Oakland revives a trade-zone plan stalled since 2016
Oakland Community and Economic Development Committee: The committee backed a Foreign Trade Zone change and accepted an impact fee report. The jobs-housing fee brought in nothing this year.
San Jose council pauses fire station, police academy, defunds Med 30
San Jose City Council: $15-20M revenue shortfall confirmed this year, $55-65M forecast deficit ahead; Fire Station 32 and Police Training Center openings paused.
Oakland study: most city contracts went to non-Oakland firms
Oakland Life Enrichment Committee: A city study found minority and women-owned firms got far less city work. The committee sent it to council 4-0 and forwarded senior and community grants.
SF approves sobering center as jail alternative (+ $40M hotel tax rebate)
San Francisco Board of Supervisors: $14,537,426 RESET Center contract approved 9-2 as a jail alternative, plus $40M Hearst Hotel tax rebate and an AT&T cell tower at Diamond Heights.
Oakland firefighters' mental-health contract heads to council
Oakland Public Safety Committee: The committee backed a $700K mental-health contract for firefighters and sent it to the full council for a Feb 17 vote. Ken Houston named vice chair.
Oakland's plan to split up the parking division goes to the council
Oakland Public Works and Transportation Committee: A plan to move parking enforcement to Finance and police heads to council March 3. Plus $843,875 to protect a Sausal Creek canyon.
San Jose climate plan heads to council (+ data center scrutiny grows)
San Jose Transportation and Environment Committee: The Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan heads to council March 3 with 19 measures targeting flooding, heat, smoke, and sea level rise.
SF clears wine and beer for movie theaters (+ Clay reopening)
San Francisco Land Use and Transportation Committee: SF movie theaters cleared 3-0 to sell wine, beer, and liquor, with an Upper Fillmore carve-out for the Clay. Twin Peaks Promenade advanced.
San Jose previews $55-65M shortfall, $60M in cuts coming
San Jose City Council: Study session previewed a preliminary $55-65M General Fund shortfall for FY 26-27. Departments directed to develop $60M in reduction proposals. No votes taken.
SF sends $40M Hearst Hotel deal to Board without recommendation
San Francisco Budget and Finance Committee: $40M Hearst Hotel tax incentive sent to full Board 3-0 without recommendation. Plus a $14.5M contract for a new 25-bed RESET Center at 44 6th Street.