A few cheers for what’s great in San Francisco

Who Elected SPUR?

Derailed Streamlining Task Force’s Abandons the Mission

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

You can’t fool San Franciscans when it’s about our local democracy.

SFPUC’s Big Christmas Present

Affordable? Utility Rates Up Up and Away.

by Steve Lawrence

Soon, SFPUC will take over PG&E's electrical assets ... The matter has been pending in an administrative law court for a few years … SFPUC is not smiling.

Troubles at the L Taraval

by Stephen Martin-Pinto

Voters approved a merger of Municipal Railway, Parking and Traffic, and Taxi Commission into a single agency to eliminate redundancy and consolidate services.

The Atomic History of Hunters Point

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

A falsified Summary of Air Sampling Data was posted to the Navy’s website and reposted to a 3rd-party website. It was taken down when Plutonium toxicity was disclosed to the public.

San Francisco’s Math Problem

by Carol Kocivar

The school board targeted math as a critical subject to improve. More than half of all SFUSD students are not proficient in math.

Major Medical Reversal

Reprieve for Harmone Therapy

by Glenn Rogers

In the early 2000s iw was believed that hormone therapy increased the risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots and breast cancer in women—no more

The Case for Myrna Melgar

Includes my list of her shortcomings...

by George Wooding

Though many constituents have taken issue with Melgar’s policy positions on housing, zoning, and transportation...

A king for San Francisco?

Streamlining Task Force’s Double-Cross Continues

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

You can’t fool San Franciscans when it’s about our local democracy.

Weiner’s War on West Side Residents

Paul Kozakiewicz

Supervisors attempt to mitigate some of the destructive results of Wiener’s legislation—like putting a Band Aid on a gaping wound.

San Franciscans Dying in Substandard Out-of-County Nursing Homes

by Dr. Teresa Palmer

Health Commission: With so many empty nursing home beds at Laguna Honda-why are San Franciscans being dumped out of county?

Mayor’s Ill-conceived Upzoning Plan

Yimby Madness Proceeds Apace

by Glenn Rogers

What if the economy in the City declines by 20%? The fall of the dot-coms created a recession. AI displacement will likely be worse.

Navy’s U-turn on Exploding Contaminated Buildings

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

Coordinator Michael Pound quietly announced that explosives will not be used in the demolition of seven radiologically impacted buildings on Parcel G.

The Funnybone

Voting with Alice the Anarchist

by Joel Schechter

Emma Goldman once said that if voting changed anything, they would make it illegal.

Overprotected at SF Symphony

by David Romano

At the main entrance, a gauntlet of security guards—it was not a comfortable feeling—like having ICE at the Symphony Hall.

School Board Stumbles on Third Grade Reading

by Carol Kocivar

Students who read below standards are more likely to drop out, have fewer job opportunities, and –ugh– be more likely to end up in the criminal justice system.

Six Fatal Flaws in Lurie’s Rezone Plan

by Calvin Welch

Projects built on SFMTA sites could be as high as 400 feet. These publicly owned sites would then be overwhelmingly market-rate housing and commercial buildings, not quite the comfy “family housing” hawked by Lurie.

Voters Double-Crossed at Streamlining Task Force

Plot to hand Mayor more power runs riot

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

The losing Prop. D proponents are likely dancing in the streets. Winning Prop. E voters? Not so much!

29 Sunset Bus Shake Up

by Jerold Chinn

SFMTA wants to remove bus stops at a dozen intersections. Bus stops being proposed for removal do not meet the 800 feet minimum distance between stops.

Neighborhood finds it’s hard to fight AT&T

by Tim Redmond

City’s planners approve 104-foot tower in Diamond Heights despite broad community opposition.

Navy’s Final Insult

Plans to Blow-Up Toxic Sites Traumatizes Neighbors

by Glenn Rogers

The toxic dust cloud will impact the neighborhood, with playgrounds, schools, churches and transit lines. And worse, the it must be removed — thru side streets to Third Street, exposing residents to poisonous dust.

Hookey — No Joke for SF Schools

by Carol Kocivar

SFUSD lost over $60 million in state funding due to student absences. In California, school funding is based on attendance.  If a student does not show up, the district loses money

Prop E Debased

Commission Streamlining Task Force Runs Amok!

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

It costs $33.9 Million to operate SF’s 112 policy bodies — just two-tenths of 1% of the $15.9 Billion City Budget.

I’m Still Cooking With Gas

by Stephen Martin-Pinto

The Board of Supervisors is considering a ban on gas appliances in all major renovations of homes and businesses...

D7 Participatory Budget Project

New Mural Brightens Head Street Stairs

by Glenn Rogers

For decades, Head Street stairs were a dumping ground and a homeless encampment. Residents searched for a new solution to the problem.

A Delicate Issue: Voter Ed in Schools

by Carol Kocivar

Does your school have a great program that helps high school students become active voters?

Eviction, Displacement & Homelessness in the Neighborhood

High-Rolling Housing Hucksters

by George Wooding

The only families that will benefit from Lurie’s “Family Housing” plan already live on easy street.

Behind the scene in the battle for Prop K

The Great Highway Con

by David Romano

Republican-funded and billionaire-backed organizations ... know San Franciscans are more likely to align with “moderates” than let Republican-led groups take power in our city.

The Saga of Neglected Sunset Boulevard’s Makeover

by Friends of Sunset Boulevard

The Great Highway closure may bring new focus to an embarrassing wasteland — once a proud neighborhood feature.

SF’s Crisis in Skilled Nursing Capacity

Laguna Honda Cows to Trump—120 Nursing Beds Lay Wasting

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

Not a peep out of Supervisors. They have only held three hearings on the crisis at Laguna Honda in 2022.

Engardio Makes His Case Against Recall

by Joel Engardio

You will have the opportunity next November to elect a new supervisor from a range of candidates or keep me in office.

Brotherhood Way Neighbors Speak Up

Developers Target Brotherhood Way—Again

by Glenn Rogers

Three untenable traffic solutions for Brotherhood Way — the essential thoroughfare that joins the westside with the east were presented.

Will Ethnic Studies Survive?

by Carol Kocivar

In California, like most states, the stories of historically marginalized people have often been left out of the curriculum.

Is the City writing off 120 badly needed public nursing home beds?

by Dr. Teresa Palmer

120 newly built rooms will remain empty indefinitely. Many San Franciscans who needs a bed will have to wait or go out of county.

SFMTA’s Traffic Calming Fiascos

Are the “Safety Projects” Safe?

by George Wooding

As the death rates increase, will SFMTA stop building slow streets, neck-down configurations, and quick-build projects?

Remember Prop E in 2024?

Here Comes the Commission Streamlining Task Force

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

Voters passed Prop. E in 2024 to establish a Task Force charged with modifying, eliminating, or combining the City’s appointive boards.

Neighbors Review Plans for Brotherhood Way

by Anne Marie Kristoff

Three bold proposals unveiled for Brotherhood Way and Alemany Boulevard go beyond traffic safety to tackle environmental concerns.

Ratepayers Alert...

Disquieting Takeover of PG&E

by Steve Lawrence

Does PG&E do a splendid job? There’s room aplenty for improvement. But not via SFPUC takeover of our old, complex electrical system. Down that path lies trouble.

Neighborhood Opposition to High-rises Re-emerges

by P Segal

San Francisco has, at last official count, 61,000 unaffordable empty rental units, and the City’s iconic skyline suffers from too many of these monstrosities.

SF Must Take Steps NOW

LA Style Wildfires Can Happen Here

by Denise Louie & Jake Sigg

Last year the National Weather Service issued unprecedented red flag warnings for San Francisco... yet vegetation management is minimal across city-owned lands.

Rec & Park Fudged the Numbers for Sunset Dunes

by Lou Barberini

To promote the closure of the Great Highway via Prop K last November SF’s Transportation Authority and Rec & Park inflated the count of pedestrians and bicyclists on the weekends

SF’s Wheelchair Accessibility
on the Skids

by Howard Chabner

I was almost hit by a bus in 2018, because there was no curb ramp in the direction I was crossing at one of the corners.

Moritorium Halts Cleanup Efforts

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

EPA verified falsification of radioactivity data submitted by Tetra Tech, and Parcel G was the site of extensive soil fraud. Only 3% of Parcel G samples were not falsified.

“Congestion Pricing” Won’t Work for SF’s Downtown

by Stephen Martin-Pinto

Every entrance would require a toll collection gantry. These are not an insignificant cost, and SF would require many toll collection points.

Here’s Looking At You

SFPD’s Drone Program

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Drones, license plate readers and security cameras are partially responsible for some 500 felony arrests using technology in Oakland.

Challenging Pelosi?

Pelosi Challenger Chakrabarti’s Uphill Battle

by Maura Corkery

Chakrabarti is inspired by FDR’s 1933 New Deal, and the years of prosperity that followed.

Is Lurie’s Approach Working?

Repeating Breed’s Failed Policies

by David Romano

Lurie has consolidated the old billionaire-insider influence and continued all of Breed’s major policies.

