It was Hector Robles’ first day on the job, and it could have been his last if not for the heroic efforts of his fellow construction workers. Within moments of being buried alive in the backyard of a Seacliff home, six co-workers jumped onto the unstable ground that had, moments earlier, swallowed Robles and began to claw at the dirt and sand with their bare hands. Read More

Parks are safe despite an armed robbery in John McLaren Park on Saturday, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings when out and about in the city, police said. The warning comes two days after four unsuspecting men having a picnic were robbed at gun point Saturday afternoon in the park. Police Sgt. Troy Dangerfield said the men were seated at picnic tables near the Gleneagles Golf Course when the robbery occurred. Though no one was injured in the incident, Dangerfield said, wallets and “personal items” such as cell phones were taken. Read More

Saving on energy bills will net cash for San Francisco schools during a push for sustainability next school year. Nik Kaestner, director of sustainability for the San Francisco Unified School District, said schools that reduced their gas, heating, electric and water bills will get half of the savings put back into their budgets. “With budgets the way they are,” he said, “every little bit will matter.” Kaestner said the district spends roughly $4.5 million annually on gas, electricity, water and sewer. Read More

Overnight campers and other transients involved in illegal activities in Golden Gate Park will be the focus of increased police patrols in the wake of two violent incidents in a four-day span.On Sunday, 25-year-old Adam Noyes was stabbed to death by 65-year-old Richard Ray. Ray, who claimed he was attacked by Noyes, flagged down a passing car around 9:40 p.m. near John F. Kennedy and Conservatory drives. Ray is homeless and so was Noyes. Ray is being charged with murder, police Officer Albie Esparza said. Read More

Paying for taxi fares with credit cards would become universal in The City under a new rule being considered by the agency that oversees cabs. Though many cab companies accept plastic as form of payment, the surge in passengers charging their fares has increased the cost of processing the payments. Several cab companies are trying to avoid taking credit card payments to skirt the processing cost, so the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is considering requiring all to allow riders to charge fares. Read More