Politics Blog

Chiu and Herrera roll up their sleeves for spring cleaning in City Hall

04.24.13 - 10:11 am | Rebecca Bowe |

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For some time now, oft-labeled “power brokers” with undue influence in San Francisco city government have taken heat for failing to register as lobbyists. At the same time, politically connected insiders are often criticized for manipulating the permitting process for major real estate developments far outside the public gaze.

It’s said that sunshine is the best disinfectant. Yesterday, City Attorney Dennis Herrera and Board of Supervisors President David Chiu introduced a package of reforms designed to shed more light on lobbyists’ practices.Read more »

Newsom calls for marijuana legalization

04.23.13 - 1:57 pm | Steven T. Jones |

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For all his flaws, Gavin Newsom has never shied away from taking a stand or showing leadership on emerging issues, particularly when the politicians are lagging behind public opinion. As mayor, he did it on same-sex marriage, temporary public art, and taking street some space from cars. Read more »

Miranda rights in Boston

04.23.13 - 11:02 am | Tim Redmond |

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It’s the age-old dilemma, the stuff of dozens of thrillers and action movies: You’ve captured a guy who knows exactly where a bomb has been planted, and it’s going to explode in 30 minutes and kill thousands of people. Do you bother to read him his Miranda rights and encourage him to speak to an attorney before he answers any questions?Read more »

Wells Fargo foreclosure fighters: They’re baaaack!

04.23.13 - 10:22 am | Rebecca Bowe |

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See an update at the end of this article.

A group of activists focused on organizing against Bay Area foreclosures will return to Wells Fargo’s San Francisco headquarters today for a protest timed to coincide with the banking giant’s shareholders’ meeting – even though the meeting was moved to Salt Lake City, Utah this year. (Perhaps the change of scenery had something to do with what happened last year, or the year before?) Read more »

Foreclosures

You want to live in Manhattan? Move there.

04.19.13 - 3:46 pm | Tim Redmond |

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I feel like I've been having this discussion for 30 years, and it still keeps coming back. The latest installment (thanks to sfist for the link) is a Slate article by Matthew Yglesias arguing that San Francisco could solve its housing crisis by becoming as dense as Manhattan. Lots of highrise condos and apartments in places like the Mission. Read more »

"Ten more Ron Conways" would destroy San Francisco

04.19.13 - 12:42 pm | Steven T. Jones |

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As I reported in this week's cover story, San Francisco has lost its balance under Mayor Ed Lee, with economic development pushing sustainability – both environmental and economic, as shown by rising rents and costs of living – onto the back burner. And in today's New York Times, Lee reinforces the idea that corporate titans should dictate what kind of city this becomes.Read more »

Property resistance in the Bay and beyond

04.19.13 - 12:11 pm | Dylan Tokar |

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In 2004, Hannah Dobbz climbed up the drainpipe of an abandoned building in Emeryville and disappeared through a broken window. Outside, her friends waited with blankets, pillows, and food. Making her way down to the first floor, she unsecured the plywood door and let them in.Read more »

Covering the Boston bombing

04.19.13 - 10:15 am | Tim Redmond |

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Ever since the horrible, awful bombing at the Boston Marathon, I've been doing what every crazy newshound does and spending far too much time on the Internet trying to get the latest scrap of information. This morning, none of us could drag ourselves away from the developing story.Read more »

Bay Area groups critical of immigration reform proposal

04.18.13 - 9:30 am | Rebecca Bowe |

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Olga Miranda, secretary treasurer of the San Francisco Labor Council and president of SEIU Local 87, did not mince words when sharing her initial reaction to the proposed federal immigration reform bill, which was unveiled April 16 by a bipartisan group of senators.

“If it was myself and our members at the bargaining table, we would walk away,” Miranda said. “This proposal is nothing more than an offense to the community.”Read more »