Listen to the article
4 min

This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback.

Dive Brief:

• The Biden administration on Friday threw its support behind efforts to turn empty commercial buildings into housing, announcing new federal resources to support commercial-to-residential conversion projects.
• New financing, technical assistance and guidance for states, localities, transit agencies and developers are among the new resources. The U.S. General Services Administration will also expand efforts to sell empty federal buildings that could be repurposed into housing.
• U.S. office vacancies reached a 30-year high of 18.2% in the second quarter of 2023, taking a toll on local economies, according to the White House. It said that converting these buildings into residencies could ease the affordable housing crisis and, if done with the climate in mind, drive down greenhouse gas emissions.

Dive Insight:

The high commercial real estate vacancy rate is a lingering symptom of the COVID-19 pandemic, which “forced Americans to change how they live and work, with ripple effects felt across the economy,” according to the U.S. Council of Economic Advisers. U.S. workers now go into the office 30% less than they did pre-pandemic, about 3.5 days a week.

This trend has taken a toll on the businesses the workers in those offices used to support, from restaurants and convenience stores to dry cleaners and hair salons. Many cities, such as Seattle and San Francisco, have devised strategies of their own to revive wilting downtowns. And the number of adaptive reuse projects in the U.S. multifamily pipeline has reached an all-time high, with office-to-multifamily conversion making up the majority of multifamily units under construction.

Turning offices into housing is more complex, however, than switching out desks for beds. Office building design doesn’t always lend itself to logical apartment layouts with adequate natural light. The plumbing and HVAC systems are often not set up to serve multiple residential units. Some commercial developers have also complained that conversion projects face governmental hurdles, including zoning and environmental regulations.

The new federal effort to support commercial-to-residential conversion includes a guidebook on available federal resources, including low-interest loans, loan guarantees, grants and tax incentives. The White House plans to hold training workshops this fall for local and state governments, along with private sector players, to learn how to use the federal programs the guidebook outlines. The White House is encouraging state, local, tribal and territorial governments to identify public tools and land disposition opportunities to support conversion projects. 

Multiple federal agencies released subject-specific guidance on adaptive reuse as part of the announcement. The Energy Department launched a toolkit on creating zero-emissions housing from commercial buildings, while the Transportation Department released guidance on how states, localities and developers can finance conversation projects near transit with two existing federal programs: the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act and the Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing programs.

The Housing and Urban Development Department will increase outreach efforts to municipalities and developers looking to use HUD tools to finance conversions. The White House highlighted several HUD grant programs that can be used for conversions, including Community Development Block Grants, the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing program and a research-related grant available to develop case studies that can help other localities better plan conversion projects. 

The White House noted in its Friday announcement that the American Planning Association is expanding its work with the planning directors of the nation’s 30 largest cities to include new programs on commercial-to-residential conversions. Plus, the National Association of Counties is working with counties pursuing commercial-to-residential conversion projects to develop a policy paper for county officials interested in pursuing similar efforts.

The post White Home advances office-to-residential conversions with new sources appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Nearly seven days after an explosion rocked this normally sleepy neighborhood of San Francisco’s Outer Sunset, local residents are still cleaning up the pieces.

“I am very sad. Depressions. Sometimes I even want to commit suicide,” said Linda Wong.

Wong lives across from the house that exploded.

RELATED: SF home explosion suspect charged with multiple felonies; Official ID card woman killed

On Wednesday, she attended a private meeting with city officials held for residents on her block.

The aim was to connect them to services and discuss what resources might be available to them in the future.

“The upper floor, the window, the ground floor, the garage door. Many doors are broken. Even the ceiling, some things fell down,” Wong said.

The explosion happened at Darron and Rita Price’s home, and investigators say a narcotics lab was operating inside.

EXCLUSIVE: The SF Blast Victim details escaping the burning house and working for the suspect

The blast killed Rita and seriously injured her caregiver, who managed to escape but is still recovering at a local hospital.

Now that the dust has settled, Price’s neighbors recognize the impact the blast had on them and say they hope Wednesday’s meeting will offer them real solutions.

“Right now, I hope the city can not only help us with empty words, but even raise some money,” Wong said.

Aside from financial help, many others tell us the damage is also mental and emotional.

RELATED: New video shows moment San Francisco home exploded, killing 1

Some even say they want to feel safe again in their own homes.

“I think it was a big surprise to everyone that something like this could even happen,” said Daniel McMorrow.

