San Francisco water and sewer bills on track to exceed city targets in 2033
San Francisco Budget and Appropriations Committee: Water, sewer, and power bonds head to the full Board as analysts warn water and sewer bills will top affordability targets by 2033-34.
San Jose cuts technical-study requirements for common housing projects
San Jose City Council: New CEQA rules cut technical-study requirements for common housing projects. Council also approved a SJCE pilot offering free heat pumps to renters.
Oakland races a May 25 deadline to stay in flood insurance program
Oakland City Council: New floodplain rules adopted as an emergency ordinance to protect flood insurance, plus up to $1.1M for illegal dumping and a first vote on $200M in borrowing.
SF will lend its zoo up to $8.5M, repaid over 10 years
San Francisco Board of Supervisors: The SF Zoo can borrow up to $8.5M from the city, and liens hit hundreds of properties over unpaid code charges. A board overhaul passed 6-4.
SF pauses bar patio smoking ban; Mayor steps in to broker amendments
San Francisco Land Use Committee: Smoke-free bar patios ordinance continued 3-0 to June 8 after packed comment from bar owners, workers, and health advocates.
SF drug court tripled in 2 years. The DA and PD disagree why
San Francisco Public Safety Committee: Drug court review heard and filed as DPH said it carries 420 clients on staffing built for 260. PG&E outage hearing kept open.
SF Zoo gets $8.5M city loan with strings attached
San Francisco Budget and Finance Committee: Up to $8.5M zoo loan cleared 3-0, repaid over 10 years from the zoo's management fee. Plus a 66-year Hunters Point parks deal.
SFMTA: 20 routes cut, no service after 9 PM if ballot measures fail
San Francisco Budget and Appropriations Committee: SFMTA budget assumes both November ballot measures pass; if both fail, agency projects 30% headcount cut and ~20 routes cut.
Oakland's $1.1M plan to fight illegal dumping heads to council
Oakland Public Works and Transportation Committee: A $1.1M illegal dumping plan and a $304,900 crosswalk beacon contract cleared committee, headed to the May 19 council.
San Jose budget hearing: seniors, immigrants, and fire engines on line
San Jose City Council: Budget hearing surfaced trade-offs on senior services, immigration legal aid, and a District 8 wildland fire engine. Airport forecast cut to 17M by 2037.