Kelsey Thompson and Jeremy Tanner

1 day ago

AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) — Which U.S. cities saw the most people move to – and move away from – in the last year?

Moving and storage company PODS has released its data showing which cities across the country attracted the most new residents and which saw the most people packing up and moving away.

You may have seen the Clearwater, Florida-based company's shipping containers on driveways in your neighborhood. Founded in 1998, the company lets movers fill the PODS with their belongings and then ships them to the new address.

Cities with the most departures

1. Los Angeles, California (ranked 1 in 2023)
2. San Francisco and surrounding areas, Northern California (ranked 2nd in 2023)
3. Greater Miami, South Florida (ranked 5th in 2023)
4. Long Island, New York, serves parts of New York City (ranked 4th in 2023)
5. Austin, Texas (not listed in 2023)
6. Central Jersey, New Jersey (ranked 6th in 2023)
7. Chicago, Illinois (ranked 3rd in 2023)
8. San Diego, California (ranked 14th in 2023)
9. Stockton-Modesto, California (ranked 9th in 2023)
10. Hudson Valley, New York (11th in 2023)
11. Santa Barbara, California (ranked 10th in 2023)
12. Denver, Colorado (ranked 18th in 2023)
13. Boston, Massachusetts (not listed in 2023)
14. Baltimore, Maryland (ranked 12th in 2023)
15. Hartford, Connecticut (ranked 20th in 2023)
16. Portland, Oregon (not listed in 2023)
17. Fresno, California (not listed in 2023)
18. Bakersfield, California (not listed in 2023)
19. Northern New Jersey, serving parts of New York City (ranked 15th in 2023)
20. Minneapolis, Minnesota (not listed in 2023)

According to PODS data, California has the highest concentration of out-migration of any U.S. state, with seven cities or regions represented in the PODS top 20 rankings.

In Texas, the once-hot Austin market made its first appearance in the PODS rankings. Dwindling affordability and inaccessibility of housing are two of the factors contributing to these declines, according to PODS data. The analysis also suggested that current uncertainty and layoffs in the tech industry – a major industry that moved operations and staff to the Texas capital during the pandemic – may also be making residents hesitant about whether to continue living in Austin.

The moving company also pointed to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau that showed Austin saw a smaller net increase in new residents based on July 2023 estimates.

Census data shows two cities rise on the list of the 15 largest cities in the U.S.

Another Texas city, Houston, is experiencing an influx of new residents. Houston ranks third among cities with the most new residents according to PODS.

Among these rankings, there was a clear trend toward moves to the Carolinas. PODS data found that the cost of living in both states is in line with the national average, while the regions offer beaches, mountains, green spaces and strong metropolitan areas, as well as four-season weather and a strong arts and culture scene.

Cities with the most new arrivals

1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Wilmington, North Carolina (also ranked No. 1 in 2023)
2. Ocala, Florida (ranked 4th in 2023)
3. Houston, Texas (ranked 5th in 2023)
4. Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina (ranked 10th in 2023)
5. Charlotte, North Carolina (ranked 16th in 2023)
6. Raleigh, North Carolina (ranked 20th in 2023)
7. Phoenix, Arizona (ranked 18th in 2023)
8. Knoxville, Tennessee (ranked 7th in 2023)
9. Jacksonville, Florida (8th in 2023)
10. Asheville, North Carolina (ranked 17th in 2023)
11. Boise, Idaho (ranked 15th in 2023)
12. Portland, Maine (ranked 13th in 2023)
13. Nashville, Tennessee (ranked 11th in 2023)
14. Atlanta, Georgia (not listed in 2023)
15. Johnson City, Tennessee (not listed in 2023)
16. Huntsville, Alabama (not listed in 2023)
17. Dover, Delaware (not listed in 2023)
18. Orlando, Florida (3rd place in 2023)
19. Savannah, Georgia (ranked 19th in 2023)
20. Greensboro, North Carolina (not listed in 2023)

More details on PODS analysis can be found online.

The post San Diego amongst high ‘move-out cities,’ based on PODS shifting firm appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

By ROB MAADDI
Associated Press

The best team in the NFC already added an All-Pro to the secondary.

More moves are coming around the NFL.

Teams looking to bolster their rosters for the second half have until Tuesday’s trade deadline at 4 p.m. EDT.

Several established veterans could end up switching uniforms. There were a slew of trades at this time last season.

The Philadelphia Eagles couldn’t wait to upgrade at safety, acquiring two-time All-Pro Kevin Byard from the Tennessee Titans earlier this week. Byard is a significant addition at a position that was depleted by injury and the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency.

“Obviously, I feel like I’m a great player, but at the end of the day, it’s not really about that,” Byard said Wednesday. “It’s about what I do now that I’m here. I had a great career in Tennessee, but I’m a Philadelphia Eagle now and that’s what it’s more about — moving forward, making plays and winning games.

People are also reading…

“This is my eighth season and I’m feeling really good, coming off a bye week, too. I’m definitely feeling fresh right now. This team has a great culture and I’m just looking to add to that. It feels good to wake up 6-1.”