But with several residents likely to be moving out of their homes over the next few months, they’ll be taking on any help they can get.

“The house is open at the moment. The house is open. The window is open. The door is open. It is very cold. It’s raining. So we can’t stay there,” Wong said.

If you’re on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live

Copyright © 2023 KGO-TV. All rights reserved.

The post Neighbors of San Francisco Outer Sundown residence explosion meet with metropolis officers for sources appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

If you or someone you know needs help or a warm place to take shelter during storms, call 311 (San Francisco) or 211 to find help near you. These Bay Area locations below also offer support during this time. Please call ahead when possible in case supplies are limited.

ALAMEDA COUNTY

Sandbags:

Castro Valley

• 20336 San Miguel Avenue, Castro Valley, CA 94546

• 19780 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546

• First Presbyterian Church of Hayward Shelter – 2490 Grove Ave, Castro Valley, CA 94546, (510) 634-4750

Fremont:

• City Maintenance Center – 42551 Osgood Road, Fremont, CA 94539

• Fremont Fire Station 5 – 55 Hackamore Lane, Fremont, CA 94539

• Fremont Fire Station 10 – 5001 Deep Creek Road, Fremont, CA 94539

Hayward

• 951 Turner Court, Hayward, CA 94545

• South Hayward Parish Winter Shelter – 27287 Patrick Avenue, Hayward, CA 94544, (510) 634-2229

Warming Shelters:

alameda

• Christ Episcopal Church – 1700 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501 Monday, Wednesday, Friday (showers available on Wednesdays and Fridays),(510) 832-1382, ext. 123, warmingcenter@hceb.org

Berkeley

• Berkeley Emergency Storm Shelter – Dorothy Day House – 1931 Center Street Berkeley, CA 94704,(510) 705-1325, info@dorothydayhouse.org

livermore

• Livermore Area Recreation and Park District (LARPD) – 4444 East Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550,(510) 224-3755

Oakland

• Crossroads Emergency Shelter – East Oakland Community Project (EOCP) – 7515 International Boulevard, Oakland, CA, 94621, (510) 532-3211 info@eocp.net

Housing Resource Centers:

Berkeley

• Women’s Daytime Drop-in Center – 2218 Acton Street, Berkeley, CA 94702, Monday-Friday, (510) 548-2884, help@womensdropin.org

Emeryville

• Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency – 2811 Adeline Street, Emeryville, CA 94608.10 AM – 2 PM Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, (510) 899-4650 | (510) 844-8221

Hayward

• Gail Steele Multi-Service Center (formerly Eden Area) – 24100 Amador Street, Haywayrd, CA 94544

livermore

• Livermore Self-Sufficiency Center – 2499 Constitution Dr., Livermore, CA 94551

Oakland

• BACS Towne House Wellness Center – 629 Oakland Ave. Oakland, CA 94611.1-4 PM Monday-Wednesday, (510) 658-9480

• Eastmont Town Center – 6955 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 100 (Eastmont Self-Sufficiency Center) and Suite 143 (Adult and Aging Services), Oakland, CA 94605

• Enterprise Self-Sufficiency Center – 8477 Enterprise Way, Oakland, CA 94621

• Thomas L. Berkeley Square (North Oakland) – 2000 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612

AGAINST COSTA COUNTY

Warming Centers:

Concord

• Concord Shelter – CCHS – 2407 Arnold Industrial Way #C, Concord, CA 94520,(925) 646-5082

Richmond

• Brookside Shelter – 847-C Brookside Drive, Richmond, CA 94801,(800) 799-5699

MARIN COUNTY

Warming Centers:

San Rafael

• Severe Weather Emergency Shelter (SWES) – Marin Health and Human Services – 3240 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901, Wednesday and Thursday 5 PM – 6:30 AM

NAPA COUNTY

Sandbags:

Angvin

• ANGWIN FIRE (VOLUNTEER DEPT.) STATION #18 – 275 College Ave., Angwin, 707-965-6551, PUC Public Safety

Calistoga

• ST HELENA CALIF DEPT. FORESTRY STATION – 3535 N. St Helena Hwy., Calistoga (BETWEEN ST HELENA & CALISTOGA ACROSS FROM BIG TREE RD),707-967-1467 (Open 24 hours)

Napa

• NAPA RIVER RECLAMATION DISTRICT FACILITY PENNY WILSON – 1501 Milton Rd., Napa, CA 94558,707-255-2996

• NAPA COUNTY FIRE/DRY CREEK LAKOYA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. STATION 16 – 5900 Dry Creek Road, Napa, CA 94558.707-944-1562

