Politics as Usual

Politics as Usual

2023: A remarkable year

A review of highlights and lowerlights
By John Zipperer

As we race toward the open maw that is 2024, let’s take a moment to remember what was a truly remarkable year. I am talking about 2023, of course; and I also acknowledge that �... Read More
Politics as Usual

Around the world with San Franciscans

Comparative touring
By John Zipperer

The Port of San Francisco expects to host 100 cruise ship visits by the end of 2023, bringing more than 400,000 passengers to the city (and millions of dollars to the local econom... Read More
Politics as Usual

Happy together

How my sister can save America
By John Zipperer

During the week that this issue of the Marina Times is going to be in production, I will be absent from my usual duties of examining layouts and proofing articles. I will instead ... Read More
New York might be the all-time rat champion, but San Francisco is very rat-curious. PHOTO: Erich Röthlisberger / Pixabay
Politics as Usual

We’re number 1!

And 2, 3, 15, and 87
By John Zipperer

Recently, while streaming a TV show, I was served a commercial advertising the city of San Francisco. The “Always San Francisco” commercial featured quick-cutting views of peo... Read More
Politics as Usual

Me write pretty one day

A.I. might replace journalists, but the business world needs writers
By John Zipperer

Please do not let children touch, so as not to confuse food.—Note on package of drywall repair kit  Hollywood’s screenwriters are on strike, but at least they have some ex... Read More
Politics as Usual

My life in crime

How not to react to a scam
By John Zipperer

A friend recently stated that she doesn’t leave her home in anything but running shoes, so she can get away in case anyone attempts to attack her. She’s not necessarily paran... Read More
In 1911, Teddy Roosevelt said something in San Francisco that applies to today. In 1932, Franklin Delano Roosevelt came to San Francisco and took the idea even further. Photos: Library of Congress
Politics as Usual

Spaghetti time

Taking a cue from FDR and seeing what works
By John Zipperer

Note to myself: Stop making political predictions on stage.  Last month, during a live political roundtable, I predicted that the voters of Chicago would elect the tough-on-cr... Read More
Politics as Usual

51 years

The long life that came after
By John Zipperer

It wasn’t wintertime, because the water would have been iced over. I don’t know the exact date, but it was an evening about 51 years ago — I know that. It is one of my e... Read More
StockSnap/Pixabay
Politics as Usual

Mayor HAL 9000

It’s time San Francisco really leads on city governance
By John Zipperer

“I keep coming back to the love thing, because I love you. . . . You’re married, but you don’t love your spouse. You don’t love your spouse, because your spouse doesn’t ... Read More
Downtown is more than just a dense area of offices and stores; it is a cultural center fed by the coming together of people, businesses, artists, ideas, and activities. Photo: John Zipperer
Politics as Usual

Downtown’s up and down

By John Zipperer

As someone who grew up in small cities, I’ve always had a fascination with big cities, and particularly their downtowns. Tall buildings, lots of people, the energy of hundreds o... Read More
Santa Claus
Politics as Usual

Ho-ho-who?

What a justice-involved Santa taught me about the real meaning of democracy
By John Zipperer

’Twas the month before Christmas, when all through the townNot a creature was stirring, as voting wound down.The people cast ballots with caution and care,In hopes of results th... Read More
Politics as Usual

Who asked you?

Ballot measures give you the illusion of being in charge
By John Zipperer

When Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer got sick of whitewashing a fence, he came up with the great idea of tricking other kids into doing the work for him. Problem solved! When special... Read More
Politics as Usual

The jig is up

The state puts San Francisco under the microscope
By John Zipperer

California officials have announced that San Francisco has the dishonor of being the first city in the state to be subject to a review of its housing policies and practices. The s... Read More
Politics as Usual

A NIMBY intervention: We’re really just beginning

By John Zipperer

Perhaps if you sell a bunch of those Google shares you’ve been sitting on, take out a loan against your 401K,  and put off that major dental surgery you promised your dentist y... Read More
Running this city requires constant physical and mental conditioning. Photo: SpartyZag
Politics as Usual

Centering oneself in spirit and politics

A little political coaching for the mayor
By John Zipperer

It’s 6 a.m. in the mayor’s office. The lights come on; the mayor enters, sits on her exercise bike, and turns on its screen. O.K., people! Let’s have a great workout toda... Read More

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