RECENT HEADLINES AND NEWS

November 2007
In this edition:

• Supervisor Mirkarimi's Psych Bed Funding Moves Forward
• Workforce Development Reform Passes
• Ex-Offender Bonding Is Approved Unanimously
• Expanded Library Hours
• Skate Park Planning Rolls Ahead
• Sensu Sculpture Approved for Japantown
• Japantown Community Meeting on Saturday, December 1
• Linden Street to Get Pedestrian Oasis
• Oil Spill Tragedy
• Holiday Lights Coming to Divisadero
• Congratulations to 1300 on Fillmore
• Plastic Bag Ban Becomes Effective November 20, 2007 - Party On!
• Temporary City Hall Staffing Changes
• November-December Art Openings Consolidated for December 14th
• 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's $1.4 Million Psych Bed Supplemental Funding Moves Forward
As reported in last month's newsletter, 14 psychiatric beds at General Hospital were cut from the City's budget. Supervisor Mirkarimi recognized the absolute necessity of restoring this essential city service and moved to have the funding restored.

The Budget and Finance Committee of the Board of Supervisors agreed with Supervisor Mirkarimi and passed the supplemental appropriation with recommendation to the full Board of Supervisors with Supervisor Dufty becoming a co-sponsor. Please e-mail or write the full Board to express your support for adding back this essential city service.

More information:

• Beyond Chron article
• San Francisco Gray Panthers blog post
• Bay Guardian blog post

Workforce Development Reform Passes
On November 13th, the Board of Supervisors heard and agreed to accept the Rules Committee's recommendations and passed Supervisor Mirkarimi's Workforce Development reform legislation unanimously. Supervisor Mirkarimi introduced the reform legislation to centralize the City's workforce development programs. "This is one of the most important pieces of legislation passed by the Board in recent years-- it is a banner day," stated Board President Aaron Peskin.

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. Widely praised by both the labor and business communities, this progressive reform legislation will consolidate functions now spread across eleven City departments into a unified, more efficient operation with more accountability. For more information, see this Examiner article.

Ex-Offender Bonding Is Approved Unanimously
Supervisor Mirkarimi's Ex-Offender Bonding Legislation-- a first of its kind in a US city-- 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. It was recommended for approval by the Rules Committee on October 18th and passed the full Board unanimously on first reading at the Board of Supervisors.

Expanded Library Hours
Thanks to leadership of Supervisor Mirkarimi and others, the Board of Supervisors has approved funding for expanded library hours. Libraries are one of the key institutions of our society, and they are a great place for kids to hang out, do schoolwork, and avoid negative activities. Starting October 22, the Park branch library will be open from 10am to 6pm on Mondays, all new hours for this branch.

Also, the Western Addition branch will be open Sundays from 1-5pm when it reopens in early 2008. New hours also include Sundays 1-5pm for the Portola, Ingleside, and Mission branches; Mondays from 10am-6pm at the Visitacion Valley, Ocean View, and Merced branches; and additional morning and evening hours at the Bayview/Anna E. Waden branch. The new library hours can be viewed at www.sfpl.org.

Skate Park Planning Rolls Ahead
On November 8, the City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee of the Board of Supervisors considered legislation by Supervisor Mirkarimi that authorizes and calls for the construction of a skateboard park in Golden Gate Park. San Francisco has always been world-famous for its skateboarding, and skating is a great activity for kids. Currently, there is no legal place to skate in the Park, and skaters have damaged delicate areas not intended for boarding. The legislation originally envisioned the new park at the Horseshoe Pits, an unused area behind the Conservatory of Flowers.

At the hearing, the Recreation and Parks Department argued that the closed-off portion of Waller Street near Kezar Stadium is a better spot for a skate park; they indicated that it has better visibility, is closer to the currently-skated Music Concourse, and has other benefits. The Waller location would also be substantially larger than the Horseshoe Pits, allowing for more skaters to use the park. The Committee unanimously voted to refer the ordinance back to the Planning Department for preliminary environmental research regarding the two proposed sites. The Operations Committee will then rehear the matter as soon as possible. For more information, see this Examiner article.

Sensu Sculpture Approved for Japantown
On November 13 the full Board of Supervisors finally approved legislation by Supervisor Mirkarimi which calls for the placement of a sensu (Japanese folding fan) sculpture on the Webster Street median between Geary Boulevard and Post Street as a gateway-to-Japantown icon. The sensu sculpture, made of steel panels decorated with porcelain enamel forming the fan blades, symbolizes the interrelationship between Japanese history and Japanese culture. The sensu sculpture will serve as an icon to identify the Japantown History Walk and will be installed by the end of this month. Join in the celebration Japantown walk and unveiling of the Sensu on Saturday, December 1, 2007, 1:00 pm. Starting point is the Japantown Cultural and Community Center, 1840 Sutter Street.