• CIRCLE OAKS COMMUNITY WATER DISTRICT – End of Circle Oaks Drive

• NAPA COUNTY FIRE/GORDON VALLEY VOLUNTEER FIRE STATION, #22 – 1345 Wooden Valley Cross Road, Napa, CA,707-363-4959

Warming Centers:

Napa

• South Napa Shelter -100 Hartle Court, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 271-7818

SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY

Warming Centers:

• Next Door Shelter – 1001 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA 94109,Intakes Every day until January 15,2023 Between 4 PM – 10 PM

• MSC South – 525 5th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107,Intakes Everyday until January 15,2023 Between 4 PM – 10 PM

• Sanctuary – 201 8th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103,Intakes Everyday until January 15,2023 Between 4 PM – 10 PM

• St. Mary’s Cathedral – 111 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94109,Intakes Everyday until January 15,2023 Beginning at 6 PM

SAN MATEO COUNTY

Sandbags:

Redwood City

• Redwood City Public Works Yard, 1400 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063

Warming Centers:

San Mateo

• Samaritan House San Mateo – 4031 Pacific Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94403, Monday-Wednesday and Friday 9 AM – 5 PM; Thursday 9 AM – 12 PM (650) 347-3648

• Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Homelessness Help Center – 50 NB St., San Mateo, CA 94401, Monday – Friday 9 AM – 11 PM (650) 343-4403

SANTA CLARA COUNTY

Sandbags:

Alviso

5030 N 1st St., Alviso, CA 95002 (located behind George Mayne Elementary School)

Morgan Hill

El Toro Fire Station – 18300 Old Monterey Road, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

Palo Alto

1925 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303

San Jose

• City Central Service Yard – 1661 Senter Road at Phelan Avenue, San Jose, CA 95112

• Santa Clara Valley Water District – Winfield Warehouse – 5750 Almaden Expy, San Jose, CA 95118, Winfield Boulevard between Blossom Hill Road and Coleman Avenue

Warming Centers:

Santa Clara

• Santa Clara Senior Center – 1303 Fremont Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050, Wednesday – Friday 7 AM – 3 PM

• Community Recreation Center – 969 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95051, Wednesday – Thursday 8:30 AM – 6 PM; Friday 8:30 AM – 5 PM; Saturday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Central Park Library – 2635 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara, CA 95051, Wednesday 12 PM – 6 PM; Thursday 12 PM – 7 PM; Friday-Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM

• Mission Branch Library – 1098 Lexington Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050, Wednesday 9 AM – 5 PM; Thursday 1PM – 5PM

• Northside Branch Library – 695 Moreland Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054, Wednesday 12 PM – 6 PM; Thursday 12 PM – 7 PM; Friday-Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM

SOLANO COUNTY

Warming Centers:

• Norman C King South Vallejo Community Center – 545 Magazine St, Vallejo, Ca 94590, (707) 648-4620, 8 PM – 7 AM

SONOMA COUNTY

Sandbags:

sonoma

• Sonoma City Hall – 1 The Plaza, Sonoma, CA 95476

• Depot Park – 270 1st St W, Sonoma, CA 95476

• Friedman’s Home Improvement Center – 1360 Broadway Ave., Sonoma, CA 95476

Warming Centers:

sonoma

• Homeless Action Sonoma (HAS) – 867 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95476, Open Everyday 2 PM – 10 AM

• Sonoma Veterans Building – 126 Frist Street, Sonoma, CA 95476, Open Every day 7 PM – 9 AM

Santa Rosa

• Homeless Services Center of Catholic Charities’ Caritas Center – 301 Sixth Street, Suite 108, Santa Rosa, CA 94501, Monday – Thursday 7 PM – 7 AM

Copyright © 2023 KGO-TV. All rights reserved.

The post Excessive Climate Emergencies Sources – ABC7 San Francisco appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

It’s been a wild year for elections in San Francisco. In February, over 70% of voters ousted three school board members. Then, in a mid-April special election, SF Supervisor Matt Haney won the 17th Assembly District seat. Most recently, there was the June primary election, where voters recalled District Attorney Chesa Boudin. If all of that voting has given you ballot burnout, take a big drink of water because we’ve got the all-important midterm elections coming up on Tuesday, November 8.

