Muni has formally left the F-line fare increase out of its next submission to its board, but proposed minor service cuts, which our organization feels we would be hard-pressed to oppose, given the severity of the budget crisis. The Mayor's office has reportedly received more negative comments about the F-Line fare increase proposal than any other part of the Muni deficit reduction plan.
Your Are Cordially Invited To Our
Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association Valentine’s Day Party
Sunday, February 14, 2010
4:30 to 6:30 pm
COMING SOON:
Green Bar at the Embarcadero Center
Boston Properties
Embarcadero Center
Green Bar, Three Embarcadero Center, Lobby Level, is opening January 19 and will surely delight with an emphasis on fresh, local and regional dishes and emphasizing sustainability with our eco-friendly, earth-first attitude.
Message from President
of SF Chamber of Commerce
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
San Francisco - January 4, 2010 — As we look forward to a better national economy this year, the strength and sustainability of San Francisco’s recovery will be tied to actions taken by city officials and the voters. Now is the time to let City Hall know that legislation that kills job growth, delays important capital projects or fails to rein-in runaway salary and benefit costs will be vigorously opposed in 2010.
UPDATE: North Beach Report
Given the close relationship between the Barbary Coast and North Beach and our common Broadway concerns, Barbary Coast News has tapped a representative of North Beach to report from time to time on important issues that affect both our neighborhoods.
Publisher, Barbary Coast News
North Beach Representative
January 4, 2010
In a four-day period between December 30 and January 3, my neighbors and I called the police five times to report incidents happening in our area of North Beach—all occurring after midnight. These incidents included:
- Nightclubbers lying on our sidewalk screaming and hollering.
- Nightclubbers returning to their cars so drunk they fell on their backs before opening their car doors—all the while screaming at the top of their lungs.
- Vandals throwing bottles off the Montgomery Street stairs onto cars and the street.
- A 2:15 am incident on January 2 involving gunshots.
- One fun-loving nightclubber vomiting in front of my garage.
How to Shop for a Winter Coat
A Key Investment Piece
by Cathie Hehman*
Now that winter sales are upon us, this is a good time to look for a winter coat, which is an investment piece and should keep you warm.
You should buy quality and not be afraid of allocating more of your wardrobe dollars for this purchase. Buy the best that you can afford. A good quality winter coat should last at least 10 years or longer. Look at your purchase on a cost-per-year basis as if you were buying it over time.
BOOKS ‘N THINGS
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
BORN ROUND
by Frank Bruni
This being the time of year when we make resolutions for the year to come, many of them having to do with food and weight issues, it’s an appropiate time to review “Born Round” by Frank Bruni.
Many of us will find much to identify with in the story of Bruni’s love-hate relationship with food. Having battled “roundness” myself for most of my life, I sympathize with his struggles. I, too, grew up in an Italian family where food was equated with love, and you couldn’t have too much of either. For all of his childhood and young adult life, Bruni was “the fat one” in his family and among his friends, and none of his later professional successes has eased the sting of that stigma.
Tip from a reader
Because of the close relationship of North Beach to the Barbary Coast, we report from a
Barbary Coast News reader who wishes to remain anonymous. He reports a stabbing in his North Beach neighborhood on Wednesday night, December 16, 2009. The location of the stabbing was, apparently, in front of a private residence and concluded at one of the “entertainment” clubs on Green Street.
A MUST READ
THE WORST-RUN BIG CITY IN THE US
Spend more. Get less. We’re the city that knows how.
By Benjamin Wachs, Joe Eskenazi
December 16, 2009, SF Weekly— — Despite its good intentions, San Francisco is not leading the country in gay marriage. Despite its good intentions, it is not stopping wars. Despite its spending more money per capita on homelessness than any comparable city, its homeless problem is worse than any comparable city's. Despite its spending more money per capita, period, than almost any city in the nation, San Francisco has poorly managed, budget-busting capital projects, overlapping social programs no one is certain are working, and a transportation system where the only thing running ahead of schedule is the size of its deficit.
For the whole story, click hereREMINDER: Friday Deadline
for Fireman's Holiday Toy Drive
Final pick up for the San Francisco Fireman's Toy Drive is Friday morning, December 18. Bin locations:
- 75 Broadway
- 160 Pacific
- 455 Embarcadero
- 2 Jackson
- 560 Davis
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
The SF Railway Museum
It’s Fun and It’s Free!
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
One of the reasons we Barbary Coasters choose to live here is the ease and convenience of the public transportation system that serves us. Let’s take a look at the history of one of its more colorful branches—the vintage streetcars of the F Line, which runs from the Castro District, down Market Street, along the Embarcadero, to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Welcome to Hornblower Yacht's
new M/V San Francisco Spirit!
