Redistricting: "Community Unity Map"

I received this today from a friend involved in this effort.  Forty-five people have already indicated on the Facebook page that they'll be at the March 7th meeting advocating for this map. 

There will also be a Redistricting Task Force meeting Thursday March 1, 2012, 6:00pm at Everett Middle School, 450 Church St.

Community Unity Map

This is an invitation to a very important meeting that will literally shape San Francisco's future. A broad coalition of community organizations and neighborhood leaders will present and advocate for a Community Unity map to the Redistricting Task Force, trying to fight off the gerrymandering efforts of business and real estate forces. It is critical that you make your voice heard!


REDISTRICTING TASK FORCE
Wednesday March 7, 2012, 6:00pm, Room 406, City Hall
http://www.facebook.com/events/269745206427472/

Portola Garden Tour Presentations

Portola Garden Tour Presentations at The Portola Branch Library, 380 Bacon St.

Come see one or two (or both) presentations about The Portola Garden Tour past and present on:

Wednesday, March 7th from noon—1:00 p.m. 
with Larry Zabo, neighborhood activist and Portola Garden Tour and Scholarship Committee member

or 

Wednesday, March 14th 6:30-7:30 p.m. 
with Ruth Wallace, Portola Garden Tour Organizer

See The Portola’s beautiful hidden gardens.

Learn why The Portola has always been San Francisco’s Garden District

Find out how you can be part of this fun, neighborhood event

Mark your calendar for the Portola Garden Tour on Saturday, September 29th, 2012

PNSC Action Planning Workshop

Thursday, March 8, 2012
6PM - 7:30PM
1 Burrows St
RSVP 415-574-9170

Your input will help identify community concerns and priority actions for 2012 update of the Portola Action Plan.

Potential issues to be addressed include:

• Community health and safety
• Streetscape design and physical appearance
• Neighborhood events and activities
• Business attraction and promotion
• Other activities to help the Portola better serve its residents, merchants, and community stakeholeders

Come hear community updates from Supervisor David Campos and Bayview SFPD Captain Paul Chignell

Silver Terrace Wellness Day Meeting

Last summer, many D10 residents participated in the first ever Silver Terrace Wellness Day at the Silver Terrace Playground.  Those of us who helped to organize it had a lot of fun doing it, getting to know our neighbors, and putting on an event that the whole community enjoyed, so we want to do it again.

If you are interested in helping, I'd like to invite you to a meeting on:

Thursday, March 8, 6:30-7:30PM at Portola Family Connections, 2565 San Bruno Ave.
RSVP: Chris Waddling, cawaddling@gmail.com

At this meeting, we will talk about last year’s event, gauge interest in Wellness Day 2012, and will ask for help in areas such as organization, language (Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese) and neighbor outreach.

Even if you don't have a lot of time, but you would still like to get involved, recommend someone you know who could help, or just want to meet your neighbors, we'd love to see you next Thursday.

If you are unable to attend next Thursday, but would still like to help or be informed of our progress, please let me know.

RSVP if you plan to attend Thursday.

Third Street Corridor Project Meeting

Last night, the Third Street Corridor Project hosted a meeting attended by roughly 200 Bayview residents who wanted to weigh in on the future of our neighborhood.  Due to a family emergency, I was unable to attend, but resident Mary deJesus was there, and had this to say:

Last night 200 plus people packed the Bayview Opera House to engage in what was billed as a workshop to address community concerns in the Bayview.  This meeting boasted some of the City’s political heavy hitters: members of SF Mayor Ed Lee’s staff; District 10 Supervisor Malia Cohen and staff; and Bayview Police Captain Paul Chignell.  With recent homicides and increased scrutiny of the "Town Center" area at Mendell Plaza, the meeting could have been solely safety oriented. In fact, without a reduction in crime in the area, no other proposals for the Third Street Corridor can even hope to get off the ground.

So, what could have been an opportunity to “pick the brains of” and engage these City heavyweights, resulting in a solutions-oriented forum, instead became what felt to some  like a “musical chairs”  session.  Participants were herded and shuttled into several groups that were then tasked with identifying Community concerns, producing action items which were prioritized by popular vote.

Despite the night’s almost carnival-like atmosphere, a positive outcome was achieved, in that a dialogue of area concerns was reportedly compiled.  Future meetings, according to the evening’s host, James Moore of the Third St Corridor Project, will address blight (social and physical); job creation; beautification and utilization of Mendell Plaza; and health and safety in the Bayview.

It is this writer’s hopes that a carefully cultivated forum conducive to sober conversation will also be on the agenda.

Deal on solar for homeowners -- webinar tonight

If you're a homeowner: On behalf of the Adobe Green Team SunShares program, you're invited to learn more about an exciting discount on residential solar installations through a group-buy agreement with SunPower.  Adobe (yes, the computer software folks), has this program going on now, and it's also available to employees' friends, families, and neighbors.

Learn about the discount, have your questions answered by representatives from SunPower, and if you like, sign up for a free quote (no obligation) through this special informational evening webinar.

