RECENT HEADLINES AND NEWS

October 2008

In this edition:

• Supervisors Approve Landmark Certificates of Preference Ordinance
• Bike & Pedestrian Light Installed at Fell and Masonic
• Early Voting Begins in City Hall
• Supervisor Mirkarimi Introduces Ordinance to Streamline City Code Enforcement
• Planning Commission Hearings on Harding Theater and Whole Foods Projects
• Third Friday Art Party NOT IN CITY HALL:
• October 28: Police Effectiveness Review Workshop
• Handful Players Recruiting Children for Musical Theater
• Below-Market-Rate Housing Opportunities
• Looking for a Job?
• Upcoming Events
• Board of Supervisors Information
• Office and Community Volunteers Needed
• Comments, Suggestions, or Questions?
• Did you miss a previous newsletter?

Supervisors Approve Landmark Certificates of Preference Ordinance
On Tuesday October 7th, the Board of Supervisors approved an ordinance written by Supervisor Mirkarimi that will provide access to affordable housing for those displaced by the Redevelopment of the Western Addition and Hunters Point neighborhoods. The Redevelopment Agency's displacement of thousands in the 1960s and 70s had a devastating impact on the African-American communities of the Western Addition, Fillmore and Hunters Point, as well as the Japanese-American community of Japantown. As a way to compensate for these displacements, the Agency created a system of Certificates of Preference to give residents and businesses preference at properties managed by the Agency throughout the City; however, the program largely failed. Of 4,719 residential Certificates issued only 1,099 have been used, and the Agency has no contact information for 3,055 Certificate holders.

Supervisor Mirkarimi's ordinance gives holders of these Certificates of Preference first priority in obtaining affordable housing in San Francisco. (Certificate Holders need to meet any other requirements of the affordable housing programs, such as income levels.) The Redevelopment Agency has contact information for 832 current Certificate holders, including 49 newly identified displacees. Redevelopment is also working to expand eligibility to the children of Certificate holders.

If you believe that you or someone you know is eligible for a Certificate, call the hotline at 749-2432 or go the Agency's website at sfraaffordablehousing.org/certificateofpreference.html

More information:
- NPR story
- Chronicle article
- Bay Guardian article
- Beyond Chron article
- Certificate of Preference FAQ
- Certificates of Preference Program Policy and Rules (PDF)

Bike & Pedestrian Light Installed at Fell and Masonic
Last week the Bike Coalition, MTA chief Nathaniel Ford, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, and representatives from Walk San Francisco and the Fix Masonic coalition celebrated the installation of San Francisco's first ever bicycle traffic signal at the notoriously dangerous intersection of Fell and Masonic on the Panhandle Path. Because of the synchronized lights on Fell, traffic on this artery moves fast, and cars turning left onto Masonic often did not see pedestrians and cyclists crossing the street. The new lights are on Fell where the multi-purpose Panhandle Path crosses Masonic. The signal now separates the light crossing Fell into two distinct phases: one for cyclists and pedestrians to cross and one for cars to turn left onto Masonic.

Last year Supervisor Mirkarimi authored a resolution that urged the MTA to implement safety improvements at this intersection. Although this resolution was unanimously passed, improvements to the intersection were block by the injunction against the City's bicycle plan until the City Attorney was able to obtain an exemption because of the risk to public safety.

We'd like to thank all of the community members and City staff who have worked on this project. Supervisor Mirkarimi plans to continue to work with the community and City departments to fine tune both the placement and timing of the lights. If you have further concerns about this intersection, please contact us.

More information:
- Chronicle article
- SFist article
- Pictures from the event

Early Voting Begins in City Hall
Did you know that you don't need to wait for November 4th to vote? In addition to voting by mail, you can also vote early in City Hall. Considering that the Department of Elections is expecting record-breaking voter turnout, this is a great opportunity to avoid long lines at the polls on Election Day.

Election Calendar:
- October 6th: Early voting begins. Anyone can vote in the basement of City Hall Monday through Friday (except Holidays) from 8am to 5pm.
- October 18th: Weekend early voting begins: Early voting will be extended to the weekends from 10am to 4pm.
- October 20th: Last day to register to vote.
- October 28th: Last day to request an absentee ballot. To do so, fill out this form and mail it or drop it off at City Hall. For more information about absentee voting, see the Department of Elections website.
- November 4th: Election day! Polls are open from 7am to 8pm. Anyone can vote in City Hall.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Am I still registered to vote?
A: Check on the Voter Registration Status Lookup tool. You will be asked to enter your address and birthday.
Q: Where is my polling place?
A: Check on the Polling Place lookup tool. You will be asked to enter your address.

