Academic

Immigration Problems? Gender Issues? Or Just Plain Cheap? Get The SF City ID!

By Dan Filler

Ever a hotbed of lefty politics, the city of San Francisco has a new identification card program sure to please the locals and make lots of folks in the Red States steam.   It's the SF City ID!  In recent years, debates over drivers licenses have become highly politically charged.  The SF ordinance reflects the city council's effort to craft a progressive individual ID agenda.

Effective Jan. 15, 2009, San Francisco began issuing municipal ID cards to anyone who resides in the city.  The card is loaded with features that will appeal to people of every stripe.   Don't have a visa to be in the U.S.?   This card is for you - and it's accepted at "participating banks".  Being mistreated because you're transgendered?  Don't worry - gender is explicitly excluded from this ID.   But wait!  You don't need to have specialized identity concerns to enjoy this card - they're great even if you're just an old fashioned skinflint!  Your SF City ID provides "discounts on San Francisco family excursions, restaurants, museums, and more." 

(The list of participating businesses is here.  While some of the discounts are solid - Loving Cup offers 10%  off any flavor of rice pudding - Pomodoro Gourmet Pizza's offer of "a free drink of your choice with a purchase of $7.00 or more during your birthday week" strikes me as a tad cheap.  The best deal is clearly Dr. Jennifer Terry's offer of 20% off all cosmetic dentistry.  This card can even improve your smile!)

And take a look at the various ways a person can establish her identity and legal residence in the City of San Francisco - including written verification from a homeless shelter.   I'm not sure the SF City ID is going to be replicated in too many other cities, but if they can figure out how to make the program a bit more fair and inclusive, it might fly in Berkeley!   

Full post as published by The Faculty Lounge on February 25, 2009 (boomark / email).