Here are five players who could end up finding new homes:

DERRICK HENRY

The Titans (2-4) already traded one star on defense so dealing their best offensive player wouldn’t be a surprise. Henry’s production is down on a struggling offense. He’s run for 425 yards, a 4.3-yard average and three touchdowns. The 29-year-old Henry can be a free agent after the season so he should be considered a half-season rental.

The Ravens (5-2) and Buccaneers (3-3) are potential leading suitors for Henry. Baltimore lost running back J.K. Dobbins in Week 1. Lamar Jackson is their leading rusher followed by Gus Edwards.

The Buccaneers have the fourth-worst rushing offense in the league and only one team is averaging fewer yards per carry. Henry makes sense for Tampa Bay even though the team wants to build around younger players. The NFC South is wide open and the two-time reigning division champs are in the mix.

Don’t discount the Cowboys (4-2) despite Jerry Jones’ declaration that Dallas isn’t making calls. For the right price, the Eagles (6-1) could pull off yet another deal with the Titans. Getting wide receiver A.J. Brown from Tennessee in 2022 helped elevate Jalen Hurts into an MVP runner-up.

Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) celebrates his sack of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts on Oct. 1.

AP FILE PHOTO

CHASE YOUNG

The No. 2 overall pick in 2020 could be on the way out in Washington. The Commanders (3-4) already declined to pick up Young’s fifth-year option. He has five sacks in six games, but Washington has already given a big contract to defensive tackle Daron Payne and has defensive lineman Montez Sweat also due for a new deal.

The Dolphins (5-2), Lions (5-2) and Jaguars (5-2) are among the top possibilities if the Commanders deal Young.

BRIAN BURNS

A two-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, Burns is in the final year of his contract and the winless Carolina Panthers (0-6) need to accumulate more draft capital after trading a slew of picks to move up to No. 1 to take Bryce Young this season.

Burns has four sacks this season and would be a significant addition for teams such as Miami, Detroit, Buffalo (4-3), Jacksonville (5-2) and even San Francisco (5-2). The Panthers had an opportunity to move Burns last year before the deadline but they held on and aren’t winning with him.

JUSTIN SIMMONS

The three-time, second-team All-Pro safety is among several Broncos (2-5) who could be on the move. Denver is headed nowhere and trading veterans for draft capital makes sense.

Simmons is not only a solid, do-it-all player but he’s a strong leader in the locker room and would fit nicely with contending teams. The Seahawks (4-2), Bengals (3-3) and Steelers (4-2) could have interest.

MARQUISE BROWN

“Hollywood” Brown already was traded once from Baltimore to Arizona last year. He hasn’t matched the production he had with the Ravens in 2021, but only had 11 games with Kyler Murray last season.

Brown has 32 catches for 383 yards and three TDs this season and would be a big boost for an offense that needs a speedy receiver to complement its group. The Chiefs (6-1) seem to be the best fit, but the Chargers (2-4) and even Panthers could be among many suitors.

Be the first to know

Get local news delivered to your inbox!

The post Derrick Henry, Chase Younger, Brian Burns are amongst a number of star NFL gamers who might be on the transfer appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

For movie theater owners around the country, the same-day release of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” this summer meant record box office sales and a gratifying sign that the public still craved entertainment on the big screen.

READ MORE: Trying To Catch ‘Barbie’ or ‘Mission: Impossible’? Here’s All of San Francisco’s Movie Theaters

But for some employees at the Alamo Drafthouse in Manhattan, “Barbenheimer” was the breaking point.

“That really pushed us to the edge,” says Maggie Quick, a guest attendant. “It was just the constant understaffing and the emotional exhaustion.”

“People were waiting longer than usual for their food and that makes them short-tempered and impatient,” recalls Tyler Trautman, a shift leader. “We’re the ones facing customers. It takes a toll, a mental toll, to be yelled at by guests because their drink has been taking an hour.”

Quick and Trautman were among dozens at the Manhattan theater who decided it was time to form a union. Alamo employees worked with United Auto Workers Local 2179 and this week voted to unionize, with nearly two-thirds in favor. They join Alamo employees at the Brooklyn theater, who voted last month to become part of Local 2179.

“We’re very excited to be moving forward in solidarity with Brooklyn,” Quick said after the vote was announced. “We have strength in our numbers and hope to see some real change.”

An Alamo spokesperson said the company would decline comment.

At a time of labor action in the movie industry and beyond, union activity is expanding at movie theaters themselves, a trend which began during the pandemic. Over the past two years, employees have formed or attempted to form unions at the Film Forum and Anthology Film Archives in New York, the Amherst Cinema in Massachusetts and Alamo Drafthouses in San Francisco and Austin, Texas, home to Alamo’s company headquarters.

The transition to a union shop went smoothly at some theaters. The owners in Amherst voluntarily agreed to recognize the union and a contract was reached earlier this year. Film Forum workers, who unionized in 2022, agreed last summer to a 5-year contract that raises salaries by an average of 12%. Anthology Film Archives employees went on strike for a day last year, but have since agreed to terms.

