RECENT HEADLINES AND NEWS

In this edition:

• Supervisor Mirkarimi Fights to Save Psych Beds
• Theater Marquee Bill to Be Introduced
• Workforce Development to Be Heard in Rules Committee on October 18th
• Ex-Offender Bonding Legislation Goes Before Rules Committee October 18th
• Supervisor Mirkarimi to Call for Pedestrian Plaza on Linden Street
• Linden Street Fair a Great Success: Thank you Jody
• Two-Way Hayes Street Resolution in Land Use Committee on October 29th
• Golden Gate Park Skate Park Legislation to be Heard on November 8--San Francisco Skateboarding Association Hosts Site Clean-up on October 27
• Third Friday Art Reception October 19th: The Bravery Project, Documenting the Journey Through Breast Cancer
• Sensu Sculpture Coming to Japantown
• MUNI Community Meeting Coming to the Inner Sunset
• Phone Numbers for Useful City Resources
• 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?

Supervisor Mirkarimi Fights to Save Psych Beds
This year's budget calls for the elimination of 14 beds in the psychiatric unit at General Hospital. These cuts are planned for April, when an equivalent number of beds are to be made available by the Progress Foundation, a non-profit mental health provider. On Wednesday, October 10, Supervisor Mirkarimi sponsored a Budget Committee hearing, a press conference, and a tour of General's psychiatric facilities, and by day's end he was planning to present a supplemental budget to restore the 14 beds.

Many stakeholders, including police officers, nurses, and mentally ill persons and their families, are concerned that the looming cuts will hurt those most in need. According to one ER psychiatry physician at General, approximately 50% of their patients are suicidal and 10-20% pose a danger to others. Also, it is expected that the current "sweeps" of homeless people will result in increased demand for in-patient psychiatric care. Further compounding the potential fallout of losing the 14 beds, Sutter Health recently eliminated psychiatric beds at St. Luke's Hospital.

Rather than pitting General Hospital against the Progress Foundation's programs, Supervisor Mirkarimi believes that we need both of these resources to be funded in order to address the ongoing crisis in acute mental health care in San Francisco. "With the pressing demand for mental health services coming at the City from all walks of life, especially for those impoverished, it's counter-intuitive for the Department of Public Health to eliminate the SFGH Psych Unit beds - at least not until there is ample proof that the need is unwarranted," commented Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi. Members of the public who want to get involved with this issue should contact Boris Delepine in Supervisor Mirkarimi's office at boris.delepine@sfgov.org.

More information:

• Chronicle Editorial
• Kron 4 News Video

Theater Marquee Bill Introduced
On October 16th, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi introduced legislation that seeks to protect and restore historic movie theater marquees and projecting signs by amending zoning regulations to accommodate them. Currently, many of these signs are considered noncomplying structures that cannot be replaced or rehabilitated even though they may require extensive rehabilitation or have become a health or safety hazard. Marquees and projectioning signs often serve as important anchors and neighborhood focal points that contribute to the unique character of a particular area. This legislation would encourage the retention of movie theater uses and preservation of significant buildings, and help maintain that unique neighborhood character. Passage of this legislation would permit the developers of the Harding Theater located at 616 Divisadero to restore the blade sign and marquee on the building's facade to its original splendor.

Workforce Development to Be Heard in Rules Committee on October 18th
In July, Supervisor Mirkarimi introduced legislation to centralize the City's workforce development programs. San Francisco expends more money for pre-employment job training and placement than any other city in the U.S., and yet, the results remain questionable. An audit released by the Budget Analyst office described the current workforce development system as "fragmented, with inconsistent planning and coordination of resources." Currently, administration of workforce development programs is spread across eleven City departments and lacks program goals and definition. Supervisor Mirkarimi's ordinance will centralize the existing programs under the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, define and set workforce development policy for the City, and provide an overall strategic plan for all employment and job training activities in San Francisco. The legislation is co-sponsored by Supervisors Peskin, Ammiano, and Maxwell; it will be heard at the Rules Committee of the Board of Supervisors in room 263 of City Hall at 10 AM on Thursday, October 18th.

