Farmers' Market Legislation Unanimously Passed
On January 30th, the full Board of Supervisors unanimously passed Supervisor Mirkarimi's legislation to allow farmer's markets in City parks. Farmer's markets create community centers and strengthen relationships between neighbors. Given
the recent wave of grocery store closures across the City, promoting farmers' markets is an important step in providing access to healthy, fresh, and locally produced food. Farmers' markets also help support small, local farms to survive
and provide an alternative to large corporate farms that are more likely to produce genetically modified and non-organic produce.
The legislation ensures that the markets will not interfere with regular usage of park grounds, play areas, or athletic fields. It also mandates an
assessment of which areas in the City are most in need of farmers' markets, with an emphasis on making sure that low-income areas are considered for the markets. Our office would like to thank those who waited to speak at the Committee
hearing and helped move this legislation forward. The legislation can be seen here, and Examiner coverage of the recent hearing can be viewed here.
Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance Introduced
On January 23rd, Supervisor Mirkarimi introduced the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance, which will require supermarkets in San Francisco to use compostable checkout bags instead of petroleum-based, non-biodegradable bags. The ordinance
affects supermarkets with more than $2 million in gross receipts, which will include approximately the fifty-four largest markets in the City, such as Safeway, Albertson, Andronico's, Cala Foods, CalMart, Bell Markets, and Mollie
Stone's.
The San Francisco Department of the Environment estimates that the United States uses 12 million barrels of oil annually to make 30 billion plastic bags. They estimate that San Francisco uses between 50 and 150 million bags a year, which
accounts for about 2 percent of all waste and leads to annual cleanup costs of about $8.4 million.
In November 2005, Mayor Newsom worked with the supermarkets to create a voluntary Plastic Bag Reduction Plan to eliminate 10 million bags and increase in-store recycling. Not only did the markets fail to meet these goals, they lobbied for
a state bill that now prohibits San Francisco from auditing or taxing plastic bags. The ordinance is cosponsored by Supervisors Peskin, Ammiano, McGoldrick, Sandoval, and Daly. Hearings on this legislation will be held in mid-February in
the City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee.
Extending Sunday Library Hours Supervisor Mirkarimi has introduced legislation urging the Library Commission to expand Sunday hours at neighborhood libraries. Currently,
fifteen out of the twenty-seven neighborhood libraries are closed on Sundays, including seven of the nine libraries in the southeastern neighborhoods. This is not consistent with the Library's mission to ensure "free and equal access." If
funding is limited, Sunday hours should be added on a geographically and demographically equitable basis. The Library Commission should study Sunday branch usage and report back to the Board of Supervisors.
Answers to Questions from the MUNI Town Hall
Supervisor Mirkarimi's office and the MTA have gathered responses to the first thirty written questions submitted by attendees at the November 1th, 2006 Town Hall meeting on MUNI.
Click here to download a Microsoft Word document of the questions and answers.
Remember, any problems with MUNI should be reported to 673-MUNI. Be prepared provide the bus line, date, time, and location where the problem took place.
ROOTS Legislation Recommended for Approval By Land Use Committee
On November 14 Supervisor Mirkarimi introduced legislation which, in addition to calling for the funding of affordable housing projects, will help make affordable home ownership a reality for San Franciscans. Under pre-existing law, Real
Ownership Opportunities for Tenants (ROOTS) is a program designed to help moderate income folks acquire an ownership interest in their cooperative housing developments. The new legislation would improve the ROOTS program in several ways:
firstly, it changes the guidelines for resale to make sure that the unit in question would remain affordable. Additionally, it adopts program regulations that have been developed by the Mayor's Office of Housing and urges the Controller to
certify the program under these guidelines. To download a Microsoft Word document of the text of the ordinance
click here.
On January 31st, the Land Use Committee unanimously advanced the legislation to the full Board of Supervisors, where it will be voted on at the February 6th meeting.
Lower Haight Alcohol Moratorium Heads to the Full Board
Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi's proposal for a three-year moratorium on new liquor stores within the five-block commercial zone of Haight Street from Scott to Webster streets was sent to the full Board of Supervisors with a recommendation at
the January 31st meeting of the Land Use. The full Board will vote on the legislation at the February 6th meeting. To download a Microsoft Word document of the text of the ordinance
click here.
February 12th Hearing: Certificates of Preference
From 1964 through the 1970's the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency displaced thousands of residents and businesses from several areas of the City, including the Western Addition. In order to help compensate displaced persons, the agency
established a Certificate of Preference program. Under this program, people affected by redevelopment apply for certificates, and they then are given priority when applying to rent or purchase available Redevelopment Agency properties
throughout the City. On February 12 the Land Use and Economic Development Committee will hold a hearing on redevelopment in the Western Addition, and the Redevelopment Agency will present a report on the status of the Certificate program.
The hearing will be at 1pm in City Hall room 263.
