Welcome to Monitor Notes, a weekly roundup of news items, event announcements, and updates on past Bay Area Monitor articles.
Mind the Gender Gap
When it comes to annual transportation costs, statistics show that women pay up to $1,200 more than men annually and shell out 7 percent more on general goods and services. What’s behind these disproportionate outlays? Women in Urbanism, an ongoing event series, is hosting a discussion around “The Gender Tax in Transportation” on April 30 at 6 p.m. in San Francisco to unpack the issues and start a conversation to determine ways for creating a more equitable environment for all people. Speakers like SFMTA Planning Director Sarah Jones (pictured) will share their perspectives. Click here for more event information.
Going Public with the Housing Story
With several high-profile initial public offerings (IPOs) planned – and new wealth created for many people – the already pricey San Francisco housing market is expected to become more expensive and chaotic, according to a widely discussed New York Times article. So Yes to Affordable Housing (YAH!), an advocacy group, has assembled a panel to hash out the impacts of local companies going public. On April 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at 518 Valencia Street, hear from the City of San Francisco, housing activists, and the author of the NYT piece. Get free tickets here. Unable to attend? The event will be live-streamed on Facebook Live, and YAH! is hosting two other housing-related events in early May.
Exempt from These Taxes?
Low-income Santa Clara County seniors may be able to save $60 if they meet requirements to receive an exemption from paying the Safe, Clean Water property tax. The special parcel tax, approved by voters in 2012, funds a 15-year program with goals that include providing a safe, reliable water supply and restoring wildlife habitat, creeks, and open space. Read the application for eligibility information and deadlines.
Wave through Sea Level Rise
An update about sea level rise adaption was presented at a recent Marin County Board of Supervisors meeting with “stark” findings, according to a news release. The presentation was an update on the Marin Bay Waterfront Adaptation Vulnerability Evaluation, or BayWave, which has studied private and public lands affected by sea level rise on Marin’s bay shores. A key message was that rising waters will continue to inundate the county’s coastal areas, with flooding already becoming more common along Marin’s shoreline. Browse here for more findings and view an interactive map of projects.
Monitor Notes is produced by Cecily O’Connor. To receive it by email, scroll to the bottom of this page, enter your email address in the box under “RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES,” and click the red “SIGN UP” button.