Supervisor Mirkarimi Proposes Streamlining of City Code Enforcement
Supervisor Mirkarimi has proposed legislation to coordinate and streamline the City code enforcement process. Currently, each City department is responsible for enforcing the laws within its jurisdiction, and there is no uniform, coordinated approach to code enforcement. This ordinance would create an Interdepartmental Staff Committee on Code Enforcement (ISCODE) made up representatives from the Department of Building Inspection, the Planning Department, Police, Fire, Public Health, and Public Works. The City Attorney will preside over the ISCODE meetings, and will determine whether to initiate violation abatement lawsuits.

ISCODE will also be charged with recommending changes that will streamline the City's code enforcement process and make it more effective. Departments with responsibility for specific violations will have the option of handling violation abatement. The new law would also establish a City Department Code Enforcement Fund to receive certain penalty fine monies and use the money for code enforcement activities. Lastly, the ordinance will make changes to the way the Board of Appeals enforces final decisions. The law would put San Francisco in line with other cities that have implemented more centralized code enforcement with less overlap and duplication of effort. This ordinance has been referred to the Board of Supervisors' Rules Committee for a public hearing.

Planning Commission Hearings on Harding Theater and Whole Foods Projects
The Planning Commission will be holding public hearings on several items of interest to District 5 residents:
- 690 Stanyan (Whole Foods project)
- 616 Divisadero (Harding Theater project)
- Zoning Amendment to Encourage Storefronts
Please feel free to contact our office with any comments or concerns about these projects at mirkarimistaff@sfgov.org. Public comment will also be heard at these hearings, or you can submit written comments directed to the individuals listed for each. Mail your comments to the Planning Department, 1650 Mission Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103.

To confirm that hearings will take place, call 558-6422 the week of the meeting for a recorded message. You can also view the Planning Commission's scheduled agendas on their website.

Project: 690 Stanyan Street (Whole Foods project)
Date: October 23rd at 1:30
Location: City Hall room 400
Description: This is the proposal to build a Whole Foods grocery store at the corner of Haight and Stanyan along with 62 residential units. At this meeting, the Planning Commission will consider the Environmental Impact Report and Conditional Use permit for this project.
Direct written comments to Jonas Ionin concerning case 2006.0460EC.

Project: 616 Divisadero Street (Harding Theater project)
Date: November 13th at 1:30
Location: City Hall room 400
Description: This is the proposal to build a eight-unit condominium building adjacent to the Harding Theater, which would involve demolishing the stage of theater while restoring the theater marquee and much of the interior for commercial or entertainment uses. The Planning Department has issued a Negative Declaration stating that an Environmental Impact Report is not necessary for this project. This hearing is to consider an appeal of the Negative Declaration.
Direct written comments to Leigh Kienker concerning case 2005.0911E.

In related news, the Board of Supervisors has approved Supervisor Mirkarimi's ordinance allowing for the restoration of historic movie theater marquees. For more information on this legislation, see this article in last month's newsletter.

Project: Proposed Amendment to Encourage Storefronts in Neighborhood Commercial Districts
Date: October 16th at 1:30
Location: City Hall room 400
Description: This ordinance would provide a height exception along major streets in Neighborhood Commercial Districts (NCDs) for an additional five feet of height for buildings to allow higher ground floor ceilings for commercial or other active uses. The intent is to encourage desirable mixed-use architecture, as the added height would allow more light and air into ground floor spaces and create better storefronts along public streets. Affected NCDs in District 5 include the Inner Sunset, Cole Valley, Upper and Lower Haight, Hayes Valley, the Fillmore District, Japantown, Upper Fillmore/Lower Pacific Heights, and Divisadero Street.
Direct written comments to AnMarie Rodgers concerning case 2008.0980T.

October 17, Third Friday Art Party NOT IN CITY HALL: "Some Things Are What They Seem" by Madeline Behrens-Brigham
When: Friday, October 17th
Time: 5:30 to 8:00pm
NOTE LOCATION:
Where: Age Song Art Gallery; 580 Hayes Street

Madeline Behrens-Brigham is a long-time artist and activist with connections to Hayes Valley since the late 1970's, and she was named D-5 Woman of the Year for 2008. She is co-founder of the Hayes Valley Art Coalition. Her work has included paintings, ceramics, jewelry, weaving, collage, hand-painted silk, Dada performances, and dioramas. She has always been inspired by found objects and recycled items, and as a child she was fascinated by twigs, buttons, and other ephemera. The show "Some Things Are What They Seem" uses mixed-media which includes recycled objects, fabrics, and found items.