Japan’s Leadership

Design Buildings to Withstand Earthquakes

by Glenn Rogers

4,000 buildings in SF were built with no rebar to resist side-to-side shaking before 1990.  These buildings were usually built as office spaces or multi-family houses.

How Managers of SF’s Public Pension Left $5 Billion on the Table

by Lou Barberini

Cronyism, often cleansed by the term networking, involves hiring managers favoring friends for loyalty instead of for their potential value to the organization.

I bet Trump never worried about after-school programs for his kids

Trump Cuts Hit Neighborhood Schools

by Carol Kocivar

Hey Donny–most families don’t have nannies or private tutors or hired drivers to pick up the kids.

Some Trees Are Not Appropriate for City Sidewalks

by Howard Chabner

Mayor/Supervisors: the issues I am raising are exactly what you claim to prioritize ... walk the walk. Prove my cynicism wrong.

Is It Time to Revisit Birthright Citizenship?

by Stephen Martin-Pinto

Birthright citizenship needs to be clarified in a modern context, and it is not wrong to revisit rulings, legislation, and policy and update it.

SF Neighberhoods

Wienerville

by George Wooding

On the verge of destroying the character of neighborhoods, they aim to make residential units smaller, denser, and affordable...

Chaos and Loss at a City Clinic

What Killed Tom Waddell Clinic Urgent Care Clinic?

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Mismanagement impairs employee morale and patient care. Conscientious employees will try to remedy the dysfunction. If ignored or repressed, they will burn out and leave.

A Sobering Silence

by Dr. Teresa Palmer

CMS refused the recent SFDPH request to re-license 120 nursing beds at LHH. These semi-private single rooms are still in jeopardy

Housing at Balboa Reservoir Set to Begin Building

by Anne Mariee Kristoff/The Ingleside Light

Building A will apply for tax credits this year. Construction may start in Winter 2026.

Promised 375 Housing Units — Reality 124

LHH Housing Slashed

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

No neighborhood-serving retail within an eight-block radius of the LHH’s campus The isolated site features steep hills all around.

Color Me Thrilled!

The mural honors visionaries and changemakers who inspire the world

by Carol Kocivar

Keep your eyes open as you drive past Laguna Honda. A new mural celebrates public school arts educators.

Appeals Court Rules in Favor of 6,500 Bayview-Hunters Point Residents

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

Judge Donato: maximum recovery of $51.5 million for harm and damages to the people of BVHP.

Fare Evaders Joepardize MUNI’s Fiscal Health

by Lou Barberini

In 2021, Muni was projected to earn $219 million from transit riders. Now they are projecting 33% less — $140 million.

Muddy Waters

All Eyes on the Amazon

by Glenn Rogers

In the last 50 years, the Amazon Rainforest has lost land equivalent to the size of Texas.

Trash Talk

Garbage Rates: A Whopper Increase

by George Wooding

Single-family homeowners in San Francisco will see an anticipated 30% increase over the next three years

Laguna Honda: Almost out of the woods?

by Dr. Teresa Palmer

Remaining hurdle: 120 LHH semi-private rooms are still in jeopardy. 2016 regulations limits bathroom sharing to 2 patient beds. The building opened in 2010—and the rooms are spacious and safe.

Scammed and Slammed!

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

I received calls representing they were claiming “We are PG&E”. They told me I was eligible for a 30% discount on my PG&E bill.

How did shredding urban assistance work out?

Urban Decay Began with Reagan

by David Romano

In 1980, federal dollars accounted for 22% of big city budgets. By the end of Reagan it was only 6%.

Scaling back scientific Federal employees

Farallones — It’s for the Birds

by Glenn Rogers

Today, the islands are considered off-limits to all but a few scientists; they are considered the Galapagos of California.

Inner Sunset: The Once Great Neighborhood

by Harry Pariser

Back in the '60s, you could spend a day visiting the park—all free! Rents were affordable, the neighborhood diverse...

Trans Athletes and School Sports

A San Francisco liberal accepts some MAGA arguments: What’s going on?

by Carol Kocivar

This issue is not hypothetical for me. My son has played on a girl’s team, and my daughter has played on a boy’s team

Please No Artificial Turf in Crocker Amazon

An Open Letter to the SF Giants

by David Romano

Microplastics are crossing the blood-brain barrier and accumulating in human brainsNature Medicine

Mayor Lurie’s Hiring Freeze Hits Laguna Honda Hospital

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

Under Mayor Ed Lee and Mayor London Breed employees grew to 42,584. Wages skyrocketed by 94.8%, from $2.5 billion to $4.9 billion.

Officials Need to Act Now to Prevent a Sunset District Conflagration

Ted Loewenberg

It is not prudent to rely on drinking water from the Sunset Reservoir —quake survivors will need potable water after a major earthquake.

Two Sensible Oceanview Library Sites

Will New D11 Supe Meet Reality?

by Glenn Rogers

It’s next door to the existing library and accessible public transportation with safe platforms is nearby.

Educating Undocumented Children

by Carol Kocivar

About a fifth of California students live in a family with insecure immigration status, many include a mix of authorized and unauthorized. ones.

Letters: Tumlin Hatchet Job

It was such blatant advocacy of cars as a solution to the city’s transportation problem.

Letters: Futile Prop K battle

Sunset residents may blame Supervisor Engardio but the Pacific Ocean is an invincible foe.

Letters: Pedestrians Out of Control Too

Pedestrians enter crosswalks against the red signal as drivers are the midst of a turn.

Tumlin resigned from his $400,725 annual salary + benefits

Jeffrey Tumlin: The Real Story

by George Wooding

SFMTA reports inflation and the end of emergency funding will leave a $260-million to $322-million deficit beginning in 2026...

Betrayal in Golden Gate Park

by Harry Pariser

For decades, Strybing served as a gathering place for one and all, hosting people from all walks of life and every economic strata. What could possibly go wrong?

Sorry Melania...

by Carol Kocivar

With a sincere sense of regret, I declined the invitation to sit next to Melania at the presidential inauguration.

Designing for Fire & Wind Safety

Lessons from LA

by Glenn Rogers

The common belief is that homes are too close to woodlands, where fires catch on easily. However, one home in Pacific Palisades contradicts that notion..

Breed Expands Drug Tourism

by Randy Shaw / Beyond Chron

People unable to afford rent come to San Francisco and wait until a city-funded outreach worker offers them an unlimited stay in a tourist hotel with a private bathroom. Plus two meals a day.

Laguna Honda: Finish the Job
—Open the Doors.

Health Commission?

by Dr. Teresa Palmer

Why are ALL types of admissions so slow? As of the end of November, less than 430 of the 769 licensed nursing home beds at LHH were occupied.

DPH’s Preparedness Plan Ingores climate change and sea-level rise

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

Its policy and directives need to be updated to incorporate climate change, sea level rise, extreme weather events, and chemical and radiological exposures

Despite Funding, City’s Warning Sirens Silenced

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

The devastation in Maui was a tragic example of how important emergency notifications are, we must be ready when the time comes.

Open Letter to Mayor Lurie

by John Farrell

We can either continue the downward spiral of government waste, unneeded bureaucracy, and patronage or start running City Hall as a business.

You Are What You Learn

by Carol Kocivar

Do white Christian nationalists, some advocates of liberated ethnic studies, and fascists have anything in common?

West Portal Beat

Two Injured As Miraloma Club Sustains Significant Damage

by Maura Corkery

A man drove through the front wall of the Miraloma Club on Portola Avenue, injuring two and essentially demolishing the bar’s façade.

West Portal Beat

Two Injured in Walgreens Crash

by Maura Corkery

The driver accidentally stepped on the gas pedal instead of the brake as she pulled into the parking spot.

BEST OF THE NET

Engardio Recall Faces Uphill Battle

by Zhe Wu / SF Public Press

A cadre of west side San Franciscans want to recall District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio for supporting Proposition K

DPH Commissioners Could Cut Long-Term Care

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

This is not the first or last time that SFDPH will keep periodically trying to eliminate long-term care at Laguna Honda.

West Portal Notebook

Westside Underwhelmed by Tsunami

The Wave that Wasn't

by Maura Corkery

Emergency Management sent a warning to stay away from Ocean Beach as many people ignored it as took it to heart

How Billionaires Beat Dean Preston

by The Phoenix Project

Under Breed’s direction, Redistricting removed progressive Inner Sunset from Preston’s D5. At the same time, the Tenderloin was grafted onto District 5.

SF Jail Overcrowding

Lock ‘Em Up Ain’t Working

by David Romano

We haven't funded the support systems to divert offenders to other programs programs that make real public safety possible.

Reader Response

SF Ready to Repeal Rent Control?

Now More Than Ever

by Jennifer Fieber/SF Tenants Union

In 1979, facing an unprecedented housing crisis, Supervisors enacted rent control for hundreds of thousands of renters.

Be Good for Goodness Sake

Kids Books for Christmas

by Carol Kocivar

Truth, kindness, empathy, good choices, equality, and patriotism there's some confusion over what these words mean.

