Our problems and our social movements are global. But are solutions are always local. They lie in connecting to each other, in committing to protecting a neighbor's safety and a sister's creativity, in affirming that life of a woman I haven't yet met is as precious as my own.
San Francisco is not a city that needs a formal excuse to let loose and have a good time. A growing local organization, however, is providing the community with a feel-good cause to rally, err, rather party behind.
Plenty of people and groups have worked to limit where new malls and housing occurs. The lands at risk deserve protection, and all of the Bay Area's open spaces need stewardship and investment to thrive.
I actually support the basic premise of Occupy, and believe there wouldn't be a national discourse right now about the disparity in wealth in this country if not for Occupy. But I also believe that you have to be the change you want to see in the world.
Very quietly, California utilities are threatening to undermine the dream of widespread clean energy in our state.
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the passage of the Clean Water Act, a law that we've used to transform the Russian River and community landscape.
In just two short years, Krista Donaldson and her team at D-Rev have changed the lives of over 3,500 people in India. Donaldson is one of 21 outstanding speakers at TEDxStanford that you can watch live on LiveStreaming today.
As we roll towards this November, we'll have the appearance of "popcorn politics." These are the great shows and stands that our politicians will take over the summer, all angling to find that one blockbuster that will propel them back into office.
Through it all, Bill's is still there. And the city is still here. And 47 years later I am still here. I think it's time for a burger.
It's a good thing this weekend is supposed to be a nice one, because thanks to the demolition of Doyle Drive, we are going to all be trapped in the 49-acre woods for the duration.
Survivors of human trafficking are modern day slaves living without freedom. They are kept in bondage. Even when they are rescued from their perpetrators, they are not truly freed since they have nowhere to turn to for help.
Sure this town ain't perfect, but it's perfectly us, warts and all. So enjoy your Easter weekend of bunnies, baseball and beer. And I will be toasting my dad as the first pitch is thrown... he wouldn't miss it for the world.
I have recently rejoined the city after a few years in Marin, and as I am reconnecting with the city, I am thinking about the mayors.

 Not Mayors with a capital "M," but mayors with a small letter instead. Those people who we all call "the mayor of..."
Some Bay Area organizations are transforming lives by putting food on the table in a meaningful way, creating professional food training programs for low-income people so they can earn a living in the food service industry.
Having stormed onto the scene four years ago, owners of the Rrazz Room Robert Kotonly and Rory Paull had a vision to take San Francisco's nightclub scene to the next level.
Does it seem that lately we are waiting longer and longer to save things that mean something in this town?