Dana Sherne, Author at San Francisco Public Press

Economy & Business

Fact check: ‘Yes on Prop 16’ ads don’t convey PG&E’s huge fingerprints

06.06.2010

By Dana Sherne, Reporter

Tuesday’s statewide election features a controversial industry-backed proposition that would amend the California Constitution to require a two-thirds vote before a community could change its energy provider. The largest tonnage of paper political ads flooding mailboxes in San Francisco sport a variety of images — some ominous, some silly and sarcastic — but the same message: Proposition 16, the “Taxpayers Right to Vote Act,” protects voters from spendthrift politicians. But the ads, paid for mostly by incumbent power provider Pacific Gas & Electric Co., are misleading in a few important ways.

News

SF budget plan cuts 993 jobs, finds hidden funds

06.02.2010

By Dana Sherne, Reporter

Mayor Gavin Newsom announced his proposed annual budget Tuesday, with some new money and lots of cuts. By cutting 993 jobs and reducing some salaries, the city will save $64.2 million, he said. Full-time employment will be the lowest it has been in more than 10 years, he said, adding, “In the last decade, whatever we’ve done, we’re back to where we were in 1998.”

Labor

Domestic workers’ call for reform aired in City Hall

05.21.2010

By Dana Sherne, Reporter

Fair treatment of domestic workers rose to the top of the agenda of San Francisco leaders this week, unleashing an emotional response from workers who said their contributions to society were under-valued. “Domestic workers are the backbone of the economy, working to ensure the health of others and freeing others to work in the workforce,” said Supervisor Eric Mar. Read more…

City Hall

Supervisors support fee deferment to encourage building in the city

05.12.2010

By Dana Sherne, Reporter

Although one supervisor questioned whether allowing developers to delay paying some fees would spur building in the city, officials say the accommodation will create more jobs and spur the economy.

City Hall

Two business tax plans aim to encourage new jobs in SF

05.05.2010

By Dana Sherne, Reporter

In an effort to increase revenue and spur the local economy, San Francisco’s Office of the Controller is proposing two revised business tax plans that may end up on the November ballot.

Education

SF schools negotiations go to mediator; shorter school year likely

05.04.2010

By Dana Sherne, Reporter

The San Francisco Unified School District and its teachers union have turned to a mediator for help in resolving a $113 million budget shortfall. Both sides are calling for a shorter school year, but disagree on many of the financial points in the new budget.

City Hall

Neighbors scuttle plan for condo tower near Transamerica pyramid

04.21.2010

By Dana Sherne, Reporter

After nearly five hours of public debate, the Board of Supervisors halted plans for the development of a 38-story condominium tower Tuesday night. Many of the project’s opponents were concerned with the possibility that the building would harm surrounding parks — Maritime Plaza, Sue Bierman Park and the privately owned redwood grove at the foot of the Transamerica pyramid. Specifically, they emphasized the impacts of shadows, wind and interrupted bird migration routes.