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City bankruptcies ignite finger-pointing frenzy

The back-to-back bankruptcy filings of Stockton and San Bernardino, following Vallejo’s insolvency a few years earlier, have sparked finger-pointing about causes and speculation about whether more California cities may go under. Those on the political right say the bankruptcies resulted from local politicians’ caving in to pressure from unions for higher pay and better pension and health benefits. Read More

Commercial buildings boost economy

It’s high time to correct some of the myths that are perpetrated about commercial real estate, myths that can cause bad public policy. Myth: Commercial buildings are owned by old fat cats who limo around town stuffing their pin-striped silk suits with gobs of rent money. Read More

‘Wall of debt’ rises on Gov. Jerry Brown’s watch

Jerry Brown devoted the first months of his second governorship last year to dickering with Republicans on placing a multibillion-dollar tax increase before voters.The negotiations failed, and eventually Brown turned to an initiative. His tax-hike measure, Proposition 30, will be on the November ballot.During his drive for Republican votes, Brown cited repaying “a wall of debt” as a major justification for a tax increase. Read More

One-Stop-Shop will help local businesses benefit from America’s Cup opportunities

As the Summer Olympics continue with much fanfare in London, San Francisco is preparing for its own world-class sporting event — the 34th America’s Cup. In less than three weeks, the first sailing races will commence on the Bay, ushering in a series of regattas expected to generate nearly 9,000 jobs and more than $1 billion in economic activity across the region over the next year and a half. Read More

Investing in city’s future starts at ballot box

From housing to creating jobs to our parks and playgrounds, I am working with the members of the board  to give San Franciscans a real opportunity to shape the future of our city this November. Read More

High-speed rail is the right plan at the right time

Earlier this month, the state Legislature passed Senate Bill 1029, authorizing the issuance of $2.7 billion in state bonds to begin construction of the nation’s largest transportation project — California high-speed rail — as well as authorizing an additional $2 billion in bonds to match local and federal funds for related projects. Read More

Yacht race, opportunity sailing in

San Francisco will be the seventh city in the world to host the America’s Cup sailing competition since the first race around the Isle of Wright in 1852. Last week, the Board of Supervisors gave its unanimous approval for our great city to host the 34th America’s Cup in 2013 and preliminary races in 2012. The America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport and will be the world’s only major international sporting event in 2013. Read More

High-speed rail propelling Caltrain into future

The passage of Gov. Jerry Brown’s infrastructure initiative for California high-speed rail is an important milestone in bringing modern electric train service to the Bay Area. The initiative ensures funding for the modernization of Caltrain — a project that is critical to the Bay Area and the state. Read More

Making San Francisco housing more affordable by design: Efficiency units

It’s no secret that housing is expensive in San Francisco. Only 11 percent of San Franciscans can afford to purchase the average-priced home. Rents, always high, are even higher these days. It seems like we are perpetually at risk of pricing out our young people, working people, seniors, families and our middle class generally. To address this crisis, we need to think broadly and creatively and make our housing policies more flexible. Read More

Keep city focused on jobs, the economy

Halfway through 2012, things are still looking bright for San Francisco. Key economic indicators, such as employment and commercial real estate, continue on an upward trend. According to a recent survey, Bay Area business executives remain relatively optimistic about the regional economy, and 31 percent of local CEOs say they plan to hire. Even The City’s elected leaders are doing their part to keep the focus on jobs and the economy. Read More
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