Japantown Community Meeting on Saturday, December 1
On the 1st of December the Planning Department and the Japantown community will hold a town-hall meeting regarding the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan. The future of Japan Center and Geary Boulevard are at stake. Improvements to land use and zoning, businesses, transportation, public space and the historic and cultural character throughout the neighborhood are under consideration. At this meeting participants will share the Planning Consultants' preliminary findings on historic and cultural preservation, economic development, open space and building heights; share the preliminary concepts for improvements to Japan Center; and listen to your input on the information presented.

If you haven't already reviewed the summary from the October 18th Community Workshop, visit our website at japantown.sfplanning.org to download the summary report or call 415-575-9068.

Linden Street to Get Pedestrian Oasis
The Board of Supervisors approved Mirkarimi-sponsored legislation permitting the creation of a pedestrian oasis on Linden Street from Gough Street to Octavia Boulevard. This legislation will enhance the quality of life in the emerging Market-Octavia neighborhood by adding walkable amenities and services.

Oil Spill Tragedy
As Chair of the Board's Public Safety Committee, Supervisor Mirkarimi has called for a hearing to review the City's response to the tragic oil spill. The hearing will be held on Monday, December 3rd in Room 263 of City Hall at 10:00 am.

Holiday Lights Coming to Divisadero
Monday night November 19, the Divisadero Street corridor will have lights for the holiday season. This is a neighborhood project and an outcome of the Divisadero Corridor Improvement Project. In the true spirit of community and the holiday season the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association and Panhandle Neighborhood Association along with Divisadero Merchants, CPMC and Kaiser have come together to fund the project. PG&E has generously donated the energy-efficient LED lights.

Congratulations to 1300 on Fillmore
Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi and Mayor Gavin Newsom celebrated the grand opening of 1300 on Fillmore, in the Fillmore Heritage Center, on Wednesday evening, November 14. 1300 on Fillmore is a restaurant and lounge that draws on the rich cultural history of San Francisco's Fillmore Jazz district. The restaurant serves "Soulful American" cuisine, accompanied by a list of the finest California wines. 1300 on Fillmore is the vision Monetta White and her husband Executive Chef David Lawrence. They imagined a place where they could recreate the way they entertained at home.
The acclaimed hospitality design firm MCCARTAN, created a casual jazz-era setting for 1300 on Fillmore, imbued with comfort and sophistication. The 136-seat restaurant combines a variety of drinking and dining experiences, including a lounge, bar seating and private dining. Inspired by the vibrant history of San Francisco's Fillmore Jazz District, 1300 on Fillmore pays homage to the neighborhood's celebration of diversity, culture and personal style with nostalgic references from the neighborhood's historic past. Highlights include a heritage wall with portraits of the Fillmore's vast array of blues and jazz legends. For more information contact: 1300 on Fillmore, www.1300fillmore.com or (415) 771-7100.

Plastic Bag Ban Becomes Effective November 20--Party On!
Supervisor Mirkarimi's world headline-making legislation to require large grocery stores and chain pharmacies to use compostable plastic bags or other eco-friendly alternatives becomes effective November 20th. The City will begin enforcing the new regulations on December 1.

To celebrate, join us for a happy hour from 6-9pm at 111 Minna Gallery on November 20th for live music by DJ Brent Northey, an appearance by the Bag Monster, an Old Bag Chic and Trashy Fashion Show, and guest speakers headlined by Supervisor Mirkarimi.

Hors d'ouvres will be served, and a no-host bar will also be available. Early birds will enjoy complimentary beer and wine during the first hour of the event.

Many thanks to the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition for offering valet bicycle parking. Admission to the party is a requested $5 donation, with all proceeds benefiting partnering nonprofit agencies. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Temporary City Hall Staffing Changes
Supervisor Mirkarimi's Aide, Boris Delepine, is currently taking family leave and will return to City Hall in March. Meanwhile, his duties will be shared by two very able assistants: Vallie Brown and Rick Galbreath. Vallie is a community leader in the lower Haight and will be a great asset to the office as she coordinates both city-wide and district matters.

Rick Galbreath is environmental leader as well as a housing rights activist and will assist Supervisor Mirkarimi with legislative and related constituent affairs for the office.

Regina Dick-Endrizzi continues to expertly handle the constituent affairs of District Five.

