San Francisco Tagger Recognizes Financial Crisis

The controversial Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 - passing 74-25 in the Senate and signed into law by President George W. Bush on Oct. 3 - allows the US government to purchase distressed bank assets to the tune of $700 billion. This move will allegedly stabilize the faltering economy and bail out Wall Street in the midst of a lingering financial and subprime mortgage crisis. Some economists believe this downturn represents the largest domestic financial calamity since the Great Depression. Its ill-effects have spread not only to Main Street, but to the global economy as well.

Mere inches above the pigeons, detritus, and homeless encampments scattered along Florida Street in San Francisco’s Mission District is a fresh political message questioning the legitimacy of such action by Washington.

This story appeared on the blog www.journalistcitizen.blogspot.com on Oct. 22, 2008.

Witch Way to San Francisco?

San Francisco, California: October 22, 2008

When an unlucky witch donning snow boots and striped stockings smashes into a utility pole in San Francisco’s Parkside neighborhood, folks take immediate notice, even if Halloween is just around the corner. Motorists slowing for the four-way stop at the intersection of 26th Avenue and Vicente Street pause longer than usual to gawk, amused school children point and smile, and a stroller-pushing mother snickers. An elderly gentleman suggests it is really Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin traveling incognito.

Of this mysterious display, only one thing is for certain. Someone in a festive mood used equal parts humor, creativity, wing of bat, and eye of newt to brighten what might have been an otherwise ho-hum day in a quiet residential district.

This story appeared on the blog www.journalistcitizen.blogspot.com on Oct. 22, 2008.