San Francisco Gains Affluence and Loses Its Identity

"The private [Silicon Valley shuttle] system has become the most visible symbol of the digital gold rush sweeping [San Francisco], and of the sharpening division between those who are riding the high-tech industry's good fortunes and those who are not," writes Jessica Guynn. "Fueling the growing rift is a common belief that the vast wealth being amassed by the tech industry is not spilling over into the community."

"Instead, activists say, the high-tech invasion is driving up the cost of living to levels that more San Franciscans cannot afford," she adds. "In a region that lays claim to some of the world's wealthiest companies, food stamp participation has hit a 10-year high, and homelessness has increased 20% in the last two years, [a report from Joint Venture Silicon Valley] found."

"That has led to some pointed criticism — some of it coming from within technology's own ranks."