Proposition I would block the construction, demolition or conversion of nearly all new, unpermitted market-rate housing in the Mission District for 18 months, giving city officials and community groups time to create a long-term plan for helping low- to middle-income people who live in the neighborhood. Projects for 100 percent affordable housing would not be affected.
Category: Elections
Posted inEconomy & Business, Elections, San Francisco 2015 Nonpartisan Election Guide
Proposition J: Legacy Business Historic Preservation Fund
Proposition J aims to help longtime businesses continue operating in San Francisco.
Posted inElections, Housing, Land use, San Francisco 2015 Nonpartisan Election Guide
Proposition K: Using City Land for Affordable Housing
Proposition K aims to make it easier for developers to build affordable housing using city-owned land.
Posted inElections, Homelessness and Mental Health, Law & Justice, Social Services
Sentencing Reform Side Benefit: Behavioral Health Court Expansion
A state law approved by voters on Election Day will reduce tough sentences for some felonies. But it could also provide a financial windfall to local community courts, which divert people with mental illness out of the criminal justice system. Part of a special report on homelessness and mental health in San Francisco, in the fall 2014 print edition. Stories rolling out online throughout the fall.
Posted inCity Hall, Elections, Housing, Housing Solutions, Land use, Neighborhoods
Housing Solution: Build Manhattan-Style Towers in Candlestick Park
Business journalist David Cay Johnston pitches the idea of building high-density apartment buildings at Candlestick Park instead of planned retail, offices and hotels. He says “Manhattanizing” the area could bring down housing prices across the city by adding 14,000 new units of housing.
Posted inBay Area, California, City Hall, Elections, Government & Politics, Labor, News
Following S.F.’s Lead, Cities Leapfrog State in Race to Raise Minimum Wage
The momentum to increase the minimum wage that is building in San Francisco and other localities across California has not caught on for similar statewide efforts. Part of the summer edition of the San Francisco Public Press. Get yours today.
Posted inEconomy & Business, Elections, Labor, Minimum Wage
Economists Say City Minimum Wage Means Big Boost for Working Class
Backers say it helps recruitment and retention, opponents say it kills jobs
This story is part of a special report in the Spring print edition of the San Francisco Public Press.
“Job killer” is a common refrain from businesses in opposing wage increases and other worker benefits. But some researchers are challenging the assumption that boosting the minimum wage depresses hiring. “We don’t see any decline in employment,” said Michael Reich, director of the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment at the University of California, Berkeley.
Posted inEducation, Elections
City College Still Risks Losing Accreditation Even After Local, State Measures Pass
The passage of local and state education measures Tuesday added $11 million to the budget of City College of San Francisco for next year. But the school still faces a loss of accreditation if it fails to balance its budget responsibly. The school now must confront a $15 million budget gap, and according to state […]
Posted inCommunity, Elections, Government & Politics, Media, News, Politics
Ethnic Voters Bolster Democratic Edge in State, Poll Finds
California is reliably “blue” — Barack Obama carried the state by 23 points in the last election — largely because of the rise of ethnic voters, a new survey by the Field Poll found. “This hasn’t always been the case,” said the poll’s director, Mark DiCamillo. Republicans won seven of the nine elections between World War II and 1982, when the state became solidly Democratic in federal elections. “The main reason for it is because of the growth of ethnic population.”
Posted inArts & Culture, City Hall, Education, Elections
Budget Woes Threaten Free Lifelong Learning Classes at City College
Free courses could be beyond the reach of many “lifelong learning” students under changes proposed by City College of San Francisco’s leadership. The courses, which have been free for 30 years, could end up becoming fee-based as the college struggles to keep its accreditation by resolving looming budget deficits.