November-December Art Openings Consolidated for December 14th
November's third Friday Art opening will be joined with a holiday party now planned for Friday, December 14th beginning at 5:30 p.m. Save the date and watch for the December newsletter for details.

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?

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

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, created 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

Friday, November 16: Fridays Nights at the de Young: African American Art and Culture Complex
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:45 pm
Location: de Young Museum
This second season of the series offers live music, poetry, films, dance, tours, lectures, cocktails, food, artist demonstrations, and interactive art projects. Programs are free, regular admission fees apply. For more info email: rbaldocchi@famsf.org , 415-750-7634

Saturday, November 17: Fillmore Farmers' Market –Last Saturday for 2007
Time: 9:00 am to 1 pm, (with live jazz starting at 10:30AM)
Location: Fillmore Center Plaza (Fillmore and O'Farrell)
Contact info: www.pcfma.com or (800) 949-FARM

Saturday, November 17: Art For Arts Sake - "Chain Link Fence" Art Show and Sale
Time: 11:00 am to 4 pm,
Location: East Fence along Octavia at Patricia's Green
This the first "chain link fence" art show on Art for Art's Sake. This is the first of what is to be a monthly event held every third Saturday, sponsored by Hayes Valley Art Coalition and benefits the art program at John Muir Elementary school. This first show is a small group of artists...but big on talent! For more information contact Chris Mejia, HVNA ACE Committee Chair, chris@elementslifestylegroup.com

Saturday, November 17: Western Addition Legal and Resource Fair and Block Party
Time: 11:00 am –3:00 pm
Location: African American Arts and Culture Complex 762 Fulton Street.
The event is Sponsored by District Attorney Kamala Harris, Supervisor Mirkarimi, Northern Police Station, African American Arts and Culture Complex, Mo' Magic, Ella Hill Hutch Community Center, Westside Community Services, Western Addition Family Resource Center, Japanese Community Youth Center.
The day consists of a block party with activities for kids, a barbecue hosted by Captain Casicato and Northern Police station officers. At the resource fair you will find help and services for Victims of Crime, Social Services, Job Training, Employment, Heath Care, Financial Services, Housing and more. Free refreshments and Turkey Raffle. For more information contact: Ethel Newlin: 415-553-1228.

Saturday, November 17: 4th Annual Giving Voice to the Season, Thanksgiving Dinner and Talent Show
Time: 12:00 pm –3:00 pm
Location: John Muir Elementary, 380 Webster @ Oak
Please join us to a celebration of community with Food and Entertainment and a Raffle to give away 30 Turkey's. The event is sponsored by Community Partners United, Mo Magic, Western Addition Beacon Center, Supervisor Mirkarimi, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice Community Support Fund and Faith Based Groups. For additional information contact Richard Johnson, 415-252-9644, safety@hayesvalleysf.org

Saturday, November 18: Tribute to Jack Davis
Time: 2:00 PM- 6:00 PM
Location: SomArts, 934 Brannan Street
Jack Davis was the Executive Director of SomArts for the past 12 years and has been active in the San Francisco arts for over 35 years. He has been responsible for SomArts' artistic direction and its development into a treasured San Francisco arts resource and also its current evolution into an arts presenter. Come pay tribute for more information contact SomArts: www.somarts.org, 415-552-2131.

Saturday, November 18: Night Bike Ride: Aquatic Park
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Panhandle Statue, Fell and Baker
Bike to the waterfront to take in the view and sounds of cable cars from this park's big cement steps. Don't forget your blinkies and snacks to share! For more information, e-mail robin@biteback.com or contact: Gus D'Angelo, gus@sfbike.org

Tuesday, November 20: San Francisco Plastic Bag Ban Bash
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: 111 Minna Gallery
Celebrate the passing of the first ordinance of its kind in the country, with happy hour, live music by DJ Brent Northey, an appearance by the bag monster, an Old Bag Chic and Trashy Fashion Show, and guest speakers including Supervisor Mirkarimi. Admission to the party is a $5.00 donation. Contact Emily Sutter: 415-355-3726

Tuesday, November 20: 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, November 28: Police Commission Meeting
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Grattan School
The Police Commission meeting is held in the Park Station District.

Wednesday, November 28: Police Commission Meeting
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Grattan School
The Police Commission meeting will be held in the Park Station District.