BEST OF THE NET

Melgar Beats the Bigbucks

GrowSF/TogetherSF Left in the Dust

by Kelly Waldron/Mission Local

When the city’s district boundaries were redrawn, D7 lost its most conservative precincts to D4, and gained more progressive ones from D5.

West Portal Notebook

Chancellor Bilked City College—$8 Million

From Deficit to Surplus

by Maura Corkery

We were led to believe City College was in dire financial straits—the fiscal reality was a substantial surplus.

Admissions at Laguna Honda Slow to Snail’s Pace

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

Does that mean San Franciscans needing skilled nursing carewill continue being dumped out-of-county?

SIP the Poison

...by any other name.

by Steve Lawrence

No doubt about the cost to ratepayers. SIP is not free, since the lowest bidder may not get the job. That costs ratepayers.

SF Ready to Repeal Rent Control?

Voter’s Rejection of Prop 33 Opens the Door

by Stephen Martin-Pinto

I am not suggesting an elimination of rent control over night... it is too late for many tenants to move and afford another unit. However...

Following SFPUC Over the Cliff?

Open Letter to the Coastal Commission

by Glenn Rogers

Yearly, as much as 1.2 billion gallons of combined stormwater runoff and sewage containing feces, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and trash are dumped into the Bay.

Saving the Religion/Public School Divide

Focus on Education

by Carol Kocivar

Our country’s political divisions are again raising basic questions about the separation of church and state.

Billionaires Target SF Mayors Race

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

TogetherSF Action’s Project 2024–2028 scheme starts with a Mark Farrell victory. From there it seeks to eliminate district elections.

Trump v Harris: Weighing Education Policies

Kamala, Trump, and public education

by Carol Kocivar

On the campaign trail education policy has taken a back seat to other really important national issues, such as eating dogs and the size of crowds.

West Portal Notebook

Farrell & Lurie at Bookshop West Portal

by Maura Corkery

Candidates Mark Farrell and Daniel Lurie both spoke at the neighborhood bookshop and attracted considerable audience attendance.

Prop B: Deciet Exploits Laguna Honda Patients

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

The $390 million bond allocates just $66 million for our two hospitals. The rest—$324 million—is for other totally unrelated projects.

Sunshine Anyone?

Candidates on Open Government?

by Richard Knee

The City’s sunshine laws are in need of updating, but most mayoral and supervisorial candidates are mum on how to increase city government transparency.

New Docs Reveal Trail of Navy Deception

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

The Navy’s Parcel F Radiological Impaction map was excluded from the Record of Decision of September 2024. Raw data was also excluded from environmental testing for radionuclides.

Another SFMTA Disgrace

Distressed Cab Drivers Speak Out

by Glenn Rogers

With no limits on the number of ride-share cars on the street undercutting fares, taxi drivers cannot make a living.

Letters: Prop K Rebuttal

It’s a logical, environmentally sound plan for what is already happening to the Great Highway.

Letters: West Portal’ Decline

We now are beginning to see the filth and degradation Breed’s gang has encouraged to infest West Portal.

Nobody wants to close schools

SFUSD’s Quandry

by Carol Kocivar

An under-enrolled school does not have enough students to offer educational opportunities we want for them in a fiscally responsible way.

Prop D: The Strong Mayor Sans Oversight

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

Following the money. Prop D is the billionaire’s attack on citizen oversight.

Over-Controlled Housing

by Steve Lawrence

Should we double down–on what has so far failed? Do we just need to spend more public money?

West Portal Notebook

Aaron Peskin at Bookshop West Portal

by Maura Corkery

Over the next two months, each mayoral candidate will have an evening to greet attendees and answer questions in a laid-back “meet the candidate” event.

Prop K is wrong for San Francisco

Misleading Attempt to Close Great Highway

by David Romano

5 supervisors put Prop K on the Ballot, unannounced and at the last minute. No community input, no questions answered, no concerns addressed, no discussion by the Supervisors.

Prop K: a new park for all

Ocean Beach Park: A significant asset for SF

by Supervisor Joel Engardio

Why transform a section of the Great Highway into an oceanside park? It will help the environment, boost local merchants, and bring people joy.

Escalating power, water & sewer rates

by Steve Lawrence

At present, there is no citizen group concerned with rates paid for water, sewer and power. Few attend or comment to the SFPUC Commission.

D7 Needs a New Supervisor

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

The West Portal debacle, Laguna Honda disaster & neghborhood density. She’s out of step.

The Bomb Within Us

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

They originally consisted of fifteen residents and UCSF workers, located within six blocks of the western fence line of the NRDL campus and industrial landfill”

SFUSD needs chutzpah...

to tackle antisemitism

by Carol Kocivar

District must provide training about the American Jewish experience and antisemitism to ensure that instruction is free of anti-Jewish hate

Read More

Environmental Windfall

Revolutionary Process Turns Rubble Into Concrete

by Glenn Rogers

This new concrete removes many of the wasteful steps commonly used in producing concrete.

West Portal Notebook

SCOTUS’ Homeless Ruling Hits the Streets

by Maura Corkery

Ruling that “cruel and unusual punishment” does not apply to fining, ticketing, or even arresting homeless (even when there are no public shelters available),overturning the 9th Circuit Court.

Will School Closures Dampen Back-to-School?

It’s a Good Idea.

by Carol Kocivar

After too many years of ignoring financial crisis, SFUSD is biting the bullet. It’s called resource realignment...

Supervisors Throw Drivers Under the Bus

Paul Kozakiewicz

On the last day the Supervisors could put an initiative on ballot, Engardio and Melgar pounced and forwarded the legislation to the Department of Elections.

Sisterhood Gardens Light Up Oceanview

by Glenn Rogers

Once just a border of California native plants around the garden’s perimeter, providing habitat and nourishment for local fauna it’s now a beautiful neighborhood gem.

Harris or Trump? No Contest

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

No matter how much my esteemed colleague at the Westside Observer, Quentin Kopp, wants to quibble over Kamala Harris ...

No break for DPH

Class Action Lawsuit Looms Over Laguna Honda

by Dr. Derek Kerr & Dr. Maria Rivero

City has long minimized the root cause of LHH’s dysfunction and decertification. Just look at the self-congratulatory Press Release announcing its re-opening.

West Portal Notebook

SFMTA’s Plan for West Portal Station Pushes Buttons

by Maura Corkery

West Portal merchants, residents, and long-time frequenters have weighed in for months on the City’s plan to institute significant new traffic regulations and barriers primarily at the mouth of the MUNI station.

Newsom—Declare a Public Health Emergency at Hunters Point

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

The Precautionary Principle affirms SF’s leaders duty to prevent harm through anticipatory action. ‘There is a duty to take anticipatory action to prevent harm.”

Open Roads

Keep the Great Highway a Highway

by Glenn Rogers

SFMTA claims 10,000 people visit the Great Highway on a weekend. Residents ask for an unbiased study.

What happened to the education budget?

Some good news!

by Carol Kocivar

California no longer lurks in the basement of national school funding.

Our City Our Power Our Pocketbook

by Steve Lawrence

No doubt PG&E is quite imperfect. But is the City bureaucracy an improvement? Shall we expand an already oversized City department?

How will Education fare under Republicans?

by Carol Kocivar

It’s not only how schools are funded but how important topics are taught. At stake is what our children learn about democracy as well as about their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

West Portal MUNI Station Committee

Melgar’s Plan for West Portal Station

by Maura Corkery

West Portal accounts for 6% of the City’s accidents; after the implementation of Project Zero in 2014, accidents of every kind in the West Portal area have dropped from 20% - 48%.

West Portal MUNI Station Committee

Community Panel Pans SFMTA’s Plan

by Maura Corkery

Right now, there’s no timeline or budget for this project. The SFMTA admitted it had not conducted a preliminary cost/benefit analysis despite the multi-million-dollar deficit they’re facing this year.

City’s Granny Dumping Spike

City Health Department’s Missing Report Concealed Shameless Patient Dumping

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

The hospitals shed their Skilled Nursing bed capacity in the City’s private sector hospitals en masse. It Was adversely affecting profits

West Portal Notebook

West Portal Merchants Want Cameras & Cops

by Maura Corkery

Police patrolling up and down the block, speaking to residents, shop owners significantly prevents possible crime.

Build Artists Housing to Revitalize City

by P Segal

...before artists were forced out by rising rents and landlord policies, artists made up about 7% of the City’s population, around 50,000 people.

City’s Decline is SFMTA Designed

Are Bike Lanes Choking Businesses?

by Glenn Rogers

San Francisco is designed by SFMTA planners who have more design clout than any other agency in the City, except perhaps the State.

An Open Letter to City Hall

Laguna Honda may not close
—but is it open?

by Dr. Teresa Palmer

There is a dire shortage of nursing home beds in SF—especially for those on Medi-Cal—which pays for chronic long-term care when a resident cannot afford $15,000 a month.

We Can’t Wait

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

The slow pace of climate action has never been about lack of science or even lack of solutions; it has always been about lack of political will.

