RECENT HEADLINES AND NEWS

September 2008

In this edition:

• Supervisor Mirkarimi Creates Ex-offender Reentry Council
• Public Hearing on Theater Marquee Legislation
• John Muir New Class a Success
• One City One Book: San Francisco Reads
• New Statewide Renters' Rights Organization
• Join the Adopt-A-Street Program
• Supervisor Mirkarimi Responds to Plans to Scale Back Street Cleaning
• Save the 6 Parnassus
• Opportunity Impact: Opportunities for Volunteers and 4th Graders
• September 13: A Day of Neighborhood Cleanups and BBQs
• September 13: Celebrating the Japanese Cultural and Community Center's 35th Anniversary
• September 17: Rec & Park Community Meeting
• September 19: (PARK)ing Day!
• September 19, Third Friday Art Party: Open Your Eyes
• September 21: Cole Valley Fair
• October 10: Sustainable Fabric Trade Show
• 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 Creates Ex-offender Reentry Council
San Francisco suffers from a chronic crime problem. Supervisor Mirkarimi has been trying to spotlight that nearly 70 percent of the City's ex-offenders are likely to repeat a criminal offense within three years of being released from jail or prison. The reentry system has failed, and there has been no comprehensive approach in trying to turn it around. On Tuesday, September 9th, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed, Supervisor Mirkarimi's legislation creating a Reentry Council to coordinate the disparate and disconnected City programs that help ex-offenders make the difficult transition from incarceration back into society. Supervisor Mirkarimi in collaboration with Public Defender Jeff Adachi, District Attorney Kamala Harris, and Sheriff Michael Hennessey crafted this legislation to increase the effectiveness of City-wide efforts to reduce recidivism and violence, and promote safe and successful reentry into society for adults released from jails and prisons.

The Reentry Council will be composed of persons who were formerly incarcerated, city department heads, and state and federal partners. The full Reentry Council will meet at least three times yearly, with robust subcommittees composed of diverse stakeholders, such as community and faith-based organizations, working on the range of supervision, treatment, and services necessary for successful reentry. The Reentry Council will be the City's official advisory body and subject matter expert on issues related to adult reentry and would provide regular reports on the subject to the Mayor, Board of Supervisors, and the public.

Public Hearing on Theater Marquee Legislation
On September 24th, the Land Use and Economic Development committee will hold a public hearing on Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi's legislation that seeks to protect and restore historic movie theater marquees and projecting signs. 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 projecting 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. For details of the time when the meeting will be held, check during the week of the 22nd.

John Muir New Class a Success
On August 25th, John Muir Elementary School celebrated the first day of school. John Muir has come a long way in just three years since it was on the brink of being closed by the SFUSD. The threatened closure led to the re-formation of the John Muir Parent Teacher Association. which has helped revitalize the school. John Muir is now fully enrolled and thriving. We'd like to thank the hard work of the community-based groups, the PTA, Principal Arlene Wheaton, and the new family liaison, Sandra Estrada, and we wish them all well in the new school year. This is an example of how a dedicated PTA and help from the community can transform struggling urban schools.

One City One Book: San Francisco Reads
One City One Book: San Francisco Reads is an annual citywide literary event that encourages members of the San Francisco community to read the same book at the same time and then discuss it in book groups and at events throughout the City. For 2008, The San Francisco Public Library and One City One Book partners are excited to explore and celebrate San Francisco author Tamim Ansary's memoir West of Kabul, East of New York: An Afghan American Story, which describes Ansary's life as an Afghan-American in post-9/11 America and describes Afghan culture from the time of "old Afghanistan," through Soviet rule, and later the Taliban. One City One Book will consist of more than 20 events including book discussions, author events, films screenings and more. Events begin September 6th and continue through October 26th. For a more information, including a complete schedule, see sfpl.lib.ca.us/news/ocob/onecity.htm.

New Statewide Renters' Rights Organization
We'd like to introduce Tenants Together, a new statewide renters' rights organization based here in San Francisco. Founded by Dean Preston, longtime D5 resident and former attorney at the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, Tenants Together is the first statewide renter's rights organization in decades. Joining Dean are former SEIU organizer Nela Hadzic and local activist Andy Blue, as well as diverse board that includes Ted Gullicksen of the SF Tenants' Union.

In San Francisco, thanks to the work of so many of you, tenants are well-organized and have fought successfully to obtain important local protections and rights. But too often, these rights are undermined by bad state policies that result in evictions, rent hikes and displacement. Without a strong statewide tenant movement, San Francisco tenants will continue to be evicted and abused by greedy speculators who benefit from unfair state laws like the Ellis Act. We must unite with tenants across the state to bring about real change for tenants.