“Overall, it’s been fairly peaceful,” says Olga Brudastova, president of UAW Local 2110, which represents the Film Forum and Anthology Film Archives unions. In a statement, Chad Bolton, the Film Forum general manager, said the contract was born from “a thorough and thoughtful process.”

But at Alamo Drafthouse, the chain known for its eclectic offerings of films and in-theater food and drink service, employees speak of ongoing resistance from the company. According to images and audio recordings obtained by The Associated Press, Alamo management in New York has posted flyers urging workers not to unionize and brought in speakers from Texas, including Alamo co-founder Tim League.

“We appreciate everything you do for our venue and believe we can work better together to solve problems without the need of a third-party like a union to come between us and charge you dues,” one flyer reads.

Alamo held meetings in Manhattan and Brooklyn in the weeks leading up to union votes. In each gathering, management officials acknowledged discontent among staff members, while reiterating that any issues were better worked out entirely within the company.

In Brooklyn, per the recordings, League reflected on the company’s history, dating back to its origins in the 1990s. He spoke of his dedication to Alamo and of his own progressive affinities, including his “passionate” support for Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Both League and his wife and Alamo co-founder Karrie League have contributed to various Democratic Party candidates. Tim League has publicly praised the pro-labor senator’s 2016 presidential run, telling a CNBC interviewer in 2016 that “Bernie is going to be good for America.”

League emphasized that he “understood” why Hollywood actors and writers were striking, and why auto workers went on strike. But for Alamo, he said, unions would be a step back, a “communication block.”

“I fully recognize my own personal bias here,” he said. “I don’t think that forming a union is the right solution for Alamo, that is my personal opinion. I’m concerned that a union is going to drive a wedge between us.”

Only 6% of private U.S. sector workers belong to unions today, a fraction of the 35% represented in the 1950s. But more workers in numerous industries have begun organizing lately and their actions have public support. According to Gallup, approval of stronger unions stands at 67%, down slightly from the 71% approval seen last year, but mirroring levels last seen in the 1960s. A recent AP-NORC poll found that a majority of U.S. adults sympathized with the striking Hollywood workers.

The Leagues were recent graduates of Rice University when in 1997 they opened the first Alamo, a single-screen venue in Austin. They soon established a word-of-mouth following among movie lovers and within the next few years had opened several other locations around Texas. In 2005, Entertainment Weekly named Alamo Drafthouse the country’s best cinema venue, calling the experience “movie geek heaven.”

The company now has dozens of theaters around the U.S., but endured financial struggles during the pandemic. In March 2021, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closed some locations and cancelled plans to open new ones. Alamo emerged from bankruptcy at the end of May 2021, under the ownership of League. Altamont Capital Partners and Fortress Investment Group. Michael Kusterman, a former executive at Caveman Foods, has been Alamo CEO since replacing the retiring Shelli Taylor in July.

League, who in 2020 became executive chairman of Alamo, said in the recordings he was “disappointed” Brooklyn workers wanted to unionize, while adding that the company couldn’t meet his high standards for Alamo without a happy staff. He acknowledged past errors, including a “troubling lack of communication,” but said that Alamo was committed to moving forward. He asked the staff to give the management team a year to prove itself.

“I hear you and I’ll keep on listening,” he said. “Like I said, I built this company to be the best damn cinema that has ever, or will ever exist. And it’s an aspirational goal. It’ll never be complete. I personally feel strongly that inserting a union between you and me and the team hinders that goal. So that’s why even after all the work, the hard work that’s been done to get to this point, I ask you to vote ‘no’ in forming a union.”

Within days, Brooklyn employees voted to unionize, by a margin of more than 2-to-1.

“For years the workers of Brooklyn Alamo have tried to solve problems through dialogue with management, to no avail,” the union statement read in part. “Now Alamo Drafthouse must meet us at the bargaining table.”

Questions, comments or concerns about this article may be sent to [email protected]

The post San Francisco Film Theater Staff Amongst Nationwide Unionization Push appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will be among those delivering remarks at Thursday’s memorial for the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein on the steps of San Francisco City Hall, where she served as the city’s first female mayor.

The service will mark the end of two days of events in the city that launched Feinstein’s political career. On Wednesday, mourners streamed into City Hall to pay their respects, honoring Feinstein as fearless, smart and the glue who kept the city together after two shocking political assassinations.

“She wasn’t afraid to do a man’s job. She wasn’t afraid to be a senator. She wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted,” said Lawanda Carter, 48, of San Francisco. “And that’s encouragement for us women now to have courage.”

Carter was among the scores of everyday San Franciscans and political leaders alike who brought flowers, bowed their heads or clasped their hands in prayer as they stood before Feinstein’s casket, which was draped in an American flag and on display behind velvet ropes. Many said they had never met Feinstein, but wanted to honor an indefatigable public servant who fought to level the playing field for women, members of the LGBTQ community and racial minorities.

Former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, also of San Francisco, and Mayor London Breed were among the officials who paid their respects.

Feinstein died early Friday in her Washington, D.C., home of natural causes, said Adam Russell, a spokesperson for her office. She was 90.