This event is free and open to the general public.
Third Friday Art openings will return to City Hall in November.

October 28: Police Effectiveness Review Workshop
The City is in the process of an extensive organizational assessment of the San Francisco Police Department, spurred on by legislation sponsored by Supervisor Mirkarimi last year. The Police Effectiveness Review is being coordinated by the Controller's Office, Public Safety Strategies Group and the Police Executive Research Forum, along with several City departments and leaders.

The Police Effectiveness Review is now ready to present its recommendations at two upcoming public workshops. For this review to offer a complete picture of the state of the SFPD, it is critical that we receive your feedback on everything from district stations to use of force to officer recruitment and training. Please try to attend one of these two workshops:

Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Location: UCSF Parnassus Campus - Millberry Union
500 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco
Muni: 43, 6, N-Judah

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Location: Visitacion Valley Middle School
450 Raymond Avenue, San Francisco
Muni: 56, 9X, 9BX

Interpretation will be provided in Cantonese, Russian and Spanish. All sites are wheelchair accessible. Materials in large print will be available at the meetings. To request assistive listening devices, a sign language interpreter or other accommodations, please contact Alexis Ward at 415.364.0000. Providing at least 72 hours advance notice will help to ensure availability. For more information, go to www.sfpolicereview.org,call 554-5297, or email info@sfpolicereview.org.

Handful Players Recruiting Children for Musical Theater
Handful Players free Fall/Winter program starts on Thursday, October 16th at the Buchanan YMCA (1530 Buchanan Street at Geary Blvd.). They meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6pm through February. The program culminates is a staged performance for family and friends in February. The program is designed for students, ages 9-16; no experience is necessary and all youth, even those with limited performing skills, are welcome. They have commissioned a talented and emerging playwright, Andrew Saitoto, to write a play inspired by Barack Obama's run for president. The talented actor, Myers Clark, will be the acting instructor and director, and San Francisco State professor and noted jazz musician, Dee Spencer, will be the music director. For more information see their website at www.handfulplayers.org/ or contact Judith Cohen at 415-921-8246 or JudithC@HandfulPlayers.org.

Below-Market-Rate Housing Opportunities
San Francisco offers a number of opportunities for Below-Market-Rate (BMR) home ownership and rental housing. For complete listing of BMR ownership listings, see www.sfgov.org/site/moh_page.asp?id=17815. For complete listing of rental opportunities, see www.sfgov.org/site/moh_page.asp?id=35416.

Looking for a Job?

Election Day Pollworkers Needed
The Department of Elections is now accepting applications for the pollworker position for the upcoming Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Consolidated General Election. Pollworkers have various duties that include: attending a mandatory training class prior to Election Day during which all duties are explained in detail, picking- up election materials prior to Election Day and transporting them to the assigned polling place on Election Day, and assisting voters in any phase of the voting process in strict accordance with the California Elections Code.

Applicants must be United States citizens, age 18 or older, and registered to vote in California; non-U.S. citizens who speak Cantonese, Mandarin or Spanish are encouraged to apply to work as translators. Applicants may complete the on-line application at www.sfelections.org/pw. All positions are one day assignments and pay between $125- $170. For further information, please call the Department of Elections Pollworker Division at (415) 554-4395.

Andronico's
Andronico's grocery is hiring for a number of positions at the Irving Street locations, as well as their other locations around the Bay Area. For information, go to www.andronicos.com/jobs/.

California Food and Justice Coalition
Position Available: Director
Deadline: Applications Reviewed on an ongoing basis. Position open until filled. Preferred (but flexible) start date November 1, 2008.
CFJC is a statewide membership coalition committed to the basic human right to healthy food while advancing social, agricultural and environmental justice. CFJC collaborates with community-based groups in the state to develop and carry out advocacy, education and campaign organization that support grassroots solutions. CFJC envision a California food system in which all activities, from farm to table, are equitable, healthful, sustainable, regenerative and community-driven. CFJC is a fiscally sponsored organization of the Ecology Center and operates under the Ecology Center's administrative polices and procedures. For more information, see www.foodsecurity.org/california. See their website or download the application form (PDF).

Work for the YMCA
The San Francisco YMCA has a number of job openings, ranging from Truancy Intervention Case Managers to Math Tutors to Lifeguards. For information go to www.ymcasf.org/hr/opportunities.html.

