January 2022 - Beyond Chron

Assembly Backs Speculators Over Tenants, Rejects AB 854

Posted January 31, 2022 by Randy Shaw

Lays Groundwork for Victory in 2023 AB 854, which would stop speculator evictions under the Ellis Act, was defeated on January 31. This was the first time in four tries that an anti-Ellis speculator bill reached the Assembly floor, and Read More »

SFMTA’s Continuing Muni Metro problems…..A Historical Perspective

Posted January 31, 2022 by Jerry Cauthen and Angelo Figone

Back in the 1960’s Muni was part of the SF Public Utilities Commission. In the late 1960’s the oncoming BART subway give Muni an opportunity to modernize its streetcar system. So the PUC sent one of its engineers to Europe Read More »

Is San Francisco Missing a New Generation of Political Leaders?

Posted January 31, 2022 by Randy Shaw

Should Veteran Political Leaders Step Aside? “We have no bench. We have not attempted to build a roster of new, talented people.” Willie Brown, Jan 3, 2022 NY Times “I’m happy she’s there, but can we make room for the Read More »

Bob Planthold, Longtime Transit and Disability Rights Activist, Dies in SF

Posted January 31, 2022 by Rebecca Rosen-Lum

(Editor’s Note: Bob Planthold, a longtime Beyond Chron contributor and transit and disability activist, recently died in San Francisco. Senior Beat’s Rebecca Rosen-Lum wrote a great tribute to Planthold last August that we repost with permission. You can find Bob’s Read More »

Short Films And Episodics From Sundance 2022

Posted January 31, 2022 by Peter Wong

One of the underappreciated (and money-friendly) options of the Sundance Film Festival’s online version has been the Explorer Pass. Compared to passes for feature length films or single ticket films, this pass allowed users to check out for the duration Read More »

Florida Speculator uses Ellis Act to Evict 93 Year Old Tenant

Posted January 24, 2022 by Stephen Booth

Will Assembly Pass AB 854 to Stop This Abuse? (Editor’s Note: The California Assembly votes Thursday on AB 854, which stops speculators from misusing the Ellis Act to evict vulnerable tenants. These evictions eliminate affordable housing and worsen California’s homeless Read More »

Film on Fred Ross Will Inspire Young Organizers

Posted January 24, 2022 by Randy Shaw

Boosting A New Generation of Organizers Why do people become lifetime organizers for social change? And how do they develop the skills to be most effective? I have long pondered these questions. I offered answers in a book about the Read More »

The Fight for $20 and a Union: Another California Minimum Wage Earthquake?

Posted January 24, 2022 by Martin Bennett

CA is Leader in Higher Wage Movement California is the epicenter for a nationwide grassroots movement to raise the wage floor for American workers. On January 1st, the state set $15 an hour as the floor for large employers and Read More »