Archive for December, 2011

The Barbary Coast team was off from Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day - but here is a recap and a roundup of all the San Francisco political news you missed while you were nogging your egg and jingling your bells. Have you broken all your New Year’s Resolutions yet? (And it’s nice to see you again!)

The Chron and Ex tell us about the 5-alarm fire that broke out in the Western Addition yesterday. Learn about what you can do to assist those who have lost their homes and belongings.

With the help of the City and Salesforce founder Marc Benioff, a number of homeless families are expected to move into new digs in the next few weeks.

(For those of you who aren’t familiar with Movember, I strongly advise you get yourself up to speed.) This morning, we learn about the very hairy efforts that folks at El Dorado Elementary School are making in order to raise money for the Visitacion Valley school. No, this may not exactly be related to San Francisco politics, but seriously, who doesn’t love a good mustache?

We get the scoop on what happened at the Niners/Steelers game on Monday and what Mayor Lee is asking from PG&E. (And when I say “what happened”, I obviously mean the black out, not the way the Niners kicked the Steelers’ butts - although that was pretty freakin’ awesome.)

The Examiner reports on an effort of some well-meaning “dancers” who donated a significant sum of money to the San Francisco firefighters’ toy drive. No word yet on who took on the task of counting all those $1 bills.

The Bay Area Reporter gives props (is it still cool to say that?) to Supervisor Scott Wiener for getting four of his measures passed by the Board of Supervisors this week. But wait!! A new fight looms over the Supervisor’s proposed regulations for Harvey Milk and Jane Warner plazas. This could get interesting…

The Examiner profiles outgoing Sheriff Michael Hennessey. After 32 years, there’s much to reflect on.

Merry Christmas, happy Chanukah, joyous Kwaanza, and a celebratory Festivus to you all. (And happy birthday, while we’re at it.) The hard-working elves at Barbary Coast Consulting, along with an assist from Iman Crosson, the absolutely spectacular Obama impersonator, have put together a video for your holiday consumption. We hope you enjoy it … ho ho ho!

With the loss of Warren Hellman, Mayor Lee is eager to foster the philanthropic involvement of a handful of local tech leaders, who also are beginning to make their mark on this City by the Bay.

The Examiner takes a look at the city’s Mission District and its changing, though diverse, residents.

The Rec and Park Commission voted yesterday to rename Golden Gate Park’s Speedway Meadow to Hellman Hollow in honor of Mr. Warren Hellman, who has worked for years to provide support to the City, and of course, puts on the amazing Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival every year for the last 10 years. Cheers!

The Examiner takes a look at how the BoS has treated some recent international issues, and what some Supervisors, political consultants, and a very familiar face around this office have to say about that.

Guess who’s a fan of Mayor Ed Lee’s new ballot initiative that would require any legislation proposed by the Board of Supervisors to first pass a job-killing sniff test? The Examiner, that’s who!

The Chron breaks down Mayor Jean Quan’s proposed plan to address violence and crime in Oakland.

Last month, a bunch of City workers got free health screenings (out of a trailer, I might add). And the results? Let’s just say they wouldn’t make Dr. Oz very proud. Read up on what the City is planning to do to address the issue.

The Chron’s sports editor (plus Willie, Matier, and Ross) weighs in on the musical chairs playing out with Bay Area sports franchises.

Supervisor Scott Wiener’s proposed regulations for the Castro’s mini parks and plazas pass out of committee and go to the full BoS for a big vote on Tuesday.

The SFMTA issues bonds totaling $170 BigOnes to help pay for City garage fix-ups, Muni system improvements, and a wee bit of refinancing on existing agency debt.

For those of you who did not see John Burton’s colorful interview with the Daily Show on the state of direct democracy in California, it is worth watching.

The SF Examiner sits down with Mayor Ed Lee, who discusses his take on being a candidate for the seat, the priorities for his first full term, and the main challenges he sees ahead. Plus, the SF Business Times gives us its take on all that lies before the new Mayor and the opportunities abound.

Muni drivers had the chance to select new leaders last week after their current reps opted not to run for re-election, and have a new leader representing its operators. Read up!

The home team gets it done.

Bust out your argyle and pom pom hats! San Francisco will host the U.S. Open golf championship in June. The Examiner tells us that organizers believe the event will have a total economic impact of up to $170 million. It seems San Francisco is sharing the love, as the USGA has chosen to put its staffers up in San Mateo County instead of San Francisco.

So…this isn’t exactly political and I might actually get my wrists slapped, but it’s Friday! And I think everyone needs a little fun news and holiday cheer this morning - especially since we’re talking about NAKED SANTAS. Apparently, a really brave man is hoping set a world record by organizing the “most naked Santas in one place” at this year’s Santacon. Yup, you read that correctly. Naked. Santas. My advice to all naked santas: make sure you get a good liquid blanket on you. It’s gonna be breezy.