Pre-Paid Parking Meter Card Program Made Permanent Since December 2005, the Municipal Transportation Agency has operated a pilot program of pre-paid parking meter cards. Due to overwhelming success, the program
has been made permanent and parking cards printed with an expiration date of December 31, 2006 will now be valid to December 31, 2007. The cards are available for purchase at more than 30 locations; specific locations are
listed here. The cards are sold in twenty-dollar and fifty-dollar denominations, and they are accepted in all San Francisco parking meters (except those located on Port property). For more information, go to the
MTA website or contact the MTA at (415) 701-4500.
New Committee Assignments Announced
The Board of Supervisors is organized into committees that analyze proposed legislation before it is heard by the full Board. On January 23, Board President Aaron Peskin announced the committee assignments for this year; the first named
committee members are the chairpersons, and the second named members are the vice-chairpersons.
The assignments are: Budget & Finance Committee: Daly, Ammiano, and Dufty City Operations & Neighborhood Services: McGoldrick, Alioto-Pier, and Jew Government Audit & Oversight: Elsbernd, Alioto-Pier, and Daly Land Use & Economic Development: Maxwell, Sandoval, and McGoldrick Rules: Ammiano, Elsbernd, and Peskin City & School District: Dufty, Mirkarimi, and Maxwell Public Safety: Mirkarimi, Maxwell, and Dufty
The Joint City and School District Select Committee will consider legislation concerning issues of mutual interest that impact the City and School District and the District's employees, students, and family members, and it will also hear
matters relating to public use of School District facilities. The Public Safety Committee will be assigned legislation concerning the City's coordination, strategies, policies, programs, and budgetary actions relating to public safety.
Supervisors Override Mayoral Veto on Police Foot Patrols
In one of its first actions in the new year, the Board of Supervisors voted 8-3 to override Mayor Newsom's veto of police foot patrol legislation. The January 9 vote is the second time that the Board has overturned Newsom's veto of the new
foot patrol law. The legislation mandates foot patrols in two out of the three daily shifts in each of the ten police districts, and it is the result of nearly a year of effort and advocacy led by Supervisor Mirkarimi. Foot patrols are a
cornerstone of community policing; they help solidify bonds between the community and the police while also reducing crime. The new foot patrols have already begun. Below is a YouTube video of a recent interview with Supervisor Mirkarimi
on the "Mornings on 2" show. If you do not see the video,
click here.
Thinking About Applying to DCYF for Funding?
On January 18th, the Department of Children, Youth, and their Families (DCYF) held a series of workshops on the ins and outs of applying for DCYF funding. The following handouts were made available at the workshops:
Rest in Peace, Bobby Kapaona Bobby volunteered at our Third Friday Art Openings beginning in April 2005. Without fail, for 20 straight months, he served the
wine for our parties. He brought a warmth and joyfulness to our community that will be deeply missed. Bobby was born and raised in Hawaii and lived in the City for a number of years. He is survived by his mother, sister, and other family
who still live in Hawaii.
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. Additionally, applications are available on-line at
www.sfgov.org/police or at
governmentjobs.com.
Falletti Foods
As described
above, Falletti Foods Falletti Foods is now hiring for a number of positions. To download an application form, go to
www.fallettifoods.com/jobs.html.
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 695-0828.
Thursday, February 1: National Freedom Day
Time: 6 pm
Location: Sheba Lounge, 1419 Fillmore St.
No Cost
National Freedom Day marking enactment of 13th Amendment and the role of San Francisco's pre-Civil War churches in the emancipation movement. Awarding copies of newly discovered California adoption of the 13th Amendment to Third Baptist
Church, Bethel A.M.E. and First A.M.E. Zion. Guests include District Attorney Kamala D. Harris, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, School Board Member Kim-Shree Maufas. Pianist Jerome Clay will also present a program of Civil War era music.
Friday, February 2: Black History Month Kickoff
Time: 12 pm
Location: City Hall, 1 Carlton B. Goodlett Place
No Cost
San Francisco African-American Historical and Cultural Society presents Black History Month Kickoff at City Hall, featuring Mayor Gavin Newsom, Supervisors Sophie Maxwell and Ross Mirkarimi at noon.
Sunday, February 4: Black History Worship Service
Third Baptist Church, 1399 McAllister St.: 10 am
First Union Baptist Church, 1001 Webster St.: 11 am
Monday, February 5: African-American Reads
San Francisco School Volunteers at SFUSD schools
Tuesday, February 6: Film, "Nothing But A Man."
Time: 6 pm
"Nothing But A Man" will be featured at the Sankofa Film Festival presented by the African-American Art & Culture Complex and African-American Historical and Cultural Society.
Wednesday, February 7: In Their Own Words: Students Talking to History
Time: 6 pm
Location: Buriel Clay Theatre, African-American Art & Culture Complex: 762 Fulton Street
The film, " Allensworth" will be shown. Sponsored by S.F. African-American Historical Society, FillmoreLive, and Office of Teaching and Learning, SFUSD.
Thursday, February 8: America in Black and White
Sankofa Film Festival presented by the African-American Art & Culture Complex and African-American Historical and Cultural Society
Friday, February 9: Black History Film Series
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: New Liberation Presbyterian Church, 1100 Divisadero St., SF, 94117.
