the mercury news reports that mayor sam lacardo is considering a permanent memorial to honor police officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty. the recent death of michael johnson rekindled that idea. back in 2008, council members did green light a similar plan, but it was later shelve ed back because of budget cutbacks. >>> state supreme court justices will hear a legal challenge to san jose's ordinance called the inclusionary housing law. legal appeals have kept it on hold so far. that rule calls for developers to include small numbers of below market units with any new development project. other cities across the state have similar policies in place, but the housing industry calls the rule strong arm act ticks that do nothing to slow down soaring housing costs. >>> starting next year, bart riders will have to dig even deeper to catch a train. late yesterday, bart quietly announced a 3.4% hike across the board effective january 1st. that increase is part of a