A recorded message from President Joe Biden will be played at Thursday’s memorial, where Pelosi and Feinstein’s granddaughter, Eileen Mariano, are also scheduled to speak. Gov. Gavin Newsom, himself a former San Francisco mayor, and former California Gov. Jerry Brown are also expected to be in attendance. A livestream is planned of the service, which will be closed to the public.

Feinstein was one of California’s first two women U.S. senators, a job she first won alongside Barbara Boxer in 1992, dubbed the “ Year of the Woman.”

Feinstein spent much of her career in the U.S. Senate but will be known as the forever mayor of San Francisco, a role she inherited in tragedy. She was president of the Board of Supervisors in November 1978 when a former supervisor assassinated Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk, the city’s first openly gay supervisor, at City Hall.

Feinstein, who found Milk’s body, became acting mayor and won election twice to serve as mayor until 1988.

Georgia Otterson, 76, a health care administrator, said Feinstein wasn’t as politically liberal as she would have liked, but the late mayor earned her respect with how she kept the heartbroken city together.

“We were all mourning together, holding candles. If memory serves me, Joan Baez sang,” Otterson said of an impromptu march that night from the historically gay Castro District to City Hall. “And she held us up.”

As a centrist Democrat, Feinstein was criticized by people on the left, including for her support for the death penalty, and in her later years, for working with Republicans. But the straight, white woman largely earned the gratitude of a city that celebrates its racial and sexual diversity.

She steered San Francisco through the HIV and AIDS crisis, bringing attention to an epidemic ignored by President Ronald Reagan. She also secured federal and private funding to save the city’s iconic cable cars from death by deterioration.

Feinstein led the city as it played host to the Democratic National Convention in 1984. Another San Francisco tradition — “Fleet Week” — was started by Feinstein in 1981, and this year’s annual celebration of air shows, naval ships and military bands is dedicated to her.

While Feinstein’s career sent her to Washington, she remained deeply involved in the affairs of San Francisco, the city where she was born and raised. She often called her successors — including Newsom — to complain about potholes or trash and to offer advice and encouragement.

Breed recalled looking up to Feinstein when she was a Black kid growing up in public housing and playing the French horn in a middle school band that performed regularly at mayoral events.

“She was so proud of us and she said so, and she took the time to talk to us, express how amazing we were and to remind us that we were her band,” Breed said at a news conference the day after Feinstein’s death.

Mourners Wednesday expressed their pride in Feinstein.

“She kept moving on up. I was proud of her, very proud of her,” said Dorothy Hudson, 81, a retired federal government employee. “She was very kind, very smart. She opened doors up to let people know, ‘You can do it.’”

San Francisco native Cari Donovan placed a bouquet of red and pink lilies and daisies on the floor before the casket. She lingered, crying quietly over a woman she never knew but who was so important to her life.

“She championed and fought for the rights of so many people,” Donovan said. “I’m so grateful. And I really just wanted her family to know how much she meant to me.”

The social worker said she talked to her 28-year-old daughter about the battles Feinstein fought so that younger generations of women could dream bigger. “She was a lioness.”

——

AP researcher Randy Herschaft in New York and writer Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

The post Vice President Harris amongst scheduled audio system at memorial for Dianne Feinstein in San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Before the pandemic, metropolitan living was often perceived as the pinnacle of an ideal lifestyle. New York City, with its relentless dynamism, internationally acclaimed theatres, superior culinary experiences, and prospects of higher-than-average earnings, enthralled many. Not far behind was the enchantment of San Francisco, offering a unique combination of outdoor adventures — the rare chance to ski and surf within the same day — and a close link to the world’s nucleus of technological breakthroughs. Then there was Miami, a subtropical sanctuary where residents basked in supreme beaches, a rich blend of cultures, and a warm utopia.

Yet, the pandemic ignited a substantial shift in working habits, allowing employees, no longer tethered to proximity to their workplaces, to relocate to more distant and suburban areas. Today, some of these suburban lifestyles have ascended to be among the most desired in America, each providing expansive spaces and nature, closeness to major city centers, and access to various state attractions.

But which suburban lifestyles are the most sought-after in America?

This intriguing question was posed by “MovingFeedback.com” in a nationwide survey involving 3,000 American respondents.

Showing up really strong in what can only be described as a competitive field, two Oklahoma suburbs were voted as places with the most envied lifestyles in the country.

These were:

#39 Edmond: Residents of Edmond enjoy a great lifestyle due to the town’s friendly community, strong sense of safety, and a variety of recreational opportunities. With its well-maintained neighborhoods, excellent schools, and numerous parks and green spaces, Edmond offers a family-friendly environment that fosters a high quality of life. The town’s thriving local economy, access to cultural events, and convenient proximity to Oklahoma City provide residents with a balanced and fulfilling living experience, making Edmond an ideal place for individuals and families seeking a welcoming and dynamic lifestyle in the heart of Oklahoma.

#168 Nichols Hills: With its beautiful tree-lined streets, large properties, and well-maintained parks, Nichols Hills offers a serene and upscale environment for residents to call home. The town’s excellent schools, low crime rate, and proximity to Oklahoma City provide residents with a high quality of life, making Nichols Hills an attractive and fulfilling place to live.