Hornblower Cruises and Events
Hornblower Landing, Pier 3
The Embarcadero
415.983.8247 + Fax 415.433.2731
www.hornblower.com After spending most of the past decade as a neighbor at Pier 9, the
Spirit's lines were untied and she made the literally short (but figuratively huge) move over to Pier 3. She's happily tied up in front of the California Hornblower and eagerly awaiting her first event flying the Hornblower flag.
WARNING: The postman delivers
a holiday scam!
December 7, 2009— On Saturday your humble
Barbary Coast News publisher received a 2010 Property Tax Reduction Form in the mail. The form looks legal enough. It's from Property Tax Adjusters—in fact the Regional Processing Center.
OPINION: We can't tax our way out of budget problem
Steven Falk, President, CEO
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
San Francisco now faces a budget shortfall of $53 million in the current fiscal year. Even if the city leverages its entire General Fund reserve, the projected shortfall would still amount to $28 million the city does not have. Clearly, elected leaders must take immediate action to get the city’s fiscal house in order.
Extended Parking Meter Plan
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
Monday, December 7, 2009— As the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) moves forward with discussions to extend parking meter hours, the Chamber cautions against meter enforcement late into the evening.
Proposed Bridge Toll Increase
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
WHAT; Public Hearing
WHEN: Monday, December 7
TIME: 6:30 pm
WHERE: San Francisco State University Downtown Campus
(835 Market Street, Rm 609)
Monday, December 7, 2009— Attend Monday’s hearing or comment online on proposed toll increases on the seven state-owned Bay Area toll bridges: the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay and San Mateo-Hayward bridges.
OPINION: It Ain't Over Till It's Over
Norman Patrick Doyle
Resident, The Commons
The jubilation that followed the City's denial of a tree removal permit to Gateway [apartment] management may have been premature.
Major Muni service changes begin December 5
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which operates Muni, will implement extensive changes to its transit services beginning Saturday, December 5 to help bridge a $129 million budget deficit.
Board of Supervisors Votes to
Undermine Its Own Budget
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
Monday, November 30, 2009—Disregarding one of the first rules of sound business management—if you have to make cuts, make them early so you won't have to cut as much later—the Board of Supervisors, under heavy pressure and lobbying by SEIU, voted 8 to 3 to authorize spending almost $2 million to postpone city employee layoffs for two additional months.
THANKSGIVING: IT’S NOT JUST TURKEY
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
My friend Carol called and asked me to lunch. She had a problem she wanted to run by me. It seems her son had just become engaged to a girl from Taiwan. “And the problem is…?” I asked. “We’re fourth-generation Americans,” she replied indignantly.
“We’ve never had a foreigner in our family.” I smiled, and thought, well then—it’s time to shake things up.
Congratulations to our BCNA business member!
BOOKS ‘n THINGS
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
Just when I began to feel my obsession with “The Elegance of the Hedgehog” subsiding, I found myself in Paris, in search of 7, rue de Grenelle, the
hotel particuliere where the story takes place.
Adding to the urgency to find that residence is the fact that, en route to Paris, I read “Gourmet Rhapsody,” Muriel Barbery’s prequel to Hedgehog, which also takes place at 7, rue de Grenelle.
AT GRACE CATHEDRAL:
AMAZING GRACE
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
This past Sunday, the San Francisco Chapter of The Royal British Legion staged its 31st Annual Service of Remembrance at Grace Cathedral. Based on the Festival of Remembrance held each year in the Royal Albert Hall in London, it is a tribute to the men and women of every nation who gave their lives in defense of freedom and justice. This year, it also paid homage to those currently serving in the armed forces.
Getting The Bootie!
by Cathie Hehman*
Booties (ankle boots) are quite mainstream fashion now after being worn by the fashionistas for the last three or four years.
PARIS: BACK TO BASICS
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
What’s more basic than bread? And the breads of Paris, to borrow a Michelin Guide barometer—
are, alone, worth the journey to the City on the Seine.
Harbor Court Hotel:
A home away from your home
Please meet Jason Stone, General Manager of the Harbor Court Hotel, and newest business member of the Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association.
Recently I sat down with him to talk about the hotel, to look at a couple of example rooms, and to find out why the Harbor Court values being part of the Barbary Coast Association.
REMINDER: Port Commission Meeting
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27 at the Ferry Building, 2nd floor, Port Commission Hearing Room. Please note that the Open Session begins at 3:15 pm.