Thursday, February 23, 2012
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Register for the webinar: http://www.facebook.com/events/367602206584064/

Adobe Green Team SunShares: Friends & Family Evening Webinar

Latest Redistricting Draft Map

Feb 23 Task Force Working Draft Map

Here's the latest working map from the Redistricting Task Force dated Feb 6.  If you have comments, please attend one of the few remaining meetings, or email the task force.

The next meetings will be:

• February 23, 2012 - First Presbyterian Church
• March 01, 2012 - Everett Middle School
• March 12, 2012 - West Portal Elementary School

FREE Summer Resource Fair

Saturday, March 3
10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Concourse Exhibition Center
8th & Brannan Streets

Looking for fun, healthy activities for your child this summer? Want to try something new this year but are overwhelmed by the choices? Does your student need additional academic support? Does your teen need a summer job or volunteer opportunity? Check out SFKids.org for camps and classes and come to the free, annual Summer Resource Fair with activities and information for kids of all ages, including info about Teen Opportunities for jobs, volunteer positions and internships.

Join families with children of all ages at this fun, free showcase of summer activities for children, youth, and families.

Entertainment | Giveaways | Demonstrations | Hands-on activities

Information about camps and classes

More info about exhibitors, entertainment and activities at www.SFKids.org

Presented by the SFkids.org, SFUSD Student Support Services Department, and the Department of Children, Youth & Their Families.

HEALTH & WELLNESS at the Bayview YMCA

UCSF’s School of Pharmacy and Children’s Health Hut will attend the Bayview YMCA Health Fair. Please join us in taking advantage of health screenings with pharmacy students and licensed pharmacists, and several other activities that promote health and wellness. Scheduled activities will include the following:

Blood pressure & Cholesterol Screenings    Blood Glucose Screenings
Nutritional Health Information    Medical: BMI and Vision Screenings

A FAMILY DAY OF
Patient Medication Consultation
Dental Screenings, Fluoride Varnish
Tobacco Awareness Project
Women’s Health Organization

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25, 2012 11:00 – 4:00PM
BAYVIEW YMCA 1601 LANE STREET SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124 P 415 822 7728
FREE TO THE COMMUNITY

Healthy Snacks and Refreshments Provided

Radio Africa Kitchen

Mark your calendars, folks!  Radio Africa Kitchen is opening soon at 4800 Third St!!  The above is an invitation a friend received to their pre-opening (closed) event, but according to their website, the restaurant will officially be open as of March 8!!

Restaurant Opening
March 7th, 2012

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

We first want to thank you ALL very much for your patience and support. After months of hard work and planning, we are ready to take the Plunge on March 7th – and open our new restaurant in Bay View.

Please join us for our Opening Night Party! Wednesday, March 7th at 5pm -- 4800 Third Street in San Francisco. We will have food, drinks and live music as we celebrate this special occasion.  By reservation only – please email radioafricak@yahoo.com (or call 415.420.2486).

And beginning the very next day, Thursday, March 8th, we will be open for business serving dinners Tuesday – Saturday evenings, 5:30 – 9:30pm. We are taking reservations now so please email radioafricak@yahoo.com (or call 415.420.2486).

On April 3rd we will begin serving lunch, Tuesday – Sunday 11am – 3pm.

Again, thank you all for your help on this long but exciting journey. Looking forward to seeing you at the restaurant soon!

A good run for Bayview's Miller

From girlboxing.com,

For the middleweight contest, Tika Hemingway took control of the bout against Raquel Miller with quicker hands and a savvy ring style that saw her to set the pace.  Tika's style also meant that she was able to gain a decisive lead from the first round on taking the decision with a final score of 21-6.

Bummer. 

Suggestions for Mendell Plaza

My coworker today suggested that the hardscape in Mendell Plaza be ripped up entirely and all the land there that is owned by the city be converted into Mendell Children's Playground, which would then be accompanied by a low fence and the following signage (like that near City Hall/Civic Center):

CPC 653G Signage: No Adults Allowed

Others have separately suggested the space become a Quesada Gardens Initiative site. A fenced-off children’s playground could include a garden of raised beds, overseen by QGI volunteers, Radio Afrika folks, program directors at the Opera House, teachers and students at Carver Elementary, etc.

Someone else suggested the Bishop Blight Building be converted to a police substation.

These may not be the answers, but it's tangential ideas like this that will get us somewhere better than we are today.  Of course, money is the biggest obstacle, followed closely by any number of reasons.

What are your thoughts?

Taste of Potrero

Taste of Potrero is back! We are holding a pre-sale for friends and family in Potrero Hill. We sold out last year so buy your tickets NOW.

A fundraiser for Daniel Webster Elementary School

SOMArts
934 Brannan Street
San Francisco CA 94103
Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012
from: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
VIP from 6 to 7PM

tasteofpotrero.com

Pre-Sale tix

https://www.blueskyingit.com/auction/home.jsf?entry=register&org=rch13g5u

Black Cuisine 2012

From the Bayview Footprints Newsletter:

Save the date for one of Bayview Hunters Points most cherished traditions:

Black Cuisine 2012

The 32nd annual festival is planned for Saturday, March 3rd from 11 am to 7 pm at the Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center located at 1706 Yosemite at 3rd.