Harrison Gough, who organized and led the nationwide survey, said in a press release sent to Pat McGuigan of The City Sentinel (Oklahoma City):

“The pandemic certainly reshaped the American dream when it comes to choosing a living environment. Our survey reveals a growing interest in suburbs that combine the tranquility and space of rural areas with the convenience and vibrancy of city life. The 175 suburbs voted in our survey exemplify the evolving aspirations of Americans in the post-pandemic era. As we continue to redefine our work and lifestyle preferences, we anticipate an ongoing shift towards these coveted suburban settings.”

The aim of the ‘Moving Feedback’ survey was to unveil the most desirable suburban lifestyles across the nation and rank them in a list of 1-175.

The survey’s findings of the most valued suburbs offered some intriguing insights:

#1 Calabasas, California

The most envied suburban lifestyle in America belongs to the residents of Calabasas in California. This neighborhood north of Los Angeles is defined by its idyllic suburban charm and proximity to the bustling entertainment industry. Surrounded by the scenic Santa Monica Mountains, residents can revel in the natural beauty of the area, enjoying hiking trails and open spaces. Moreover, being a stone’s throw away from LA allows residents to access a plethora of cultural events, dining experiences, and career opportunities, making Calabasas a desirable place to call home, where the best of both worlds converge.

#2 Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

In second place came Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida, offering an unparalleled lifestyle characterized by sun-kissed beaches and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Living in this vibrant community, residents can indulge in a wide range of water-based activities, such as surfing, boating, and beachcombing. Additionally, the area is renowned for its prestigious golf courses, offering enthusiasts world-class facilities and tournaments. The charming small-town feel, complemented by nearby cultural hubs like Jacksonville, grants residents the opportunity to enjoy a serene coastal retreat while still having access to urban amenities and cultural events.

#3 Huntington Bay, New York

Huntington Bay in New York (in third place) promises residents an exclusive and luxurious lifestyle along the stunning North Shore of Long Island. Nestled between the picturesque Huntington Harbor and Long Island Sound, the town boasts breathtaking waterfront properties and panoramic views, providing an enchanting coastal living experience. With its close-knit community and pristine beaches, residents can savor a tranquil and family-friendly atmosphere. The town’s proximity to New York City offers convenient access to world-class cultural attractions, fine dining, and career opportunities.

#4 SouthPark, North Carolina

The lifestyle in SouthPark, North Carolina, is the 4th most coveted in the country. It is a highly sought-after area due to its upscale SouthPark Mall, the largest in the Carolinas, and its prime location just six miles south of Charlotte. It offers a mix of luxurious shopping, upscale residential living, and a thriving business district, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a coveted lifestyle close to the city.

#5 Forest Acres, South Carolina

Rounding up the top 5 is Forest Acres in neighboring South Carolina. Known for its tree-lined streets, abundant green spaces, and beautiful parks, Forest Acres offers residents a tranquil and picturesque setting to call home. The area’s proximity to downtown Columbia allows residents to access a wide range of cultural events, dining establishments, and recreational activities, striking the perfect balance between suburban serenity and urban convenience.

Other suburbs that made the top 10:

#6 Sugar Land, Texas which boasts a range of upscale residential neighborhoods, excellent schools, and well-maintained public amenities.

#7 Alpharetta, Georgia is considered an attractive place to live due to its robust job market, high average incomes, well-planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and proximity to Atlanta’s cultural and entertainment opportunities.

#8 Alamo Heights, Texas — its proximity to San Antonio provides residents with various amenities and cultural opportunities, making it an attractive choice for affluent families.

#9 Mercer Island, Washington provides picturesque waterfront properties and scenic views, which contribute to its desirability.

#10 McLean, Virginia offers upscale neighborhoods with luxurious properties, top-rated schools, and proximity to various amenities and cultural attractions.

The source is: https://www.movingfeedback.com/ . It is worth the time for anyone interested to review this information. To review the full list of 175 suburbs that made the cut, go here:

https://www.movingfeedback.com/americas-most-envied-suburban-lifestyles/

Notes: Pat McGuigan prepared this story for posting, working with the ‘Moving Feedback’ material provided. It came from ‘apricot content’ – lifestyle, 3415 NE 25th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, 97212

The post ‘Shifting Suggestions’ survey finds Oklahoma’s Edmond and Nichols Hills among the many nation’s ‘most envied’ existence in ‘suburbs’ | Information appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

A high-profile group of Marina residents have filed claims against the City of San Francisco after winter storms flooded their properties and nearby streets with sewage, wastewater and rainwater. The boldface names behind the claims include 49ers legend Joe Montana and real estate mogul Victor Makras. 

The flooding came after atmospheric rivers battered San Francisco with unusually high rainfall through the end of 2022 and early 2023. At least 58 residents, all living on Marina Boulevard between Webster and Baker streets, have signed on to the claims. That stretch of roadway, along the bay waterfront by Marina Green, was closed around New Year’s due to flooding. 

