Topic: San Francisco

Former South African addict helps others kick the habit – by surfing

Lenny Stolk started LJ's Surf Clinic this fall in Cape Town, South Africa. The clinic's goal is to help addicts get clean.

Review: 'Milk'

Biopic about the first openly gay man to hold a major political office in America is bolstered by Sean Penn's superb performance as Harvey Milk.

Getting there: How can I figure out the greenest way to go?

Driving generates fewer greenhouse-gas emissions than flying, but fuel cost is a factor.

Green homes: solar vs. energy efficiency

Solar gets more subsidies, but home energy efficiency may be more cost-effective.

Yes, you can make a difference

Those who volunteer learn that it provides multiple payoffs.

Bay Area seeks to become electric-car capital

The mayors of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose announced an ambitious public-private partnership last week to develop a $1 billion network of charging outlets for electric cars.

Jazz in the spotlight

Some old-timers impress with their strengths and some one-of-a-kind talents display growing versatility.

Garden 'siteseeing' in England and the US

Garden blogs in the US and England

Financial Q&A: A tax-free way to transfer annuities

Submit your questions to Steve at: money@CSMonitor.com

Horizon highlights – Geek culture edition

Opera reaches for new scale

Old art form is flourishing in US as new opera companies open and works are premiered.

Etc.

Gay activists protest Mormon church

Beyond the anger over the church's support for a gay-marriage ban in California, some seek dialogue.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about bringing 'change' to America, how the media report on Taiwan, and the causes of a Liberian conflict.

Whole lotta clucking going on in cities

More Americans raise chickens in their backyards

USA

On Obama's night, an election to remember

His victory means many things to many people. Here's how a cluster of Americans – black and white, liberal and conservative – experienced the historic 2008 election.

The 'Catch 22' of consumer credit

Why you may be damaging your credit scores by not using credit cards.

Sacrifice theme returns to US politics

Both McCain and Obama cite the need for selflessness and service.

The Monitor's View: Bite the bullet on fast trains

Californians should approve a ballot measure for a bullet train – despite financial storms.

The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life

A detailed, candid exploration of "the oracle of Omaha."

Ecofriendly is good business

Tough times ahead for Silicon Valley?

Financial crisis puts squeeze on tech sector start-ups.

Guest workers win in court over low pay

Increased rights from recent rulings in San Francisco and Atlanta, Georgia, may force a rethinking of this immigration program.

Wasilla public library back in the news again