SAN FRANCISCO PORT COMMISSION:
Rodney Fong, President
Stephanie Shakofsky, Vice President
Kimberly Brandon, Commissioner
Michael Hardeman, Commissioner
Ann Lazarus, Commissioner
Monique Moyer, Executive Director
Amy Quesada, Commission Secretary
Phone: 415-274-0400; Fax: 415-274-0412
Phone: 415-274-0406; Fax: 415-274-0412
PARIS STREET FASHIONS:
Black is the new black!
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
Readers of
The Barbary Coast News know that Connie Hazel, Editor and Publisher, recently spent three weeks in Paris. I left for Paris the day Connie returned. While Connie and I love The City of Light, we see it differently.
PARIS: NINE YEARS LATER
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
The year 2001 was not a good year for Americans. It was a double whammy for me. Just weeks before the terrorist attack, I was diagnosed with a serious illness. The recovery from both would be slow and painful.
Adding to that pain, I had to cancel that year’s “Paris Fix.” It would be nine years before I saw the city I treasured again.
The last word on Walton Square's trees?
by Norman Patrick Doyle
Resident, The Commons
Thanks to Monica St. Geme [resident of The Commons] I obtained the attached copy of the recommendations of the Department of Public Works concerning the proposed removal of five trees from Sidney Walton Square.
Crane Closes Store
A day in the life of . . .
Congress Hazel, Publisher
Barbary Coast News
It was my lucky day—Paris Fashion Week was on, and I was invited to the
Andrew Gn show! True, I’d never heard of him, but what the heck, it was a chance of a lifetime to sit on a second-row seat at a real, honest-to-goodness Paris fashion show.
Drew Barrymore wears Andrew Gn as she steps out
to promote her TV movie, Grey Gardens. Trees on Trial!
by Norman Patrick Doyle
Resident, The Commons
The Department of Public Works held a meeting at City Hall on Monday September 28 to consider the removal of five Monterey Pines from Sidney Walton Park.
Send in your articles to Cathy Fiorello
For three weeks beginning September 17, I’ll be out of the country. In my absence, Cathy Fiorello will man the editorial responsibilities at the
Barbary Coast News.
Cathy Fiorello
If you have any notices or stories to publish during September 17 through October 8, please send them to Cathy at
cathfior@sbcglobal.net.
Do you really need a car?
Theo Armour, resident
The Gateway
If you live in the Barbary Coast, the answer to the question
Do I really need this car? may well be a firm "No!" We have great access to public transportation. Taxis are generally available within a few minutes. Within walking distance, you can get to the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market, Safeway, Ace Hardware, Embarcadero Cinema, Gap and other clothing stores, and great restaurants (and some less expensive ones). Nearly everything you need is available by foot and—if not— somebody wants to deliver it to you.
Plaid: It’s Trendy and Classic
By Cathie Hehman,
Consultant
Looking stylish and trendy this fall is easy if you have something plaid in your wardrobe that fits and is still up-to-date. Plaids are fashionable and timeless classics at the same time.
Tips on Wearing Plaids:
Choose plaids with colors that flatter your skin tone. Size is another very important consideration. A small person looks best in tiny to small plaids and taller thinner figure types can wear medium sized plaids. Muted plaids, like the one pictured, are best on large women. Large plaids will call attention to you and your size, but they can add excitement to an outfit as accessories.
It is best to wear one plaid at a time because mixing plaids is tricky. Never mix plaids of the same size and colors. However, you can combine a small check blouse with a multicolor plaid scarf. If you want to wear several plaid items (very difficult) keep a distance between them.
Pairing patterns, like animal prints, plaids, tattersalls, paisleys and checks, is considered modern and in style today, but you have to be able to pull it off to look good. Also, don’t wear head to toe plaid or you’ll look like a fashion victim.
When combining an item with a plaid, for example a plaid blouse, choose a solid color that is in the plaid to coordinate with it.
Remember you should try things on to see that they look good together before you can venture out with confidence!
http://www.4fashionadvice.com/
WALKING TOUR:
The Future Waterfront: Sea Level Rise and the San Francisco Bay
Kathleen Diohep, Project Manager
Planning and Development
Port of San Francisco
(415) 274-0536
WHEN: September 22, 2009 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm
FEE: $15 AIA Members | $25 Nonmembers
WHERE: Tour start point: BCDC Office, 50 California Street, 26th Floor, San
Francisco
REGISTER: BCDC* (Bay Conservation and Development Commission) Phone: 415.352.3600, Fax: 415.352.3606, Email:
info@bcdc.ca.gov
SAN FRANCISCO VILLAGE: New to Our Community
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
This village is not a place, but a membership program that enables older adults to remain in their homes as they age. It is committed to helping seniors live an independent life in the place they love best—their own home.
What’s an OLLI?