Tenants Together is leading the way in galvanizing a statewide renters' rights movement to secure fairness and justice for tenants here in San Francisco and across California. Visit www.tenantstogether.org to sign up for their alerts and to learn how you can get involved in the statewide movement for renters' rights.

Join the Adopt-A-Street Program
Adopt-A-Street is a partnership between the City and its merchants and residents. The program is simple: groups or individuals agree to adopt a street or an area and take responsibility for keeping it clean. The program is administered by the San Francisco Department of Public Works' Bureau of Street and Environmental Services. Started as a pilot in 1998, the Adopt-A-Street Program now has dozens of merchant and neighborhood associations signed on and cleaning up their sidewalks.

Individuals, corporations or merchant associations, make an agreement with the City to keep their sidewalk and street clean. The Department of Public Works will supply brooms, trash bags, and gloves to help fulfill this obligation. For more information, go to www.sfgov.org/site/sfdpw_page.asp?id=33010.

Supervisor Mirkarimi Responds to Plans to Scale Back Street Cleaning
Recently, we learned that the Department of Public Works (DPW) seeks to reduce street cleaning services north of Geary Blvd (Districts 2 and 5) and to reduce the services of the Clean Corridor Program along Haight Street. The Supervisor strenuously opposes any reduction of services. He has met with DPW Director Ed Resiken and senior management to convey his position. The same message has been relayed to the Mayor. With the constant challenges in tackling the grime, there is no basis for reversing course or to privatize services at taxpayer or merchant expense. DPW has heard the concerns and has agreed to work with the Supervisor in retaining the program on Lower and Upper Haight. The Supervisor also supports a moratorium on any reduction of street cleaning until a community process that justifies this action is explained.

Save the 6 Parnassus
Supervisor Mirkarimi is steadfast in opposing any changes to Muni's 6 Parnassus route. The MTA and its Board of Directors (all appointed by the Mayor) is an independent decision-making body that is not subject to Board of Supervisors' oversight. When changes to service are proposed, it's important for riders and residents to make their opinions known to not just Ross, but to the MTA and the Mayor as well:
- Mayor Gavin Newsom: gavin.newsom@sfgov.org
- MTA Board of Directors at MTABoard@sfmta.com
- Transit Effectiveness Project staff at info@sftep.com

There is also one more chance to give public comment at the next SFMTA Board of Directors meeting.
When: Tuesday, September 16th at 3:30 and 5:30
Where: City Hall Room 400
The TEP Hearing with public comment will begin at 3:30 pm. A second public comment period will begin at 5:30 pm following a Board recess. These meetings are open to the public and provide an opportunity for residents, riders and other stakeholdres to offer feedback regarding the staff recommendations. For more information, see www.sfmta.com/cms/mtep/tepover.htm.

Opportunity Impact: Opportunities for Volunteers and 4th Graders
Opportunity Impact currently has open enrollment for 4th grade students until the end of September and they are also looking for community members to volunteers. The Opportunity Impact program is designed to provide high-risk youth and youth in public housing with the same support and opportunities as youth growing up in more affluent communities. Their five year program starts with students in grade 4, working with them through the critical formative years until grade 8. For more information, see www.opportunityimpact.org/ or email Info@OpportunityImpact.org. For information on volunteering or internships, see their website.

September 13: A Day of Neighborhood Cleanups and BBQs
Fillmore-Turk Mini Park Cleanup
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Location: Fillmore St. between Turk and Golden Gate
Join the Neighborhood Parks Council and the Recreation and Park Department for an important park clean-up workday at Fillmore-Turk Mini Park! Volunteers will be helping local residents revitalize the park. Volunteers will be digging a trench for a new irrigation system that RPD will install. The irrigation system will help ensure that the park stays clean and green! Please RSVP to (415) 621-3260 or sojure@sfnpc.org, or just show up!

Monthly Koshland Park Work Day
Time: Saturday 10 am-1 pm
Location: Meet at Koshland Park basketball court, corner of Page and Buchanan.
Come help out and enjoy beautiful Koshland Garden. We will be preparing our garden beds for Fall with John Muir Elementary School students who use this special garden as their outdoor classroom. Tools, gloves and snacks will be provided. Contact info: Nora, garden coordinator at noraborealis@juno.com or 424-5770.