Recruiting BEET Rangers--Band of Environmentally Educated Teens
Green Job Training Internships stipend of $1,000+
Date: 8 months Spring-Fall 2008
This is a great opportunity for low income, diverse youth between the ages of 13-19 years old living in the Western Addition. This is an opportunity to become an environmental leader and improve the community's urban parks while making friends and helping others. Events planned include: wilderness adventures workshops in: park maintenance, design and construction, recycling, composting, organic gardening, nutrition, and cooking, trips to urban and rural organic farms, bike rides/alternative transpiration and more! For the requirements and to request an application to either be in the program or sponsor/mentor please contact the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Group at 415-643-3638 or 415-431-8112 hvnparks@hotmail.com or 415-345-9777.

Urban Solutions is Hiring
Urban Solutions currently has a job opening for a Program and Data Assistant to provide office management and administrative support services in our South of Market office. The job requires aptitude and interest in data management and analysis coupled with strong customer service and office management skills. Interested candidates must be proficient in word processing, data entry, database management and report generation using Excel. An interest in Economic Development is a plus. Hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am – 5:30pm. The position offers full benefits and vacation time. For application information, go to www.urbansolutionssf.org/Jobs.

City Jobs
The City is always hiring for a wide variety of positions. For information on City employment openings click here. This page contains lists of job openings, information on Civil Service examinations, and a variety of other useful information on finding work.

SFPD
SFPD Hiring The SFPD is continuously hiring qualified applicants. Applicants must be 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, must be US citizens, must have a high School diploma or equivalent, and must not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor which would prohibit possession of a firearm. For more information or to apply, contact the Department of Human Resources at 44 Gough St, San Francisco. Applications are also available on-line at www.sfgov.org/police or at governmentjobs.com.

Do You Know of Other Job Openings?
Please let us know and we'll include them in next month's newsletter. Email us at mirkarimistaff@sfgov.org or call the office at 554-7630.

 

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, October 11: San Francisco Parks Trust BBQ
Time: 1-4pm
Location: Koshland Park, Page and Buchanan
Join us for a day of celebration, games, food, and live music! Meet other park lovers and help us celebrate the 2009 Innovator Award Winners.
Contact:: For SFPT Members and Invitees only. To RSVP, please call Donalda Watson-Walkinshaw at 415.750.5443.

Sunday, October 12: Alice's 11th Annual Now and Zen Festival
Time: Noon – 5pm
Location: Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park
This year's line-up includes Duffy, Sugar Ray, Gavin DeGraw, Sara Bareilles, & Lenka.
Cost: $25.00 General Admission
Info: www.radioalice.com.

Sunday, October 12: All-Skate Jam in Golden Gate Park
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: near the Polo Field on Middle Drive West in front of Metson Lake- enter from Lincoln on 25th or 41st avenues
Get your shred on at the All-Skate Jam this weekend in Golden Gate Park. This is an event for all skaters: old school, new school, freestyle, slalom, etc… Richy "Brown Bomber" Carrasco, who holds the Guinness Book World Record for consecutive 360-degree spins on a skateboard will be among other Sk8Kings performing.
Info: www.purpleskunk.com/category_s/269.htm.

Sunday, October 14: Bi-Annual Make-Over Day
Time: 2-4pm
Location: Starting at Frankee Uno gallery, 1221 Divisadero at Eddy
Bring your girlfriends for free makeovers by BEDHEAD Cosmetics with star make up artist Jennifer Hetzler, a lash bar to learn how to apply lashes and yummy nibbles and girly cocktails. We will have a guest chef showing how to make a yummy appetizer for your next party!
Contact: Please R.S.V.P by calling 409-1221.

Wednesday, October 15: Haight Ashbury Improvement Association General Meeting
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Location: Urban School, 1563 Page near Masonic
Haight Ashbury Improvement Association joins residents and merchants in the greater Haight. Our boundaries are roughly 17th Street on the south, Fulton on the north, Divisadero on the east and Arguello on the west.
Info: See www.haia-sf.com.

Wednesday, October 15: Divisadero Merchants Association meeting
Time: 10-11am
Location: Mini Bar, 837 Divisadero and Fulton
All merchants welcome!
Contact: Ellyn Parker at 554-5185 or ellyn.parker@sfgov.org.

