Get ready for fireworks Political developments we’ll be watching this year: Ross Mirkarimi, Ed Lee, Mark Farrell, and more

Californians just endured what might be the single most boring gubernatorial election in memory, with incumbent Jerry Brown winning in a walk. The big news — the GOP expanding it... Read More

Cathouse

Cat-proofing your holidays: This is why we can’t have nice things

By John Zipperer

After years of exploring (and suffering) the dilemma of cats and Christmas, I have devised a solution that you can share with cat households: bouncy rubber Christmas tree ornaments... Read More

Business

Net neutrality and S.F.

By John Zipperer

On Nov. 10, President Barack Obama spoke to the nation about his plan for the federal government to institute “the strongest possible rules” to protect net neutrality. ... Read More

Northsider

Union Street gets first Urban Remedy

By John Zipperer

COW HOLLOW’S NEW ORGANICS Northern California-based certified organic food company Urban Remedy opened its first San Francisco store in mid-November when it lifted the curtai... Read More

News

Four more years for Farrell: District 2 supervisor plans next steps

By John Zipperer

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, District 2 Supervisor Mark Farrell handily won re-election. With about 80 percent of the vote, he defeated challenger Juan-Antonio Carballo, an inventor, invest... Read More

News

Be the help that is needed

December is a time of renewing commitments to helping homeless and others in need

By John Zipperer

Republican gubernatorial candidate Neel Kashkari surprised a lot of people earlier this year when he spent a week living on the streets of Fresno, getting firsthand experience of l... Read More

Real Estate Investor

Real estate guesses, guestimates and estimates

By John Zipperer

Housing prices reach new highs.” “No end in sight for price appreciation.” “Prices are moderating.” “Market crash imminent.” “Prices... Read More

Real Estate

The rent is just too damn high

By John Zipperer

We might want to lure Jimmy McMillan to abandon New York City and move to San Francisco. McMillan is a Vietnam veteran who has worked as a postal worker, private investigator, and ... Read More

Northsider

More cupcakes, fewer donuts: It’s nearly holiday shopping season on the Northside

By John Zipperer

YEAR OF THE CUPCAKE Pottery and bronze are the traditional gifts for eighth anniversaries, but this year, people might consider substituting cupcakes. For the eighth anniversary of... Read More

News

It’s going to be a bumpy ride: City streets hurting as S.F. struggles with heavy use

First in a series examining the state of the city’s roads.

By John Zipperer

After residents or visitors travel the streets of San Francisco, the main stories and photos they share with others about their experience are likely to include Lombard’s zig... Read More

News Briefs

High-End Tics

By John Zipperer

It’s not just tenements that are doing Ellis Act evictions to generate more revenue. One of the messier fights is taking place at the swanky Park Lane apartments on Nob Hill ... Read More

News Briefs

It’s Official: San Francisco Has Affordable Housing Shortfall

By John Zipperer

Though the statement that the city has a shortage of affordable housing is not news to anybody, they might still be wide-eyed by the numbers backing up that statement. San Francisc... Read More

News Briefs

San Francisco Village Info Meeting

By John Zipperer

San Francisco Village is a citywide network helping city residents over the age of 60 remain independent in their homes and neighborhoods. It is inviting the public and potential p... Read More

News Briefs

Sunshine-Friendly City

By John Zipperer

In some parts of San Francisco, the sun is an infrequent but welcome visitor; but even in some of the foggiest sectors of the city, you will still find property owners who install ... Read More

The Mystery Housebuyer

The Eichler temptation

By John Zipperer

When Joseph Eichler was born in 1900, homes in the United States were not much known for their creativity. When he died in 1974, he had helped to change the landscape of American m... Read More

John Zipperer