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Intercept truants in early grades — Q&A with Abraham Simmons

Monica Jensen, SF Public Press — Feb 24 2010 - 5:49pm

Abraham Simmons, the volunteer chairman on the San Francisco civil grand jury report on truancy, says the situation in San Francisco hasn't changed much in the past seven years: around 5,000 students are habitually truant each year.

In Prop 8 marriage trial, who exactly is an expert?

Kristine Magnuson, SF Public Press — Jan 26 2010 - 4:08pm

A Southern California political scientist had a rocky time during cross-examination Monday and Tuesday at federal court in the trial to overturn Proposition 8, the measure passed by voters in 2008 that limits marriage to a man and woman. Defenders of the ban on gay marriage opened their segment of the trial Monday with testimony by Kenneth Miller, a professor at Claremont McKenna College. He had testified early Monday that the gay and lesbian community has numerous allies and a great deal of power and influence. The pro-Proposition 8 legal team is taking issue with the challengers’ view that gays and lesbians are a persecuted and powerless group. At issue is whether the ban on marriage is unconstitutional discrimination.

VA launches initiative to assist homeless vets

T.J. Johnston, The Public Press — Nov 26 2009 - 3:15pm

A collaboration between the Veterans Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development seeks to end — and prevent — homelessness among veterans.

Controversial documentary roils SF Jewish Film Festival

Patricia Decker, The Public Press — Jul 23 2009 - 6:23pm

A film about the death of American activist Rachel Corrie is causing a stir at the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, which began Thursday.

The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival opened its 29th season Thursday night amid controversy surrounding one of its 71 films, which has the Jewish community up in arms.

Simone Bitton’s film “Rachel” is a documentary about the controversial death of 23-year-old American peace activist Rachel Corrie in 2003. Corrie was volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement in the West Bank when an Israeli army bulldozer crushed her during the demolition of Palestinian homes.

What kindled the criticism from the Jewish community was the invitation of Corrie’s mother, Cindy Corrie, to speak after the Saturday afternoon screening at the Castro Theatre.

Ideologies continue to divide same-sex marriage issue

Christi Morales, The Public Press — May 28 2009 - 1:32pm

As hundreds gathered in front of the Earl Warren Building on Tuesday waiting to hear the California Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld Proposition 8, a war of words erupted and some even turned into screaming battles that reinforced the deeply divided ideologies about same-sex marriage.

The scene of people arguing amidst the flurry of pro and anti-gay marriage banners illustrates the chasm among Californians that has played out since same-sex marriage took center stage in 2000, when voters passed Proposition 22.

Who qualifies for compensation?

Audrey Wong, The Public Press — Mar 27 2009 - 10:44am

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs says Filipino veterans who served before July 1, 1946, under the Philippine government (which was in the service of the United States Armed Forces Far East) are eligible for the one-time payments. Members of the Philippine Scouts and guerrilla forces recognized by the United States Army can also qualify. Veterans who were discharged dishonorably are not eligible.

U.S. citizens will receive a one-time payment of $15,000 while veterans who are not U.S. citizens will get a $9,000 lump sum. The money is not considered income for U.S. income tax purposes and will not affect any federal assistance a veteran may be receiving.

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