Conversions here and there

As the end of December approached, I was unprepared to discover my friends engaged in an activity wholly out of place. In their New Year’s posts on social media, gone were the d... Read More

Politics as Usual

An ethical dilemma

Proposition D and the illusion of action

By John Zipperer

On the March 2024 election ballots, San Francisco residents will be asked to vote for Proposition D to change city ethics laws and expand the restrictions on gifts to city officia... Read More

Politics as Usual

It’s the Jews

What gets extremists angry

By John Zipperer

“Google, Google you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.” —Pro-Palestinian Google employees protesting their own company “Goldie, Goldie you can’t hide... Read More

Politics as Usual

2023: A remarkable year

A review of highlights and lowerlights

By John Zipperer

As we race toward the open maw that is 2024, let’s take a moment to remember what was a truly remarkable year. I am talking about 2023, of course; and I also acknowledge that �... Read More

Politics as Usual

Around the world with San Franciscans

Comparative touring

By John Zipperer

The Port of San Francisco expects to host 100 cruise ship visits by the end of 2023, bringing more than 400,000 passengers to the city (and millions of dollars to the local econom... Read More

Politics as Usual

Happy together

How my sister can save America

By John Zipperer

During the week that this issue of the Marina Times is going to be in production, I will be absent from my usual duties of examining layouts and proofing articles. I will instead ... Read More

New York might be the all-time rat champion, but San Francisco is very rat-curious. PHOTO: Erich Röthlisberger / Pixabay

Politics as Usual

We’re number 1!

And 2, 3, 15, and 87

By John Zipperer

Recently, while streaming a TV show, I was served a commercial advertising the city of San Francisco. The “Always San Francisco” commercial featured quick-cutting views of peo... Read More

Politics as Usual

Me write pretty one day

A.I. might replace journalists, but the business world needs writers

By John Zipperer

Please do not let children touch, so as not to confuse food.—Note on package of drywall repair kit Hollywood’s screenwriters are on strike, but at least they have some ex... Read More

Politics as Usual

My life in crime

How not to react to a scam

By John Zipperer

A friend recently stated that she doesn’t leave her home in anything but running shoes, so she can get away in case anyone attempts to attack her. She’s not necessarily paran... Read More

In 1911, Teddy Roosevelt said something in San Francisco that applies to today. In 1932, Franklin Delano Roosevelt came to San Francisco and took the idea even further. Photos: Library of Congress

Politics as Usual

Spaghetti time

Taking a cue from FDR and seeing what works

By John Zipperer

Note to myself: Stop making political predictions on stage. Last month, during a live political roundtable, I predicted that the voters of Chicago would elect the tough-on-cr... Read More

Politics as Usual

51 years

The long life that came after

By John Zipperer

It wasn’t wintertime, because the water would have been iced over. I don’t know the exact date, but it was an evening about 51 years ago — I know that. It is one of my e... Read More

Politics as Usual

Mayor HAL 9000

It’s time San Francisco really leads on city governance

By John Zipperer

“I keep coming back to the love thing, because I love you. . . . You’re married, but you don’t love your spouse. You don’t love your spouse, because your spouse doesn’t ... Read More

Downtown is more than just a dense area of offices and stores; it is a cultural center fed by the coming together of people, businesses, artists, ideas, and activities. Photo: John Zipperer

Politics as Usual

Downtown’s up and down

By John Zipperer

As someone who grew up in small cities, I’ve always had a fascination with big cities, and particularly their downtowns. Tall buildings, lots of people, the energy of hundreds o... Read More

Politics as Usual

Ho-ho-who?

What a justice-involved Santa taught me about the real meaning of democracy

By John Zipperer

’Twas the month before Christmas, when all through the townNot a creature was stirring, as voting wound down.The people cast ballots with caution and care,In hopes of results th... Read More

Politics as Usual

Who asked you?

Ballot measures give you the illusion of being in charge

By John Zipperer

When Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer got sick of whitewashing a fence, he came up with the great idea of tricking other kids into doing the work for him. Problem solved! When special... Read More

Politics as Usual