While the Board of Supervisors appears poised to approve the initial financial terms of a proposed $1 billion waterfront arena for the Warriors, the debate over the project details is only just beginning.
With the expected approval, The City would be authorized to work out the financial terms and lease and sale agreement details, and initiate the state-required environmental review. If all went according to schedule, construction could begin in summer 2014. Read More
When I first began writing about local politics, the Board of Supervisors was depressingly funny. There was former (and current) comedian Tom Ammiano, wry Aaron Peskin, “supervisor straitjacket” Chris Daly and the lovable, poetry-quoting Jake McGoldrick. But that was then. The class of 2010 has been relatively calm and grown-up, enjoying a decent working relationship with each other and with Mayor Ed Lee. Read More
At an aptly titled “special meeting” of the City Operations and Neighborhood Services committee last Friday, supervisors Sean Elsbernd, Carmen Chu and Scott Wiener heard public comments on Wiener’s proposed ban on public nudity, except for specific events. It was bound to be entertaining. Read More
The Board of Supervisors will decide Tuesday whether to approve a costly lease for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s towing operation after missing a chance to purchase the property for itself.
Last week, the board’s Budget and Finance Committee put the brakes on the deal, requesting more details. But Wednesday, the committee voted to send it to the full board for a vote, albeit without a recommendation. Read More
Questions are flying about the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s costly proposed lease of a 13-acre site for auto towing.
Curious timing and questionable terms and costs surrounding a proposed 20-year contract between the agency and the real estate firm Prologis prompted the Board of Supervisors Budget and Finance Committee on Wednesday to put the brakes on the deal, which took 14 months to negotiate. Read More
Newly reported cases of potential radiation on Treasure Island have raised alarm and prompted the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday to call for a hearing next week to address the reports. Read More
It took until about 5 in the morning, but spending changes in Mayor Ed Lee’s two-year budget were finally agreed upon Friday.
Pay raises for nonprofit workers, $1.2 million for a third legislative aide for members of the Board of Supervisors and $2 million for additional homeless services were among the changes. Read More
The city attorney is hoping to launch a consumer protection unit.
Launching the proposed pilot program would require hiring an attorney and a legislative assistant, something City Attorney Dennis Herrera has yet to persuade city officials is a necessary new expense. Read More
A planned $100 million regional emergency communication system is one step closer to approval despite concerns about costs and the need for a $65 million overhaul of a separate emergency radio system. Read More
On Wednesday, the Budget and Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors will take up a bill that would give a payroll tax credit to local employers who hire ex-felons. I imagine this new law, if enacted, would lead to lots of employment rejection letters for nonfelonious citizens. Letters like this:
Click on the photo at right to see a chart of current hiring-based payroll tax breaks available to businesses.
Dear Mr. Morgan, Read More