Newly recertified
—same old problems

Laguna Honda Recertified:
Hold the Fireworks

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

How long will the Health Commission delay the “LHH sustainability plan” that will shape its management in the future?

Happy Birthday America!

Hope it's not your last.

by Carol Kocivar

Many of the basic rights we value are under attack.  There are even those who think Jan. 6th should be celebrated instead of July 4.

Showdown at Hunters Point

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

A confluence of major legal actions has moved forward to pretrial deposition testimony in BVHP Residents v Tetra Tech brought by SFPD and whistleblowers under the False Claims Act.

Yes, trees can be weeds

Trees in McClaren Park

by Jake Sigg

Removal of the weedy species is necessary. All plants have natural predators in their native ranges, but landscape plants imported from, say, across the ocean, left their predators there.

Nightmare Plan from Melgar, Breed, and Tumlin

Showdown on West Portal

by George Wooding

SFMTA still has no quantifiable road safety data other than right turns are bad, left turns are bad, fast-moving cars are dangerous, slow-moving cars are dangerous, cars are bad, and bikes are good.

12 Questions to Ask School Board Candidates

by Carol Kocivar

Local school board elections used to be sleepy affairs. No more. Political activists now pay close attention to these local contests — for good reasons.

Designing for Drought

SFPUC pushes drought scenario

by Glenn Rogers

Despite a surplus of water in our reservoirs sufficient to withstand a drought for four years, the SFPUC has imposed a drought surcharge on San Francisco ratepayers.

A Great Day for Kids and Books

by Susan Tunis

A perfect illustration of the magic that independent bookstores can create—It was a day filled with joy, connection, and a shared love of books!

City Hall’s Budget Deficit Step One

by John Farrell

The previous City Administrator was a protégé of Willie Brown—resigned due to corruption. The current City administrator is a protégé of a protégé of Willie Brown.

Tony Hall’s Blueprint to Save SF

by Tony Hall

What happened to The City that Knows how? What happened to the City that Everybody Loves?

So What’s the Damage?

Counting the Costs of the Laguna Honda Debacle

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

Sadly, LHH has not been recertified, patient admissions have not restarted. So patients needing skilled nursing care are displaced out-of-county.

Addressing the West Portal Tragedy

Planning for a Safe Intersection

by Supervisor Myrna Melgar

The winning projects will be most closely align to the criteria and can be successfully completed with the funding allocated as a one-time grant.

In Praise of PTA’s Stars

by Carol Kocivar

California’s PTA got started in San Francisco way back in 1897 with the California Home and School Child Study Association.

Overdose Deaths Bewilder DPH

Battling lethal drug combinations

by Dr. Derek Kerr

The devastating effect of drug addiction is evident from the human wreckage ...Yes, it’s a nationwide plague. But SF overdose rates are twice the national average.

Homeless seek respite at Ocean Beach

Life at the end of the safety net

by David Romano

If you do get into a shelter — they’ll take away your belongings, you can’t have a pet, you can’t have visitors and after a few days or a week, you’ll likely be turned out on the street again with nothing.

Mayor’s Upzoning Plan Endangers Our Neighborhoods

by Dennis Antenore

Demolitions, speculations, and displacement are in store if the city moves forward with Breed’s approach.

SFPUC’s Employee discontent under Herrera

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Herrera’s team has settled in. The disruptions from the FBI probe and COVID had abated. Employee satisfaction should have improved. It didn’t.

SFUSD Considers School Closures

by Carol Kocivar

No one wants to close schools. Not the communities. Not the school boards. Not administrators and school district personnel..

Phil Ginsburg: Stop poisoning our world

by David Romano

Will Rec and Park be satisfied when every square foot of Golden Gate Park is concrete and artificial turf?

Is Hydrogen in our future?

Consider Hydrogen Power

by Glenn Rogers

Unfortunately,it also has many disadvantages. The gas is explosive. It needs to be compressed or converted into other chemicals, such as liquid ammonia...

New Shipyard Report Confirms: Unsafe for Habitation

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

Take-home message: Cleanup efforts in 15 parcels and sites do not protect residents from hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants emanating from the dirty base

How Safe is SF’s Aquifer Water?

City’s Emergency Water Plan

by Glenn Rogers

Unlike Flint, we don’t use salt to deice roads. However, if we over-tax our ground aquifers, we could draw salt from the Pacific into our drinking water.

Letters: Cavalier Cease-Fire Call

Re: David Romano’s recent commentary — is simply bad journalism.

Letters: Sutro Tower’s Future

When the tower comes down what will replade it?.

Bevy of Lawyers Target Laguna Honda Mismanagement

More Trouble for DPH

by Dr. Kerr & Dr. Rivero

Just when Laguna Honda seemed to be turning the corner on its struggle toward reform, three law firms have teamed up to expand their Class Action lawsuit.

Algebra and District Elections Bedevil SFUSD

by Carol Kocivar

It reminds me of when my kids did something that I thought was not well thought through. I tried to bring them back to reality.

Will Nancy Pelosi represent San Franciscans?

by David Romano

She is out of step with the majority of San Franciscans who are calling for an immediate cease-fire and a halt to military aid to Israel

Could SF be the next Lahaina?

Budget Scrunch Endangers Westside Firefighting

by Thomas K. Pendergast

Hetch Hetchy water supply comes from 167 miles away, crosses 3 major faults, goes under the bay and then up the San Andreas Fault for 25 miles.

Today’s students alarming lack of knowledge

Don’t know much about history

by Carol Kocivar

This is an education emergency made worse by a divided America where many believe it is ok to make up your own facts.

Parkmerced Residents complain to SFPD

by Glenn Rogers

The complaints ranged from as many as ten squatters living rent-free, theft, casinos, dog kennels, brothels and drug laboratories at Parkmerced.

New proposed location for Ocean View Library is ideal

by Glenn Rogers

Few were surprised when Supervisor Safai learned the library was not to be built in the Greenbelt — he feared the worst. No library at all.Since 2023, the Library Commission has been considering 466 Randolph Street, where the I.T. Bookman Community Center and the Pilgrim Community Church are located.

San Francisco. In Alameda? Wait, what?

by David Osgood

When the runways for the Alameda Naval Air Station were extended out into the bay—using dredged bay fill, the same way Treasure Island was created — they crossed over the city line. The federal government apparently didn't know or care.

San Franciscans need nursing home care

Will Laguna Honda Admissions Start Soon?

by Dr. Teresa Palmer

The survey attests to a quality of care that is higher than in for-profit private nursing homes. But there are ongoing problems.

Your ballot will be in the mailbox in a few weeks

Issues and Candidates on the Primary Ballot

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

The March 5 election is fast approaching. The San Francisco Department of Elections will start mailing all registered voters automatic vote-by-mail ballots in early February.

Parking Control

RV residents on Winston Drive face uncertain future

by Thomas K. Pendergast

A four-hour parking limit is going to make things even more difficult for RV residents.

ONE BIG MAN — ONE HOT TRUCK!

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

Two UCSF workers with respiratory disease, cancer and lung disease were not evacuated during shipyard landfill fire that erupted in “green, yellow, and orange” flames.

Peripheral Canal Redux?

Delta Conveyance Plan leaves Northern California dry

by Glenn Rogers

Delta Conveyance Project is back on the drawing board, attempting to move clean water to the Los Angeles Southern Basin.

Assessing Judge Bergert’s use of mental health diversions

by Lou Barberini

Fortunately for Mendez, he appeared in ultra-liberal Judge Michael Begert’s court. Despite Mendez’s failure to comply with diversion, Begert nevertheless granted Mendez “mental health diversion’ (again).

Remembering the Heroine We Lost in 2023

A Tribute to Nancy Wuerfel, Mentor to Many

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

Newsom, Breed, and SF’s Supervisors may all have taken a hands-off waiting game approach I knew Nancy and her good government advocacy for years, sometimes crossing her path when we both attended meetings at City Hall.

Delayed Inspections Mean Dumping More Seniors Out-of-County

Laguna Honda Hospital’s Endless Waiting Game

by Patrick Monette-Shaw

Newsom, Breed, and SF’s Supervisors may all have taken a hands-off waiting game approach to LHH’s Medicare recertification inspection process that will take four months to complete.

The Future of Journalism in the Bay Area

Falling advertisements, digital transitions and major lay-offs plague journalists

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Emilio Garcia-Ruiz worried about the New York Times becoming a “huge competitor” in the Bay Area by “undercutting the market on subscription costs to $1/week.

SFUSD needs to take responsibility

SFUSD: The White Supremacy Strawman

by Carol Kocivar

At last! SFUSD has identified why students aren’t learning. Ready? The real cause is White Supremacy. That’s right. White Supremacy Culture is preventing our students from learning.

Our Transit-First Policy is Long Gone.

Is MUNI on Deathwatch?

by Glenn Rogers

Today, ridership is entirely different — a problem. And the money Congress spent to save transit dries up next year.

