Welcome to Westside Observer
-
Miracle on Miraloma
When the chain-link fence went up 9 years ago, it looked pretty impossible. SF Department of Public Works (DPW) closed the stairway that had provided access to Sherwood Forest for over half a century … but now the concrete steps on the lower section were cracked and uneven..”
Greater West Portal Area Leads the City in Traffic Deaths
"District 7 is the most likely place for a pedestrian in San Francisco to be hit by a car and die. Of the seven San Francisco pedestrians who died this year after being struck by cars, four of the fatalities — 57% — have been in District 7.
By George Wooding More...
-
High Costs of City Attorney’s Advice
"But the costs are substantially higher when City Attorney costs are added in for the time Deputy City Attorney’s … a total of 43,195 hours at a total cost of $8.3 million — above and beyond the nearly $12.1 million in settlement awards … we’re talking at least $20.4 million in preventable waste of taxpayer funds —— preventable precisely because they involve personnel practices long prohibited by law.”
Lead Hazard Program: Dangerous to Children
"It’s unfortunate that San Francisco has made HUD’s continued financing a priority over the health and well-being of the children who are the intended beneficiaries of these funds.”
By Rita O'Flynn More...
-
Garbage Rates Increasing
“Our monopoly trash pick-up company, Recology, is attempting to increase rates that would for the first time impose fees on the recycling bins. If you have not already received a notice in the mail about this, you will soon.”
By Gary Noguera Read More…
-
Quizzed by the press, Gascon dismissively (and curiously) declared: “People have way too much time on their hands.” Asked about his intentions regarding prosecution of corruption cases in city government during his 2011 campaign on West Portal Avenue, Gascon refused any explanation or statement of intent. One shouldn’t be surprised by the foregoing events.”
By Quentin Kopp Read More…
-
San Francisco’s $6.9 Billion SSIP
"Or are such programs an expensive waste of rate payer funds? Will bioswales become cesspits of garbage and dog doo? Will greenways soon blossom into patches of weeds? Are we improving a City, or the finances of City employees and consultants?"
Read More… By Steve Lawrence
-
Interview with Mark Massara: Attorney, Coastal Advocate, and Surfer!
"…San Francisco itself is a poor steward of coastal resources. It is embarrassing that even California’s smallest cities do so much more to protect the coast than wealthy, resource rich San Francisco.”
By Kathy Howard Read More…
-
Oversight Disregarded
“In the past 6 months, taxpayers forfeited over $1.76 million to settle 3 whistleblower retaliation lawsuits. Why pay, when we have a Whistleblower Program, a Whistleblower Protection Ordinance, and an Ethics Commission that dismisses every retaliation complaint?”
By Dr. Maria Rivero & Dr. Derek Kerr Read More…
Build First Plan Later
"Judge Jackson approved the Parkmerced project based on its commuter-friendly status that waits 20 years for the “M” street car to extend to Daly City BART. Improvements like these need to be provided before development, not 20 years later. Safe to say, waiting this long for necessary improvements means they may never happen."
-
Celebrating
Mother's Day“As we approach Mother's Day, the elderly, ill, family members, friends and caregivers will experience a more hectic schedule. While enjoying the holidays, remember…”
-
Explore San Francisco: Chinatown
"The woman behind the front desk eyed me suspiciously, at first, but eventually relaxed. As there were a large number of worshipers in the temple, I stood off to the side on the balcony for a few moments to observe, and then decided to return when there were fewer people in the temple.””
By Alixx Ortizj
-
Scam Alert: PG&E Moneypak Scam
There have been several reports of victims receiving a phone calls from a persons claiming to be from PG&E. The caller tells the person that their utilities are going to be turned off due to non-payment of a PG&E bill. The victim, who has usually been late paying in the past, believes this is a legitimate call. The caller tells the victim that the only way to pay the bill is for the victim to go to a store and buy a “Green Dot” money card. "
-
Around the Town May 2013
"How about Mom?...The weather is continuing to get warmer and as spring inches forward, it’s time to do something special for “Mom” as Mother’s Day is on May 12. Booking a brunch at one of our many neighborhood restaurants, surprising her with flowers from our florists on West Portal Avenue, or pampering her with a spa day at Dimitra’s are just some of the ways …"
IMPORTANT HEARING
California Coastal Commission
Date: May 9, 2013
Time: Noon (approximate time) or call (415) 407-3211
What: Decisive Hearing on Beach Chalet Soccer Complex
Who: California Coastal Commission
Where: Marin Civic Center
Board Of Supervisors Chambers
3501 Civic Center Dr. San Rafael
Attend: Come to testify
Learn more: www.sfoceanedge.org
Read More…
-
Socially Responsible Investing
"As the global climate change discussions heat up in Washington, many investors are paying attention to the impact of their investments on the environment and well-being of people around the world. As this trend increases, so does the demand for investment choices that demonstrate not only financial soundness, but also a concern for quality of life.” Read More…
-
APRIL MEETING
a “CEQA Showdown” of sorts on April 22nd, with Supervisors Scott Wiener and Jane Kim each speaking on the points and merits of their competing measures, sandwiched around an update from City College Board President John Rizzo."Read More… By Mitch Bull
-
Q: Besides a mortgage payment, what other costs should be factored into my monthly payment?
Samantha Lingsch
By Kevin Birmingham More...
-
Inner Sunset
“Aerial view of inner Sunset District Date 1927 Sept. 6.. Got info? editor@westsideobserver, we’ll pass it on to the SF History Center. Published by permission of the SF History Center, SF Public Library”
To stop the slideshow effect, move your cursor into the picture.
@WestS_Observer • Friend us on Facebook 
