The Weekly Digest (October 6, 2024)

Oct 6

Happy Sunday, Brionies!

Here’s what you need to know about local politics this week and beyond:

San Francisco City Hall

Tuesday, October 8 at 3pm: Regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors (agenda here):

Item 6 – A much-needed ordinance strengthening the rules against vehicle sideshows. Designed to curb the dangerous gatherings that have plagued our streets for a while now, this ordinance will target organizers, promoters, and bystanders in addition to participants. The measure will also increase certain violations to misdemeanor status and enable the police to impound – and even sell, in some cases – vehicles used in these reckless displays.
Item 19 – Hearing on the state of the hotel industry and the conditions for guests and workers, and the “Status of the San Francisco Economy” report. In August, hotel revenues fell to 61% of 2019 levels, reflecting challenges that have not reversed since the pandemic. We hope for more optimistic news going forward.

Wednesday, October 9 at 9am: Regular meeting of the Budget and Finance Committee (agenda here):

Item 5 – Resolution approving an agreement to buy 94 electric buses for $117,751,398, or $1,252,674 per bus (including spare parts, manuals, training, and licenses).
Items 6 and 7 – Resolutions amending two contracts for security guard services, increasing a contract with A1 Protective Services by $26 million over five years and increasing a contract with Treeline Security by $30 million over five years.
Item 11 – Resolution to increase the contract with Mission Neighborhood Centers for homelessness prevention assistance by $13 million.

Friday, October 11 at 10am: Special meeting of the Government Audit and Oversight Committee (agenda here):

Item 1 – Resolution authorizing solicitations for private funds to support temporary shelter and other services for the homeless. Apparently, the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing needs charity to top up its $646 million budget.

Happenings around town

Thursday, October 10, 5:30-7:30pm
Gather to make new friends, chat about policy and politics, and share good cheer. Please RSVP to receive the location details.

Saturday Mobilization Events: On Saturdays in October, the Briones Society will gather to support our endorsed measures and candidates. Mobilizations begin with coffee and bagels, after which team members will fan out to drop door hangers or make phone calls together. Location provided upon RSVP:

What we’re reading

Starting in November, San Francisco will tow RVs and other large vehicles that take up multiple spaces and stay for days and nights under a new amendment of the transit code. Most locals know that residents’ cars are regularly ticketed for much less. Mayor Breed proposed the RV towing measure, and the SFMTA board approved it, but it is drawing criticism from homelessness advocates and others.
The Briones Society’s election endorsements caught the attention of SF Standard reporter Han Li, who was intrigued by our picks and caught up with Briones president Jay Donde to get the scoop. You can download a printable version of our guide here. Share the guide with friends and family, and remember to rank every single candidate that you believe would be better — even marginally — than any unranked candidates. Rank til it hurts!
VP Harris: “My Whole Life, I’ve Only Had One Client” – My Career Kamala Harris claims that during her tenure as San Francisco District Attorney, felony conviction rates rose from 52% to 71%. Really? Lou Barberini, who always knows the score inside the SFPD, questions those numbers.

What we’re watching

Last week’s special screening of “GOTHAM: The Rise and Fall of New York” was inspiring and reminded us that change is possible with the right leadership. If you missed it, there are additional viewing options here.

Quick hits

Palate cleanser

Bill Jackson

The Weekly Digest (October 13, 2024)