Live entertainment on three stages will run all day and include jazz, R&B, hip hop, soul, blues, classical oldies and gospel.  Admission is free thanks to support from Lennar Urban, Sysco, and Wells Fargo Bank.

Bayview Hunter's Point YMCA to Launch the "Wright Steps Mentoring Program" in March 2012

SAN FRANCISCO, February 21, 2012 - - When NFL Cornerback, Eric Wright and his wife LaTanya decided to bring a mentoring program to the neighborhood where Eric grew up, there was no better partner to align with than the Bayview Hunters Point Y, a beacon of hope in the Bayview Hunters Point community for many years.  The central themes of character development, overcoming adversity, and community service that Eric and LaTanya believe in are being combined with the Y’s Mentoring Model, a proven mentoring curriculum.  “Mentoring is a platform for young people to engage and align with positive role models that can move them towards their fullest potential,” Gina Fromer, District Vice President, Bayview, Buchanan and Mission YMCA’s. Together, the Wrights and the Y will empower young people through the support of committed mentors in a neighborhood that’s among the city’s highest rates of truancy, crime, and substance abuse.

Eric Wright was a stand-out high school athlete and student at Arch Bishop Riordan High School before attending USC and later transferring to UNLV.  Eric was selected 53rd overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns where he played for 4 seasons before joining the resurgent Detroit Lions and their impressive run to the playoffs this season.  Eric has always had a passion for helping youth and sharing his personal story of overcoming adversity and persevering through difficult times – a passion that he shares with his wife, LaTanya. After getting married in 2010, they founded the Wright Steps Foundation to assist youth who are determined to succeed, and to promote community service as a vehicle to bring solutions to the issues facing disenfranchised communities.

In conjunction with the Bayview Hunters Point Y, the Wright Steps Mentoring Program will:

·     Serve high school-aged teenagers who may have made some poor choices and are in need of guidance, support, and a “second chance” to get back on track

·   Incorporate fun and engaging activities such as college tours, guest speakers, rap sessions, and field trips, exposing mentees to opportunities outside of their immediate everyday surroundings

·     Utilize the Y’s Youth Development strategies and risk management protocols to ensure the safety of our youth

·    Utilize monthly community service projects as one of the primary vehicles for mentor-mentee engagement

·    Include an introductory sports event to engage the mentors and mentees, and to break down “trust barriers” as they begin their match period of six months

·     Features a culminating event at the end of the match period, where participants will be recognized and celebrated

·   Measure and report the results to continually improve the program and deepen its impact

With an expected launch date in mid-March, Eric Wright is making a personal appeal to those with a heart for young people and the community to become a mentor and provide the gift of their time and attention.  While the problems of our city may seem large, together we can chart a new direction for San Francisco’s most disadvantaged by supporting the growth and development of one young person at a time – and by doing so, we will encourage the aspirations of their friends, families and others throughout the community. 

“I think this is a fantastic program. I am really excited about this because of the positive benefit that it will provide the youth in our community. Professionals in the community are excited about the opportunity as well- many have said they had positive role models growing up and didn’t even realize it. They are happy to have the opportunity to give back to youth in the community. Without the mentors and role models I had growing up, I probably would have gotten in trouble and missed the opportunities that I had growing up through sports and school.”

Mike Kirtman, Bayview Community native and Wright Steps Program Coordinator (Mike went to college on a football scholarship and played in the NFL for 3 years.

“Throughout our lives we were fortunate enough to have positive mentors to support and guide us.  Whether it be family members, coaches, or teachers, we always had someone to help steer us in the right direction and that is something that everyone needs for success and what we want to provide for the youth here in Bayview Hunters Point.”  -Eric & LaTanya Wright

 

The Y will be hosting a press conference with Eric Wright for local television, radio and newspapers on Tuesday, Frbruary 21^st at 11:00am and Eric is available for phone interviews before and after that date.  For more info, please visit the program website at www.WrightStepsFoundation.org and contact the representatives shown above.

Bayview residents, fed up with Mendell Plaza, take action

Following the second Bayview homicide in as many days Wednesday, residents and businesses, fed up with a lack of positive changes in the Mendell Plaza area, collected 75 signatures in a 24-hour period from a diverse group of residents, businesses, and community organizations.  Those signature have been submitted along with a letter to city officials demanding leadership and immediate action in coordination between all interested parties in making the area safe and usable for all.

Google Maps at Mendell Plaza - A typical day, complete with police activity

The letter has requested immediate action be taken at Mendell Plaza - at the Palou St T-Third MUNI stop and site of the Wednesday's homicide of 54 year-old Luther Robinson, chronic drug dealing/taking, drinking in public, harassment and threats - recommending that the plaza be closed down for 60-days. The proposal to close the plaza, signatories to the letter contend, would not only allow a cooling-off period, but would be a wake up call to those who use it for illegal activity that those in the neighborhood who want the space to be used for legitimate purposes will no longer tolerate the status quo.  They have asked that closure of the plaza be combined with a coordinated effort from multiple city agencies, neighbors, businesses, and advocacy groups to meet and start figuring out a way forward.

