More information:

• Chronicle article
• Examiner article
• Budget Analyst Report on Workforce Development

Ex-Offender Bonding Legislation Goes Before Rules Committee October 18th
On October 18, 2007, at 10:00am the Rules Committee will consider Supervisor Mirkarimi's legislation that would create a San Francisco Bonding Program. This program is designed to help higher-risk job seekers obtain work. Currently, there exists a Federal Bonding Program that provides free bonding for up to $25,000 to encourage employers to hire ex-offenders and other high-risk job candidates.

This federal program has not been sufficiently utilized, and the new legislation aims to create a more widely-used program while tracking, working in tandem with, and utilizing the federal program as much as possible. The new legislation is designed to help people who have difficulty finding work due to a criminal record, a substance abuse history, a poor credit history, or a lack of work history.

A non-exclusive list of industries targeted for the San Francisco Bonding Program include construction, restaurant, retail, janitorial, or office support. Members of the public are urged to attend the October 18 hearing and speak out in support of this important legislation!

Supervisor Mirkarimi Calls for Pedestrian Plaza on Linden Street
On Tuesday, October 16 Supervisor Mirkarimi will introduced a resolution which will allow the creation of a "living street" on a portion of Linden Street between Gough Street and Octavia Boulevard. The plan, developed by Winslow Architecture and Urban Design on behalf of the non-profit 300 Linden LLC, will include the removal of three street parking spaces and rededication of half of the block to landscaped seating areas. Specifically, the resolution will create a mini-pedestrian mall. The plan has already been approved by the Department of Public Works, the Department of Parking and Traffic, and the Planning Department. A Board of Supervisors committee hearing on the proposed plaza will soon be scheduled, and public input will be welcome!

Linden Street Fair a Great Success: Thank you Jody
The 17th annual Linden Street Sidewalk Sale took place on Sunday, September 16 on Linden Street between Gough Street and Buchanan Street and surrounding Hayes Green on Octavia Boulevard. In addition to the always-popular flea market, there was also an art show, a dog competition, and live music for all to enjoy. As a special treat this year, there was a merchants' fashion show with hair and make-up courtesy of Zenzi's. There were also a great number of things to purchase on this often overlooked, but always entertaining event. The sidewalk sale event was organized by the Hayes Valley-Western Addition Neighborhood Organization Community Partners United. Special thanks and recognition to Jody Berke, Richard Johnson, and the Community Partners United for making this event a great success!

Two-Way Hayes Street Resolution in Land Use Committee on October 29th
Supervisor Mirkarimi has introduced a plan to return Hayes Street to two way traffic between Gough and Franklin. Residents and businesses owners alike have been complaining that the block of one-way traffic has not only proved to be a transit nuisance but an economic detriment as well. The Hayes Valley neighborhood has changed drastically since the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, as it has become a center of commerce and culture.

The double left turn from westbound Hayes Street onto southbound Gough Street effectively cuts the corridor in half, as pedestrians are unable to directly cross on the southern portion of the intersection. Merchants have claimed that this obstacle has forced business failures in the area. In addition, returning to two-way traffic would fulfill the request in the Octavia Neighborhood Plan, which called for a reduction in the "Z-shaped jogs of one-way traffic" in the area. The item will be heard in the Land Use Committee of the Board of Supervisors on October 29th in room 263 of City Hall at 1PM.

Golden Gate Park Skate Park Legislation to be Heard on November 8--San Francisco Skateboarding Association Hosts Site Clean-up on October 27
On November 8, 2007 at 1pm in Room 263 at City Hall the City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee will consider legislation by Supervisor Mirkarimi which calls for the creation of a skate park in Golden Gate Park. The ordinance authorizes the skate park to be built at the "Horseshoe Pits" located behind the Conservatory of Flowers or in another suitable location. Also, the newly formed San Francisco Skateboarding Association is hosting a "Junk Jam!" at the Horseshoe Pits on October 27 from 10am-4pm. This event will include an area clean-up, a "best trick on the halfpipe" contest, and other activities. For more information, click here. Boarders and supporters are urged to attend the November 8th hearing to show support and/or offer public comment. Click here for an Examiner article on the proposal.