Saturday, December 1: Japantown Community Meeting regarding the Future of Japantown
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Japantown Cultural and Community Center, 1840 Sutter Street
The Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan is underway! The Planning Department and the Japantown community have held two townhall community meetings focused on the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan. The third is coming up! The future of Japan Center and Geary Boulevard are at stake. Improvements to land use and zoning, businesses, transportation, public space and the historic and cultural character throughout the neighborhood are under consideration.
At this meeting we will:
• Share the Planning Consultants' preliminary findings on historic and cultural preservation, economic development, open space and building heights.
• Share the preliminary concepts for improvements to Japan Center.
• Hear your ideas about the presented concepts.
We need to hear from you! Japanese translation will be provided. 日本語通訳付き。
If you haven't already reviewed the summary from the October 18th Community Workshop, visit our website at japantown.sfplanning.org to download the summary report and find out more about what has been going on.

Saturday, December 1: Japantown History Walk and Sensu (Fan)
Time: 1:00 –2:30 pm
Location: Starting point is Japantown Cultural and Community Center, 1840 Sutter Street
Sensu is located Webster Street median between Geary Boulevard and Post Street.
Join in the celebration Japantown walk and unveiling of the Sensu.

Saturday, December 1: Recreation and Park - Get Out and Play, Winter Course Registration
San Francisco Recreation and Parks Winter Course Registration begins Saturday, December 1, 2007. SF Recreation and Parks offers a range of activities for the entire family, including: swimming, Tiny Tot, dance, golf, latchkey programs, lawn bowling, music, photography, basketball, science and environmental education, senior programs, art, soccer, softball, track, tennis, and much more! The Department's Project Insight division oversees all recreation programs for people with disabilities. To learn more about Rec and Parks registration process and how to register online visit www.sfRecOnline.org or call 831.6800.

Wednesday, December 5: City Hall - The Tree of Hope Lighting
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: City Hall - Rotunda
Thousands of Origami Cranes inscribed with wishes from for the future from around the world will grace The Tree of Hope in the Rotunda of City Hall. The tree lighting will be accompanied with a concert with San Francisco Boys Chorus. The Tree of Hope is an artistic and philanthropic collaboration between members of the LGBT and Japanese American Community.

Thursday and Friday, December 6 & 7: CPUC 17th Holiday Crafts Faire 2007
Time: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: California Public Utilities Commission,Training Room A, 505 Van Ness Avenue
Featuring: pottery, jewelry, crochet items, olive oil, ornaments, cards, blankets, soaps, baked goods, condiments, & much more. all raffle sale proceeds will benefit the JOHN MUIR SCHOOL. For more information contact: Laura Lei 415-703-1677.

Friday, December 7: 18th Annual Hayes Valley Merchants Block Party
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Hayes Street between Laguna and Franklin
All merchants on Hayes Street between Laguna and Franklin and side streets of Laguna, Octavia and Gough between Fell and Grove invite the community to come shop, enjoy food, drink, and music. Once again this year, there will be a SFFD toy drop off for children in need located at Hayes & Octavia. HVNA members will be providing cookies and hot chocolate at the Green again this year.

In keeping with their traditional support for the neighborhood, stores will be participating in a fund raising drive for Camp Sunburst, a summer camp for children with HIV and their families. Please come out to help us raise money for this very worthy cause.

This festive annual event brings out neighbors and others to see Holiday offerings in the shops, eat at local restaurants and participate in our sense of community. Other planned activities include a gospel choir strolling, carol singing at Patricia's Green, cookies and hot chocolate at the Green, and the SFFD fire truck collecting donated toys. This year the Hayes Valley merchants kicked off the season by donating $1000.00 to the SFFD Bikes for Kids program.

Sunday, December 9: Kimochi Silver Bells Arts & Crafts Faire
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Hotel Kabuki in Japantown (formerly Miyako Hotel), 1625 Post Street
This free one-day event features handcrafted items made by more than 40 talented Asian and Pacific Islander artisans. There will be raffle drawings throughout the day with lots of wonderful prizes donated by participating vendors. Contact Emily Hsieh, 415-931-2294, www.kimochi-inc.org .

Tuesday, December 11: Park District Police Community Forum
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Park Station Community Room @ Park Station
Contact Park Police Station: sfpd.park.station@sfgov.org, 415-242-3000

Thursday, December 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.


Ongoing

Fillmore Farmers' Market – Every Saturday, April to November 17, 2007
Time: 9:00 am to 1 pm, (with live jazz starting at 10:30AM)
Location: Fillmore Center Plaza (Fillmore and O'Farrell)
Contact info: 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 - November 17, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Contact: Lisa Bastick lmbastick@yahoo.com
or 415-921-3109.

Alvord Lake Area, Golden Gate Park – November 24, from 9am - 12pm.
Contact: Karen Crommie
kcrommie@aol.com

Buena Vista Park - December 1, 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 - December 8, from 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
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: