The state's top analyst on Tuesday not only questioned the legality of launching a high speed-train, but also warned legislators that starting construction on the rail line could be a $6 billion waste of tax funds at the expense of social services, education and other transportation projects.
Occupy SF refuse offer of new space from from city (KTVU)
Occupy SF protesters at Justin Herman Plaza held a general assembly Tuesday night and decided to refuse an offer from city officials to move the encampment to a new location in the Mission District, setting the stage for a likely showdown with police.
The petitions to recall embattled Oakland Mayor Jean Quan have been all but cleared for takeoff and could be on the streets by next week. Once Quan's opponents make a few minor wording changes, they'll have 160 days to collect the 19,800 signatures needed to qualify the measure for the ballot, said City Clerk LaTonda Simmons.
Nearly three of every ten children in Oakland is living in poverty, a more than 50 percent increase from just three years ago, according to data the U.S. Census Bureau released Tuesday. In the Bay Area, the city has the highest percentage of children living in poverty
Dozens of state legislators are turning in their car keys this week, as a decades-old program providing them with state-purchased vehicles comes to an end. Taxpayers have picked up most of the tab for cars purchased for members of the state Legislature, covering up to $285 of a monthly lease as well as gas, insurance and maintenance costs. Legislators paid the remaining cost of the lease for whatever car they chose.
Gingrich ties Romney among Calif. Republicans (SF Chronicle)
Like voters nationwide, California Republicans are still sampling their party's presidential flavors-of-the-month, catapulting former House Speaker Newt Gingrich into a statistical tie with former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, according to a Field Poll released today.
Home prices nationally and in the Bay Area fell more than expected in September and in the third quarter, according to a closely watched index. The continued declines show a still-struggling housing market that is unable to give a boost to the economy.