Dinner with discussion moderated by Jeanette Fisher-Koaudio.
Saturday, February 10: Second Anniversary of Powell's Place
Time: 12 pm
Location: 1521 Eddy St. (at Steiner), 94115.
Second Anniversary of Powell's Place featuring international gospel star and radio personality Emmit A. Powell and guest entertainers.
Monday, February 12: Honor Roll Students Reception
Time: 6 pm
Location: Jones Memorial United Methodist Church
Honor Roll Students Reception, featuring Kim-Shree Maufas, school board member.
Tuesday, February 13: Rosewood Sankofa Film Festival
Film Festival presented by the African-American Art & Culture Complex and African-American Historical and Cultural Society.
Wednesday, February 14: In Their Own Words: Students Talking to History
Location: Buriel Clay Theatre, African-American Art & Culture Complex: 762 Fulton Street
Featuring John William Templeton on Gold Rush Abolitionists: the California Movement to Emancipation at the Buriel Clay Theatre, African-American Art & Culture Complex.
February 16: Supervisor Mirkarimi's 3rd Friday Art Opening
Featuring the work of Martin Grizzell, " Tapestry: When a Door is a Window"
Time: 5-8 pm
Location: City Hall, Room 282,
Contact: Supervisor Mirkarimi's Office (415) 554-7630.
This month, the exhibition," showcases cultural linkages between the Northern California textile movement of the 1960's, the 1919-1940 Art Deco Movement, originating in Europe, and ancient West African textile designs and decorative art
traditions. Grizzell's design practice expands the definition of tapestry from a design in thread and needle to a design of thread, needle, and semi-precious jewels. His manipulation of fibers and placement of colors, patters and symbols
result in a highly eclectic geometric language. Grizell's artistry demonstrates broad knowledge of fabric, needlework and textile history, yet his creative door remains open to works of alchemy.
General Events
Jan.13-March.18: If They Came For Me Today: The Japanese American Project
Exhibition
Location: The Skylight Gallery, Main Library.
The stories of 15 local Japanese Americans whose lives were impacted by the interment of Japanese American citizens in camps during World War II will be shared in this powerful multimedia living history exhibition organized by Community
Works with students from George Washington and Balboa high schools and Horace Middle School in San Francisco.
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.
2007 Garden Park Work Parties:
Alamo Square - Every 3rd Saturday, 10am-1pm.
Contact: Lisa Bastick,
lmbastick@yahoo.com or 415-921-3109.
Alvord Lake Area, Golden Gate Park - Every 4th Saturday, 9am - 12pm.
Contact: Karen Crommie
mailto:KCrommie@aol.com.
Buena Vista Park - Every 1st Saturday, 9am - 12pm.
Contact: Richard Magary, of Buena Vista Neighborhood Association (BVNA), and Friends of Buena Vista Park (FoBVP),
BVNA@ix.netcom.com.
Fillmore Mini Park (next to McDonalds) - Every 2nd Saturday, 10am - 12pm. Contact: Kristin Bowman
Kristin.Bowman@sfgov.org or 415-753-7265.
Koshland Park - Every 2nd Saturday, 10am - 12pm.
Contact: Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Council,
hvnparks@hotmail.com.
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,
russellsf@earthlink.net.
Looking for the Board of Supervisors meeting information, minutes, or agendas? Click the picture below or click
here:
Office and Community Volunteers Needed
Supervisor Mirkarimi is looking for volunteers from the community to participate with the office in a wide variety of ways, such as:
The legislation ensures that the markets will not interfere with regular usage of park grounds, play areas, or athletic fields. It also mandates an
assessment of which areas in the City are most in need of farmers' markets, with an emphasis on making sure that low-income areas are considered for the markets. Our office would like to thank those who waited to speak at the Committee
hearing and helped move this legislation forward. The legislation can be seen here, and Examiner coverage of the recent hearing can be viewed here.
Supervisor Mirkarimi has introduced legislation urging the Library Commission to expand Sunday hours at neighborhood libraries. Currently,
fifteen out of the twenty-seven neighborhood libraries are closed on Sundays, including seven of the nine libraries in the southeastern neighborhoods. This is not consistent with the Library's mission to ensure "free and equal access." If
funding is limited, Sunday hours should be added on a geographically and demographically equitable basis. The Library Commission should study Sunday branch usage and report back to the Board of Supervisors.
Since December 2005, the Municipal Transportation Agency has operated a pilot program of pre-paid parking meter cards. Due to overwhelming success, the program
has been made permanent and parking cards printed with an expiration date of December 31, 2006 will now be valid to December 31, 2007. The cards are available for purchase at more than 30 locations; specific locations are 
Bobby volunteered at our Third Friday Art Openings beginning in April 2005. Without fail, for 20 straight months, he served the
wine for our parties. He brought a warmth and joyfulness to our community that will be deeply missed. Bobby was born and raised in Hawaii and lived in the City for a number of years. He is survived by his mother, sister, and other family
who still live in Hawaii.
