Morning News Round-Up -- 4.29.09: Swine and Pot Edition...

Yesterday, Swine Flu was everywhere in the news, but not many places in real life. 24 hours later, more and more cases are showing up. Including some in the Bay Area.

In other "medical news" -- the County Board of Supervisors approved a medical marijuana ordinance yesterday. Perhaps pot can treat the new flu?...

Belmont (and a few other cities) have a big sewer bill to pay. So, to pay for it, Belmont is considering (and reconsidering) raising water/sewer rates. Last night, they spent two hours talking about what a bad idea it was to raise rates on residents and businesses during this economy, and then went ahead and increased rates. Councilman Bill Dickenson voted against the plan. Apparently he believes money to pay for the sewer is going to fall from the sky...

But that wasn't the only thing on the Belmont agenda yesterday...

The Belmont City Council wants to know the history of the garbage-overseeing agency the South Bayside Waste Management Authority before formally asking for elected officials to serve on its Board. Belmont City Councilmember Bill Dickenson is concerned that having a Board comprised of staff members from each member agency has lead to "back room" deals. Ironically, San Carlos City Councilmember Omar Ahmad is defending the status quo, saying that elected officials overseeing big contracts can lead to the same thing...Watch Dog guesses no one can be trusted.

San Bruno is looking at cutting costs and services and increasing fees/taxes. Get in line...

San Carlos said yes to annexing Devonshire Canyon... and to the 5 new homes that go along with it. All of this over NIMBY objections and apparently in spite of the dusky-footed woodrat. (Vice Mayor Randy Royce disagreed with his colleagues on this issue and voted no...)

Watch Dog finds inter-government squabbles fun. So we will watch closely as the City of Menlo Park and the Menlo Park City School District try to work out their differences on the District's plans for Hillview Middle School...

"Restore Sharp Park" gets some ink in Pacifica Riptide...pretty good writing on Ian Butler's behalf, even though he agrees with San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkirimi...

While we're on it, if you want your voice heard on the Sharp Park Golf Course issue, there will be a public hearing San Francisco tomorrow at 1 p.m. at San Francisco City Hall, Room 263. (Hat tip Bruce...)