Midterm elections typically garner lower voter turnout, but are a concrete way to influence local and national politics. Here in San Francisco, we’ll be voting on races ranging from State Governor to City District Attorney, with propositions that could impact whether our state’s constitution grants the right to reproductive freedom, plus much more. Here’s everything you need to know about voting in the 2022 midterm elections in San Francisco:

What are the key races and propositions on the ballot?

In addition to statewide elections for California Governor and US senate races, there are several local races and propositions to pay attention to.

SF Board of Supervisors have 5 of the 11 seats up for election, which is conducted via ranked-choice voting. Newly redistricted District 6 which split up the Tenderloin and SoMA stands to be one of the most interesting races, with incumbent Matt Dorsey, former communications director for the SFPD who was appointed by Mayor London Breed to replace Matt Haney in May, facing off against activist Honey Mahogany, who would be the first trans supervisor in SF if elected. Not sure which district you’re in? Check online or call (415) 554-4375.

The District Attorney race includes Brooke Jenkins, the current district attorney who was appointed in June by Mayor London Breed after Chesa Boudin’s recall, against two opponents, both of whom once worked on the police commission. John Hamasaki, who has the support of progressive SF District Supervisor Dean Preston, and whose campaign is run by Boudin’s former campaign manager. Jenkins’ other opponent is Joe Alioto Veronese, a civil rights attorney, former police and fire commissioner, and the son of former mayor Joseph Alioto.

San Francisco’s public defender office hasn’t had a contested race in 20 years, but that’s about to change as Assistant District Attorney and former Deputy Public Defender Rebekah Young is facing off against incumbent and London Breed appointee Mano Raju.

This ballot includes all of Mayor London’s school board appointees, Lisa Weissman-Ward, Ann Hsu, and Lainie Motamedi, who were selected after the recall election in February ousted three people on the board. They face competition from Alida Fisher, Gabriela Lopez (one of the members who was ousted in February), and Karen Fleshman.

Statewide propositions to pay attention to include Prop 1, which will amend the state’s constitution to include reproductive freedom as a constitutional right, and Prop 26 and Prop 27, which, respectively, will allow for sports betting on tribal lands, and for online and mobile sports wagering outside tribal lands. Another proposition that could make a big impact on the state is Prop 30, which would add a personal income tax for those making over $2 million and use that to fund programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Opponents say it’s a big tax increase that disproportionately benefits large corporations, with the ride-share service Lyft spending $15 million to fund the over 90% of the YES on 30 campaign.

There are a handful of local measures on the midterm ballot, including Proposition D, which seeks to streamline the approval process for affordable housing, including increasing housing access so that households who make up to 140% of the area median income can apply, so long as the average household income is no more than 120% of AMI. Proposition E is another affordable housing measure that competes with Prop D with further restrictions, including providing housing for households with income up to 120% of AMI, with an average household income of no more than 80% of AMI. Proposition M would place a tax on owners of vacant residential units in buildings with three or more units that have been vacant for more than six months. The tax would range from $2,500 to $5,000 per vacant unit in 2024, and would increase to a maximum of $20,000 (with adjustments for inflation) if the same owner kept that unit vacant in consecutive years.

Those who want to move towards a future that’s less dominated by auto traffic should study Proposition I, which, with a YES vote, would repeal the Board of Supervisors’ ordinance that keeps JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park and the Great Highway car-free and open them back up to private vehicle use. In contrast, a YES vote on Proposition J would reaffirm the Board’s ordinance to keep JFK Drive as an open recreation space and closed to private vehicles permanently. Related, a YES vote on Proposition N would allow the City to take over the underground parking garage below the Music Concourse and use public funds to acquire, operate, or subsidize public parking.

Finally, Proposition C would provide an oversight commission, inclusive of seven members appointed by the Mayor and Board of Supervisors, for the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.

How can I register to vote in San Francisco?

Registering to vote is easy. There are a few rules: You must be a US citizen, a resident of California, and be at least 18 years old on Election Day. In order to register, you cannot currently be serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction, or found to be mentally incompetent to vote by a court.

You can register to vote online. If you do not have a signature on file with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), you will need to print, sign, and mail the application.

You can also register using a paper Voter Registration Application. To receive a paper registration application by mail, contact the Department of Elections or call 415-554-4375. Voter Registration Applications are also available at your local post office, San Francisco Public Library branch, or DMV office.

When is the deadline to register to vote?

