the Usual Suspects election contest by 5pm today - one month before the results are in. As usual, the entry fee is just your pledge that you’ve made a new donation of at least $10 to a nonprofit that serves San Franciscans. We’ll have two winners this year: first, our top predictor, who will win $500, a swanky lunch with a couple of the folks who bring you Suspects, and a lightly used Kindle – and second, the nonprofit that is named by the most entrants as their chosen nonprofit will also receive a donation of $500. (And, of course, their ED also gets to attend the lunch.) We’ll only accept entries until today, October 7, at 5pm. Full details found at the link below - so don’t dally - get us your entry by 5pm!

It’s

Yesterday was hot, which is great, unless it’s Spare the Air Day when Bay Area commuters are encouraged to ditch their cars and head to work on rollerblades, bikes and skateboards. Apparently, one local gas station didn’t get the memo. The Ex fills us in on a Shell gas station’s choice to distribute free gas for two hours on Spare the Air Day. Coincidence? Or, was Shell stealthily saying “Spare THIS suckas!”?

The Examiner dives deeper into the discussion about a suspect accused of a double murder, Hong Ri Wu, and his refusal to eat. Shall he be force fed, or allowed to continue his three week hunger strike? The debate (and tummies) rumble on.

Seen our newly minted Vice President Libby Smiley lately? She’s in rare form - ordering people to fetch her coffee and prepare it Just So, pick up her dry cleaning and carefully place it (color-coded, of course) in her closet, walk her imaginary dog and otherwise abusing her new power - especially since she just saw her mug in the Chronicle with an acknowledgement of her recent promotion. Congrats Libby (again)! And I’m sorry for mixing the magenta blouses with the purple. I’ll be more careful next time.

Proposed new legislation would prevent stores that allow self-service checkout from also selling booze. Apparently the current generation of all-too-clever youth have figured out how to scam the system and buy a brewski or two when no one’s looking. How far things have come since the days of fake IDs or getting your older brother/sister/cousin to buy you some tasty wine coolers. (Who me?!)

…made to what’s passed by the voters, anyway - that’s what a measure on your November ballot will allow. Read up on the pros and cons, who’s for it and who’s agin’ it, and so on. And yes, this probably means we can rescind the rights of cops to take their hand puppets on patrol…

Beloved newsman and longtime KTVU reporter Bob MacKenzie has departed our humble presence for the big sound stage in the sky. His award-winning storytelling, warmth and wisdom will be greatly missed.

The SF Weekly shines a spotlight on what’s happening in the Bayview district as many homeowners face the threat of home foreclosures.

The Bay Citizen tells us about criminal charges filed against the Muni driver who ran over a girl in the Castro last year.

The Examiner gives Supervisor Mark Farrell props for recently proposing legislation that would extend the City’s rebate program to the film industry beyond its June expiration date. What’s the likelihood that the next Alcatraz (movie, or even television show) will actually be filmed on…Alcatraz?!

SF Weekly’s Matt Smith takes an in-depth look at the city’s Park Patrol and raises some troubling questions about overtime, the permitting process, and general management. Ruh roh.

Board President David Chiu has requested that the City develop an app that lets people know when their car is about to be towed. This driver-friendly proposal has nothing to do with his run for mayor, promise.

The Board of Supervisors has given initial approval to an ordinance that would require employers to have a safe place for employees to store their bikes. Don’t be surprised if you see some cyclists celebrating this decision by riding their bikes in the buff. Scratch that, San Francisco cyclists have never needed to find a reason to bicycle nude (and if that’s you, please, please, watch out for your gears - I’m looking out for you).

MTA’s plan to provide low-income youth with free rides on Muni received $400k in funding from an SFCTA committee, which is an important first step to launch the pilot program.

A former SF Public Utilities Commission supervisor heads to the can after being charged with embezzling multiple Benjamins from the good tax-paying folks in San Francisco.

Home district Supervisor David Chiu sits down with Police Chief Greg Suhr and the community last night to discuss the recent North Beach shooting that injured two bystanders.

Mayor Lee joins up with Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and other local and statewide elected officials to tackle the issue of gang violence, sharing best practices and discussing how to best address this issue as a larger community.

Due to a condo project in the works at Laguna and Fell, the Hayes Valley Farm will be saying goodbye to its current home very soon. But not to worry, the farm (which, if you haven’t had the chance to already check out, is suuuuuuper cool) will have its new home identified in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned!

Former Supervisor and mayoral candidate Michela Alioto-Pier talks to the Chron about her life in the political limelight and issues that really matter to her.

If you’ve ever wanted to find out where and how San Francisco spends its public moolah in an easy-to-consume and uncomplicated way, today might JUST be your day. A group of very smart people at Stanford aka California Common Sense have taken our City’s public spending data and created a site that makes these numbers actually understandable (especially for numerically-challenged people like me!). Head on over to their site to check it out!