Behind Peskin’s Dark Maneuver

Sudden Death of Remote Public Comment

Patrick Monette-Shaw

It effectively punishes hundreds, if not thousands, who want to participate in our local government. Even worse, it will force those who have disabilities to disclose their special needs. Or face the burden of traveling to City Hall.

Streets, sidewalks and roofs of cities all absorb heat during the day

Signs of Climate Change Beneath Our Feet

by Glenn Rogers

Unlike the temperature in the atmosphere — ground temperatures become increasingly warmer over time a recent study found

Neighbor Power

Support for Shaw’s Candy Victims as New Evidence Emerges

by Thomas K. Pendergast

It is alleged that on the afternoon of September 27th, Janda was sitting on the bench in front of her ice cream shop.

The Atlantic’s attacks on San Francisco miss the point

by David Romano

When so much wealth is concentrated in the hands of so few people without money and power lose out.

Laguna Honda Wake Up Call

SFDPH Must Act Quickly to Save 120 Critical Beds

Patrick Monette-Shaw

SF has lost 1,381 Skilled Nursing Facility beds. If LHH loses 120 more beds it will leave only 2,161 meanwhile 4,186 patients were discharged to other counties in 2022.

State Mandated Development Endangers Westside's Greenbelt

by Glenn Rogers

Does SF needs more housing? Downtown is 31% vacant and Parkmerced has a 25% vacancy.

SFUSD High School Task Force:

Color Me Disappointed

by Carol Kocivar

How familiar are the Task Force members with the research and how well are they equipped to make data driven recommendations?

Letters: Outside Land Growls & Grumbling

RE: David Romano’s recent commentary — the neighbors are supposed to smile and put up with these shows year after year...

from Dennis Minnick & others

Anxious Residents Crowd Town Hall

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Over 100 crowded the room to address Westside disorder, homelessness and street crime.

Humans Have Crossed 6 of 9 Essential Safety Boundaries

by Glenn Rogers

Scientists who analyzed Earth’s safety boundaries found humans are currently transgressing six.

Outside Lands — not a good neighbor

by David Romano

After neighborhood protests at Rec & Parks residents got more, not less concerts.

Failing Grade for SF High School Task Force

by Carol Kocivar

How familiar are the Task Force members with the research and how well are they equipped to make data driven recommendations?

Thank You Nancy Wuerfel

by George Wooding

Oh no! You don't want Nancy Wuerfel on your case! That woman does her homework, which means that you're going to have to do yours as well!.

Laguna Honda’s battle to keep 120 skilled nursing beds is unnecessary.

Patrick Monette-Shaw

LHH’s bedrooms exceed the minimum square-foot restrictions. They have sliding doors between each bedroom — essentially making them all private, single-person rooms.

Health Dept. Streamlines Article 31

by Dr. Ahimsa Porter Sumchai

The Health Department’s Article 31 needs to prevent housing on radioactive sites.

Inside the State’ Education Budget

by Carol Kocivar

Budgets are built on predictions. Will Californians actually earn income and pay taxes at the levels predicted? No one knows for certain.

Laguna Honda Seeks Additional $18 Million for Consultants

Recertification accomplished - so what’s this for?

Patrick Monette-Shaw

On top of the $64.9 M already spent — including $30.5 M on consultant contracts, $22.3 M lost Medi-Cal reimbursement, and $12 M misc.

Race-blind Admissions in California

by Carol Kocivar

Schools scramble to comply with Supreme Court’s admission decision AND still create diverse college communities

Greenland Will Cause Sea Rise First, Not Antarctica

by Glenn Rogers

Should all the ice in Greenland melt, we could expect the sea level rise an additional 23 feet.

It’s time to assess Prop 47’s havoc on the safety of San Franciscans

by Lou Barberini

Before Prop 47 eliminated California Penal Code section 666, a police officer could charge a thief with a criminal history with “felony theft with-priors” and take him to county jail.

SF's Housing Snag

... E.T. versus City

by Steve Lawrence

Pretend you're an alien (E.T.) come to earth in human form to live and learn and even to rationally guide humans who have lost their way. You land in San Francisco.

Costs to Rescue Laguna Honda Continue to Escalate

Managers disregarded the risks to patients

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Known costs climbing to $65 Million but City Attorney conceals ($5 million?) in legal fees.

A Few Cheers for What’s Great About San Francisco

by Carol Kocivar

I’m reminded again and again that there are really great things the world of San Francisco.

Corruption Central

... & The Family Enterprise

by Steve Lawrence

Some say a little bit of corruption greases the wheels. Just don't kid yourself ... each of these words, Social Impact Partnering, are buzzwords. There's a reason for that.

A Home in the SF’s Countryside

by Glenn Rogers

The neighborhood was much different then. Yellow and white margaritas were everywhere in wild areas on the south and north side of Alemany Blvd. There was no Highway 280.

Grand Jury Tackles Homeless Providers

by Dr. Derek Kerr

City Family’s coziness with contractors sustains a “Homeless-Industrial-Complex." Politically-connected entrepreneurs are awarded City contracts and return the favor.

Laguna Honda’s Mismanagement Costs Reach $64.1 Million

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Moss Adams’ contract increased by by $5.9 million to $9,987,293 — just $12,707 shy of requiring Board of Supervisors approval.

Selective Admissions

by Carol Kocivar

One small problem. Although we called it a computer match, we did not have a computer. Yup, that long ago.

Ethics should be called The Narrow Commission

by Sullivan

Giving a complaint to the “Ethics” Commission is like giving a complaint to a black hole. Your complaint goes in and the chance that anything comes out is slim.

Ignoring the Neighbors — Rec & Park Shows How It’s Done

by David Romano

Neighbors were not adequately notified — the few who showed up were ignored.

Supervisors Honor Nancy Wuerfel

Long-time Westside activist commended

by Kathy Howard & Sally Stephens

The Supervisors celebrated her preservation and conservation efforts and recognized her significant contributions.

Bored? Libraries to the rescue

My Summer Reading List

by Carol Kocivar

The good news: it's available to every child though our public libraries in every corner of San Francisco. And it's free!

Laguna Honda Admits Its Own Staff Jeopardizes Its Recertification

Patrick Monette-Shaw

We will lose Laguna Honda Hospital if immediate jeopardy citations continue.

Major Meter Hike Hijinks

by Glenn Rogers

Budget Problem? City Hall's Reliable Cash Cow to the Rescue! Stop the exploitation.

Laguna Honda Finally Hires a Nursing Home Administrator

Patrick Monette-Shaw

After 20 years without a licensed Nursing Home Administrator at the helm, that will change. At last someone knowledgeable about Federal nursing home regulations will be in charge.

Hunters Point Continues to Poison San Franciscans

by Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai

The Health Department burned down a village of Chinese fishermen dependent on the lucrative shrimping industry when the Navy purchased the 934-acre property using eminent domain for the Naval Shipyard.

Rec & Parks Scheme to Cash in on Outside Lands Income

by David Romano

“ You guys had a bunch of secret planning meetings ... no Brown Act notice ... now you want to permit an additional 60,000-person event ...”

Let’s Fight SFPUC for Affordable Water

Ratepayers may need to rely on the courts

by Brian Browne

1985 to 2022, the nominal SFPUC rates have increased annually by an average of 10.1%.

Railroaded Out of Town

by Sullivan

Inside the Sunshine Task Force’s “Compliance and Amendments Committee.”

The day before evictions of all residents — a final last-minute reprieve

Too late to save Laguna Honda intact?

by Dr. Teresa Palmer

CMS extended federal funding while the facility continues without resident evictions until September 19, 2023

Families Sue Laguna Honda for Transfer Deaths

LHH “disregarded” the risk of transfer trauma to elderly dementia patients

by Dr. Derek Kerr

3 families filed suit, alleging LHH culpability in the deaths of patients transferred to outside facilities last year.

It's Game On!

D7’s Participatory Budget Selection Nears

by Doug Comstock

The selected projects will be up for public voting beginning June 12.

Letter Re: Fear and Trembling — Frisco Style

Julie Pitta’s most recent commentary misrepresents what I said in a TMZ interview — “to stoke fears about public safety.” This is false.

from Joel Engardio

SFUSD: Failing Math and Literacy for Kids

Can the Commission admit they were wrong?

by Carol Kocivar

The evidence is in time for SFUSD to change.

Melgar's Crime Town Hall signals public dissatisfaction

District 7 residents grill officials

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Grassroots anti-crime and pro-accountability organizing could imperil elected officials who can’t get a handle on the disorder.

Laguna Honda on Last-Gasp Status

Patrick Monette-Shaw

While consultants released three follow-up reports ... details of the complete picture are still dripping out, like a leaky faucet.

Stop Crime SF engages in election advocacy

Anti-crime group to test its political strength

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Judges can undermine the good work of the police and the DA ... Judges are elected, but the public doesn't know about their decisions

Is AI Ready for Prime Time?

by Glenn Rogers

It Could lead to more arrests of protestors, minorities, or anyone the State considers a threat if artificial intelligence is designed and executed improperly.