Page Street Garden BBQ
Time: Saturday Noon-4 pm
ocation: Page between Webster and Buchanan. Community potluck, BBQ and entertainment. For more information, contact Michael, the garden coordinator, at 902-9537.

September 13: Celebrating the Japanese Cultural and Community Center's 35th Anniversary
The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) is celebrating its 35th anniversary and honoring Executive Director, Paul Osaki, for his 20 years of leadership. Since its inception, the JCCCNC has set a mission to preserve and promote the Japanese American cultural and historical heritage. Through the support of its hard working staff and countless volunteers, the JCCCNC has become a vital leader in the fight to preserve the Japanese American heritage locally, nationally, and globally. The incredible success of the JCCCNC over the past 35 years can only be interpreted as a sign of good things to come.

The success of the JCCCNC can be attributed to its Executive Director of 20 years, Paul Osaki. Over that time, Paul has taken the Center and created a model community-based organization and has contributed numerous programs that have positively impacted San Francisco to expanding the relations between the community and Japan. We cannot thank Paul enough for his service and can only hope he will be on the front line for the Japanese American community for years to come.

The celebration will take place at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, beginning with a 4 p.m. cocktail reception and silent auction followed by dinner and the main program at 5:30. Complimentary shuttle service available from Japantown. For information on reserving a space, please see www.jcccnc.org.

September 17: Rec & Park Community Meeting
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Margaret S. Hayward Playground community center, 1016 Laguna Street at Golden Gate Avenue
Do you have questions about neighborhood parks or ideas about how to improve them? This is your chance to talk with staff from the Recreation and Park Department. Rec and Park has organized the City parks into Neighborhood Service Areas (NSAs). District 5 is covered by Neighborhood Service Area 3. (We agree that this is somewhat confusing.) Rec and Park will be holding occasional NSA meetings, which will provide an opportunity to talk with the park section supervisors who oversee gardening staff and help submit work orders for park repairs, the custodial section supervisor who oversees custodians, and the recreation section supervisor who oversees recreation staff.

For a map of the parks in NSA 3 and contact information for concerns about the parks, see this PDF: parks.sfgov.org/wcm_recpark/NSA/FSNSA3.pdf, or call 831-2748 or email rpd.nsa3@sfgov.org. For more information on NSA community meetings, see sfnpc.org/NSAcommunitymeetings.

September 19: (PARK)ing Day!
National PARK(ing) Day is an opportunity to celebrate open space by creating temporary public parks in public parking spaces. PARK(ing) Day began in San Francisco in 2005 when the art collective REBAR transformed a metered parking space into a temporary park. In 2007, National PARK(ing) Day spawned more than 200 new parks in more than fifty cities nationwide and around the world. If you would like to get involved, you're encouraged to create your own park. Read the updated How-To Manual and License (PDFs).

More information:
- www.parkingday.org/ will have a map of planned parks
- photos and video of PARK(ing) Days past
- CNN video from 2007
- PARK(ing) Day Google Group

September 19, Third Friday Art Party: Open Your Eyes
Black and White Photography by Youth from California Lawyers for the Arts' Spotlight on the Arts program
When: Friday, September 19th
Time: 5:30 to 8:00pm
Where: Supervisor Mirkarimi's office, Room 282 at City Hall

OPEN YOUR EYES is a show of black and white photography on the theme of "community," featuring images of the Western Addition taken on a "Photographer's Walk" led by instructor and curator Sam Samuelson. The photographers are 2007-2008 Spotlight on the Arts' participants Abrahim Adewunmi, Alejandro Rodriguez, Andrea Ward, Cally Wong, Carolyn Yang, Jacalyn Ho, Liliana Cortez, Lynice Fisher, Marcella Reed, Monique Ransburg, Musiliu Adewunmi, Noelle Garza, Nohemi Romero, Sharon Lew, Vicky Sio, Yen Nguyen, and Zaid Anwar. Through Spotlight on the Arts, California Lawyers for the Arts has placed more than 500 teens in jobs in the arts and provided enrichment programming that include job readiness, conflict resolution, civic advocacy, careers in the arts, tours of cultural facilities, hands-on arts projects and field trips to cultural events since its inception in 1993. For more information about this program, please visit their website at www.calawyersforthearts.org/spotlight.html.

This program is supported by the San Francisco Department of Children Youth & Their Families, The Tom Merit Hancock Family Fund, The Kimball Foundation, The GGS Foundation, van Loben Sels/RembeRock Foundation, LEF Foundation, Isabelle Allende Foundation, Bernard E. & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation, Lennar Corporation, Wells Fargo, PG&E, and Diane B. Wilsey.

