The Board of Supervisors this week approved a limit to the number of marijuana dispensaries allowed to open on the southern end of Mission Street in the Excelsior commercial district. Medical cannabis dispensaries would need a special permit to open within 500 feet of an existing dispensary. Supervisor John Avalos said he may later propose expanding that distance to 1,000 feet. Plus: Marsh Theater’s Unwanted Neighbors | City Parks Closure | New Policy on Video Productions
Author Archives: Josh Wolf
Josh Wolf is a reporter and documentary filmmaker who is best known for his fight for the reporter’s privilege that landed him in a federal prison for more than six months. A visionary writer and producer, he was recognized in 2006 as Journalist of the Year by the Northern California chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists “for upholding the principles of a free and independent press.”
Posted inCity Hall, Housing, News
S.F. BOARD WATCH: The Rent Is Too Damn High, and Other Viral Themes
San Francisco supervisors are proposing legal changes in response to the escalating costs of residential and commercial properties. “There is truly a tale of two cities, and many of the people in this city are being displaced,” Supervisor David Campos said. “I don’t know that anyone has a panacea, if there is one, to deal with this crisis. That’s why I think it’s important for us to try different strategies.”
Posted inCommunity, Economy & Business, Parks & Open Space, Public Safety
S.F. BOARD WATCH: Jack Spade Inspires Higher Threshold for Chain Store Ban
The restrictions on formula retail that apply to sections of San Francisco could soon be modified to expand the definition of what constitutes a chain store. Plus: Dogs in the park | Sleeping in the park
Posted inCity Hall, Community, Law & Justice
S.F. BOARD WATCH: Supervisors Grapple With Half-Billion Dollar Price of New Jail
San Francisco supervisors are still debating whether to commit the hundreds of millions of dollars it would take to build a replacement for the jail at 850 Bryant St., despite warnings that it could collapse during the next major earthquake. At least one supervisor, though, has come around to supporting it.
Posted inCity Hall, Environment, Health, Labor
S.F. BOARD WATCH: City Workers to Contribute to Health Care Premiums
Thousands of San Francisco employees will be required to pay a portion of their health care premiums under a new agreement the Board of Supervisors is expected to approve today. The changes will affect more than 6,000 workers who will begin paying 10 percent of their insurance premiums starting in January.
Also: Final Decision Expected for Potrero Ave. Apartments | Restricted Formula Retail on Third Street | City Partners With Kiva
Posted inCity Hall, Housing, Land use, Neighborhoods
S.F. BOARD WATCH: Neighbors Say Planning Department Pushing Through Potrero Hill Apartments
A proposed six-story apartment building in Potrero Hill will irreparably change the face of the neighborhood by towering over nearby buildings and blocking sunlight, says a group of residents. They are accusing the Planning Department of pushing through the project and ignoring the environmental impact from construction.