by Chanaye J. Thomas
Right before the final 2009 Sunday Streets event on Sept. 6, reports say that Mayor Gavin Newsom announced the continuation of this popular event as a permanent program in San Francisco.
During Sunday Streets, some streets are temporarily closed to automobile traffic, encouraging people to walk, cycle, skate, and play in a car free space.
“This Sunday’s event is the fi nale for 2009, but Sunday Streets will be back in 2010 with more routes, longer hours, more San Francisco neighborhoods and more programs at each event,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), co-sponsor of Sunday Streets 2009, will be the lead agency for the Sunday Streets program starting in 2010.
Independent inquiry into HMOs’ handling of health insurance claims
A recent press release reported that Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced that deputies in his offi ce are launching an independent inquiry into how Health Management Organizations review and pay insurance claims submitted by doctors, hospitals and other medical providers.
The investigation is in response to reports that state California’s fi ve largest health-insurance providers are denying insurance claims at rates of up to 39.6 percent. “These high denial rates suggest a system that is dysfunctional, and the public is entitled to know whether wrongful business practices are involved,” said Brown. In the coming days and weeks, deputies will review records and will speak with individuals who have relevant knowledge of the issues raised.
Predatory landlord’s scheme starts to unravel in East Palo Alto San Mateo Superior Court Judge Steven Dylina granted plaintiffs motion for a preliminary injunction in the closely watched Oberle v. Page Mill Properties class action lawsuit on Tuesday Sept. 1, 2009, The injunction will bar Page Mill and its relatedcompanies from collecting or enforcing rent increases that do not comply with the limits of the East Palo Alto Rent Stabilization Ordinance. After taking more than half of the rentcontrolled apartments in East Palo Alto, Page Mill Properties immediately began imposing huge rent increases and rapidly evicting tenants.
Chris Lund, a Page Mill resident and organizer with the EPA Fair Rent Coalition commented, “The judge’s rulings are signifi cant and unambiguous victories for East Palo Alto tenants. Page Mill’s lender, Wells Fargo, and its partner, CalPERS, should take note.” The ruling represents a major setback for Page Mill’s plans in East Palo Alto.
Oakland youth keep Oakland beautiful
Mayor Ron Dellums and the City of Oakland’s Public Works Agency congratulated the outstanding efforts of Team Oakland youth this summer in cleaning and greening our community. More than 100 Oakland youth spent their summer developing valuable work skills through the Team Oakland citywide employment and educational program, a city announcement said.
As part of their training they attended workshops in urban environmental stewardship to learn about zero waste, how to compost and the beneficial effects of recycling and disposing of debris properly. “This innovative approach tackled several issues intrinsic to moving our City forward with one creative, holistic approach,” said Mayor Dellums.
