This week, Mayor Newsom and our partners in the community began implementing San Francisco's universal health care program. This is acting locally. For many years now, American policy makers on every level of government have lamented, protested and proposed policy to solve this problem with nothing to show for it. Spend any time with Gavin Newsom and you will hear him say, "everyone complains about the problem, and blames someone else. We're going to do something about it." Read more »

San Francisco Examiner
Editorial Originally Published June 22, 2007

San Francisco citizens should not be expected to condone a supervisor expressing disagreement with the mayor’s budget by insinuating at a City Hall hearing that the mayor is a cocaine user. Such behavior — or rather misbehavior — is not political debate; it is slander that the Board of Supervisors should officially censure. Supervisor Chris Daly charged Tuesday that Mayor Gavin Newsom was hypocritical in proposing cuts for substance abuse programs while undergoing alcohol treatment and while he “artfully dodges every question about allegations in his own cocaine use.” The next day Newsom called a news conference where he flatly denied ever using cocaine and called Daly’s allegations “sleazy ... a whole new low” and “the cheapest of cheap shots."

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San Francisco Chronicle
Editorial Originally Published June 21, 2007

Supervisor Chris Daly has never recognized the boundaries of civility in politics. There's not enough space on this page to recount all the tantrums, boorish outbursts and political shenanigans that make the word "progressive" a joke when applied to him. His November election-night party -- with him and supporters chortling on stage as his wife led profane chants against his adversaries -- was a classic show of gracelessness in victory. He has been known to respond to the public's e-mail inquiries with stinging insults.

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By Bonnie Eslinger
San Francisco Examiner
Originally Published June 19, 2007

Mayor Gavin Newsom and District Attorney Kamala Harris gave public support to a national effort lead by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to repeal legislation that limits a local government’s access to federal information that traces gun sales and ownership.  A bipartisan campaign brought about by Mayors Against Illegal Guns wants to prevent criminals from illegally obtaining guns by cracking down on gun dealers. It also is pushing for law enforcement to be able to share information more easily. Read more »

In the face of overwhelming support for Mayor Newsom's budget, Supervisor Chris Daly cancelled his rally and took the extraordinary step of cancelling the Budget and Finance Committee hearing.  But that didn't stop hundreds of people from descending on City Hall on Wednesday afternoon to fight for the city of San Francisco.  We won the first battle for a smart budget that addresses the needs of all San Franciscans and against the politics of self-interest. But the fight is far from over. Read more »

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San Francisco Chronicle
Originally Published June 8, 2007

THIRTY-SEVEN million dollars is not much in the context of a $6.06 billion budget, but it can go a long way, if targeted wisely and effectively. But there is nothing wise or efficient about Supervisor Chris Daly's bald political ploy to strip $37 million from Mayor Gavin Newsom's budget priorities and shift most of it into affordable housing. Now let's be clear: We know that San Francisco does need housing. Newsom's budget also acknowledges the shortage, pumping $217 million into housing programs.

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By Lynn St. Albus 
Vice-President, San Francisco Waldorf School Board

Construction is underway on not only a new school, but a new way of life. In September the San Francisco Waldorf High School will open its campus as the first LEED certified school in the San Francisco Bay Area.  “LEED certification is quickly becoming the gold standard for ecologically conscious design,” said Paul Salazar, board member for San Francisco Waldorf High School. “The new campus is allowing the school to further it’s commitment to sustainable teaching practices and show students first-hand how beautiful and usable green building can be.” Read more »

San Francisco Examiner
Originally Published June 4, 2007

The best aspect of Mayor Gavin Newsom’s record-breaking — but balanced — $6.1 billion budget for 2007-08 is that it focuses on improving long-neglected infrastructure and life-quality issues that directly affect the daily existence of ordinary San Franciscans. It avoids pandering to the demands of loud special interests.  The budget Newsom proposed Friday adds substantial new funding for the basic needs of a civilized urban life. Public Works gets a $5.4 million boost to $36.4 million, the highest total ever allocated for fixing our potholed streets. Another $8.5 million goes to rebuild playgrounds and renovate sports fields. Read more »

That's one of John F. Kennedy's most famous lines and it is applicable to Gavin Newsom's new budget proposal.  This year, Mayor Newsom has taken another step towards making government work better for you. 311 is now in effect and working well (remember some politicians fought this remarkable tool), so it is fitting that the Mayor unveiled his budget at the 311 call center.  The proposed budget makes real investments in our streets. This investment, more than $36 million, allows the city ­ for the first time ­to meet our repaving needs and includes $5.4 million more for street repaving over last year. Read more »