San francisco

San Francisco is dealing with its homeless epidemic by spending $16.1 million for 262 tents  — an investment that breaks down to $190 a night or $61,000 per tent per year. The tents will be placed in empty lots around the city, creating what officials are calling “safe sleeping villages.” The city will also provide food and other services. “The annual cost of one spot in one site is 2½ times the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco,” the San Francisco Chronicle reported . The report continued: City leaders are under enormous pressure to address the city’s swelling homeless population, which has become more worrisome and visible amid the pandemic as traditional shelters have had to cut their capacity and other services have been disrupted. But several officials said Wednesday that the tent program — which is not eligible for federal reimbursement — is staggeringly expensive and must be re-examined, especially amid the $650 million budget deficit that … [Read more...] about San Francisco Doles out $16.1M to Provide 262 Tents for Homeless Residents

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) — In a hope to rebuild ridership as San Francisco offices reopen after being shuttered for a year, San Francisco Bay Ferry officials are considering a one-year reduction in fares. Water Emergency Transportation Authority oversees the ferries which have been forced to reduce service during the yearlong COVID-19 pandemic. READ MORE: Here's What You Can Expect From The $1.9 Trillion Senate Stimulus Package When the system is at full strength, it runs ferries from Oakland, San Francisco, Alameda, South San Francisco, Vallejo and Richmond. The WETA Board of Directors will consider approving the final Pandemic Recovery Program at its April 1 meeting. Changes would take effect in July 2021. Among these proposed changes for San Francisco Bay Ferry are: Lower fares on all transbay routes for one year Increased off-peak service to expand access to the ferry Streamlined fare structures and payment options “Making San Francisco Bay Ferry service more … [Read more...] about San Francisco Bay Ferry Officials Considering 1-Year Reduction In Fares

SAN JOSE (CBS SF/BCN) — The devastating financial impact of the year-long COVID-19 pandemic has claimed another high profile Bay Area business — San Jose’s landmark Fairmont Hotel has temporarily closed its door while its parent company enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy. FMT SJ LLC, the operator of the iconic hotel, filed for Chapter 11 reorganization Friday, temporarily closing the hotel for as much as three months while it finds a management partner and extends the existing mortgage debt. READ MORE: Here's What You Can Expect From The $1.9 Trillion Senate Stimulus Package The hotel abruptly ceased operations Friday, relocating its few remaining guests to rooms at nearby hotels at ownership’s expense. “We know that by taking this difficult step, we will come back a more vibrant hotel to the benefit of everyone in San Jose, including the vitality of the city’s downtown, nearby businesses, and Silicon Valley conventions in a post-COVID-19 world,” said Sam Singer, the hotel’s … [Read more...] about Iconic San Jose Fairmont Hotel Temporarily Closes; Enters Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

SAN JOSE (KPIX) — The San José Unified School District announced Thursday it had secured 4,000 COVID-19 vaccination opportunities, which will cover its entire workforce. This week has been a pivotal time for educators who were stuck in the middle of the tug-of-war between those who wanted them back in the classroom and those who believed they should be vaccinated first. READ MORE: Here's What You Can Expect From The $1.9 Trillion Senate Stimulus Package Gov. Gavin Newsom opened eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to teachers on Monday. “It’s about time,” said Willow Glen High School theater and English teacher Jodi Disario. “It hasn’t been pleasant at all. You try to tune out some of what you don’t want to hear.” Disario received her first dose Wednesday and said she’ll receive her second dose three weeks before the district she works for opens doors for the first time this school year. “I slept last night pretty easily,” Disario said. “I’ve been waking up in the middle … [Read more...] about San José School District Secures Vaccine for Entire Workforce

SAN JOSE (KPIX) — A San Jose couple who just moved back to the state said Friday nearly all their belongings were stolen, including the woman’s wedding dress and the dress her late mother wore to the nuptials. “It’s just tragic, it’s heartbreaking,” said Michael Evans “I can’t make this pain go away. It sickens me, I’m devastated.” READ MORE: Here's What You Can Expect From The $1.9 Trillion Senate Stimulus Package Michael and Brittni Evans had packed a POD that was sitting in their Willow Glen driveway with most of their belongings. On Tuesday, they discovered that it had been nearly emptied out. “I walked out and saw that the lock was missing,” Michael said. “I went numb. We didn’t have much to begin with and we’re a new starting family and now we really have nothing.” Among the items that were stolen was a hope chest Brittni’s mother had filled with keepsakes and her grandmother’s tea set that they often used when she was alive. Brittni planned to make a quilt out … [Read more...] about Theft Leaves San Jose Couple Bereft: ‘We’re Heartbroken, All Our Precious Things Are Gone’