What happened on Wednesday, 18 January 2023
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Commission adopts context statement detailing San Francisco's progressive era architectural styles.
Gardiner, Kennebec County, Maine
TWDIC secures $600,000 for environmental cleanup, paving way for new development in Gardner.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Under suspension of rules the House approved SJR 2, appointing Victoria Sterling Ashby as the legislature's general counsel. Speaker Wilson and other members praised Ashby’s experience; the resolution passed 70–0 and will be transmitted to the Senate.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Residents demand proof of tree planting compliance from Tesla at city board meeting.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Council proposes increased fines up to $500,000 for planning code and historic violations.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Residents criticize Brecken Park's tree care and demand better community engagement in projects.
Gardiner, Kennebec County, Maine
City prepares for budget discussions and police chief search while honoring retiring Chief Toman.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Public Works and arborists conflict over structural integrity of ficus trees on Telegraph Hill.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Legislators passed HB 45 to pause importation of elk from Canada while the Department of Agriculture and stakeholders study alternatives amid chronic wasting disease concerns. The sponsor said Utah has about 34 domestic elk facilities (roughly 4,000 animals) compared with a wild herd of about 85,000. The House passed the bill 73–0.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Commission discusses abatement of unpermitted changes in historic storefronts and buildings.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Public comments urge preservation of three healthy ficus trees at risk of removal.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Rec and Park addresses community outreach and tree management in Esprit Park development.
Nueces County, Texas
Commissioners discuss $10-14 million funding request for North Beach breakwater project to combat erosion.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Commissioners endorse adding Tony Nicks Cafe, Pena Pachamama, and La Mahore Bakery to registry.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
The House approved a substitute for HB 72 to reorganize oversight of the state's medical cannabis program, clarify roles between agriculture and health agencies, create a nine-member advisory board, improve recordkeeping and extend the commission's sunset. The bill passed 73–0.
Nueces County, Texas
Public commenters urged the court to include a $10M–$14M breakwater project to protect North Beach and the USS Lexington in the county's CDBG‑MIT application. Commissioners were divided — some favoring the coastal protection plan, others urging priority for inland drainage and colonia projects; staff was ordered to map projects to HUD LMI tracts and return Jan. 24–31 for final decisions ahead of the Feb. 21 deadline.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Commissioner raises concerns about city's failure to protect trees amid development projects.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
The House passed a substitute for HB 12 allowing the Department of Commerce to pay electronic payment processor fees from a restricted account tied to collected fees, avoiding repeated budget adjustments; supporters said it does not increase fees. The House approved the bill 63–7.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Commission evaluates long-term viability of thousands of Ficus trees with poor structure.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously adopted the 'Flats and Small Apartment Buildings (1915–1978)' and 'Progressive Era and Early Revival Styles (c.1890–1930)' context statements to guide the SF Survey field work and consistent evaluations of historic resources.
Nueces County, Texas
After hearing widely differing cost estimates and concerns that the county engineer had not reviewed new materials, the commission voted to table the Bob Hall Pier design and direct a full Parks Board review and an independent engineer assessment.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
The Board of Appeals denied an appeal challenging removal of 38 street/right‑of‑way trees at Esprit Park (700 Minnesota St.), concluding Public Works and Rec and Park acted within their authority on tree condition and construction impacts; replacement plan uses 36‑inch boxes and the project moves forward.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Committee reviews community feedback and budget transparency for ongoing park renovation project
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Planning staff told the Historic Preservation Commission that the draft EIR for the Stonestown master plan identifies the United Artists Stonestown Theater (1970) as an eligible historic resource; the proposed project would demolish the theater, and the EIR analyzes no-project, full-preservation and partial-preservation alternatives.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
The House passed HB 44 to let the corridor preservation fund pay administrative staff and to extend the planning horizon from 30 to 40 years; supporters said it will reduce future eminent domain needs while opponents warned it could expand government reach. The bill passed the House 70–1 and will go to the Senate.
Nueces County, Texas
Nueces County Court approved a $67,000 increase from the hospital district to cover health expenses at the county juvenile justice center, 4–1. One commissioner cast a procedural ‘no’ citing a policy that requires court approval for requests over $10,000.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Public works approves removal of structurally defective ficus trees near Coit Tower.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
The San Francisco Board of Appeals granted an appeal to keep three ficus street trees at 69 Green Street, revising a Public Works removal order and requiring removal of trunk/grate covers and annual inspections by the Bureau of Urban Forestry; the motion passed 4–1.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
After an informational briefing on enforcement practices, the Historic Preservation Commission unanimously recommended approval of an ordinance that would raise daily administrative fines up to $1,000 and allow one-time penalties up to $250,000 per lost unit or $500,000 per historic structure, while asking staff to clarify timing and reconsider a five-year construction bar.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Housing Rights Committee advocates for increased fines against developers violating housing regulations.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to add Tony Nick's Cafe, Peña Pachamama and La Mahore Bakery to the Legacy Business Registry, citing long community ties and preservation of historic interiors and cultural programming.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Michael Nolte urges Commission to maintain healthy trees amid budget controversies and developer actions.
Nueces County, Texas
The Nueces County Commissioners Court introduced Dr. Fawzia Khan as the new director of the Corpus Christi — Nueces County Public Health District and heard plans to expand mobile-clinic visits and reopen a Robstown satellite site to serve rural residents.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Trooper Ralph Evans and Doctor Stanley Green reflect on their historic meeting in 1978.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Colorado's House passes House Bill 72 to streamline medical cannabis governance and advisory roles.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Department of Building Inspection implements SolarAPP plus for residential solar installations in San Francisco.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Speakers contest tree removals citing safety, health concerns, and construction convenience.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Reverend Daniel Hawes opens Senate session with prayer and Senator Wilson leads pledge.
REVENUE & TAX - SENATE, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas
The Arkansas Senate Revenue & Tax Committee adopted its rules by voice vote and heard Department of Finance and Administration officials describe how fiscal-impact statements will be prepared and posted during the 2023 session.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Commission seeks report on vacant storefronts to assist neighborhood organizations in San Francisco.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Moss leads prayer emphasizing unity, education, and compassion during session opening.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Rec and Park disbands advisory group to enhance community representation in future projects.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
DBI said it is piloting SolarAPP+, a web application from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, to provide instantaneous permitting for qualifying single-family and duplex rooftop solar systems; pilot eligibility and outreach plans were discussed.
PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE - SENATE, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas
State Department of Human Services told the Senate Public Health Committee it will redetermine Medicaid eligibility for roughly 1.1 million Arkansans over six months beginning in February, with packets mailed early February and the first closures expected April 1, 2023; bureau staff also outlined a new contracted actuary process for certain health‑plan fiscal impact statements.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Doctor Stanley Green saves Trooper Ralph Evans' life during a critical incident in 1978.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Senators unanimously approve Victoria Ashby’s appointment to serve as Utah's general counsel.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
DBI said it hired NBS to conduct a fee study to align fees with service costs, will present draft scenarios in March with a final report in April and likely implementation in July; staff noted a projected operating shortfall offset by expenditure savings and discussed establishing a reserve policy.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Council confirms funding and construction timeline for park project with emphasis on tree conservation.
PUBLIC HEALTH, WELFARE AND LABOR COMMITTEE - SENATE, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas
The Arkansas Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee approved a change to its rules permitting clerical, non‑substantive changes to be made verbally in committee, a motion made by Sen. Justin Boyd and approved by voice vote.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Ambassador Ibrahim honors victims of Black January and Azerbaijan's fight for independence.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Utah Senate recognizes Trooper Evans and Doctor Green's life-saving reunion after 40 years.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
The commission unanimously recommended a Board of Supervisors ordinance that raises civil penalties for planning and building code violations, clarifies per-unit treatment of violations and adds a below-market-rate exception for certain replacement units following unlawful demolition.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - SENATE, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas
Chief Justice Kemp discusses his judicial experience at Arkansas Senate committee meeting.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Appellants argue against public works decision to remove unhealthy street trees.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Utah House approved several bills addressing credit unions, criminal codes, and marriage revisions.
2023 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah
Utah House approves bill halting elk import from Canada due to chronic wasting disease risks.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Commission unanimously approves legacy business status for Tony Nicks and two other establishments.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - SENATE, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas
Judge Kemp encourages court visits to enhance understanding of specialty courts in the state.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
City officials assert tree removals are necessary for park redevelopment and infrastructure improvements.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Mark Ruger asks MTA to ensure taxi drivers retain their appeal rights amid concerns.
San Francisco City, San Francisco County, California
Community advocates demand tree replacement amid concerns over UCSF's project delays.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - SENATE, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas
Attorney General Tim Griffin told the Senate Judiciary Committee he will work closely with legislators to reduce litigation costs, pledged fiscal restraint in his office, raised national-security concerns about Chinese technology (including TikTok), and proposed procedural changes to track legislative audit referrals.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE - SENATE, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Arkansas
At an organizational meeting, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to allow limited technical corrections to bills, adopted its rules for the session and set hearings to begin Monday at 10:00 a.m.; members debated transparency and the role of staff in making minor edits.