Here’s what’s happening in the Bay Area, as curated by KALW News:
Uber cuts passenger fares, drivers cry foul // SF Examiner
“Citing low winter ridership, Uber has slashed prices in 48 cities across the U.S. While Uber says it’ll mean good things for riders and drivers alike, drivers say the prices go too far.”
“Here in San Francisco, UberX prices fell 10 percent, and UberXL prices dropped 20 percent.”
-----
Trapped part one: cruel and indefinite punishment// East Bay Express
“Demian Johnson knows he has to be extremely cautious when he's around his fiancée. He can briefly hug her when she arrives and maybe give a short kiss before she leaves. Sometimes, he can hold her hand, but they can't have any other physical contact.”
“Johnson is 51 years old and is currently incarcerated at Mule Creek State Prison, a men's correctional facility in Ione, a small city in Amador County, two hours east of Oakland. His fiancée, Hilda Wade, a retired home health aide, tries to visit him every Saturday and occasionally stays overnight in a nearby hotel when she doesn't want to do the ninety-minute drive to and from her Oakley home twice in one day.”
-----
'We're so fatigued': court interpreters claim severe staffing shortage in Santa Clara County // NBC
“Some court employees claim a shortage of interpreters is creating a two-tier justice system in Santa Clara County and forcing the country into a crisis.”
“Carmen Ramos, a Spanish-language interpreter for Santa Clara County Superior Court, said the staffing shortage of interpreters is so severe the caseloads sometimes become overwhelming.”
-----
Gotta go? Single-stall unisex restrooms may become law in S.F. // SF Gate
“Restrooms for men and women may be on their way out in San Francisco. The new frontier: bathrooms for all genders.”
“Businesses and city buildings in San Francisco would be required to make single-stall restrooms available to 'all genders,' under legislation to be introduced Tuesday by Supervisor David Campos."
-----
Critics concerned SF taxpayers will pay super bowl costs overruns // ABC 7 News
"There are numerous symbols of Super Bowl 50 as San Francisco prepares for the festivities, including a free village for fans. But all the hoopla comes at a price for city taxpayers."
"For example, on Monday, Muni's anticipated costs jumped from an estimated $1.7 million to $2.3 million."
-----
S. F. supervisor wants junk food out of vending machines // SF Gate
“It could soon be impossible for San Franciscans to get their afternoon Snickers, Doritos or Pepsi fix from a vending machine on city-owned property. And people holding city meetings will have to trade doughnuts and cookies for fruit and vegetables.”
“Supervisor Mark Farrell on Tuesday will introduce legislation that would ban sugary and fatty items from the approximately 150 vending machines on city property — including at City Hall and the airport — and would also require city meetings to feature healthier food.”