It's difficult to say what effect this action would have long-term, and it's certainly not just this one single thing that will solve everything, but it's now in the hands of Supervisor Cohen, Mayor Lee, SFPD Bayview Captain Chignell and Chief Suhr to do something.  Knowing that there is a large and growing chorus of diverse constituent groups aching for change, it is hoped that everyone can come together to figure out some ways to start fixing the chronic problems plaguing the Bayview.

If you want to have your voice added to the signatories to the letter, or would like more information, please contact Dan Dodt.

Bayview's Miller advances, surprises

From Boxing News 24,

In challengers bracket action, middleweight Raquel Miller (San Francisco, Calif.) continued her surprising run by knocking off top seed Franchon Crews (Baltimore, Md.) in the middleweight contest. Miller took control of the bout in the second round and didn't let it go, winning a 26-15 final decision. She will face Hemingway in Friday's challengers bracket final.

Giggling Lotus Yoga to Open in Dogpatch

Giggling Lotus, a fabulous new yoga studio, opening in Dogpatch!

We offer colorful, joyful movement to enliven and cultivate the union of your body, mind and soul.  Our innovative and playful asana sequences, nurturing restorative sessions and energetic and quieting combinations of postures will help you to develop your own personal practice with the expertise of well trained friendly and informed teachers.

We'd love to see you at 5pm on Thursday, February 23rd for our community meet and greet.  Join us for some yummy nibbles (KitchenetteSF), beautiful music (Mark Clifford) and engaging conversation with our teachers!

Over the weekend, we'll have a series of super-sweet free yoga classes to celebrate the grand opening  Our collection of teachers is quite colorful--we teach vinyasa classes with a twist.  Come get a taste...

12:00pm-1:00pm . Friday . Open Level Class
6:00pm-7:15pm . Friday . Restorative Class
9:00am-10:30am . Saturday .  Level I Class
11:00am-12:30pm . Saturday . Level II Class
11:00am-12:30pm . Sunday .  Level II/III Class

Regular classes begin 02/27!

www.gigglinglotus.com
www.rochejanken.com

USA Olympics Update: Bayview Boxer Raquel Miller Advances

From USABoxing,

Raquel Miller (San Francisco, Calif.) enjoyed a very happy birthday, winning an upset victory over 2010 Welterweight World Champion Andrecia Wasson (Centerline, Mich.). Miller won a 7-6 over Wasson to advance to Thursday’s action.

Read here for more about Raquel Miller, who has one more bout today against Franchon Crews of Baltimore, MD.  Wish her luck!

SFGH Rebuild Community Meeting

The Rebuild Project Team invites you to 

Community Meeting 

Tuesday, February 28th 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Main Hospital Building 

1001 Potrero Ave at 23rd Street 

2nd Floor, Room 2A6

• Update on the new hospital project 
• Steel construction information and a look ahead at 2012 
• Project representatives available for questions and feedback

As always, feel free to contact them at any time:
Telephone: (415) 206-5784
Safety: 24-hour hotline 415-206-4500
Email: sfgh_rebuild@sfdph.org Website: www.sfdph.org/dph/RebuildSFGH
Facebook: San Francisco General Hospital Foundation
Twitter: SFGHrebuild

Supervisor Cohen's Community Office Hours

Correction

Supervisor Cohen's office has assured me that office hours were held in the Portola in April of last year, although I wasn't able to find this information in her newsletters.  They've also assured me that community office hours have been held every month but last August.  I've asked, since newsletters have been sporadic, and that this mechanism for alerting the public to office hours seems to be a major one the supervisor uses, many people in the community may be unaware of community office hour times and locations.  I've asked her staff to keep me appraised of upcoming community office hours so that I can help spread the word for them, and ultimately, for all of us.

Saturday, Feb 25
10AM - noon
Play Space at Recess on Potrero Hill
470 Carolina St. (between Mariposa & 18th St)
(map)

Come meet Supervisor Cohen for a casual conversation during her office hours.

Her newsletter says she enjoys rotating community office hours throughout the district, but...

Bayview sees second violent death in under 24-hours

The Bayview district has been rocked by yet another violent death, its second in under 24-hours.  Valentine's night on Osceola Lane, 30-year old Derek Hall was shot to death.  There is a new report of a second death, this a result of a stabbing that resulted from an argument at Mendell Plaza at the corner of Third St and Palou.  This area, hoped one day to be the center of town for the Bayview, is instead the site of chronic loitering, drug dealing, public intoxication, and sadly, killings like that seen today.  Read more here and here and here.

Our elected officials - Malia Cohen, Dennis Herrera, Mayor Lee - and city departments MUST create a coordinated strategy that involves ALL departments to deal with the ongoing problems in this area.  These aren't just quality of life issues - it's employment, education, homelessness, crime, etc.  Enough is enough!  Businesses are suffering.  Taxpayers are suffering, yet we feel like our voices are either falling on deaf ears or that the police and other city leaders just have no idea what to do!  Please tell us this isn't so!!