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.

This event is free and open to the general public.

September 21: Cole Valley Fair
(10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) Mark your calendars and come join your neighbors for a festive day in the heart of Cole Valley(Cole Street between Carl and Grattan)! There will be local art, local musicians, local food, a display of the neighborhood's vintage cars, and lots of children's entertainment. This year's festival is proudly being organized and run by the Cole Valley Improvement Association. Proceeds go to improving our community and to creating a cleaner, safer Cole Valley. The organizers are looking for volunteers who can help out for an hour or more between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, see cviasf.org/cole-valley-fair-september-21-2008. To volunteer, or if you have questions or comments, email colevalleyfair@gmail.com.

October 10: Sustainable Fabric Trade Show
Newly-formed fashion apparel trade association, peopleWearSF, is organizing the first sustainable textile trade show for apparel companies in the San Francisco and Bay Area to see for the first time what these fabrics look like: recycled polyester fabrics produced from polyester garments, recycled cotton fabrics produced from other fabrics. Organic cotton fiber is a very small part of the fashion business, and local apparel companies really want to use fabrics that don't harm our environment. Tell local designers, local apparel manufacturers to contact peopleWearSF at www.peoplewearsf.org, attention President Jeffrey Betcher or Vice President Gail Baugh (and D5 resident) about attending the ground-breaking event. Supervisor Mirkarimi will be dropping by during the event. The trade show will take place on Friday, October 10th between 10 am and 5 pm at the San Francisco State University Downtown Center campus, which is located at 835 Market Street between 4th and 5th.

Looking for a Job?

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, educational and organizing campaigns that support grassroots solutions. We 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES
CFJC is looking for a dynamic, motivated and entrepreneurial individual who will work with the CFJC steering committee to build and grow the Coalition. The position requires a diverse skill set and the ideal candidate would possess a range of skills in organizational development, policy advocacy, and program development.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Minimum of three (3) years in a nonprofit management and/or administrative role, including experience with budgeting and fiscal management.
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience required.

HOW TO APPLY: See their website or download the application form (PDF).

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

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.

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. Park clean-ups, community celebrations, farmers' market, trips to urban and rural organic farms, bike rides/alternative transpiration and more events are planned! 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 information about applying, 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. 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

Saturday, September 13th: 11th Annual Friends of Duboce Park - Tag Sale
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Duboce Park
Tag sale and hamburger stand. Donations accepted at the big moving truck parked near the Photography Center from 5:30-7 p.m. through Friday the 12th. Bring your books, videos, clothes, linens, furniture, kitchen items, baskets, decorative, seasonal, sporting goods, toys, expensive stuff. All proceeds will be used for improvements to Duboce Park. For more information, email rosie@dubocepark.com

Saturday, September 13th: Sunset District 4th Annual Autumn Moon Festival
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Irving Street (22nd Avenue to 25th Avenue
For information, see www.autumnmoonfestival.com.

Saturday, September 13th: Work Party at Koshland Garden
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Corner of Page and Buchanan streets
Come out and help prepare garden beds for use this semester by John Muir Elementary School students. Tools, gloves, and snacks will be provided.
Contact: Nora Brereton (415) 424-5770

Saturday, September 13th : Page Street Garden BBQ!
Time: Noon-4pm
Location: Page between Webster and Buchanan Streets
Come out and enjoy a community potluck with BBQ and entertainment.
Contact: Michael 902-9537

Saturday, September 13th: JCCCNC 2008 Annual Event
Time: 4pm
Location: Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street
In celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California presents "Salute t o a Vision," in recognition of Executive Director Paul Osaki for his 20 years of vision and leadership at the JCCCNC and in serving the community for the past 30 years. For more information, see www.jcccnc.org/

Sunday, September 14th: Sunday Streets
Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 4.5 miles of open space along the Embarcadero and 3rd Street from Portsmouth Square to Bayview Opera House.
Come out and skip, skate, bike, stroll and sample different types of physical activity. For more information, see www.SundayStreetsSF.com

Sunday, September 14th: Celebration for Pastor D. Dewayne Christmas
Time: 3:30pm
Location: 240 Page Street
Jerusalem Church is holding a special service to honor Pastor D. DeWayne Christmas for his 7th year of service to the church and also for his 45th birthday.

Tuesday, September 16th: Transit Effectiveness Project (TEP) Meeting
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: City Hall Room 400
Transit Effectiveness revised recommendations for route changes and travel time/reliability improvements will be heard by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors. The TEP Hearing with public comment will begin at 3:30 pm. A second public comment period will begin at 5:30 pm following a Board recess. For more information, see www.sfmta.com/cms/mtep/tepover.htm.

