Governor Jerry Brown and the California Federation of Teachers are expected to announce a compromise on competing state tax initiatives by the end of today. The new joint plan would raise the state sales tax by a quarter percent, down from a half percent in the previous proposal. It's a bit late in the signature-gathering season to put forth a new proposal, but sources at the Teachers Federation expressed optimism about the effort. One million valid signatures are needed before voters can consider it in November, and backers hope to start that process next month...
San Francisco schools superintendent Carlos Garcia announced today that he will retire at the end of this year. He has been superintendent for five years. The Board of Education has begun negotiations with Deputy Superintendent Richard Carranza to be his successor...
In San Francisco, MUNI riders are being reminded to “pay attention!” The Transit System is partnering with the San Francisco Police Department to launch a poster campaign aimed at riders. "Be smart with your smartphone" says one of the posters, while another warns, "Thieves know an opportunity when they see it." Overall, crime throughout the MUNI system is down 30 percent from last year. But theft of personal property is up 20 percent.