Do next steps involve shutting down the plaza area entirely so as to force people not to congregate there?  Or is it better, as I've heard some say, to have all the activity like this in one area where police can keep an eye on it?  Well, that would be just great if it wasn't also an area that children, families, commuters, business owners and their patrons use every day.  Why are taxpayers forced to avoid getting caught in the crossfire, harassed, and threatened just so that they can go about their daily (tax-generating) lives?  To Supervisor Cohen and other elected officials whom I can't say that I've ever seen riding the T-Third or out walking anywhere near Mendell Plaza without a security detail, I suspect you'll be hearing from your constituents soon about supporting some drastic changes to the area and convening some kind of task force to explore next steps to take back this area from those who make it a what it is.

More on this latest homicide at SFGate

Heroes & Hearts raises $1.5 million for S.F. General

From SFGate,

Stout hearts and hefty wallets were a thousand strong last week on the field at AT&T Park, where the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation raised $1.5 million during its seventh Heroes & Hearts Luncheon and Hearts After Dark after-party.

The lunch fete, expertly co-chaired by Connie Shanahan and Patrick Smith, moved like clockwork as honors, and heart-shaped awards, were bestowed on this year's heroes: SFGH's Institute for Global Orthopaedics and Traumatology co-founder Dr. Richard Coughlin, Project Pull science internship co-founder Harlan Kelly Jr., Visitacion Valley Asian Alliance founder Marlene Tran and Homeless Prenatal Program founder Martha Ryan.

Read more at SFGate

Bayview native Raquel Miller feeling ‘invincible’ heading into Olympic Trials

From the SFGate City Insider,

Raquel Miller: Fighting her way to the Olympics

Feeling “like a champion” and with her lucky socks in tow, Olympic-hopeful Raquel Miller said she’s ready for this week’s trials competition leading to the landmark 2012 Summer Games in London.

This is the first time in the Olympics that women will compete in boxing, and Miller, a San Francisco native who still lives, works and trains in the city, is one of eight middleweight contenders from across the country who have been invited to the U.S Olympic Team Trials for the sport.

The double-elimination tournament in Airway Heights, Wash., just outside Spokane, starts today and runs through next weekend.

Miller, who grew up as a street fighter in the Bayview, followed a rocky road to get where she is today — one of the best female boxers in the United States. And to think she didn’t start training seriously until the spring of 2010 when she signed up for a boxing class at the city-run Mission Recreation Center.

After losing her first bout Monday, but coming back to win her second one yesterday, Ms Miller has to win tonight if she wants to stay alive in the Olympic Trials being held in Spokane, WA.

More are the City Insider.

Mayor Lee Favors Parking Meter Plan for Potrero Hill/Dogpatch

From the SFGate City Insider,

Mayor Ed Lee backed the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency’s plan to install thousands of new meters in the northeast Mission, Potrero Hill, Dogpatch and Mission Bay neighborhoods — a proposal recently put on hold amid strong opposition from residents and business owners in those neighborhoods.

But Lee said that if he has any say in the matter, the proposal is not dead.

“It really is not so much whether they roll it out or not, it’s really how they roll it out,” Lee said.

City transportation officials say the meter expansion, part of the experimental SFpark program, is needed to better manage parking in those neighborhoods where finding a curbside parking space is now difficult and expected to get worse. The meters can be used to force turnover of the spaces and to get more people out of their cars and onto Muni and BART, or to bike or walk.

But many in the targeted neighborhoods lament the prospect of having to feed meters, saying that will be inconvenient and costly.

Supervisor Malia Cohen, who represents Potrero Hill and Dogpatch, asked Lee during his monthly Question Time appearance before the Board of Supervisors whether he would support an alternative to the meters, such as implementation of a parking permit program for workers in the area.

“I am concerned that the implementation and expansion of the SFpark program is not considering the unique transit and parking enforcement challenges of some of these neighborhoods and the unique nature” of some of the businesses there, Cohen said.

Lee sidestepped the issue of the parking permit idea, but said he has directed his Office of Economic Development to work with businesses on finding ways to alleviate the financial burden that the meter charges may have on low-income employees.

But in noting “the world is watching our efforts in parking management,” Lee said SFpark deserves a chance to succeed. And while the roll-out in the neighborhoods targeted for meter expansion has been delayed, he said he doesn’t want to see it killed.

“I also want to make sure that the process includes buy-in from neighborhoods, … make sure we talk to everyone,” Lee said.

Potrero Hill neighbors have vowed to continue to fight this, with one writing on Nextdoor Potrero Hill:

We are working to develop a survey and plan to collect information from neighbors on their parking needs and views of MTA's plan. MTA is holding off any further action for the next couple of months. During that time it is up to us (and I mean all of us who are concerned about having parking meters in our neighborhood) to tell the MTA what we want and what our needs are. Of course, they could ignore us, but I think they do so at their political peril. We will have another organizational meeting to recruit people to help in this effort next week. It will be somewhere in Potrero Hill; maybe at the library. I will post beforehand. On another note, Malia Cohen spoke to the mayor at today's Supervisors meeting about the issue. She has been very supportive of our efforts.