It's Teacher Appreciation Week

Time to Reassess the Value of Teachers

by Carol Kocivar

Flowers and cards are great, but teachers deserve a fair wage for their valuable work.

Public Records Request with a Side of Fries

by Sullivan

When I made a simple request for documents what I got left me confused — should I laugh or cry?

SF's Public Guardian Sues Laguna Honda for Abuse

The lawsuit cites seven Causes of Action

by Dr. Derek Kerr

It took courage for the Public Guardian to file suit. Hopefully, the public will learn the full extent of the scandal. The timing couldn’t be worse for LHHs struggle to survive.

April 14th is the anniversary of Laguna Honda's decertification

Just Released—Laguna Honda Hospital's Revised Closure Plan

Patrick Monette-Shaw

LHH mostly serves low-income, medically indigent patients, likely to face discharges, exile, and displacement to out-of-county facilities, away from their families, and support networks.

The Crisis in Housing for Artists

by P Segal

The City's vacant downtown businesses and escalating housing rents are a San Francisco disaster. Roadkill: San Francisco's artist communities.

Does SF Enable Drug Use?

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Fentanyl overdoses have killed more San Franciscans than COVID. Yet, SF fails to prosecute dealers; no convictions for fentanyl sales in 2021. Most dealers are granted diversion.

I am plain worn out listening to all the things that have gone wrong in our City and our Country.

Arts, Music, Dance, Drama:  Great work SFUSD!

by Carol Kocivar

The arts are more than alive and well in San Francisco public schools.  In many cases, they are spectacular. A little hyperbole? Nope.

Tranq - the Next Drug Scourge

Fentanyl has a new rival

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Xylazine is infiltrating North American fentanyl and heroin supplies. It is causing more fatal overdoses, zombie-like intoxication— addictions that are harder to treat than simple fentanyl dependency.

April 14th is the anniversary of Laguna Honda's decertification

Root Cause Factors Refute DPH Claims Minimizing LHH’s Violations

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Inept managers from SF General and SF Health Network are principally responsible for the current mess at LHH, not LHH's caring and dedicated staff.

San Francisco's $780 Million Budget Deficit

by John Farrell

Controller's estimated $290 million deficit — $90.1 million more than projected in January. For the next two fiscal years, the shortfall is projected at $779.8 million.

Let the Bay Lights go dark

Heather Knight Plugs the Bay Lights

by David Romano

Our resources are precious, and we shouldn't be using them for displays of lighting that serve no practical purpose.

Is the Sunshine Task Force Ethically Challenged?

by Sullivan

When the City Attorney and the Ethics Commission demur — the SOTF needs to police itself.

Hiding the Deadly Risks of SF's High-Rises

Facing the under-reported facts

by David Osgood

For decades, the City has allowed weaker standards for buildings shorter than 240 feet — no signs of seriously considering these structural deficiencies.

SFPUC: 90% Rate Increase

... & Housing Dreams

by Steve Lawrence

Our Board of Supervisors is keen for the City to acquire the PG&E infrastructure.An offer of $2.5 billion has been rejected.

Keep Diego Rivera's Mural at City College

This mural is currently on loan from City College to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) — The agreement includes the return of the mural to City College which has been its owner and guardian since 1940.

by San Francisco Resident

Screen California Students for Dyslexia

by Carol Kocivar

In third grade...nearly 60% of students are not yet proficient in reading — students can't “read to learn” until they have successfully learned to read.

Tuesday, March 21st - 9:30am

Westside Neighbors to Protest Climate-Hostile Banks

by Ken Hoegger

West Portal's Chase Bank protest highlights banks’ dominant funding of fossil fuels.

Dreams Come True

Get That Neighborhood Improvement Funded

by Supervisor Myrna Melgar

The winning projects will be most closely align to the criteria and can be successfully completed with the funding allocated as a one-time grant.

Stop Using Herbicides in San Francisco

The Oxalis Obsession

by SF forest Alliance

The herbicides don’t kill the bulbs. You can kill the top growth and other plants, but you won’t kill the oxalis.

Fighting Against a Stacked Deck

by Sullivan

No wonder the City finds itself in scandals — when the Ethics Commission and the City Attorney doesn't enforce misconduct.

Parents Who Help SFUSD

by Carol Kocivar

PTA's Honorary Service award recognizes people for outstanding service to children and youth — above and beyond what is asked of them.

Mayor Breed’s Mysterious Appointments

Is it true that none of Mayor Breed’s four nominees for the Homelessness and Supportive Housing Oversight Board seem to have any experience or credentials in dealing with the problems of homeless citizens?

by Chris Gray and Susan Chen

Laguna Honda Debacle: Root Cause Analysis

DPH kept the report secret for months

by Dr. Derek Kerr &
Dr. Maria Rivero

The report finally gives us a complete picture of LHH's problems and the path to recover.

The Weed That's Destroying our Native Habitat

Oxalis is rampant in the Bay Area

by Jake Sigg

Its a tragedy for all the foragers who depend on native plants: myriads of insects, the birds and others that feed on them ...

The Mystery of the New Housing Element

Roadmap or Pipedream?

by Steve Lawrence

Well-resourced Neighborhoods are guilty of plenty, explains the new Element. Racism, greed, selfishness– ... it's time to reform

Did 20 years of mismanagement prompt the Feds to intervene?

The Bungled Management of Laguna Honda

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Kanaley had no experience running a skilled nursing facility whatsoever and certainly no experience or training to run a 1,200-bed nursing home with approximately 1,500 employees

Ignoring document requests, misinforming Supes and Boards — are Feds feed up yet?

Squeezing the Truth from Laguna Honda Management

Patrick Monette-Shaw

The showdown at LHH. Now the Feds are demanding SF hire qualified Nursing Home Administrators!

An easier way to pass local taxes for schools

California Supreme Court grants a wish to school communities

by Carol Kocivar

Can regulating taxation by local governments (two-thirds vote for a parcel tax) override a majority vote in a citizens initiative? Nope.

”Moderates“ Organize to Change City Hall

According to TogetherSF, District elections is the problem

by Dr. Derek Kerr

The proposed fix is to return to at-large board seats to get more done for the whole City.

Newsom's Albatross

by Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai

Newsom violated ethics laws by signing into law Shipyard redevelopment measures he sponsored before the Board of Supervisors and accepted the transfer of Parcel A at the cost of one dollar

Let's Rethink Hospice Admissions

Oversight for Patients’ Rights

by Brian Browne

A group of friends formed to rescind her hospice disposition and return her home to live or die among her treasured surroundings...

Laguna Honda's 12 Transfer Deaths

Culpability extends to the feds as well as LHH

by Dr. Derek Kerr

So far, twelve patients are dead. 11 patients were severely disabled and had profound cognitive impairment.

Weeks After Forced Discharge, Patients Began Dying

Laguna Honda Residents Face Resumption of Mandatory Discharges

Patrick Monette-Shaw

LHH wants to avoid culpability when patients die, but actions have consequences, sometimes grave

PG&E, SFPUC

and even stranger things

by Steve Lawrence

A look at the City's lawsuit against PG&E, at at SFPUC's mismanagement of flooding, AI's artificial idiocy, and aging in SF!

Will changing Lowell admission policies fix the achievement gap?

by Carol Kocivar

The issue is heating up AGAIN. the SFUSD high school task force will present recommendations on admission policies

Say No to Bay Lights; Stop polluting the night sky

We Have Better Uses for $11 Million

by David Romano

Our resources are precious, and we shouldn't be using them in displays of lighting that serve no practical purpose.

Are Progressives Making Homelessness Worse?

A book review of San Fran-sicko

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Poor people seldom end up on the street. But, addicted and mentally ill people become “disaffiliated” from supporters – a key determinant of street homelessness

Immediate Jeopardy Violation Further Risks Laguna Honda

DPH Reveals Troubling Laguna Honda Developments

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Unanswered questions: will they continue admitting behaviorally disturbed patients ... will forced discharges resume on February 2?

Could Parkmerced Transform to Affordable Housing?

by Glenn Rogers

30% of Parkmerced's 3,221 units are vacant. If the Prop M Vacant Unit Tax does not encourage lower rents, the City might purchase them at a bargain, making thousands of new units available...

California Deserves Better

Time for Feinstein to Step Down

by David Romano

Feinstein has been an enthusiastic supporter of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. How have those wars benefited the families of California?

Mayor's Clueless New Years Fumble Signels Trouble

by Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai

Adorned in a feather boa and accompanied by City Attorney David Chiu, Breed's City Officials were oblivious to the massive flooding NASA satellite images predicted December 16, 2022.

Ask the right questions to fix SF High Schools

by Carol Kocivar

A huge number of students who enter high school are not proficient in English and math — almost 45 percent of SFUSD 8th graders are not proficient in English. More than half are not proficient in math

First Victim of Redistricting: Supervisor Gordon Mar

by Doug Comstock

Mayor Breed’s backroom manipulations brought the defeat of Mar and the election of Dorsey — more targets in 2024?