Wednesday, October 15: NOPA Meet Our Merchants Resource Fair
Time: 5-8pm
Location: West Bay Conference Center, Fillmore at Eddy
Join us as we learn how to "shop locally" and support our NOPA merchants. Our Divisadero Corridor Merchants will be part of this conference where we learn more about "best business practices" for local merchants.

Wednesday, October 15: Bay Area Arts Education Resource Fair
Time: 4-6pm
Location: African American Art and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton Street. Hall of Culture, 3rd floor
Meet San Francisco's rich array of arts and culture organizations, learn about planning arts field trips and group events, develop partnerships with cultural organizations, support establishing the arts as core curricula, Create your own art work to take home.
Contact: Keegan Finberg at 415 252 3298 or artsedassistant@ sfgov.org.

Thursday, October 16: Mo Magic Community Meeting
Time: 11AM-1PM
Location: AAACC 3rd Floor, 762 Fulton
Contact: Sheryl Davis at Sheryl.Davis@sfgov.org.

Thursday, October 16: Voter Registration Night
Time: 5pm - 7pm
Location: Western Addition Beacon Center, 380 Webster
Contact: Call Marco A Diaz at 749-2714 or mdiaz@ymcasf.org.

Thursday, October 16: Lights On Afterschool
Time: 5pm - 6pm
Location: Western Addition Beacon Center, 380 Webster
Contact: Call 749-2714 or go to www.wabeacon.net.
Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide event to call attention to the importance of afterschool programs for America's children, families and communities.

Thursday, October 16: Divisadero Art Walk!
Time: 6-8pm
Location: All along Divisadero from Eddy to Page.
Art, music, food and beverage specials, fashion discounts all along Divisadero from Eddy to Page.

Friday, October 17: Paint Your Own Cup or Plate Ceramics Workshop
Time: 6-8pm
Location: JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter Street at Webster
Spend up to two hours painting your own cup or plate and let your creativity come alive! This workshop is for both adults and youth as young as six years old. No experience necessary.
Fees: $15/members, $22 non-members
Contact: Call 567-5505 or email programsevents@jcccnc.org.

Saturday, October 18: Koshland Park Workday
Time: 10AM-1PM
Location: Koshland Park
Youth of BEET Ranger program have planned and will lead and provide snacks for a community workday.
Contact: Nora at 424-5770 or Noraborealis@juno.com.

Saturday, October 18: Hayes Valley Fall Fest
Time: 1-5PM
Location: Hayes Valley Playground, 699 Hayes
Join family, friends and neighbors in the ‘hood for an afternoon of food, fun & entertainment.
Contact: Safety@hayesvalleysf@org.

Saturday, October 18: Family Festival 2008
Time: 11am-3pm
Location: Yerba Buena Gardens, between Mission and Folsom and 3rd and 4th
Kids enjoy free carousel rides, a climbing wall, jump houses, obstacle courses, art and science projects, and roving circus acts. There's something for everyone at Family Festival. Come downtown and dance to the award-winning Loco Bloco Drum Ensemble, pet a snake from Tree Frog Treks, make a hat out of balloons, register to vote, and get your face painted. It's all free. Thanks to SF MTA: Kids Ride MUNI Free from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on October 18. Free roundtrip shuttle buses to Family Festival from Bayview, Hunters Point, Visitacion Valley, Excelsior, and Western Addition neighborhoods.
Shuttle buses in the Western Addition will be available at African American Cultural Center (762 Fulton @ Webster) and the Western Addition Library (1550 Scott @ Post)
Info: See www.sfkids.org.

Saturday, October 18: 9th annual Grattan Film Festival
Time: 6pm
Location: Grattan athletic field at Alma and Shrader
Come out, bring your blanket, and enjoy a fun evening of cinema under the stars!
Info: www.grattanschool.org

Saturday, October 18: Village Project's Open House
Time: 6pm
Location: St Andrews Missionary Baptist Church, 2565 Post Street

Sunday, October 19: Capsule Design Festival street fair
Time: 11am-6pm
Location: Patricia's Green, Hayes and Octavia
Capsule is a twice a year design festival that creates a market for original, and inspired creations. Started only three years ago promoting 70 independent designers in Minna Alley by 111 Minna Gallery and drawing 800 festival-goers, Capsule has since grown into the largest marketer of independent designers in San Francisco, creating a force that is starting to pull independent designers from the Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle regions. This year's Capsule shows (5/25/08 and 10/19/08) will be hosting over 140 designers in Hayes Valley, in May and October, drawing an expected 6,000 shoppers per show.
Info: capsulesf.com/capsule_events.html.

