Local briefs

The building, at 11. S. Delaware St. was rehabilitated by HIP Housing for approximately $2.3 million. The city loaned $829,750 for the development out of its redevelopment funds provided by the federal government. The rehabilitation money went to termite repairs, seismic upgrades, new windows, flooring, general repairs and paint.

Rent will range from $560 to $1,104, according to city report released when the financing was approved. The project is the fifth such partnership between HIP Housing and the city. The city's most recognizable project with HIP is the 92-unit Edgewater Isle senior housing development at 1510 Marina Vista.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 5:15 p.m. today. San Mateo Mayor Jan Epstein and county Supervisor Rich Gordon will attend.

Arguello Park renovation kicked off

The renovation of San Carlos' Arguello Park is set to be kicked off by state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, Mayor Inge Tiegel Doherty and members of the City Council 10 a.m. April 2.

Arguello Park, in the western hills of San Carlos, is surrounded by narrow winding roads and neighborhoods.

The 21-acre park will undergo $1.5 million in improvements including a new play area, security measures and fire hazard reduction. Of that amount, $642,000 is funded by state grants. Other improvements in the first phase include trail and hillside stabilization, new trailheads, athletic field improvements, main picnic area improvements and parking lot gates. Work is scheduled to begin March 28 and is expected to be done by late fall.

SF water, sewer rates to rise

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission considered last night a proposed water and sewer rate increases that would hike prices about 6 percent for the average household.

Residents could be seeing the new costs on their bi-monthly water and sewer bills after July 1.

SFPUC officials called the hikes necessary to pay for planned improvements to the Hetch Hetchy water system.

In 2002, voters approved a $3.6 billion measure to rebuild the delivery system, which serves 2.4 million Bay Area residents and spans more than 160 miles from Yosemite National Park to San Francisco.

The increased revenue would also go toward sewer improvements to reduce flooding in low-lying neighborhoods of San Francisco.

The $150 million, five-year sewer program would reduce flooding during heavy rains and cut wastewater odors that affect neighborhoods in the Southeast area of the city, according to SFPUC officials.

Pot clubs banned in sobriety facilities

San Francisco will prohibit medicinal marijuana clubs from operating in facilities that house city-funded substance abuse programs, Mayor Gavin Newsom announced yesterday.

The policy changes are effective immediately, the mayor said in a written statement.

Newsom's action comes after reports that a medicinal marijuana club has located in a Mission District-based supportive-housing facility. The facility houses formerly homeless people who aim to overcome substance abuse.

The city has a responsibility to provide a clean, healthy environment for people who are trying to get back on their feet, the mayor said in his statement.

Newsom also announced yesterday that a city group will complete a comprehensive examination of existing medicinal marijuana clubs. The group will include city Treasurer Jose Cisneros, officials from the city attorney's office, and people from the public health, human services and planning departments.

Newsom asked that the task force report back to policy makers within 30 days.

Yesterday's announcement comes a day after the mayor declared a de facto moratorium on new medicinal marijuana clubs in the city.

Chain store ban gets first approval

San Francisco supervisors gave initial approval yesterday to an ordinance that would prevent large chain stores from setting up shop in historic parts of one of the city's best-known areas.

"When most Americans think of San Francisco, they think of North Beach," said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who introduced the measure to prevent retail stores from encroaching on small businesses along and around Columbus Avenue in the North Beach area.

Supporters of the ordinance argued that it would help maintain the distinct character of the neighborhood, while also preventing retail chain stores from taking business away from neighboring shops, restaurants and cafes.

A "formula" retail store, as defined in the measure, includes businesses with 11 or more sites in the country, standardized merchandise, signs or employee uniforms.

The ordinance passed after a 9-2 vote.

Supervisors Sean Elsbernd and Michela Alioto-Pier voted against the measure.

Three die in Moss Landing crash

An accident on State Highway 1 in Monterey County killed three people around 3:30 yesterday afternoon, said California Highway Patrol Officer Richard Richards.

A yellow Honda Accord traveling southbound in Moss Landing spun out of control and hit a northbound vehicle head on, Richards said.

No one was ejected but three people were confirmed dead on the scene. Rescue workers used the jaws-of-life to free the victims.

One of two northbound lanes is closed and both southbound lanes have been closed and re-routed to Struve Road, Richards said. All lanes are expected to re-open around 6 p.m.

Authorities were notified of the accident at 3:37 p.m. when it was raining heavily. Constant rain will increase investigation time, Richards said.

The accident may have been caused by people driving too fast in stormy conditions, Richards said. "They just don't want to slow down," he said. "It's not safe at all."

Authorities continue to investigate.