Agency stresses revenue but critics don’t like message; Ammiano drafts resolutionA recent decision by BART to allow alcohol advertising in its stations and cars has come under fire from the Board of Supervisors.Last month, the BART board of directors approved a new policy that lifted a long-time prohibition on alcohol advertising. The decision makes BART the only local transit agency that allows alcohol advertising. Read More

Mayor signals opposition to increase, which would up ‘flag drop’ by 25 cents Nov. 1The cost of simply entering a San Francisco taxicab could increase by 25 cents Nov. 1.Already among the highest in the nation, taxi riders pay an initial $2.85 upon entering the taxi. The fee, commonly referred to as a "flag drop," would increase to $3.10 if the Board of Supervisors approves the hike on Tuesday. The price will become the second highest in the nation, only 10 cents below the flag drop of Las Vegas taxicabs. Read More

Newsom says ‘No on Prop. 87’ ads are ‘outrageous’ and misleadingMayor Gavin Newsom blasted oil giants Monday for a "misleading" ad campaign against a November state ballot measure that would tax oil producers to raise money for the development of alternative energies.Proposition 87 is being touted as a way to reduce petroleum consumption in California by 25 percent in the next decade. The proposed tax on oil produced in California would raise $400 million annually, which would finance the research and development of alternative energy sources. Read More

Thousands of dollars pouring in for hotly contested races in District 4, District 6Several candidates who are vying for the five seats on the Board of Supervisors up for grabs this November have raised tens of thousands of dollars in the past three months, with one District 4 candidate collecting more than $150,000, according to campaign finance documents filed Thursday.Political watchers have their eyes on the District 4 and District 6 races, the only races considered wide-open. Read More

Board’s designation of landmark status cheers committee of supportersSt. Brigid Church, which dates back to 1864, has found protection in a landmark designation granted Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.The designation came amid opposition from the church’s owner, the Academy of Art University, which purchased the building in 2005.The landmark designation ensures preservation of the church’s exterior, which includes stained-glass windows manufactured in Dublin, Ireland at the Harry Clarke Studios. Read More

Proposal before board likely to expand beats; police chief still against legislationTwo city supervisors are seeking to expand a controversial proposal torequire foot patrol beats in certain sections of San Francisco, even as the Police Department and the Mayor’s Office continue to oppose the plan.Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi had originally drafted legislation to require foot patrols for a one-year pilot program for the Park and Northern district police stations, which are the stations within the district he represents, District 5. Read More

Mayor: ‘The fact that recidivism rates are as high as they are suggests that we are not doing justice to the system’The lack of proper assistance for parolees is directly tied to San Francisco’s high homicide rate, Mayor Gavin Newsom said during an all-day summit Wednesday aimed at keeping people who are released from custody on the right side of the law."We’re never going to succeed in dealing with the crime and violence issue unless we succeed in giving people hope and rehabilitating them and giving them alternatives," Newsom said. Read More