In California, the deadline to register to vote for any election is 15 days before Election Day. That means the last day to register for the 2022 Midterm Elections is Monday, October 24. After the deadline, you can file for Same Day Voter Registration, and vote on a conditional basis.

Can I vote early?

Absolutely! Official ballot drop boxes will be available 24/7 at 34 convenient locations across San Francisco, beginning Monday, October 10, through Election Day, November 8, at 8 pm.

Beginning Tuesday, October 11, you can also vote in person (or drop off your ballot) at City Hall. The voting center will be open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm; on the two weekends before Election Day, October 29-30 and November 5-6, from 10 am to 4 pm; and on Election Day (Tuesday, November 8), from 7 am to 8 pm.

Visit CAEarlyVoting.sos.ca.gov or call 800-345-VOTE to learn more early voting.

Can I vote by mail?

Yes! In California, registered voters automatically receive a mailed ballot before every election. You can return your ballot by mail (no postage required), drop it in any official ballot drop box, or at any polling location. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by November 8.

How do I find my polling place?

There will be 501 polling places open from 7 am to 8 pm on Election Day for in-person voting and ballot drop-off. Find your polling place on the Secretary of State’s website. Use the Voting Site Wait Times Lookup Tool to look up your assigned polling place, get directions to your polling place or the Voting Center, and check reported wait times.

How do I vote absentee in San Francisco?

You may still vote in the upcoming election if you are a civilian living overseas or in another state temporarily, in the military, or other uniformed service member. Get the FAQs and more info online.

How do I know if/when my vote was counted?

Track your ballot using the Voter Portal or sign up to receive automatic notifications on the status of your ballot via email, SMS (text), or voice call.

How can I volunteer as a poll worker?

Election Day poll workers in San Francisco are paid a stipend between $225 and $295 for their service, which can include setting up polling places by 6 am sharp, checking in voters using precinct rosters and issuing ballots, closing the polls, and transferring custody of voting material. The Department of Election recruits nearly 2,000 poll workers every Election Day.

Apply online using the Poll Worker Application or by calling 415-554-4395 to request a paper application.

Additional voting resources

The California Secretary of State has a detailed website, and the San Francisco Department of Elections has helpful information that’s specific to San Francisco. CalMatters has a user-friendly, non-partisan guide to what candidates are running on city, state, and federal levels and what propositions are on the ballot.

Want more thrillers? Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat!

Daisy Barringer is a writer who grew up in San Francisco and never misses her chance to vote in an election. Follow her on Instagram to see pics of her non-partisan and very adorable Saint Bernard.

The post San Francisco 2022 Voter Information: Registration, Deadlines, and Assets appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Whether for the first time in the San Francisco Bay Area or the Bay Area, the San Francisco Chronicle, Northern California’s largest newspaper, has published a new “San Francisco Chronicle” Real Estate Guide ” , an easy-to-use primer for many of the area’s most popular neighborhoods and housing markets.

The guide covers 64 cities and towns, from counties Napa and Sonoma in North Bay to the famous counties of San Francisco and all the way to San Jose in South Bay. This data-rich guide contains searchable stats on school districts, property prices and commute times, and city profiles that people can use to find their new home in the heart of the Bay Area.

“The Bay Area is a beautiful and exciting region with dozens of lifestyle options. But accommodation is also highly competitive and can be intimidating, especially for those new to the area, ”said Emilio Garcia-Ruiz, Editor-in-Chief of The Chronicle. “We created this new property guide to help both newcomers and Bay Area fans make the best choices for themselves and their families.”

In addition to statistics and tables, the guide includes interactive maps and details such as nightlife options. It also has tips and tricks for getting around, finding the great restaurant, and identifying affordable neighborhoods.

Via the San Francisco Chronicle
The San Francisco Chronicle (www.sfchronicle.com) is the largest newspaper in Northern California and the second largest on the West Coast. The San Francisco Chronicle was acquired by Hearst Corporation in 2000 and founded by Charles and Michael de Young in 1865. She has been awarded six Pulitzer Awards for outstanding journalism. With brand voices and a keen editorial eye, The Chronicle is an authority that still surprises. Follow us on Twitter @SFChronicle.

Press contacts:

Tim Johnson or Victoria Guimarin
UPRAISE Marketing + PR for the San Francisco Chronicle
sfchronicle@upraisepr.com
415.397.7600

The post San Francisco Chronicle Launches Actual Property Information, Providing Assets to Folks Transferring into or across the Bay Space appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.