No Religious Discrimination for the Holidays

by Carol Kocivar

It's America! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah

Root Cause Analysis: Key Report Missing?

Costs to Rescue Laguna Honda Climb to $20 Million

Patrick Monette-Shaw

... it tells us that they are maintaining secrecy to cover up the loss of greatly needed skilled nursing services in SF

Banned Books for Christmas

by Carol Kocivar

Banning children’s books from schools and libraries is a threat not only to freedom of speech but also to our commitment to teach our children well.

What Happened at Laguna Honda? Update

by Dr. Teresa Palmer

...the mission of a nursing home is to promote resident autonomy. This is not compatible with the treatment of persons with unstable behavioral issues, which requires structure and agreement to "house rules." If LHH continues admitting persons with active substance use or unstable mental illness, we will lose Laguna Honda.

Renne's Gambit Goes Belly Up

LHH Patients' Class Action Lawsuit Tossed Out

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Renne sought to take credit for the Tobacco Settlement Revenue lawsuit. It was used, in part, to pay for the LHH rebuild project. Renne had done no such thing.

Heeding the Clarion Call for Climate Reparations

by Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai

Climate reparations dominated Egypt's UN Climate Change Summit this month — overburdened communities demand help cutting emissions, adapting to climate change…and compensation for damages!

Expectations

by Carol Kocivar

The expectation is that children attend school. The latest data from SFUSD severely challenges these expectations.

Laguna Honda Settlement Agreement

Too many questions remain unanswered

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Has LHH been skirting its Admissions Policy — by accepting patients who endanger themselves and others by using and distributing drugs?

Willie's Pay-to Play Lives On!

by Tony Hall

Residents of single-family homes will be watching this variance ... if this could happen to my property, neighbors could easily be the next victim.

Nobody Home?

Prop M: SF Grapples with Vacant Apartments

by Thomas K. Pendergast

We’re not building at the price points where the demand actually is, so we’re overproducing what folks can’t afford.

Can the Supes Clean-up the Shipyard?

by Glenn Rogers

… the statistics remain grim. In 2018, DPH found that Bayview is significantly more at risk than other neighborhoods.

City Attorney’s Legal Case Was Strong

But Then He Rolled Over

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Why did Chiu do an about-face and drop both his lawsuits merely to delay re-certification?

The Myths about School Money

by Carol Kocivar

School districts with the more low-income students, English learners, foster youth and homeless students get a lot more money.

Reassesing DA Boudin's Recall

"Failed City" fails to convince—Pt. 2

by David Romano

We are reaping what was sown in 2004. Newsom and Mark Buell, a real estate developer, had big plans for the City

Behind-the-scenes machinations explain our surging utility rates

by Brian Browne

His required learning curve and that of his associates is just the opposite of what theory teaches is a management requirement.

Ongoing Issues Threaten Re-Certification

Worrisome Proplems Plague Laguna Honda

Patrick Monette-Shaw

The first survey completed in July found Laguna Honda would not pass a CMS certification.

Reassesing DA Boudin's Recall

"Failed City" fails to convince

by David Romano

Within months, single-handedly, this incredibly powerful man was causing misery and making people feel unsafe throughout San Francisco.

Showdown: Dennis Herrera v. Sunshine Task Force

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Since its inception, the SOTF has been a thorn in City Hall’s backside. Why? ... Engaged citizens and journalists seek more information than officialdom likes to share.

School Board: Learn from Your Mistakes

by Carol Kocivar

The school board, ... voted to create these Muslim holidays. The threat of a costly lawsuit then forced the school board to reconsider.

Vote NO on L!

by George Wooding

Post-Pandemic Light rail and buses are running empty. SF’s mass transit was designed to take people to a deserted downtown ... a ghost town.

The City is In Shambles — Here's What to Do.

by John Farrell

Audit non-profit agencies and City contracts to ensure that services are provided ... especially those providing homeless services. ...revenue-generating departments need to ensure all revenue sources are addressed

Whistleblower and the Disappearing Inventory at SFPUC

by Dr. Derek Kerr

A 21,000-gallon diesel fuel deficit ...despite spending $230,000 on a fuel monitoring system...and the struggle to track $4.7 million tool inventory.

Face It!

But Don't Hold Your Breath

by Steve Lawrence

Housing and crime are driving residents out of the city, so too does the rising cost of utilities!

What Me Worry? Owning DPH’s Mistakes

Rising Costs to Rescue Laguna Honda Hospital

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Laguna Honda followed the wrong rulebook and failed to follow training guidelines

Solving California's Math Problem

by Carol Kocivar

Reducing access to advanced mathematics — elevating trendy but shallow courses could cause lasting damage

September is the best month for skywatching

Searching for the Night Sky

by David Romano

You won't see from downtown what you can see from Mt. Tam. Out here at Ocean Beach the nighttime fog makes viewing an occasional event. Happy skywatching!

Travel: Sergio is back!

Looking for Leonardo—Florence

by Sergio Nibbi

Florence, where the Renaissance blossomed and its endless treasures are still here for all of us to enjoy.

What Happened at Laguna Honda?

Step-by-step
& Where are we now?

by Dr. Teresa Palmer

LHH has always been a nursing home facility, has no locked beds and no licensing to take care of behavioral, substance abuse or mental illness.

Outside Lands Outrage

More concrete replaces grass in Golden Gate Park

by David Romano

It's clear Outside Lands damaged Golden Gate Park but has not honored its agreement to repair any damage to the Park

DPH's Slipshod ”EPIC“ Datasystem Compounds Senior's Problems at Laguna Honda

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Laguna Honda Update EPIC software bungles safe transfer process - Will Failed ”Restorative Care“ program be a major cause of closure?

Digging Into the PG&E Buyout

Public Power

by Steve Lawrence

Is there any company easier to despise than PG&E? Explosions, fires, outages: PG&E is constantly in the “ain’t it awful” column.

State Budget Helps Schools Recover

by Carol Kocivar

At about $17,000 per student, California funding no longer lurks in the national basement.

Travel: Sergio is back!

My Orcha - Mallorca and Barcelona

by Sergio Nibbi

I would think that a small island like Mallorca would have a simple, antiquated airport, but that was quite the opposite.”

Laguna Honda: Denial, Complicity, Resistance

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Despite these commitments to ensure safe and minimally-stressful transfers ... it did not fully grasp the number and complexity of LHH patients. So, LHH was “pigeon-holed into rules applying to standard nursing homes.

City Leaders Value Saving Money Over Saving Lives and Property

by Frank T. Blackburn
and Nancy Wuerfel

Mayor Breed remains blissfully silent on the need to extend adequate fire protection to approximately half the City, even though she has knowledge of Fire Department needs having been a fire commissioner in 2010.

City's Pathetic Defense of Laguna Honda

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Supervisor Myrna Melgar rallied Supervisors, passing two urgent Resolutions — before the Board went out on summer recess. She achieved this victory!

Dead Trees of LaPlaya

The Mystery of the Trees

by David Romano

D5 gets $50,000 for tree planting. D8, $246,000 for sidewalk gardens and street trees. And that's it for the entire City. If there is a climate emergency you wouldn't know it from San Francisco.”

Act Now to Save the Youth Guidance Center

by Glenn Rogers

There is a need for a routine and consistent review of this facility. Programs that exist here are rarely audited, and when they are, the list of improvements required is long and important.

Time to Shine a Brighter Light on SFUSD Chronic Absences

by Carol Kocivar

Children living in poverty are two to three times more likely to be chronically absent—and face the most harm because their community lacks the resources to make up for the lost learning in school.

The City's Muffled Defense of Laguna Honda

by Dr. Derek Kerr

As of July 11, just 623 patients remain at LHH, compared to 681 in May. Most have been transferred to San Mateo nursing homes. Three went to homeless shelters.

Voting in the Redistricted D7

by Doug Comstock

Banished D7's western precincts voted 76% in favor of the recall. Acquired Inner Sunset voted 61% against the recall, the future is in flux.

DPH Plan: Splitting Laguna Honda's Unsuitable Populations Won't Work

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Carving Up LHH Patient Towers into Two Uses, “Cohorting” Different Patient Populations in Each Tower? A Disaster for SF's Health Needs

Overreach at the Supreme Court

by Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai

Power plant emissions formed black soot on windows and doorways in their homes and triggered asthma attacks, headaches and nosebleeds in their children. Residents led the successful fight that ultimately closed the PG&E Hunters Point power plant in 2006

How parents changed school start time in California

Carol Kocivar

It began in 2016 with an op-ed by a parent and writer, Lisa Lewis. School started at 7:30 — her son strugged each morning. He came home exhausted.

Karma or Persecution: Laguna Honda’s Ordeal

by Dr. Derek Kerr

LHH was given 6 months to correct its deficiencies. A follow-up inspection found persistent - and seemingly worse - drug and contraband use, despite LHH’s Plan of Correction.

Will Laguna Honda Solve Its Problems By Abandoning 120 More Patient Beds?

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Both consultants provided “preliminary assessment reports” of their initial recommendations. Only HMA’s “preliminary assessment report” has been made public. 

