News

Mid-Market billboard vote revisits 2002 citywide ban

10.30.2009
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On Tuesday’s ballot, Proposition D would create an exception to a 2002 voter-approved ordinance banning new general advertising. The measure would allow large, bright billboards that would have the option to include moving parts and video on two blocks of Market Street, between 5th and 7th streets. The signage on those two blocks would be regulated by the Central Market Community Benefit District. Opponents are saying that this is just a new gambit to overturn the voters’ will from seven years ago. But because of the fine print — particularly paying for local arts education with some of the proceeds — it has attracted a broad array of supporters, some of them pretty unlikely allies.

News

Bay Bridge taking its toll on tolls

10.29.2009
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While anxious commuters wait for Caltrans to reopen the Bay Bridge, the state may be losing nearly $450,000 a day from the loss of tolls on the bridge, according to the most recent report from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The span, shut since three large pieces of a metal splint came crashing down on traffic Tuesday night, may be reopened as early as today. Caltrans is currently conducting tests of the repairs and cleaning up the work area.  No one was seriously injured in the accident but the bridge was closed as crews began their nonstop repair work.  The parts fell from a faulty Labor Day repair, when contractors repaired a large brace to protect a cracked bridge beam called an eyebar. As expenses for the new Bay Bridge continue to pile up, the state may be losing approximately an average of $447,739 a day or $18,656 per hour in tolls on the  bridge, the MTC report stated. According to the latest Metropolitan Transportation Commission report, approximately 124,845 vehicles passed through the Bay Bridge toll plaza every day in the fiscal year of 2008-2009.

Bay Area
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Oakland’s community policing program continues to face challenges

10.28.2009
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(Editor’s Note: In an attempt to solve the problem of violent crime in Oakland, voters in 2004 approved Measure Y — an initiative, which funds employment, training and counseling programs. The measure also created street outreach teams — groups of residents and young people from the community who go to Oakland’s most dangerous street corners to try to get people out of criminal activity. » Read more

News

Illegal pot farms aren’t very green

10.28.2009
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Illegal marijuana farms in Mendocino County and other remote regions of the state have been diverting millions of gallons of water and causing major environmental havoc according to a recent Christian Science Monitor article. As much as 3.6 million gallons of water is being siphoned from creeks and riverbeds, reducing trout and salmon habitats and spawning invasive algae growth. 

Pot growers use fertilizers and poisons on the crops in remote forest locations, tainting the soil and water and potentially creating irreparable damage to ecosystems. In addition, the chemicals used on the sites can contaminate the headwaters that eventually flow into the subsurface water table. To date, no major studies have been conducted, but scientists and ecologists believe some of the damage may be irreversible. But backers of legalized marijuana say the state could see some green from sales of the herb. Lawmakers held a hearing today on a bill authored by Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, on whether the state should legalize, tax and regulate the sale of marijuana. Proponents of the bill and of three ballot measures that would legalize the use and possession of marijuana argue that the state could generate as much as $1.4 billion dollars in tax revenue annually from the legal sale of the crop.

From the Newsroom

An update for the Bay Bridge investigation with McSweeney’s

10.27.2009
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OUR LATEST FUND APPEAL ON SPOT.US

An exciting thing about pushing boundaries in journalism is looking back at space you’ve carved out along the way. If you’ve followed the Bay Bridge project since its announcement two weeks ago you will notice a slight repositioning, not of the editorial (which will be the subject of our next post) but the representation of monies. Instead of a "matching" grant from McSweeney’s we are considering it a commitment of $5,000 towards our goal which will pay for expenses and reporters time. Part of this switch is in response to a donor question about the level of engagement McSweeney’s has in this project. They are fully committed to doing everything possible to make it happen.

News
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No resolution on immigrant youth sanctuary policy

10.27.2009
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Immigrant rights groups are lashing out at Mayor Gavin Newsom after he refused to honor approved legislation meant to delay immigration authorities’ involvement in criminal cases involving undocumented youths.  
A coalition of immigrant parents and advocates gathered on the steps of San Francisco City Hall Tuesday to express their anger over Newsom’s response.  
In an 8-2 veto-proof vote last week, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved legislation that would require authorities to turn in undocumented youths with felony charges to immigration officials only after they have been convicted. 
 
The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Newsom said the legislation is "moot" because it goes against federal law.  
New Police Chief George Gascon and the probation officers’ union sided with Newsom, saying local law enforcement would not abide by the law, according to the Chronicle.  
Supervisor David Campos, who authored the legislation, said this is a civil rights issue and that the law would give children the opportunity to have their day in court.

News

Photos from the Public Press relaunch party

10.24.2009
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The Public Press celebrated the relaunch of its Web site this past Thursday at a.Muse gallery.  Here are some photos from the event. Photos by Ed Ritger.  

Reporter Bethany Fleishman does door duty and takes much-needed donations. Development Director Lila LaHood announces the Public Press membership plan. Reporter/photographer/webslinger Max Rosenblum poses with his a.Muses.

News

The Bay Bridge project: keeping bias at bay in investigative journalism

10.22.2009
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Because investigative journalism isn’t artifice. Or, at least, it shouldn’t be. And that’s not what I practice. Some people have expressed concerns that our story will be negative, and this missive is my attempt to clear the air:

We never aim to be negative, because it is the responsibility of the journalist to present a fair and unbiased story. And I’m certainly not out to expose wrongdoings.

News

Craigslist founder rejects link between site, crimes

10.21.2009
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Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist, said he does not believe his Web site is to blame for crimes committed by those who use the Internet to lure their victims.
"People might use our site, much like they might use the phone, or a car, or the roads, and I can’t find a reason for any of us to feel guilty about it," Newmark said during a wide-ranging interview with the Public Press’ Stephen Robert Morse. » Read more