Tuesday’s statewide election features a controversial industry-backed proposition that would amend the California Constitution to require a two-thirds vote before a community could change its energy provider. The largest tonnage of paper political ads flooding mailboxes in San Francisco sport a variety of images — some ominous, some silly and sarcastic — but the same message: Proposition 16, the “Taxpayers Right to Vote Act,” protects voters from spendthrift politicians. But the ads, paid for mostly by incumbent power provider Pacific Gas & Electric Co., are misleading in a few important ways.
Author Archives: Dana Sherne
Dana Sherne is a senior at Stanford University. She has been published in the Stanford Daily, Six Degrees: A Stanford Journal of Human Rights, Mountain View Voice and Contra Costa Times. Next year, she will begin working toward a M.A. in Journalism and International Relations at NYU, where she has received the Goren Fellowship.
Posted inNews
SF budget plan cuts 993 jobs, finds hidden funds
Mayor Gavin Newsom announced his proposed annual budget Tuesday, with some new money and lots of cuts. By cutting 993 jobs and reducing some salaries, the city will save $64.2 million, he said. Full-time employment will be the lowest it has been in more than 10 years, he said, adding, “In the last decade, whatever we’ve done, we’re back to where we were in 1998.”
Posted inLabor
Domestic workers’ call for reform aired in City Hall
Fair treatment of domestic workers rose to the top of the agenda of San Francisco leaders this week, unleashing an emotional response from workers who said their contributions to society were under-valued. “Domestic workers are the backbone of the economy, working to ensure the health of others and freeing others to work in the workforce,” said Supervisor Eric Mar. Read more…
Posted inCity Hall, Economy & Business, Land use
Supervisors support fee deferment to encourage building in the city
Although one supervisor questioned whether allowing developers to delay paying some fees would spur building in the city, officials say the accommodation will create more jobs and spur the economy.
Posted inCity Hall, Economy & Business, Land use
Two business tax plans aim to encourage new jobs in SF
In an effort to increase revenue and spur the local economy, San Francisco’s Office of the Controller is proposing two revised business tax plans that may end up on the November ballot.
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Posted inEducation, Labor, News
SF schools negotiations go to mediator; shorter school year likely
The San Francisco Unified School District and its teachers union have turned to a mediator for help in resolving a $113 million budget shortfall. Both sides are calling for a shorter school year, but disagree on many of the financial points in the new budget.
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Posted inPublic Safety, Social Justice
Asians denounce suspected hate crimes
Hundreds of Asian Americans joined city supervisors and Mayor Gavin Newsom at a rally Tuesday to call for safer neighborhoods after a rash of attacks against Asians, with much of the blame being focused on African Americans. Newsom promised a $100,000 reward for finding the youths who assaulted and fatally injured Huan Chen on Jan. 24.
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Posted inCity Hall, Community, Land use
Neighbors scuttle plan for condo tower near Transamerica pyramid
After nearly five hours of public debate, the Board of Supervisors halted plans for the development of a 38-story condominium tower Tuesday night. Many of the project’s opponents were concerned with the possibility that the building would harm surrounding parks — Maritime Plaza, Sue Bierman Park and the privately owned redwood grove at the foot of the Transamerica pyramid. Specifically, they emphasized the impacts of shadows, wind and interrupted bird migration routes.
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