Barging into town?

Google, which knows more about us than we know about it, isn't saying where it will berth a mysterious barge now tied to a Treasure Island dock in San Francisco Bay.
This week the technology news and product review website, CNET.com, reported rumors that the barge could be coming to Stockton. CNET hung its information on a Richmond city councilman and the chief executive of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission. CNET said the two had heard rumors.
Normally you'd hope there was something more substantial than rumors behind news stories, but given Google has been so closed-mouthed about the barge -- only suggesting it could be some sort of showcase for new technology, whatever that means -- and that, well, since it's Google, news organizations pounced. Many called Stockton officials who claimed not to have about the barge coming to town until reporters started asking questions.
Barge construction became an issue earlier this month when the Conservation and Development Commission said Treasure Island officials lacked the proper project permits. Without the permits, fines could be imposed, and without a doubt, there is no rumor here: Google could afford to pay them.
Stockton and Port of Stockton officials seem open to having the barge pull into town, but for now if they want to know more about it, they're stuck doing what the rest of us have to do -- Google it.