By Luke Thomas
November 5, 2009
Alioto-Pier, Elsbernd defend feline digital amputation
An ordinance banning feline declawing (onychetomy) passed 9-2 on its first reading during the weekly Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday. You’d think such an ordinance that seeks to protect cats from unnecessary mutilation would have passed 11-0, but no, Supervisors Michela Alioto-Pier and Sean Elsbernd dissented.
Feline digital amputation is akin to humans having their fingers cut off at the last joint of each finger. Yummy!
Alioto-Pier, who told FCJ she has befriended a feral cat at her weekend retreat in St. Helena, explained her vote saying, “I’d rather see vets make these choices,” adding that government should not be involved in legislating animal mutilation bans.
Elsbernd similarly concurred in an email response saying, “If I owned a cat, I, personally would never consider this procedure. However, I believe that is a decision best left to individual cat owners and their vets.”
Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier
Supervisor Sean Elsbernd
Newsom hurting
Mayor Gavin Newsom, who bowed out of the race for governor Friday, has not been seen or heard from since. Several insiders opine Newsom is in a world of hurt over a campaign that failed to gain traction. A friendly conversation with Newsom spokesperson Nathan Ballard yesterday revealed Newsom is “re-evaluating” his political options after “throwing in the towel,” that Newsom would return to City Hall “soon,” presumably after he returns from what must be a much needed respite in Hawaii.
No word yet on whether Newsom will opt to run for Lt. Governor, a race he could win and keep himself politically relevant.
Of course the biggest loser in Newsom’s failed bid for governor is Board President David Chiu who could have been made mayor tempore had Newsom won the governorship.
Board President David Chiu
Daly “tricky” and “great”
While discussing legislation that would modify extended-hours premises permitting, Supervisor Sophie Maxwell called Supervisor Chris Daly “tricky” followed by “great.”
Daly had asked for a separate up or down vote on an amendment that would cap extended hours permits. While explaining to Maxwell how best to transact the amendment vote, a flustered Maxwell sought advice from Deputy City Attorney Cheryl Adams to explain what the Board would be voting for.
“What I’d like to do then is to have the City Attorney explain that to us one more time,” Maxwell said. “Supervisor Daly, sometimes you get a little tricky on us and so I’m going to have the City Attorney…”
Tricky? Daly?
Daly interjected defensively: “I’ve been here 9 years.”
“No, you’re great,” Maxwell said, correcting herself, recognizing she needed to explain what she meant to say, paying tribute to Daly’s tenure as the most productive legislator and capable orator on the Board.
“You really are, Supervisor Daly,” concurred Adams, herself valued as one of the most respected civil servants at City Hall.
Put that in your pipe, Daly haters.
Supervisor Chris Daly
Luke Thomas
Luke Thomas is a former software developer and computer consultant who proudly hails from London, England. In 2001, Thomas took a yearlong sabbatical to travel and develop a photographic portfolio. Upon his return to the US, Thomas studied photojournalism to pursue a career in journalism. In 2004, Thomas worked for several neighborhood newspapers in San Francisco before accepting a partnership agreement with the SanFranciscoSentinel.com, a news website formerly covering local, state and national politics. In September 2006, Thomas launched FogCityJournal.com. The BBC, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox News, New York Times, Der Spiegel, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Magazine, 7x7, San Francisco Examiner, San Francisco Bay Guardian and the San Francisco Weekly, among other publications and news outlets, have published his work. Thomas is a member of the Freelance Unit of the Pacific Media Workers Guild, TNG-CWA Local 39521 and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Follow Me:
The Hunger Site
November 11, 2009 at 10:31 am
CAT-CO-PHONEY!
November 11, 2009 at 10:30 am
CAT-CAPHONY!
November 6, 2009 at 1:28 am
Hey Guys,
Let”s get serious here. Michaela looks like Angelina. The world is heading towards cat-astrophe and kids are starving (still) 10 years into the new century. What are these people smoking..???
AJ
November 5, 2009 at 5:35 pm
First I totally agree Supervisor Daly has a passion for Justice,
Energy, and Tactical Savvy.
With regards to cats & claws. Sorry, given the current state of foster care, domestic violence against women, health care reform, global warming, plus about 100 more concerns. Just not one of my
top priorities to focus on. I willing to trust private citizens and their
vets to make this choice.
November 5, 2009 at 4:16 pm
What is the difference between a cat and a comma?
A cat has claws at the end of its paws whereas a comma is a pause at the end of a clause.
PS Just say no to antifreeze biscuits!
November 5, 2009 at 10:20 am
If Chris Daly’s supporters rush to report as news the fact that a supe and a city attorney staffer called him “great,” you know they know he’s in trouble.
And he is in trouble. He has let his flaws thwart his abilities.
On the positive side, he has a passion for justice, energy, and tactical savvy.
On the negative side, he often acts like a thirteen-year-old boy experiencing his first testosterone surges.
Daly the child keeps sabotaging the work of Daly the reformer.
The upshot is that he does succeed in pushing some things through, but with a lot of unnecessary bad feeling on all sides.
Whereas, if he were an adult through and through, he would now be in position to make a serious bid for the mayor’s office.
Better luck to him in the next lifetime.
If there is one.
November 5, 2009 at 7:44 am
I guess since Alioto-Pier was born declawed, she thinks everyone else should be brought down to her level?
-marc
November 5, 2009 at 7:15 am
Supv Maxwell says Daly is “great”? Maybe I’ve had it wrong all these years. Chris, thanks for taking the time to get here from your house in Fairfield every week. Speaking of, how’s the rental business up there going? Is there any good foreclosure action I can get in on?