Third Friday Art Reception October 19th: The Bravery Project, Documenting the Journey Through Breast Cancer
"Bravery never goes out of fashion." --William Makepeace Thackeray

As one reviews the work of Stefanie Atkinson, the quiet strength of her subjects cannot be avoided. They struggle with the invasion of their bodies. They wrestle with all the uncertainties of the disease as well as potentially life-threatening treatments, often within a medical system that requires them to fight for adequate healthcare.

The images in this show, depicting young women living with breast cancer, are from two bodies of work, entitled, Angela's Journey: Breast Cancer Hits Home and Deb's Promise. Stefanie met Angela Padilla, her partner, Amy, and their recently adopted baby, Isabella, in 2002, soon after Angela had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Without necessarily understanding the complex reasons behind her request, she asked Stefanie to document her journey, adamant that it would be a journey "to recovery."

WHEN: October 19th to November 14th
WHERE: SF City Hall Room 282
Office of Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi
Van Ness Ave. between McAllister and Grove Streets
OPENING RECEPTION: Friday October 19, 5:30pm-8pm
This reception and exhibition are free and open to the public.

Accessibility Information:
City Hall is accessible to persons using wheelchairs and other disabilities. The Van Ness Avenue Entrance is closed at 5pm each day. The entrances to City Hall that are open after 5:00 pm are the Grove Street and the Polk Street / Carlton B. Goodlett Entrances. The Polk Street / Carlton B. Goodlett entrance is accessible via a ramp and a wheelchair lift. All of the other City Hall entrances are accessible via ramp.

Sensu Scultpure Coming to Japantown
Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi introduced legislation on Tuesday, September 18, that would grant the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) permission to install a sensu (Japanese folding fan) sculpture on the Webster Street median between Geary Boulevard and Post Street.

The sensu sculpture, made of steel panels decorated with porcelain enamel forming the fan blades, symbolizes the interrelationship between Japanese and Japanese culture. The sensu sculpture will serve as an icon for the gateway to the historic Japantown neighborhood, as well as an icon to identify the Japantown History Walk (slated to be installed later this year). The Japantown History Walk is a self-guided tour based on 17 informational signs throughout the central area of Japantown, aimed at educating the public regarding the history and culture of Japantown. The Walk and the sensu sculpture celebrate the cultural heritage of San Francisco's Japantown, the oldest historic Japantown in the United States.

Public hearings will be held in the Land Use Committee of the Board of Supervisors.

MUNI Community Meeting Coming to the Inner Sunset
Many of you have expressed your concerns around the N Judah and MUNI in general. Come hear findings from the Transit Effectiveness Project (TEP). Over the past year, the TEP has been looking at ways to make Muni more efficient and attractive to riders. Please attend the upcoming Inner Sunset community meeting to learn about the TEP's key findings and ideas.
Monday October 22: District Five MUNI Transit Effectiveness Project Forum
Time: 6:00 PM- 8:30PM
Location: County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers) Near the entrance of San Francisco Botanical Garden 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way

Phone Numbers for Useful City Resources
We have assembled a list of frequently called phone numbers for City resources. The services covered include everything from graffiti removal to building permits to conflict resolution. Remember that you can now call 311 for all non-emergency City government services. If there's any useful numbers that we should add to our list, please let us know.

Looking for a Job?

Haight Ashbury Food Program Job Service Training Project
Do you love to cook? Join the Haight Ashbury Food Program's Food Service Job Training Project! Applications are now being for the 10 week Food Service Job Training class that starts October 1, 2007. Get hand-on experience by cooking a 6 course meal for up to 400 people. Interviews start in September, so get your application in SOON!! Contact Lia Kantor, Haight Ashbury Food Program- Job Training and Placement Manager at 415-566-4158.

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.

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

General Calendar

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 as a young mother and community resources. Free food and childcare, and earn $25 dollars for every workshop.
Contact: Cria, 415-703-8800

Tuesday, October 16: Park District Police Community Forum
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Park Station Community Room @ Park Station
"Homelessness in the Park District – What is Your Government Doing" Guest speakers from SFPD, Homeless Outreach Team, Department of Public Health, plus and update on Alvord Lake forum and crime statistics. Contact Park Police Station: sfpd.park.station@sfgov.org, 415-242-3000

Tuesday, October 16: Taraval District Police Community Forum
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Taraval Station / Community Room, 2345 - 24th Ave.
For details contact Taraval Police Station: SFPDTaravalStation@sfgov.org, 415-759-3100.

