Housing

Charting the Housing Market – Charles Hugh Smith

Is Buying A Florida Condo Too Risky? – WSJ

The Foreclosure Report – ForeclosureRadar

“To reach the conclusion that there will be a wave of foreclosures, you have to assume that the banks either want to foreclose – they don’t – or will be forced to foreclose – they won’t. In September 2008 the rules of the game were changed to help the banks remain solvent, and since then it has been in their best interest to find reasons to delay foreclosures through whatever means necessary. I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”

Economy

Alameda County tries to salvage of its redevelopment projects – Contra Costa Times

High-speed rail board approves final plan for California bullet train – Contra Costa Times

Let the great bullet train battle begin.

Consumer Sentiment declines slightly in April to 75.7 - CR

The End of Retail: Why the Future of Shopping Doesn’t Need Workers – The Atlantic

Uncertain Fate for Urban Projects in California – NY Times

Misc.

Feel-Good Video: Caine’s Arcade

Google’s evil stock split – Felix Salmon

How to Weaponize Office Supplies – BusinessWeek

Size inflation – a size 10 isn’t what it used to be – The Economist

A night to remember: Thunderstorm shatters records – SF Gate

About 1.2 inches of rain fell in downtown San Francisco on Thursday, breaking the April 12 record of 0.92 of an inch set in 2003.

A weather station in downtown Oakland recorded 1.26 inches, more than double the previous record for the date of 0.59 of an inch set in 2003.