Wednesday, September 17th: Neighborhood Parks Council Fundraising Gala
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: Duboce Park, San Francisco (between Scott and Steiner)
For information, see www.sfnpc.org/gala08

Thursday, September 18th: North of Panhandle Neighborhood Association
Time: 7 p.m to 9 p.m.
Location: Cafe Neon, 1801 McAllister
Monthly meeting. Find out what is happening with Harding Theater. For information, see www.nopasf.org.

Friday, September 19th: Parking Day in San Francisco
What: In San Francisco and other major cities around the country - where you can turn "any" parking space into a mobile "park". (lat year San Francisco hast the most parks in the USA).

Sunday, September 20th: Patricia's Green Cleanup
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Corner of Hayes and Octavia
Tools, gloves, supplies, food, and drink will be Provided.
Contact: Henry at 626-6906 or hostendo@dor.ca.gov.

Saturday, September 20: Author reading at Western Addition Branch
Time: 2pm
Location: 1550 Scott St., SF, 415.355.5727
San Francisco author Tamim Ansary's reads from his memoir, West of Kabul, East of New York: An Afghan American Story, as part of the One City One Book event.

Thursday, September 25th: Presidio Trust Workshop
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Presidio Officers' Club, 50 Moraga Ave.
Workshop with additional opportunities to the public to discuss the Draft Main Post Plan. For more information, see www.presidio.gov.

Saturday, September 27th: Black Family Day 2008
Time: 11am-5pm
Location: Margaret Hayward Playground at Laguna and Golden Gate
"Back to the Beginning" is the theme for the 4th Annual San Francisco Black Family Day in the Western Addition. The event will be devoted to uniting and reuniting families and will include a carnival, free food, pie contest, face painting, vendor tables, and more!
Contact: www.brothersforchange.org

Monday, September 29th: 3rd Annual Reentry Summit
Time: 8am - 4pm
Location: Novellus Theater; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater, 700 Howard Street
The San Francisco Safe Communities Reentry Council will host its 3rd Annual Reentry Summit, "Reentry Works." This year's free Summit will focus on employment opportunities for ex-offenders and will highlight several local initiatives including the Enterprise Zone tax credit for employers who hire ex-offenders. Panelists include formerly incarcerated individuals, criminal justice and workforce development experts and employers. At least 500 attendees are expected! Click here for more information.
For more information: call 415-553-9349, email reentry.council@sfgov.org, or go to sfreentry.com/.

Wednesday, October 1st: 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/.

Saturday, October 4th: Sandcastle Classic 25th Anniversery
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Ocean Beach, just south of the Cliff House
The Sandcastle Classic is Northern Califonia's largest sandcastle building event. Every year Leap hosts this spirited competition between teams of architects, engineers, contractors, designers and local elementary school students. For more information, see leap4kids.org.

Thursday, October 9th: John Muir PTA Meeting
Time: 9am & 7pm
Location: John Muir Elementary located 380 Webster (at Oak)
Join faculty, students, parents and concerned community members as we partner to assure quality education for all children. For more information, contact Gail Baugh at 626-6120 or g.baugh@sbcglobal.net.

Friday, October 10th: Sustainable Fabric Trade Show
Time: 10 am-5 pm
Location: San Francisco State University Downtown Center campus, 835 Market Street between 4th and 5th
Newly-formed fashion apparel trade association, peopleWearSF, is organizing the first sustainable textile trade show for apparel companies in the San Francisco and Bay Area to see for the first time what these fabrics look like. For more information, see www.peoplewearsf.org.

Ongoing

August through September
Location: Museum of the African Diaspora (685 Mission St.)
MoAD presents a selection of works from the 19th and 20th centuries that will highlight African American history, as well as the history of photography itself

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: 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: 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

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: North Police Station Community Meeting
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: North Station, 1125 Fillmore Street

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

Tuesday, October 7th to December 16th: Parenting Classes
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Western Addition Family Resource Center, 1426 Fillmore #303
Improve your parenting skills and learn new tools! For more information contact Shahara Godfrey at (415) 202-9770 ext.107.

SFPD's Children's Fishing Program
If you know any kids who would love to go fishing or take a nature stroll at Pier 39 contact Officer Bob Ford at the SFPD's Youth Fishing Program (415) 401-4664.

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, hosted by the Friends of Alamo Square.
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.

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.

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.

Board of Supervisors Information

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