Josh Wolf, Author at San Francisco Public Press

Arts & Culture

S.F. Board Watch: City to Consider Expanding ‘Green Zone’ for Marijuana Dispensaries

11.07.2013

By Josh Wolf, Reporter

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

City Hall

S.F. BOARD WATCH: The Rent Is Too Damn High, and Other Viral Themes

10.30.2013

By Josh Wolf, Reporter

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.”

Community

S.F. BOARD WATCH: Jack Spade Inspires Higher Threshold for Chain Store Ban

10.29.2013

By Josh Wolf, Reporter

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

City Hall

S.F. BOARD WATCH: Supervisors Grapple With Half-Billion Dollar Price of New Jail

10.23.2013

By Josh Wolf, Reporter

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.

City Hall

S.F. BOARD WATCH: City Workers to Contribute to Health Care Premiums

10.22.2013

By Josh Wolf, Reporter

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

City Hall

S.F. BOARD WATCH: Neighbors Say Planning Department Pushing Through Potrero Hill Apartments

10.14.2013

By Josh Wolf, Reporter

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.