Sunday, October 19: Fulton and Masonic Mural Celebration
Time: 3-5pm
Location: The corner of Fulton and Masonic
Come out to celebrate Josef's newest mural, The California Flower Project. Coffee and pastries will be provided.

Thursday, October 23: Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association General Meeting
Time: 7-9PM
Location: First Baptist Church Basement, 7 Octavia
More information: www.hayesvalleysf.org.

Thursday, October 23: Healthy San Francisco presentation for SF businesses
Time: 10 - 11:30 am
Location: 329 Bryant Street #3C, between 2nd St and Beale St
This seminar is hosted by Scarborough Insurance Agency and is open to all San Francisco businesses affected by the SF Healthcare Security Ordinance as well as the general public. It is neither sponsored nor funded by the City and County of San Francisco. For more information on the program, see www.healthysanfrancisco.org.
Contact: Please RSVP to Barb Hendricks at (415) 543-3733 x17, as space is limited.

Thursday, October 23: Planning Commission hearing on Haight and Stanyan project
Time: 1:30pm
Location: City Hall room 400
See above.

Thursday, October 23: Friends of Lafayette Park community meeting
Time: 7pm
Location: Stuart High School, 1715 Octavia
Meeting about the Lafayett Park renovation.
Contact: Art Persyko at artpersyko@gmail.com.

Saturday, October 25: 3rd Annual Children's Halloween Hootenanny
Time: 11AM-4PM
Location: Waller Street, next to Park Police Station
Games, a ghost house, pirate fencing, a dunking tank, and a costume contest.

Saturday, October 25: Paint Your Own Cup or Plate Ceramics Workshop
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter Street at Webster
Spend up to two hours painting your own cup or plate and let your creativity come alive! This workshop is fo both adults and youth as young as six years old. No experience necessary. It is not necessary to register for both workshops.
Fees: $15/members, $22 non-members
Contact: Call 567-5505 or email programsevents@jcccnc.org.

Saturday October 25: Mummy's Little Monster Halloween Storytime
Time: 10:15AM-10:45AM
Location: Western Addition Library, 1550 Scott at Post
Lil' goblins and ghouls are invited to this Halloween-themed family storytime. Kids 2-6 years old, with parent or caregiver are invited.

Saturday October 25: Children's Halloween Hootenanny
Time: 11am-4pm
Location: Waller cul de sac off Stanyan
The event this year features an Alice in Wonderland theme. It will include a costume contest, a croquette tournament, a Mad Hatter tea party, performers, exhibitions and creative hands-on activities designed to entertain children of all ages.
Info: www.haightashburystreetfair.org.

Saturday, October 25: Kaiseki Workshop
Time:1:00-3:30 p.m.
Location: JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter Street at Webster
Kaiseki ryori is a seasonal Japanese cuisine served during the traditional Chanoyu (tea ceremony) gathering, that has its roots in the simple seasonal vegetarian cuisine served in the Zen temple. Kaiseki cuisine uses fresh seasonal ingredients, simple seasonings and cooking techniques to create dishes that are beautiful to look at, tasty, and in harmony with the season. This Zen vegetarian class will feature kaiseki style miso soup with kiritampodango. Please call to register today as only the first 20 paid participants will be taken.
Fees: $30 JCCCNC members/$35 non-members
Contact: Call 567-5505 or email programsevents@jcccnc.org, or go to www.jcccnc.org.

Sunday October 26: Gardens Halloween Costume Walk
Time: 12PM-2PM
Location: Yerba Buena Gardens Children's Garden
Families with children under 10 years-old are invited to participate in this year's Gardens Halloween Costume Walk. There will be live music and games for families to enjoy. Of course, free treats will be given to trick-or-treaters with costumes.
Info: www.ybgf.org/.

Monday, October 27: Alamo Square Neighborhood Association board meeting
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Archbishop's Mansion, 1000 Fulton Street at Steiner
For information go to www.alamosq.org or email board@alamosq.org.

Thursday, October 30: Mo Magic Community Meeting
Time: 11AM-1PM
Location: AAACC 3rd Floor, 762 Fulton
Contact: Sheryl Davis at Sheryl.Davis@sfgov.org..