It's Climate Change — Stupid

by Glenn Rogers

in the near-term, methane is 80 times more potent than CO2 as a contributing factor to global warming.

Gray Panthers Pounce on Laguna Honda Crisis

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Crises like COVID-19 and the one at LHH have “unmasked a society that does not value the aged and disabled.” Dr. Palmer noted

The Agony of Laguna Honda Hospital

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Everybody involved knew that adding “unstable” adults brought disarray and danger to Laguna Honda's seniors. Most folks just went along. Now they’re surprised?

Sea Level Rise and Toxic Groundwater

Civil Grand Jury Blasts Hunters Point “Clean-Up”

by Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai

The report concludes groundwater “may” become contaminated as sea level rises. In fact, Shipyard groundwater was documented as“contaminated” where thousands of homes are being constructed.

SFUSD is not segregated.

Carol Kocivar

People are frustrated and spurt out the word “segregated” That's because SFUSD has failed to prepare all ethnicities for a rigorous academic high school.

New Library at 100 Orizaba? No.

by Glenn Rogers

41% of companies allow employees to relocate permanently to any state freely, while companies that do not allow the employees to relocate elsewhere represent only 5%.

Picking Up the Pieces

by Doug Comstock

The moderates only need to flip one district from the progressive side of the aisle to preclude the veto power of the Board of Supervisors, since the mayor appointed moderate Supervisor Matt Dorsey ... the Redistricting Task Force handed moderates a perfect set up to do just that.

Californians Asked to cut water by 5%

Statewide Emergency Drought

by Steve Lawrence

If a mandatory reduction is ordered, there will be a “floor” or minimum allocation per person so that those who have conserved, and now conserve, will not be penalized.

Living with Municipal Corruption

by Dr. Derek Kerr

...competence erodes as conscientious employees get marginalized and lackeys are promoted. This consolidation promotes impunity. Betraying the public trust is normalized.

Violent Thug Attacks, Robs Asian Visitor—Goes Free

Boudin's famed "puppy killer" strikes again

by Lou Barberini

Boudin and the judge circumvented diversion rules because violent criminals are “not eligible” for diversion programs. Why did Boudin send someone to drug diversion if they weren’t arrested for drugs?”

Laguna Honda Losing Funding

Despite the fact that discharge is not legally required (yet) at Laguna Honda, all patients and their families are being interviewed for discharge and this is causing a lot of stress.

Too bad no one saw this coming......oh, a group of doctors from Laguna Honda did.

Turmoil and Crackdown at Laguna Honda

by Dr. Derek Kerr

State Health inspectors diagnosed “Substandard Quality of Care.” Records showed the disarray was more dire than LHH publicly disclosed.

SFPD Discloses Staffing Shortfall

by M. Sullivan

You can flood the Tenderloin with officers, but if you do not have the officers to sustain the effort, you will not see sustained results.

Biomonitoring Finds Toxins in Hunters Point Residents

Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai

HP Biomonitoring was awarded a $50,000 grant from CalEPA to create a live and virtual “Community Window on Environmental Exposures””

Rethinking the Recall Process

by Doug Comstock

Over time, those special interests have proven adept at using the same “peoples protections” to further their own interests. Recalls are expensive, and a few of San Francisco’s bitterest billionaires buy low-turnout elections when they disagree with the voters...

People are Leaving San Francisco

by Glenn Rogers

41% of companies allow employees to relocate permanently to any state freely, while companies that do not allow the employees to relocate elsewhere represent only 5%.

UCSF Expansion Plans Under Submission as Judge Considers Arguments

by Doug Comstock

Knowing that either way he rules, an appeal is likely, Alameda Court Judge Frank Roesch weighs the evidence.

Restoring Confidence in SF Schools

Carol Kocivar

...there are issues that can unite us.. We all want to support our educators who have been doing the hard work every day despite a pandemic and political feud.

Chaos at the Redistricting Task Force

by Doug Comstock

Could the motivation behind all of this be to create such a god-awful divisive plan and create so much anger that the voters would just throw up their hands and get rid of it altogether?

Laguna Honda: Overdoses

Dr. Derek Kerr

Medicaid or MediCal covers 96.5% of LHH patients, the City’s General Fund – aka tax-payers – would then foot the bill. The deadline is April 14th.

San Franisco's Cancer Necklace

Dr. Ahimsa Sumchai

Taylor minced no words … the results of her 1995 investigation displeased health officials and influenced her decision not to publish significant findings, “I was convinced there was something there

Mysterious Subversion of Oversight at SFPUC

by Brian Browne

A catastrophic rate disaster shows SFPUC's ingenious ability to evade culpability. They take full responsibility for lowering the water usage...

Redistricting Goes Off the Rails

by Doug Comstock

Chair Townsend's Solution to African-American Population Decline Will Likely Result in a Lawsuit Redistricting's latest map has everyone on edge, scrambling to find out who their new Supervisor will be.

Too Much Crime — Not Enough Cops?

by Dr. Derek Kerr

What had Taraval Station done about the unprecedented rise in burglaries in 2021? There were 620 — a 29% increase over the previous year.

Redistricting — Final Battlelines

by Doug Comstock

District 7 reclaims Forest Knolls, Twin Peaks, Midtown Terrace, the Woods and Miraloma Park from District 8 as well as all of Lakeshore and Merced Manor from District 4, but loses ground entirely in the Inner Sunset.

A New Admission Process for Lowell High School

Jill Wynns & Carol Kocivar

Lowell high school's merit-based admission policy is perfectly legal. We’ve looked at the language of the law, the history of the law and the intent of the law. We've done our homework.

Homelessness and the Mental Health Housing Crisis

by Roger Rogers

As additional funding for supportive housing services through programs like Project Home Key become available, radical reform of board and care programming and funding will be necessary to maintain and expand this crucial resource.

Retreat from Sea Level Rise is Avoidable

Coastal Commission Takes a Wrong Turn

by Dennis Holl

The Port will spend billions to protect Bayside property but not a dime to protect Ocean Beach.

Redistricting: Drawing the Battle Lines in District 7

by Doug Comstock

SF has had some surprising changes since the current lines were drawn in 2011 — they could change which Supervisor represents us.

Banning Cars from JFK is Exclusionary

by Howard Chabner

Civil rights laws have been enacted to protect people who are being denied equal access and opportunity. The closure is a violation of the ADA and California disability rights laws.

Union Lawsuit Reveals "City Family" Backroom Maneuvers

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Why does the FBI manage to unearth City Hall corruption, while our watchdog agencies; the Controller’s Whistleblower Program, Ethics Commission and City Attorney’s Office cry “What happened?

Bob Planthold,
Father, Advocate, Humbug

by Rick Knee

When an elder dies, a library burns to the ground Old African Proverb.

SFMTA's Continuing MUNI Problems

by Gerald Cauthen
& Angelo Figone

… instead of looking seriously into what could be done to solve the coupling problem … henceforth the trains operating in the subway would be only one and two cars long.

The Growing Pacific Plastic Patch

by Glenn Rogers

Limit plastic used in wrapping done by on-line shopping? Since the pandemic, online shopping has created 29% more waste in landfills which can end up in our oceans

Hey DPH—Where Did You Dump Our Seniors?

Hint: the software is not the problem

Patrick Monette-Shaw

The Health Dept. continues to flout the open records laws. Our seniors deserve better.

Can SF Keep Hetch Hetchy?

by Brian Browne

If they want to override the current cost criteria ... jack up the rates ... they must seek voter approval. The SFPUC has not done that ...

SFPUC: Controllers Audit Reveals Compromised Bid Process

by Dr. Derek Kerr

Most contractors lagged in delivering community benefits and submitting required progress reports. And, once a contract ended, undelivered benefits were not recoverable. SFPUC had no policies to monitor compliance.

Things that Go Screech in the Night

by Doug Comstock

Ideally, police can stop “sideshows” before they happen with intel from undercover officers and by monitoring social media accounts that announce where sideshows will be. That was not evident in West Portal & 30th/Lawton incidents

Park Road Closures

Paul Kozakiewicz

Ginsburg, working with the SF Bicycle Coalition and Walk SF, have banned cars on JFK Drive and the Upper Great Highway during the pandemic. Plans are being made make the bans permanent ...

Transform the Great Highway

by John Elliott

Drivers ... good news for you: the vast majority of streets are dominated by cars! You can drive on all the roads, which is why a radical change is necessary.

“Housing Galore—if you're a millionaire...

Where’s the Affordable Housing?

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Two years after the 2019 Affordable Housing Bond passed—No progress status reports, or annual or quarterly reports to MOHCD or the Supervisors?

“Granny Dumping”

Dumping Patients Out-of-County

Patrick Monette-Shaw

Moving physically - or mentally-challenged patients is clearly detrimental to their health...leaving fragile patients stranded, miles away from their families and friends

Rate Hikes & Murky Politics

by Steve Lawrence

Does the City care what your rates are? The Commission recently passed a resolution to guide Herrera. It lacks anything about keeping rates as low as possible.