Can San Francisco take over PG&E?

Good afternoon!

Well, there was another power outage in the Richmond and Presidio last night, and the lights went out for about 11,000 people. It’s the third PG&E blackout in eight days.

Is it time for the city to take over the troubled monopoly that a federal judge once said was acting as “a continuing menace to California?” Joe Eskenazi reports on what it will take to buy out PG&E and establish a municipal utility.

We’ve got back story after back story on PG&E blackouts, rate hikes, gas explosions, and downed lines, but here’s a good one by Lydia Chávez from 2009, when the utility wanted to raise rates for the most energy-conserving customers.

Do take a look at Liliana Michelena‘s beautiful story on the community gathering this weekend in honor of Ricardo “El Tigre” Peña. Fire, indeed.

Hey, do you have any leads? A Mission Local reporter’s looking for a 1-bedroom apartment or in-law unit to rent—preferably in the Mission, Bernal Heights, Dolores Heights, the Castro, Glen Park, Lower Haight, Cole Valley or Western Addition—with good light, washer/dryer, and, ideally, access to outdoor space. Small-landlord or owner-occupied listings especially welcome. Please send rental details to info@missionlocal.com. Thanks!

More soon,

Sara

Latest News

S.F. moving to buy out PG&E — even, potentially, if PG&E says no

“Right now, literally and figuratively, this should be a fire sale.”

11,000 lose power in yet another S.F. outage in the Richmond and Presidio

“PG&E did not immediately respond to a request for comment.”

Carrying the fire home: Hundreds gather in the Mission to honor Ricardo ‘El Tigre’ Peña

“The seed is planted.”

Back Story

PG&E Wants Rate Hike for Efficient Energy Users

“Soon you may be picking up part of the energy bill for the neighbors who leave all the lights on.”

SNAP

A Dalmatian wearing a collar stands on the sidewalk in front of an ornate metal gate beside a sign that reads "Pup Parking.

Parking on 18th Street

By Mike Schuller

Events

All Events

Today: Brazilian Zouk Mondays, at the Verdi Club, December 29, 7-11PM

Tomorrow: The Mystery Lights, Levitation Room, at The Chapel, December 30, 8-10PM

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Three people perform acrobatics and hula hoop in Dolores Park with a Mission Local website cartoon nearby; text promotes Mission Local as "forever free.