New LGBTQ safe zones aim to reduce crime, increase security
Tommi Mecca still doesn’t totally trust the police. For years, Mecca said the police harassed him and others for being gay. “I’m 61, and I grew up in a time when we got beaten up…
UP2CODE app enables citizens to report violations in SF
The City Attorney’s Office officially jumped on the technology bandwagon when it announced a new smartphone app that allows users to report non-emergency violations directly to code enforcement offices. Officially launched April 1, the…
New legislation to expand buffer zone around Planned Parenthood clinics
If proposed legislation becomes law, women in San Francisco may get the chance to walk into Planned Parenthood clinics without having to wade through a sea of protesters. Supervisor David Campos introduced legislation…
SFUSD may receive more funds for low-income students
In a city where more than 12 percent of its residents live under the poverty level, the San Francisco Unified School District stands to receive close to $4,000 more per pupil, according to…
Same-sex couples arrested at Valentine’s Day protest at City Hall
While many couples rejoiced in San Francisco’s City Hall on Valentine’s Day after having their marriage recognized by the state, several same-sex couples were hauled away in zip ties by the San Francisco…
Nudity ban ignites protest, fuels opposition to supervisor’s seat
A gathering of nudists and naturists bared all at a protest against the citywide ban on public nudity at San Francisco’s City Hall on Feb. 1. In light of the situation, political nudity…
Immigration reform reignites policy discussion
Immigrant rights activist Perla Flores crossed the border unchecked with her parents when she was 8 years old and lived undocumented for years. In 2010, she got her green card, 15 years after…
New drug disposal program aims to cut down pollution, abuse
In response to a mounting body of evidence that says pharmaceutical waste is ending up in our drinking water and polluting the environment, San Francisco has instituted a new program offering people safe,…
Norman Yee named District 7 supervisor after close race
Counting ballots took longer than usual in the race for District 7 supervisor, but Norman Yee, president of the San Francisco Board of Education, snagged the open seat left by Supervisor Sean Elsbernd….
Students, advocates work for immigration policy reform
Students and immigrant rights organizations plan to capitalize on the momentum from the 2012 election in which Latino voters favored Barack Obama over Mitt Romney 3-1. Lawmakers are beginning to discuss reforming an…
Board of Supervisors narrowly passes public nudity ban
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors narrowly passed a measure banning public nudity 6-5 Tuesday afternoon. The ban will be in effect for parks, plazas and on public transportation. The ban does not…
FX Crowley leads District 7 race after ‘formatting error’ is fixed
Ranked-choice voting made it a tight race for the District 7 San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and after a formatting error from the San Francisco elections website, Francis Xavier Crowley has pulled ahead…
Voters likely to pass Prop. 30
Victory for Proposition 30 — Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax measure intended to prevent massive cuts in state funding to education — looked likely Tuesday night as votes continued to be counted. If passed,…
First-time voters at SF State gear up for election
By Danielle Steffenhagen and Noemy Mena Chris Limon, who comes from a family of undocumented immigrants, is proud to be voting for the first time in this election after realizing he could vote…
Prop. 32 reduces political power of unions
As the role of money in politics continues to increase, one proposition facing California voters aims to limit contributions from certain groups. Yet opponents say that special exemptions in the law leave the…
Prop. 30 to give students helping hand with tuition woes
The life of a student isn’t what it used to be. With overcrowded classrooms, limited financial aid and increased tuition costs, higher education in California is barely staying afloat. It’s because of this…
Prop. 38 prioritizes K-12 funding but leaves higher education behind
College students need to be wary of where they place their vote for education this November, with competing propositions that could result in both a higher income tax and a $150 increase in…
San Francisco to consider banning public nudity
Daring to be bare might result in a hefty fine following the introduction of proposed legislation that could ban public nudity in San Francisco. The legislation has been brought on by the influx…
Prop. 35 would beef up current human trafficking penalties
In addition to the many propositions on the ballot this November, voters will get the chance to decide on an issue with ramifications that will reach far beyond the state. If passed, Proposition…
Prop. 36 would revise current three-strikes law
California’s conservative stance on crime and punishment could become a bit more liberal — if only a bit — as Proposition 36 aims to change the long-standing three-strikes law this November. The three-strikes…
Gov. Jerry Brown bars college officers from demanding applicants’ social media information
Students have a little less to worry about when it comes to privacy on social media sites thanks to recent legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. Brown passed SB 1349, the Social Media…
San Francisco plastic bag ban goes into effect today
San Francisco’s plastic bag ban goes into effect today as another step toward becoming a “zero-waste” city. Store owners who don’t comply with the ban will be subject to a fine. The new ordinance…
District 7 supervisor candidates debate Prop. A, Parkmerced redevelopment, pedestrian safety
In a room scattered with candidate supporters and a handful of students, the five candidates for District 7 Supervisor gathered at SF State to discuss a series of student and community concerns. “Things…
San Francisco for Democracy reaffirms public education, health care, women’s rights for upcoming election
As election time draws near, San Francisco for Democracy explained how the upcoming election could affect key issues like health care and public education. The grassroots organization met Wednesday night to discuss issues that focused…
Prop. 34 to repeal death penalty if passed
More than 700 inmates are awaiting their sentences on death row in California. They have one cell each and a higher level of security than other inmates. Through the crimes they committed, their…
UPDATE: Cal State Board of Trustees approves 5 percent tuition increase if Prop. 30 fails
UPDATE Sept. 20: The California State University Board of Trustees approved a 5 percent tuition increase and a $250 million cut to the CSU system yesterday if Proposition 30 fails. The board approved…
Food trucks plan to provide healthy meals to Tenderloin residents
A former San Francisco supervisor hopes to put a new spin on food trucks by employing — and catering to — the homeless. Former Supervisor Bevan Dufty was inspired by the success of…
California may be first state to ban gay conversion therapy for LGBT youth
Matthew Ybarra went to conversion therapy when he came out at the age of 13. The SF State women and gender studies major was influenced through his church and decided talking to someone…
State’s budget crunch means enrollment freeze for new Cal State University students
This spring, only a fraction of the usual number of new students will appear on California State University campuses. All 23 campuses in the system plan to limit admissions for in-state undergraduate and…
Undocumented SF State students wary of deferred action program
President Barack Obama’s unilateral change to immigration enforcement policy announced June 15 could afford many undocumented students an opportunity that most U.S. citizens take for granted – the chance that they may one…
