Bay Area

"General Motors plans to quit a joint venture with Toyota to make cars at New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. in Fremont, a decision that threatens the survival of the West Coast's only automotive plant and puts 4,700 factory jobs at risk." - Chester from Bookmarklet

hahah. Hmm. Last time I did that I must have been changing the channel on the radio. - anna

"The story will show how the once-marginalized alternative medical practice of music therapy has gained a foothold in Bay Area medical centers. By focusing on neurological diseases that are rarely or never cured, and for which the best option is sometimes low-tech music therapy, it will provide a fresh angle on health reporting that too often focuses on the newest drug or cutting-edge surgical technique." - Richard Walker *cultUtee* from Bookmarklet

Story rights purchased and donations refunded - "NewzPool.com has purchased the publication rights to the story." I think this is a very good sign... members of spot.us can insure a story gets made by putting up their own money. If the story rights are purchased, it's a vindication of the pitch and the member's backing. The reporter goes to work and the donors get to choose again. - Richard Walker *cultUtee*

"after our story on the issue last month, the Guardian heard from recently retired ABC licensing officer Ross Glen, who once worked with DNA Lounge, one of the clubs currently fighting ABC sanctions. He wrote: “I believe that ABC's proposed revocation of the DNA's license is excessive and out of proportion to the offense committed. During the course of my investigation, I found the DNA to be appreciated by their immediate neighbors, diligent in their efforts to adhere to the applicable laws and sincere in their desire to address the concerns of the Department with regard to the various circumstances that surround the operation of an all-ages music venue. My review of the historical record of the licensee revealed no preceeding violations. In additon, the San Francisco Police Department withdrew their objections to the exchange of the 48 for the 47 after discussing the matter with DNA ownership. City and county zoning regulations allow for the operation of a type-47 at DNA's location.... more... - Richard Walker *cultUtee* from Bookmarklet

"There are still several 4th of July 2009 fireworks shows convenient to the South Bay even though the official City of San Jose fireworks show & “America Festival” , which normally takes place in Discovery Meadow, has been canceled for 2009. The San Jose Giants have also come to the rescue with a post-game fireworks show that should begin around 9:15p." - CW™ from Bookmarklet

""It's never been a good time to move into a CitiApartments building, but now is the worst time" says Ted Gullicksen, director of the San Francisco Tenants Union. After years of allegations of tenant harassment, poor maintenance, and all around bad business practices, (see links to the SFBG's series on this here) the troubled and massively foreclosed upon property management company is now accused of refusing to refund security deposits. Gullicksen says the Tenants Union has been getting "3 or 4 complaints a week" on this issue. Citing CitiApartments' alleged practice of "buying buildings, then using harassment and coersion to buy tenants out then reoffering the apartments at an inflated rate," he says that many CitiApartments tenants are either very recent tenants who, at the time of lease signing, didn't have any plans to move -- but given the current state of the economy, have had to, and are now suffering under CitiApartments' retention of their deposits." - Richard Walker *cultUtee* from Bookmarklet

"On June 28 Litquake proudly presents comedian Lewis Black live and uncensored! This will be his only Bay Area appearance to promote his bestselling book "Me of Little Faith," which has just been released in paperback. In a freewheeling onstage conversation, Black and comedian/radio host Marc Maron will gleefully dissect politics, religion, and other American foolishness. Short audience Q&A and book signing to follow. Proceeds to benefit Litquake literary festival, October 9-17, 2009." - Richard Walker *cultUtee* from Bookmarklet

"Modern mountain biking was born on the trails of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County in the 1970s. We talk to some of the pioneers of the sport who are featured in a new documentary, "Klunkerz."" - Chester from Bookmarklet

That was a great broadcast - anna

Have to love the "I 'Stupidly Locked Up My Bike By The Quick-Releasable Front Wheel' SF," Sutro Tower Cloud City, and squalid homage to 6th Street. - Chester from Bookmarklet

the N is Near is one of my faves - anna

I have an idea for a 30-stockton, pink bag brigade style shirt too - anna

"This summer again Lindy Hoppers take Union Square by storm, giving local dancers an opportunity to cut a rug in the open air and show off their fancy footwork to onlooking crowds. Lindy Hop in Union Square is a series of free outdoor swing dances that welcomes both current dancers and the general public (i.e. soon-to-be-dancers) to participate!" - 4th Wed. 6-8 p.m, Union Square, SF - Richard Walker *cultUtee* from Bookmarklet