Residents on Marina Boulevard say the storm and subsequent flooding were unlike anything they had seen before. It was the second major flood to hit the boulevard in recent years: An October 2021 storm resulted in 4.5 million gallons of untreated wastewater flooding, while the storm on Dec. 31 caused 18.6 million gallons of water to flood the area, according to a letter to the city from the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Millions of more gallons flowed straight into the bay “without authorization” on both occasions, according to the water quality board. 

The flooding on Marina Blvd is getting better, but still avoid the area please. pic.twitter.com/L0tccgUDLL

— SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) October 25, 2021

“The water wasn’t clean—it wasn’t just rainwater,” said Seth Gersch, who has lived with his wife on Marina Boulevard for six years. Gersch said the couple was forced to rip up the carpet on their first floor because of the water. 

Joni Settlemier, a 40-year resident of the Marina, said because her driveway slopes downward, it is particularly vulnerable to flooding. 

“We really got a lot of water in it, up to our knees,” Settlemier said. “Supposedly there was sewer water, so we just felt that for safety, you just have to get rid of everything. I had some things I was keeping—furniture for my family—that got destroyed.” 

When Joe Montana was approached for comment, he told a reporter that he was on a conference call and unable to talk.

Joe Montana makes an appearance in New York on April 10, 2018. | Source: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

The claims allege the flooding was not only the result of a freak weather incident; claimants say San Francisco’s sewage infrastructure was insufficient and the city is to blame for damage to their properties. 

“For many years, the city has had actual and constructive knowledge that the sewage and storm drainage system in and around the [Marina Boulevard area] cannot sufficiently handle anticipated conditions and rain events,” said the claim, which was filed in June.

The residents are represented by prominent San Francisco attorneys, including Khaldoun Baghdadi, former head of the city’s Human Rights Commission. Baghdadi said residents filed the claims—which are often a precursor to a lawsuit—to put themselves “back where they were” financially before the flooding. 

“We don’t only trust the city to maintain the sewage infrastructure, but we pay it for doing so,” Baghdadi said. “When the city makes the decisions that cause raw sewage to flood homes, it is responsible for compensating residents.” 

Dozens of residents on Marina Boulevard are suing the city for flooding caused by severe winter storms. | Source: Liz Lindqwister/The Standard

The city said its infrastructure was not to blame.

“The intensity and duration of the storm that hit the city on December 31, 2022, was almost unprecedented. It was the strongest storm to hit San Francisco in more than 170 years,” Jen Kwart, a spokesperson for the City Attorney’s Office, said in an email. “The storm, and not the city’s infrastructure, was responsible for widespread flooding throughout the city.” 

Kwart said the city is reviewing the claims raised by the residents and recently sent letters to claimants seeking more information about the alleged damages and their cause. 

Both the Department of Public Works and the Public Utilities Commission declined to comment on the claims directly, noting their agencies cannot speak about ongoing legal matters. 

Extreme Rainfall, Smelly Water

Over a 10-day period around New Year’s Eve, San Francisco was slammed with about 50% of its average annual rainfall. The storms flooded several parts of the city, but hit northern neighborhoods especially hard.

Though some San Franciscans took to street-surfing and paddling around waterlogged roadways, public health officials warned the floodwater could contain raw sewage, animal waste and harmful bacteria. 

A Marina Boulevard resident documented the grime left behind by knee-high flooding that damaged her home on Dec. 31, 2022. | Source: Courtesy Joni Settlemier

“By design, our sewer system avoids discharging raw, untreated sewage and stormwater into the bay or ocean in small and medium-sized storms,” Joseph Sweiss, a Public Utilities Commission spokesperson, told The Standard in January. “It’s only during large storms, like those we’ve experienced back-to-back these past two weeks, that the city’s system discharges untreated stormwater and small amounts of wastewater.”

One of the claimants’ concerns surrounds the city’s unique “combined” sewer system, which treats wastewater and stormwater in the same network of pipes. Sweiss said in a combined system, the water flows through much larger pipes, meaning the system is not prone to clogging and flooding, contrary to claimants’ arguments. 

Yet residents along Marina Boulevard allege the floodwater caused toxic contamination and structural damage to their properties—many of which are posh homes dotted along the shoreline. 

Gersch told The Standard the elevator in his home filled with water twice, first during the 2021 flooding incident and then on New Year’s Eve. It damaged the wiring on the elevator, while mold remediation efforts in the waterlogged basement cost the couple more than $5,000. 

Other residents along Marina Boulevard took to placing sandbags around their properties. Though summertime is in full swing and few rainstorms have hit San Francisco recently, a number of homes on the street still have sandbags propped up against their garages. 

Some residents on Marina Boulevard have left sandbags by their garage doors to prevent future flooding. | Source: Liz Lindqwister/The Standard

Is the Sewage System To Blame?

The claimants allege the city’s aging infrastructure caused the flooding and, by extension, their property damage. They contend the city has failed to properly maintain and upgrade its sewer and storm diversion systems as climate change brings increasingly severe weather. 

“During this time, the city permitted additional development, including construction of impervious driveways, additional rain gutters and collection pipes that all increased rain, contaminated water and sewage discharge into the system,” the claims further alleged. 

The utilities commission has defended the city’s infrastructure and shot back at claims that the combined sewer system model caused excess flooding or had failed to operate as it was designed. 