Friday, October 31: Hayes Valley Halloween
Time: 6-10PM
Halloween
Events at several locations in the 'hood. Haunted House, Face Painting, Story Telling and Smores at Koshland.
Contact: Safety@hayesvalleysf.org

Friday, October 31: JCCCNC Halloween Carnival
Time: 5:00-8:30 p.m.
Location: JCCCNC, 1840 Sutter Street at Webster
Fees: $5 at the door; $4 for adults and kids in costumes!
Games and prizes, tricks and treats, arts and crafts and goodies to eat! On October 31 there is only one place to be: the Halloween Carnival at JCCCNC! Early bat dinner from 5-6, Halloween carnival from 6-8:30. Magic show, glowing light costume parade and costume contest, parent's pumpkin pie eating contest!
Contact: For more info or to RSVP for dinner: Please contact Ali Kagawa at (415) 567-5505 x239 or email programsevents@jcccnc.org.

Friday, October 31: de Young All Hallows Eve Costume Party
Time: 5:00-8:45pm
Location: Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
The entire museum is open until 8:45 p.m. Friday Nights at the de Young offers a variety of interdisciplinary arts programs, including live music, poetry, films, dance, tours, and lectures. The cafe is open with a special Friday Nights dinner menu, and a no-host cocktail bar is serving drinks. From 6-8:30 there will be break-dancing and live music by Shing02 on the Cafe Terrace. Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by creating skeleton paper dolls inspired by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada.
Cost: Admission is free to members; regular admission fees apply for non-members.
Info: www.famsf.org/deyoung/.

Tuesday, November 4: ELECTION DAY!'
See above.

Tuesday, November 4: Free admission to the de Young
Time: 9:30am-5:15pm
Location: Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
Info: www.famsf.org/deyoung.

Wednesday, November 5th: Exploratorium, Free First Wednesday
Time: Open 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon Street
The Exploratorium offers free admission on first Wednesday of each month; however, due to capacity limits, groups of 10 or more are required to make reservations or will not be admitted. For more information, see http://www.exploratorium.edu/.

Sunday, November 9: Alamo Square Neighborhood Social!
Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Alamo Square Playground area
Refreshments and fun for all! Come before or after the Farmers' Market - we'd love to see you!

Ongoing

Every Tuesday: Supa Sick Wid It Turf Dance Class
Time: 4 – 5 PM
Location: Buchanan YMCA Dance Studio, 1530 Buchanan St.
Free for Western Addition/ Fillmore youth ages 10-18 years old. RSVP by emailing supasickwidit05@aim.com.

Every Tuesday: Family Storytime
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Locations: Park Library Meeting Room, 1833 Page St. (near Cole)
Stories and songs for children of all ages.

Second Tuesday, October 14: Park Police Station & Haight Community & Provider Forum
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Park Police Station, 1899 Waller Street, at Kezar
This is a forum for neighbors and service providers to meet, greet, eat and share community information and resources. Refreshments provided and movie tickets raffle prize. To RSVP or for more information contact: Olivia Swilley at 415-668-0494, ext. 306.

Third Tuesday of the Month: Taraval Police Station Community Meeting
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Taraval Police Station, 2345 24th Ave.

Every Wednesday: Young Mothers United, support group for Formerly Incarcerated Young Mothers
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Call Cria at the Center for Young Women's Development for location.
Learn about your rights young mother and community resources. Free food and childcare, and earn $25 dollars for every workshop.
Contact: Cria, 415-703-8800

First Wednesday of the Month: District 5 Together
Time: 7-9PM
Location: Northern Police Community Room, 1125 Fillmore (at Turk), parking.
Contact info: www.sf5together.org

Every Thursday: Infant/Toddler Lapsit
Time:10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Park Library, 1833 Page St. (near Cole)
Songs, rhymes and stories for ages birth-3.

Every Thursday: Preschool Storytime
Time:11:30 a.m. - 12:15 a.m.
Location: Park Library, 1833 Page St. (near Cole)
Featuring books, rhymes and songs.

Every Thursday: Preschool Events at Sunset Library
Time:10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Sunset Library, 1305 18th Ave. (at Irving)
Activities including stories, videos, and yoga.

Second Thursday, October 9 and November 13: North Police Station Community Meeting
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Northern Police Station, 1125 Fillmore
Work with police, city attorney & district attorney's offices to find permanent solutions to ongoing safety issues.
Contact: Sgt Bill Griffin at 614-3400 or Bill.Griffin@sfgov.org.

Second Thursday, October 9 and November 13: Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Park Library, 1833 Page St. (near Cole)
Non-members are welcome to attend and participate without voting, and new members may vote or run for office after one month's membership standing.