Wednesday, October 17: Urban Solutions, 2007 Neighborhood Business Awards
Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Rasselas Jazz Club, 1534 Fillmore Street
The event recognizes top local small businesses that have helped their communities. Last year's winners included Cole Hardware, the Balboa Theater and Café Que Tal. The winners for this year's awards will be announced on the day of the Awards. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at www.urbansolutionssf.org/tickets or call (415) 346-0199 for more information.

Saturday, October 20: Joint Sponsored PROSF and NOPNA Community Clean up in the Panhandle
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Panhandle, just east of Masonic
Come plant and clean the Panhandle with your neighbors. Wear comfortable shoes and layers. Snacks provided.

Saturday, October 20: Turk Street Block Party
Time: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Little Chaple parking lot (Turk and Divisadero)
Celebrate the community and honor folks serving the neighborhood. Bring your family, roomates, friends along with your favorite dish (with serving spoon), or non-alcoholic beverage. Music Provided by Justin Hagon.
For more information call 415-776-9055.

Monday October 22: District Five MUNI Transit Effectiveness Project Forum
Time: 6:00 PM- 8:30PM
Location: County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers) Near the entrance of San Francisco Botanical Garden 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way
MUNI will present it's plans to improve Muni service in your neighborhood. Information will also available in Chinese and Spanish. Contact San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority: www.sftep.com, info@sttep.com, 415-226-1313.

Thursday, October 25: Divisadero Corridor Meeting on the Greening and Traffic Study
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Ida B. Wells School Auditorium
The Department of Public Works Secured $3 million in Federal Funding for greening and streetscaping Divisadero. DPW and MTA will present their findings and a block-by-block proposal for greening, streetscaping, and potential traffic and transit changes.

Friday, October 26: Halloween Fair- hosted by California Public Utilities Commission for John Muir Elementry School
Time: 10:00 am
Location: California Public Utilities Commission, Courtyard, 505 Van Ness
The Kindergarden thru 5th graders of John Muir and Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary Scholls and Tenderloin Community School are hosting a Halloween fair, This day includes a haunted house, dia de los muertos celebration, costume contest, balloon artists, storytelling, clowns and more. Music by Cold Sweat…George Elsmore, Kevin Boles, Kevin Schumacher, and Sheri Boles. To Volunteer call Irma Ramos, 703-2701.

Friday, October 26: San Francisco First Forum to Challenge the Apparel Industry to Come Green
Time: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Location: 5th Floor of SF State Downtown Campus, Westfield San Francisco Center
Market St between 4th and 5th.
Faculty members Dr. Connie Ulasewicz and Gail Baugh will share their sustainable textile industry knowledge and invite others to join in the conversation regarding current and potentially sustainable business practices for the Bay area fashion industry. The registration fee is $95.00 and seating is limited. Pre registration is required. Contact Dr. Connie Ulasewicz at (415) 338-1860 or Gail Baugh at (415) 265-0546.

Friday October 26: Community Forum Featuring the work of the Family Acceptance Project
Time: 9:00-11:00 AM
Location: The LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street
A place for advocates and providers working with on or behalf of children, youth and families to come together. Participants will gain understandings of family related approaches to serving LGBT youth in the community and much more. Must Register. Contact Marlo Simmons: marlo@dcyf.org, 415-554-8421

Wednesday, October 31: African American Arts and Culture Complex
Time: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Preschool
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: African-American Arts and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton
Bring the kids to have a fun and scary time in the Haunted House. Also enjoy Pumpkin carving, food, candy and refreshments. This information is sponsored by Mo Magic, AAACC, SF Juneteenth Festival, Up-From Darkness and SFPD Northern Station. For more information call 415-922-2049.

Wednesday, October 31: Community Partners United Safe Halloween Events
Time: Early Evening
Locations: Hayes Valley Playground, Koshland Park, Patricia's Green in Hayes Valley and Hayes Valley South Community Room.