“No sewer system can reasonably manage the intensity and duration of an extreme storm like we saw on New Year’s Eve, which nearly set a record for the amount of rain,” Sweiss said in January. “Flooding isn’t caused simply by our combined sewer system. Rather, it’s the amount of rain, its intensity and its duration that can cause floods.” 

The claims also focus on the closure of the Pierce Street Outfall, a combined sewer discharge outfall that allows overflow from the Marina to flow directly into the bay. It was closed in May 2021, though two other outfalls remain close to the Marina’s shoreline.

A public utilities employee exits the Pierce Outfall Tunnel. | Source: Sabrina Wong/SFPUC

“San Francisco decommissioned the Pierce Street outfall because it was in poor condition and had one of the lowest weir elevations,” said the regional water board in a letter to the city, in reference to a low-lying barrier that reduces water flow. “San Francisco chose to decommission the outfall, rather than rehabilitate it, based on the extent of structural work needed for rehabilitation and the complexity of installing necessary backflow prevention.” 

City engineers indicated that the outfall’s closure could increase flooding between 2 and 4 inches during heavy rainfall, though their research did not estimate the extent of where the flooding would hit. 

In light of the Pierce outfall closure and the two bouts of heavy flooding, the water board issued a notice in July asking the city to address flooding and infrastructure issues along Marina Boulevard. It laid down no fewer than 11 requirements for the city to fulfill by October 2023 and February 2024, including retesting rainfall simulations along the north shore and evaluating how climate change affects flooding and discharge incidents. 

An Ongoing, Citywide Infrastructure Issue

The Marina isn’t the only San Francisco neighborhood affected by flooding and infrastructure issues. 

During the worst of the winter storms, knee-high water flooded portions of the Mission. Mission Terrace, in particular, has long struggled with destructive floods that residents attribute to aging infrastructure. A 2008 lawsuit also found the city liable for a flooding incident along Cayuga Avenue that damaged properties. 

“The city knows there are problems that it’s tried to address, but they have preferred up to a point to pay damages than to pay for fixes,” said David Hooper, an organizer with Solutions Not Sandbags. 

Members of the Department of Public Works unpack sandbags to distribute to the public at 2323 Cesar Chavez in San Francisco on January 4, 2023. | Source: Paul Kuroda/The Standard

Nearly six months after the New Year’s Eve flood, the city announced plans to pump millions of dollars into water infrastructure improvements, in a joint effort by Mayor London Breed, the Environmental Protection Agency and the city’s utilities commission. A $369 million loan will go to SF Public Utilities Commission to improve “wastewater resiliency” at a dozen locations across the city, particularly in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather.

None of the initial improvement plans are slated for the Marina, however, and a utilities spokesperson said the infrastructure loan is not related to the claims or flooding in the Marina. The nearest infrastructure improvement plan is for a treatment plant located near Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Correction: A previous version of this story stated that Marina residents had filed a lawsuit. The residents have filed claims with the city, which can be a precursor to a lawsuit.

The post Joe Montana Amongst Residents Threatening To Sue SF Over Flooded Houses appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Pexels / RODNAE Productions

The cities with the most emigrants were Los Angeles, followed by the San Francisco area and Chicago.

As San Antonio grows more crowded due to the influx of newcomers, brace yourself: more are coming. and more people are on the way

According to a recent study by storage and moving company PODS, San Antonio is the #14 relocation destination in the United States. Overall, three Texas cities, including Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston, made the company’s top 15.

Interestingly, Austin — once a hotspot for moving — didn’t make the list.

PODS analyzed its consumer movements and collected data on where and from where customers were moving to compile a list.

According to PODS, these are the 15 largest cities people will be moving to in 2023.

The resort town of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina took first place on the PODS list, followed by Sarasota and Orlando, both in Florida.

“The economy appears to be the biggest factor influencing consumers’ relocation decisions, with lower tax rates, warmer weather and more affordable house prices being the main drivers behind consumer decisions,” the report said.

A key difference in consumer trends between this year and last year is the dwindling importance of remote work, the study also notes.

Cities with higher crime rates, turbulent weather and higher living costs continued to see population declines, with Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago the biggest losers, according to the PODS data.

Subscribe to the SA Current newsletter.

Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Or subscribe to our RSS feed

The post Examine: San Antonio stays amongst prime U.S. cities individuals are transferring to | San Antonio Information | San Antonio appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB), which serves the San Francisco Bay Area and California North Shore, is proud to announce the winners of the annual regional competition, including Flow Pro Plumbing.

The BBB is proud to announce this year’s Torch Awards for Ethics Winners! The Torch Awards for Ethics competition was created to honor companies that demonstrate their commitment to trust and market ethics. The award embodies BBB’s mission to be a leader in fostering market trust. The Torch Awards are given to companies that strive to excel in dealing with customers, employees, suppliers and the community.

Applications were invited from for-profit, 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations of all sizes headquartered in the 13-county BBB service area serving the San Francisco Bay Area and the North Shore of California. BBB received entries from across the region and from various industries.