Second and Fourth Thursday : Healing Circle for the Soul Support Group
Time: 7pm to 9pm
Location: Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, 2595 San Jose Ave between Geneva and 19th Ave

Every Saturday: Fillmore Farmers Market
Time: 9 AM - 1 PM, with live jazz starting at 10:30 AM
Location: O'Farrell Street at Fillmore Street
For more information call 1-800-949-FARM or go to www.pcfma.com.

Every Saturday: Hip Hop dance Class
Time: 1pm-3pm
Where: Hayward Playground RecConnect (Laguna and Golden Gate)
Hip-Hop dance class for all ages, sponsored by RecConnect. For information contact Jerry Jack at 415-292-2018 or Melissa Langness at 415-756-9869, mlangness@ymcasf.org.

Every Sunday: Divisadero Farmers' Market
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM
Location: Divisadero and Grove

The District 5 Interfaith Teen Council
Teens in the Fillmore, Western Addition, Japantown neighborhoods
Date: to be determined
Come and join in creating a new and vibrant multi-denomination community in your own backyard. The members are from local schools, churches, and religious institutions interested in sharing in religion, and strengthening the neighborhood with fellow District 5 teens. If you are a teen, or know of teens in your community that might be interested, and want to learn more or come to the next meeting.
Contact: Rabbi Mark Asher Goodman mgoodman@jchsofthebay.org or 415-345-9777.

Garden Park Work Parties

Alamo Square Gardening - Monthly gardening, every 3rd Saturday from 9:30 AM-1 PM.
Contact: Emmett Gilman at 415.674.9580.

Alvord Lake Cleanup - Monthly cleanup, every 4th Saturday from 9 AM to noon. Bring gloves and dress in layers. Rain cancels.
Contact: Karen Crommie: kcrommie@aol.com or 431-1414.

Buena Vista Park - Monthly cleanup, every 1st Saturday, from 9:00 AM – noon.
Contact: Richard Magary, of Buena Vista Neighborhood Association (BVNA), and Friends of Buena Vista Park (FoBVP) at BVNA@ix.netcom.com

Duboce Park - Monthly cleanup, every 2nd Saturday, from 10am - 1pm.
Contact: Rose Gillen at rosegillen@sbcglobal.net

Haight-Ashbury Stewards Every Wednesday from 9:30 am to noon
Contact: Nature in the City, 415-564.4107 for details and check www.natureinthecity.org/haightashburystewards.php.
The weekly work parties do habitat restoration in the Haight.

Koshland Park - Monthly Cleanup, for more information,
Contact: Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Council, hvnparks@hotmail.com

Panhandle - Monthly clean-up, 2nd Saturday of the month.
Location: Fell and Ashbury aside the bulletin board next to restrooms
NOPNA and Panhandle Residents Association invites the community to come garden every second Saturday of the month. The park provides Gloves and tools but feel free to bring some of your own. Contact 415-346-1448, home@prosf.org.

Patricia's Green - Currently no set schedule.
If you're interested in participating in a clean up contact Russell Pritchard. He has bags and gloves. You can find him at Zonal at 568 Hayes or call 255-9307 or email: madelinebb@sbcglobal.net or russellsf@earthlink.net.

Victory Gardens 2008
Work with the Victory Gardens team to install a garden in your outdoor space. This Victory Garden Project is a pilot project funded by the City of San Francisco to support the transition of backyard, front yard, window boxes, rooftops, and unused land into organic food production areas. 15 households will be chosen to represent the diversity of SF to participate and Victory Gardens will provide support. For an application and more information, visit www.sfvictorygardens.org.

Life Project Seeking Leaders
Leaders in Future Environments (LIEF) Project is currently looking for potential mentors for the LIFE Project 2008 program year. LIFE Project is a prevention-based mentoring program that provides one-on-one mentoring, on-going support, and positive role models for youth impacted by parental incarceration. For more information contact Mailee Wong at 415-717-8404 or visit www.centerforce.org.

Become a volunteer at Laguna Honda Hospital and Rehabilitation Center.
The Volunteer Services Department at LHHRC is looking for the help of people in the community who go to help out. There are plenty of opportunities to make a difference in many different areas. For more info, call a Volunteer Services Coordinator: Linda Acosta 759-3333 or Cherrylyn Fernandes 759-3334.

Become a volunteer at the Annual Sunset Community Festival
Volunteers are needed for the festival itself and to help out with the fundraising arcade for the children to benefit the campaign to rebuild and redesign the Sunset Playground. If you are able to help out the day of the festival please contact Ron by email at ron@sfethos.com or call 664-5376.

Board of Supervisors Information

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