The California State Association of Counties and League of California Cities has filed with the SCOTUS against “unworkable” interpretations of Martin v. Boise that aggressively block local encampment removal—even if there's shelter space available (because, for instance, a person with pets can't be accommodated). The brief argues that camping ordinances are a “useful tool” for public safety, as city leaders like SJ's Mahan propound. By SJ Inside.
Read MoreSF's mayor London Breed proposed legislation that would require homeless folks with substance abuse disorders to get treatment before accepting the City's financial assistance—or, in Breed's words, “No more handouts without accountability.” As reported by the SF Standard, the Golden City's latest efforts to restore safety and cleanliness to its drug- and crime-battered streets.
Read More22-year-old Business major Jacob Spangler is SFSU's College Republicans club president; he also holds office with the SF Republican Party/Young Republicans. In this Opp Now exclusive, Spangler analyzes what's keeping young folks from meaningful political involvement, particularly at First Amendment-tentative institutions like San Francisco State—and how local orgs can shift gears accordingly.
Read MoreEven the Merc is coming around and questioning the SJ BART extension, pointing to various factors: VTA's lack of transparency on careening costs and “definitely there” funding, bleak ridership projections, and the need for independent reviewers to determine if the project is even worthwhile. In this updated Opp Now exclusive, the Cato Institute's Marc Joffe analyzes how the extension would most likely have to be stopped by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
Read MoreBob Raymer, the California Building Industry Association's technical director/senior engineer, also formerly chaired three CA'n code advisory committees (Green Building, Building & Fire, and Accessibility). Here, Raymer unpacks excessive building codes and permitting fees that stifle affordable housing—in and beyond the SCC. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreOakland Unified School District may find it easier to recruit teachers going forward, considering its latest generous contract (which will drain $110 million over three years). But, the SF Standard wonders, how will OUSD stay afloat if it's already struggling to pay the bills—yet while refusing to shutter underperforming campuses?
Read MoreCarl DeMaio, Reform California's chairman and taxpayer advocate, parses the clamor surrounding ACA 1—which proposes CA requires a 55% majority (not the current 66.6%) to approve affordable housing and public infrastructure projects. Rather than making tax increases easier, says DeMaio, shouldn't pro-ACA 1 cities like SJ work to—you know—balance the books better? An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreThough Californians voted to reject zero bail back in 2020—and SCC abolished zero bail after serious backlash from SJPD's Sgt and others—LA County's Superior Court recently decided to ditch what it deems “criminogenic” (crime-amplifying) cash bail policies. As the policy now takes effect, County Sheriff Robert Luna explains in the Globe why he—along with local crime victims—questions the change's efficacy.
Read MoreLast week, local news reported that SJ's City-funded homelessness nonprofits are failing to perform on the valued metrics they tout (think: unhoused folks actually getting into housing). California Policy Center's Edward Ring breaks down how City/State laws, fiscal imprudence, and muddy nonprofit–vendor relationships impact SJ's homelessness crisis. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreBeginning in 2021, AB 1869 prohibits Golden State counties from attaching client fees to probation services like supervision. The Prison Policy Initiative affirms that probation fees inordinately hurt low-income individuals, and discarding burdensome charges prevents residents from being inaptly incarcerated when they can't scrounge up enough dough.
Read MoreIn a world of performative virtue (and status) signaling, former Board of Equalization candidate Peter Coe Verbica illustrates in some teasing blank verse how acts of rebellion and authenticity and kindness can occur in the strangest of places—and how they emanate from fresh, creative readings of hidebound texts. An Opp Now exclusive.
Read MoreOver a decade ago, then-Council candidate Johnny Khamis proposed to “Fast Track” the City's permitting process for homeowners/businesses. Though criticized then as radical, his idea is now a reality via SJ's Best Prepared Designer and Self-Start Building Permits with Plan Review programs. In an Opp Now exclusive, Khamis celebrates this stride and thanks City leadership for prioritizing business-supportive reforms.
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