 Neighbors are encouraged to keep up to date with the parking plan by joining Nextdoor Potrero Hill and following the discussion.

Malia Cohen votes with majority to kill ranked-choice voting ballot measure

Not surprising, especially considering that Supervisor Cohen wouldn't have her job if not for ranked-choice voting...

From the SFGate City Insider,

The Board of Supervisors, on a 6-5 vote, killed a proposed ballot measure to eliminate San Francisco’s ranked-choice voting system Tuesday, but proponents of the idea said they may put the issue before voters.

“We haven’t ruled it out,” Supervisor Mark Farrell said of a possible initiative that would call for scrapping ranked-choice voting and return to runoff elections. He and Supervisor Sean Elsbernd could not convince a majority of their colleagues to place the proposed charter amendment on the June ballot.

Voting with them were Supervisors Scott Wiener, Carmen Chu and Jane Kim. Opposed were Supervisors Eric Mar, Christina Olague, John Avalos, David Campos, David Chiu and Malia Cohen.

Elsbernd and Farrell said that if they do go the initiative route, it would be for the November ballot, a high-turnout election with the presidential race at the top of the ticket. “It would win,” Farrell predicted.

Fight to revive SF transitional kindergarten plan

From SFGate,

Dozens of San Francisco parents are fighting a school district decision to abandon plans for transitional kindergarten, a program created by state law to prepare children not quite ready for regular kindergarten.

Transitional kindergarten was to begin next fall for a small number of kids who won't turn 5 years old until after next Nov. 1.

While California lawmakers decide whether to fund the program, the families' applications for transitional kindergarten have been set aside.

The financial impact

The state could save about $675 million if it doesn't fund transitional kindergarten, according to the Legislative Analyst's Office. Many districts have said they couldn't support the program without the $6,000 per child in state funding they would receive to pay for it.

If the state decides to stick with transitional kindergarten, San Francisco school officials have said they will offer it at two early-education sites, both located on the southeast side of town - in the Bayview and Visitacion Valley neighborhoods.

Read more at SFGate

ACTCM Year of the Dragon Party

The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine is hosting a party to kick off the year of the dragon! Admission is FREE.

Sunday, February 19
Noon - 3PM
450 Connecticut Street (Potrero Hill)

Food Guardians’ Walking Tour of Bayview-Hunters Point

Thursday, February 16, 2012
10:30 am

Image credit: Flickr user la fattina

Often categorized as a “food desert,” the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood has few fresh-food retail options. A group of neighborhood residents known as the Food Guardians have been working to change this reality through an innovative community outreach program that targets local corner and grocery stores. Join us as the Food Guardians lead a walking tour along Third Street, giving their perspectives on recent research, outreach initiatives and the challenges they continue to face two years into their effort to create a robust, healthy and sustainable food system in Bayview-Hunters Point.  $10. Limited to 25 people. SPUR members only. This event is generously supported by The California Endowment.

Details provided upon registration.

$10. Limited to 25 people. SPUR members only. Register Here

Gung Hay Fat Choy in the Portola

Happy New Year!

The Portola Neighborhood Steering Committee put on a stellar event last night to help all of us get to know our neighbors a little better!

We joined 80 neighbors in the Portola at a fabulous Chinese New Year dinner last night at the New Imperial Garden Restaurant.

The volunteers who organized the event deserve a lot of credit, and with the force of nature that these people are, I'm certain we'll see more events like this soon!

Pop-Up Art Gallery in the Portola

Artists Ray Coshow, Roz Chang, Kate Connell, Charles Dabo, Keith Ferris, Richard H. Garrett, Oscar Melara, Allen J. Mort, Cheryl Olinger, Michelle Holdt Roderick, and Monica Sullivan will be showing recent works  at the Portola District Art Show -- One Night Only!  FREE ADMISSION!

1 Burrows Ave. (just east of San Bruno Ave.)
Friday, Feb 24
6PM - 9PM

Reception. Friends. Fun. Come.

For more information, visit the Portola District Art Show on Facebook.

Quesada Gardens Initiative Community Consensus Day

All those interested in the median strip on the 1700 block of Quesada where the landmark garden that Annette Smith and Karl Paige created nearly 10 years ago are invited to hear and share new ideas for the public space.  New ideas, leaders, and times mean that enhancements to the garden just make sense.  But we also want to protect the original spirit and many elements of the community design.  This is your chance to be part of it all!

Meet at 1747 Quesada Ave at 1PM, or come out at 10AM to volunteer in the gardens, have some lunch, and stick around to help plan the vision for Quesada Gardens.

Black History Month Celebration at the Bayview Opera House

Live at da Savoy

Saturday, Feb 25, 8PM

A Rhythm and Blues tribute to past and present celebrity artists along with a musical stage play depicting scenes from the renowned Harlem nightclub.  Local singers impersonate artists such as Barry White, Anita Baker, Sammy Davis, Jr., Gladys Knight, Teddy Pendergrass, Stevie Wonder, and more.