We are proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Regional Torch Awards for Ethics. They include:

BBB also recognizes and commends the finalists. Although their entries were not selected for an award, finalists are still recognized for demonstrating strong ethical business practices and for being leaders in the community. There were two Category 1 finalists: Adom Manor Care Home and Armed Force Pest Control, Inc. and three Category 2 finalists: Arrow Ai, Pacific Bay Estates and SFO Representatives, Inc.

“Torch Awards winners demonstrate the highest ethical standards of trust to customers, employees and the communities in which they do business,” said Lori Wilson, BBB President and CEO for the San Francisco Bay Area and California North Shore. “We are proud to present this prestigious award to these deserving companies.”

Each company went through an application process to demonstrate its commitment to ethics and leadership in the community. All applicants were are encouraged to find examples of their organization’s practices that best illustrate each of the four criteria being assessed: company, character, culture, and community service.

They were judged by an independent jury made up of community leaders and entrepreneurs from various industries.

The winners of the 2023 Torch Awards are now qualified to compete in the 2023 International Torch Awards for Ethics. Presented annually since 1996, the International Torch Awards for Ethics honors companies that demonstrate leadership best practices and high standards of organizational ethics that benefit their customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and communities. To be eligible for the International Torch Award for Ethics, a company must first be a winner of its local BBB awards program.

Thank you to all the companies that entered this year’s competition and congratulations to the winners and finalists!

The post Brentwood enterprise amongst BBB 2023 Torch Awards for Ethics winners appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Gunfire erupted between two vehicles speeding through San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf area Sunday night, injuring six people, including four bystanders in the popular tourist destination, Police Commissioner William Scott said.

Among the bystanders injured in what Scott described as a “car-to-car” shooting was a 10-year-old girl who was hit by one of the recklessly driven cars as she was with her 16-year-old companion crossed the street on her bicycle, the chief told reporters at the scene. Three other people were hit by shards of glass that shattered in the exchange of fire. None of the bystanders suffered life-threatening injuries, Scott said. The 16-year-old was hit but not injured.

Two people in the cars responsible for the shooting were also injured, one with non-life-threatening injuries, Scott said. They were taken to the hospital, as was the ten-year-old girl.

“Shots were fired from both vehicles,” Scott said, and police are searching for a white sedan and its occupants who fled the area. The other vehicle was a black SUV that was towed from the scene of the accident.

Scott stressed that the shooting did not appear to have happened accidentally. The evidence suggests that “it was an isolated incident and these individuals were targeting each other,” the boss said, adding, “We don’t think it was a coincidence at all.”

The shooting occurred along the Embarcadero, beginning around 6:48 p.m. in the Beach Street and Stockton Street area and ending nearly a mile away as cars approached the Ferry Building, police said. Scott said police arrived within minutes. Officials rendered assistance and called paramedics, who transported the victims to a local hospital.

“These are very traumatizing events,” Scott said. “On a beautiful Sunday on Father’s Day there was such chaos in our town.” He promised: “There will be accountability. You cannot and will not come into town and leave. We will find you and you will go to jail.”

Anyone with video evidence or information is asked to contact police at 415-575-4444.

Reach Nora Mishanec: nora.mishanec@sfchronicle.com

The post 4 bystanders amongst 6 wounded as transferring gunfight rips Fisherman’s Wharf appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Sneezing and wheezing our way through the day is something none of us enjoy doing, and some of us suffer from seasonal allergies more than others. Something called 2022 Allergy Capitals did a study in 100 cities across our country, and Connecticut has 2 in the top 10 worst cities nationwide for seasonal allergies.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America conducted the 2022 Allergy Capitals study, The Most Challenging Places to Live with Allergies. They took 100 American cities and looked at several factors, including spring pollen levels, fall pollen levels, over-the-counter medicines and more for the ranking. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, we absolutely love analytics in this building, and here’s another great example of metrics that kind of make life better. We live in an area with a lot of pollen, I get these alerts quite often:

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Hartford was ranked 7th and New Haven 9th on the list of the most challenging places to live with allergies. From the website:

The top 10 most Difficult living places with seasonal allergies are:

1. Scranton, Pennsylvania
2. Wichita, Kansas
3. McAllen, Texas
4. Richmond, Va
5. San Antonio, Texas
6. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
7. Hartford, Connecticut
8. Buffalo, New York
9. New Haven, Connecticut
10. Albany, New York

The top 10 at least Difficult living places with seasonal allergies are:

91. Fresno, California
92. Phoenix, Ariz
93. Provo, Utah
94. Denver, Colo
95. Sacramento, California
96. Portland, Oregon
97. San Jose, California
98. San Francisco, California
99. Durham, North Carolina
100. Seattle, Washington

sneezing woman

Getty Images

If you are not affected by seasonal allergies then you are in luck and I think you can live anywhere you want without any problems. I’m a Claritan type, must be to be able to breathe properly. Thanks again for hanging out and see you soon.

Interactive map gives you a bird’s-eye view of 1934 Connecticut

10 of the best waterfalls in Connecticut

Positive vibes radiate from the walls of this Torrington cafe

The post New Research Ranks 2 Connecticut Cities Amongst Worst For Allergic reactions appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.