Wednesday, October 31: Trick or Treat at TALK Line
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: 1757 Waller Street at Stanyan
Haunted house and pumpkin patch, music, foods games, face painting, art projects and lots of fun!!! For more information contact Heather at 415-387-3684, ext:421

Thursday, November 1: Lower Pacific Heights Neighborhood Meeting
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Cobb Elementry School, 2725 California Street.
Neighborhood meeting for residents from Divisadero to Fillmore and Post to California. Come and discuss neighborhood issues and concerns with Supervisor Mirkarimi. For more information and to RSVP contact: Regina Dick-Endrizzi, regina.dick-endrizzi@sfgov.org, 415- 554-6783.

Thursday November 1: Alamo Square Movie Night
Time: 7:15PM Live entertainment begins at 6:30
Location: Alamo Square
Movie: TBA
Contact: info@alamosquare.org

Monday, November 5: Sunset Neighborhood Meeting
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: County Fair Building, Garden Room
Meeting for Area Captains and others interested in working on Inner Sunset issues with Supervisor Mirkarimi. For more information and to RSVP, email or call Regina Dick-Endrizzi, regina.dick-endrizzi@sfgov.org, 415- 554-6783.

Thursday, November 13: Northern District Police Community Forum
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Northern Police Station Community Room, 1125 Fillmore St @ Turk. All in the community are invited to attend. Contact Northern Police Station: Al.Casciato@sfgov.org, 415- 614-3400.

November 13-17, Iranian Literary Arts Festival presented by the Translation Project
Films Screenings November 13 and 14. World Premier of ICARUS/RISE, a theatrical piece based on New Iranian Poetry, create by Nilofar Talebi – November 15,16,17 and Literary Panels on Saturday day November 17. For full details of events and listing contact Translation Project www.thetranslationproject.org

Wednesday, November 28: Police Commission Meeting
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: TBA
The Police Commission meeting will be help in the Park Station District.



Ongoing

Friday, October 26: Youth and Elders Art & Poetry Contest
The Administrative Office of the Courts, Center for Families, Children & the Courts is pleased to announce the 2007 Youth and Elders Art & Poetry Contest. This year's contest theme is Pictures and Stories from My World. It is open to youth and elders of any age with experience in California's courts. Original art and poetry limited to one page are eligible for entry. Selected art submissions will be displayed at the Beyond the Bench XVIII conference to be held in San Diego, December 12-14, 2007, and next spring at the annual Family Dispute Resolution Statewide Educational Institute. Printable entry forms are available at: visit www.courtinfo.ca.gov/programs/cfcc/

Fillmore Farmers' Market – Every Saturday, April to November
Time: 9:00 am to 1 pm, (with live jazz starting at 10:30AM)
Location: Fillmore Center Plaza (Fillmore and O'Farrell)
Contact info: visit www.pcfma.com
or (800) 949-FARM

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 - October 20 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Focus this month is installing a community bulletin board.
Contact: Lisa Bastick lmbastick@yahoo.com
or 415-921-3109.

Alvord Lake Area, Golden Gate Park – October 27, from 9am - 12pm.
Contact: Karen Crommie
kcrommie@aol.com

Buena Vista Park - November 3, from 9am - 12pm.
Contact: Richard Magary, of Buena Vista Neighborhood Association (BVNA), and Friends of Buena Vista Park (FoBVP)
BVNA@ix.netcom.com

Haight-Ashbury Stewards Every Wednesday
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm, every Wednesday
Contact: Nature in the City, 415-564.4107 for details and check the http://www.natureinthecity.org/haightashburystewards.php.
The weekly work parties do habitat restoration in the Haight.

Koshland Park - November 10, from 10am - 12pm.
Contact: Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Council, hvnparks@hotmail.com

Panhandle: Joint Sponsored PROSF and NOPNA Community Clean up in the
October 20 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Panhandle, just east of Masonic. Come plant and clean the Panhandle with your neighbors. Wear comfortable shoes and layers. Snacks provided.

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

Board of Supervisors Information

Looking for the Board of Supervisors meeting information, minutes, or agendas? Click the picture below or click here: