A two-fer. . S.F. Props. B and C

Today, we look at San Francisco Propositions B and C.

Proposition B would create a new deferred retirement option for the city's police officers. Specifically, if a police officer hits their retirement period, he or she can choose to enlist in a new program that would defer retirement for three years, allowing the officer to continue earning their salary, but deferring retirements benefits for those three years. The proposal will then be re-evaluated after three years.

I do not see how this is anything but good for the city. It allows time for the city to recruit and train new police officers, yet keep a steady level of active duty police officers, which are definitely needed, as well as keeping some well-needed experience available to new recruits.

This proposition is fairly straight-forward, and a good idea.

Therefore, I recommend a Yes on Prop. B

Next we are faced with Proposition C.

What a waste of time and effort. It asks if it should be city policy that Ess Eff try to obtain Alcatraz Island from the federal government and turn it into a "Global Peace Center." Really? Even though it is nothing more than a statement of policy, the audacity of people to get this on the ballot is astounding, not to mention that they found enough people to sign this (and apparently verified by the city). But, in an effort to do a sound analysis of this, I will say. . .with the City facing deficits, the cost of acquiring Alcatraz would be crippling, then the cost to the city to pay for the destruction of the prison, the required clean up of the prison (and who knows what fun stuff is on the island), the construction of this new center, the expected upgrades in transportation to and from the island, and the costs of running and maintaining said center, the costs to do all of this would be very expensive (which the ballot supporters project to be $1 Billion (with a B)), money which the City does not have.

Therefore, I recommend a No of Prop. C.