Doors open at 7PM
Performance from 8-10PM
Old School Dance Party from 10PM-midnight

Special honoree: Mary Booker

Tickets available at bvohsavoy.eventbright.com or call 415-824-0386
$20 advance tickets, $25 at the door, $15 seniors, $10 youth, $150 for a reserved table for 6

SF History Expo

• Home
• 2011 History Expo

San Francisco History Expo 2012

March 3-4, 2012

A city is defined by its past as well as its present. San Francisco's past is extraordinarily rich and varied, thanks to the influx of immigrants who came here, bringing their traditions to this new world. We are fortunate that today there are those who strive to preserve the past and the history of their neighborhoods through oral histories, artifacts and photographs. Showcasing this diversity was the premise behind the first SFMHS History Expo in February of 2011, attended by over 3500 visitors who spent hours visiting more than 25 mini-museums set up by local organizations.

The 2011 event was a tremendous success, so we are doing it again: Saturday andSunday, March 3 and 4, at the Old Mint. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

The two-day event will once again feature mini-museums set up by participating organizations. In addition, there will be a special exhibition of 42 photographs called "Elegant Pit Stops," a display of historic garages in the city. Returning for the second expo is historic artist Alan Zimmerman of Stockton whose large-scale oil-on-wood paintings of Gold Rush San Francisco drew admiring crowds.

In the vault area, historic films will be shown and special programs are scheduled both days. We also have it on good authority that Emperor Joshua Norton plans to make an appearance.

Expo 2012 Participants

This is a preliminary listing of organizations that are scheduled to participate in the 2012 San Francisco History Expo.

• Bernal History Project
• California Historical Society
• Chinese Historical Society of America
• City Guides
• Friends of the Cable Car Museum
• GLBT Historical Society
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• Golden Gate Park Preservation Alliance
• Guardians of the City
• Henry W. Coil Library & Museum of Freemasonry
• Labor Archives and Research Center/San Francisco State University
• Market Street Railway
• Museum of Performance and Design
• National Japanese American Historical Society
• Potrero Hill Archives Project
• Presidio Historical Association
• Presidio Trust History Association
• San Francisco Architectural Heritage
• San Francisco Bay Area Jewish Genealogical Society
• San Francisco History Association
• San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
• San Francisco Media Archives
• San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge
• SFgenealogy
• Shaping San Francsico/Foundsf.org
• Society of California Pioneers
• Sunset Parkside Education Action Committee
• Telegraph Hill Dwellers
• The Victorian Alliance
• Treasure Island History Association
• Visitacion Valley History Project
• Western Neighborhoods Project
• Alan Zimmerman. Historic Artist
• Elegant Pit Stops Exhibition

SF Bayview Rotary Club: Bayview Bayou

Bayview Rotary Club's
13th Annual Bayview Bayou
900 7th St,
Friday, February 17, 2012,
6PM

For more information, visit the Bayview Rotary Club

Third Street Community Planning Workshop

2012 Third Street Community Planning Workshop

Thursday February 23rd
6pm to 7:30pm
Bayview Opera House
4705 Third St., San Francisco

Refreshments will be served!

Please RSVP to 415-647-3728.

Your input will help to identify community concerns and priority actions for the 2012 update of the 3rd St. Action Plan.

Potential issues to be addressed include:
- community health and safety
- streetscape design and physical appearance
- neighborhood events and activities
- business attraction and promotion
- other activities to help the Bayview better serve its residents, merchants, and community stakeholders

Come hear community updates from Supervisor Malia Cohen and Police Captain Paul Chignell

The 3rd St Corridor Project (TSCP) is a collaborative effort to revitalize the commercial, civic, and cultural center of the Bayview-Hunters Point community.  TSCP's goal is for 3rd St to become a place where local residents find essential goods and services, earn their livelihood as business owners and employees, access cultural and social resources, and meet and mix with neighbors.  TSCP's work is guided by the 3rd Street Action Plan, a live document that takes direction from the community's visions and past planning efforts, and provides a roadmap for key activities and projects aimed at creating a vibrant commercial district along the 3rd Street corridor.

SFPD's "It Gets Better"

Should Public Trees Bear Fruit?

From The Atlantic,

There’s a block in San Francisco that will soon be blossoming with cherries, plums and pears, but Tara Hui will not say where. That’s because she’s worried that backlash from city officials or unsympathetic citizens will halt the progress she and her fellow Guerrilla Grafters have made splicing fruit-bearing branches on to city trees.

Grafting trees is as simple as cutting a branch from one kind of tree and sticking it into a notch in another, securing it with sturdy tape and hoping that the new branch thrives. It’s as old as the Bible and widely used today in industrial agriculture.

"There’s a lot of discussion about what kind of policy we need to get businesses to come to this neighborhood to sell fresh produce or even organic," she says. Over the years she’s advocated for bringing fruit trees into the city's urban forestry mix. "If all goes well it might even spawn some kind of cottage industry like canning or jamming," she says.

