by Chris Jones

Today is the first day of the City's ambitious six week experiment to revive the Mid-Market Street corridor by removing eastbound automobile traffic from the City's main drag. City officials are hopeful the plan will magically transform the beleaguered thoroughfare into a swank boulevard, popular among film stars and the international jet set. We'll see about that.

Alas, the City's plans for Market Street have apparently started the wheels turning in the minds of amateur urban planners all across town. Owner of the Warfield Theater, David Addington, wants to blanket the street in enormous electronic billboards and is taking his plan to you, the voters, for approval. Most members of the Board of Supervisors and local planning group SPUR are reportedly keen on the idea. Keep an eye out for Proposition D on the November 3rd ballot, which will make an exception to the City's sign ordinance to allow for installation of the billboards.