Read more at The Atlantic

Amidst Chaos, 15 Minutes of Quiet Time Helps Focus Students

From KQED,

On a recent morning at Visitacion Valley Middle School in South San Francisco, Principal James Dierke looked out over the school’s auditorium at more than 100 eighth graders. A restless din filled the large room. Bursts of laughter and errant shouts punctuated the buzz. Most of the students seemed disinterested in Dierke’s announcements about the spring’s impending graduation, upcoming field trips, and recent birthdays.

Then, Dierke struck a bell and said, “Okay, it’s quiet time.”

And just like that, a hush fell over the auditorium. Students straightened their backs and closed their eyes. Some bowed their heads. Others rested them on the backs of their chairs. The once-boisterous hall became silent and remained so for the next 15 minutes.

“Visitors are always amazed,” Dierke said afterwards, “but it works. It really is quiet time.”

Read more at KQED

SF's Dogpatch pier district braces for renewal

From the Seattle Post Intelligencer:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — There's a hidden corner of the City by the Bay where rusted cranes used to build WWII battleships loom over dilapidated artist studios, where working-class fishermen bob up against first-class ocean liners docked for repair.

Residents of San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood overlook the rough-and-tumble Pier 70 waterfront and bask in the smell of fresh fish, the cacophony of fog horns and Canadian geese, the jumble of Victorian cottages tucked between corrugated barns and industrial brick icons of the late 1800s.

It's a nautical nugget where few tourists have ventured. A secret stash of cheap artist studios in old clapboard pier offices commands a view of the rusted bones of crumbling canneries, metal scrapyards and silent smokestacks. And it has one of the only working boat yards in San Francisco, where boaters can dry dock for repairs and grab a beer at The Ramp.

Read more at the Seattle Post Intelligencer

Marcus Shelby at the Bayview Opera House Sunday February 26

BVOH and SF Architectural Heritage Present:

Sunday, Feb 26, 3PM
The Marcus Shelby Quartet, featuring vocalist Faye Carol, will present a musical tribute to freedom fighter, Civil War hero, and Women's Suffrage champion Harriet Tubman at the Bayview Opera House on Sunday, February 26th.

3PM: Performance (doors 1:30PM, food and drink available)

Special Honoree:  Ms. Dorris Vincent

Tickets: http://bvohshelby.eventbrite.com
Advance tickets $15, $20 at door, $10 Seniors, $5 youth, kids under 6 free
(one per adult)

Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre
4705 Third Street (between Oakdale and Newcomb)
San Francisco, CA 94124
415.824.0386
www.bvoh.org

MUNI 23, 24, 44, 54, KT
Parking lot available

This one-time performance is co-sponsored by Bayview Opera House (BVOH) and San Francisco Architectural Heritage (Heritage) in celebration of Black History Month. Heritage Director Mike Buhler states: "We are thrilled to honor the rich legacy of the city's African-American community in one of the San Francisco's earliest landmarks. Built in 1888, the recently-restored Bayview Opera House has served for decades as the neighborhood's primary social and political hub."  Executive Director of the Bayview Opera House, Barbara Ockel, adds, "The BVOH is proud to be kicking off our 2012 Bayview Opera House Jazz Series with a familiar San Francisco face, The Marcus Shelby Quartet, featuring vocalist Faye Carol, one of our city's most versatile and creative female vocal stylists.  By attending this special tribute concert, your admission will fuel our Dare to Dream ARTS Youth Enrichment Program".

Marcus Shelby has extensively researched and developed music that pays homage to Harriet Tubman, inspired in part by her profound use of music to free herself and countless other slaves. Her musical tools included field cries, works songs, and spirituals. Shelby has created original compositions, re-arranged and re-orchestrated spirituals, freedom songs, jazz, and blues music that illuminate the history and story of Ms. Tubman.The Marcus Shelby Orchestra released its critically acclaimed recording "Harriet Tubman" in 2008 and were later voted rising stars in both Big Band and Arranger categories in Downbeat in 2009 and 2011. As a follow up to "Harriet Tubman," The Marcus Shelby Orchestra released its new recording "Soul of the Movement" on January 15, 2011 (Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday). "Soul of the Movement" combines swing, blues, ballads, text, vocals, spirituals, and other forms to evoke the wonderful history of America.

This special tribute concert will include commentary and narrative about the life and history of Harriet Tubman and is appropriate for all folks young and old, black or white who are interested in the story of this great American hero-Harriet Tubman.

Marcus Shelby Quartet with special guest Faye Carol is:

Faye Carol: vocals
Howard Wiley: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
Adam Shulman: piano
Jeff Marrs: drums
Marcus Shelby: bass, speaker

For more information visit:
www.marcusshelby.com
www.bvoh.org
www.sfheritage.org 
The nonprofit Bayview Opera House's mission is to provide arts and culture to the Bayview community, with a strong focus on free or low-cost arts education for children and youth.

Established in 1971, San Francisco Architectural Heritage is a nonprofit membership organization with a mission to preserve and enhance San Francisco's unique architectural and cultural identity.