Carol Parlette, resident
The Commons
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI for short, is part of San Francisco State University, and it can be found downtown San Francisco within the Westfield Mall building on Market Street. You can get there from the Barbary Coast by hopping on MUNI, or, as I do, by walking briskly down a few blocks.
Courses begin September 14.
Fees very from $95 for one course to $390 for a full year’s worth (up to 3 courses per session).
Details and registration, www.cel.sfsu.edu/olli/
Port Commission Meeting
Agenda items related to Barbary Coast
Diana Taylor, member
Board of Directors
Barbary Coast Neighborhood Assn.
AGENDA
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
2:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
3:15 P.M. OPEN SESSION
PORT COMMISSION HEARING ROOM, SECOND FLOOR
FERRY BUILDING, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111
9. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
A. Request Adoption of the Required California Environmental Quality Act Findings and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program in connection with the lease of
Piers 15 and 17 and the historic rehabilitation and redevelopment of
Pier 15 by the Exploratorium, a California not-for-profit corporation (located on the Embarcadero at Green Street). (Resolution No. 09-46)
NEWAG: Upcoming meeting on Sept. 9, 2009
Jonathan Stern, Asst. Deputy Director
Waterfront Development
Port of San Francisco, Pier 1
415.274.0545 direct
415.544.1746 fax
jonathan.stern@sfport.comPORT OF SAN FRANCISCO
NORTHEAST WATERFRONT ADVISORY GROUP (NEWAG)
PUBLIC NOTICE AND TENTATIVE AGENDA
DATE: Wednesday, September 9, 2009
TIME: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
PLACE: Port of San Francisco offices located at Pier 1, Embarcadero at Washington Street, Bayside 1 Conference Room
NEWAG Members and NEWAG Interested Citizens:
Because of the late Labor Day holiday the next NEWAG Meeting will be held Wednesday September 9th, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. in Pier 1, Bayside 1. At this meeting the NEWAG will discuss the Planning Department’s Northeast Embarcadero Study. Port staff will circulate a tentative agenda next week.
BOOKS ‘n THINGS
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
SOUTH OF BROAD
by Pat Conroy
Knowing I would have a lot of time to read this summer, I gathered a stack of books and began working my way through them systematically. But I was thrown off course by the release of the latest novel by an author I’ve spent countless mesmerizing hours with over the years; one who, with his opening sentences, lifts me out of my world and places me in his. I speak of Pat Conroy, author most notably of “The Prince of Tides,” and the definitive “southern author” of our time.
Five trees in Walton Square to be removed
Lyn Pannone, resident, 733 Front Street building
Jan Holloway, resident, The Commons
Of the three parks (Walton Square, Levi’s Plaza, Ferry Park) that decorate our Barbary Coast neighborhood, one, Walton Square, has five large Monterey pine trees targeted for removal. The property owner (Golden Gateway Center, Timothy Foo & Partners) has requested the removal of five trees from Walton Square per Article 16 of the Public Works Code. Signage taped to the trees reads:
CAVALLO POINT: Slipping away the easy way
Not exactly “hidden in plain sight,” as
Cathy Fiorello's columns about near-neighborhood, little-known spots, but if you crane your neck, you might see it across the Bay. “It” is Cavallo Point, a delightful spa getaway just minutes from the Barbary Coast.
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT
The Pacific Heritage Museum
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
I can’t count the number of times I’ve walked briskly along Commercial Street on my way to someplace else and failed to notice the Pacific Heritage Museum. After all, Commercial Street, short in length and gritty in feel, is hardly the place one would expect to host a cultural attraction. Nor is it a destination site where, drawn there on another mission, one would happen upon a museum. With the exception of great dim sum at City View Restaurant, two stores and one mini-park down from Pacific Heritage, I’ve found no reason to be here except as a shortcut when I zigzag my way to Union Square on foot.
SF Energy Watch Neighborhood Campaign
Helping Businesses Save Energy, Money and the Environment!
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
A neighborhood campaign has been launched to encourage greater participation in the San Francisco Energy Watch program. Representatives from the City's Department of the Environment and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) will be walking through San Francisco's neighborhoods, reaching out to an estimated 250 small businesses in each Supervisorial District.
Attention NEWAG Members and NEWAG Interested Citizens
Jennifer Sobol, Project Manager
Port of San Francisco
Pier 1 The Embarcadero
Telephone: 415-274-0548
Fax: 415-544-1748
Email:
Jennifer.Sobol@sfport.com
This is to inform you of upcoming meeting/hearing dates that may be of interest to you:
At the next Port Commission meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. in the Port Commission Hearing Room, Ferry Building, 2nd Floor:
5 Hot Fashion Trends for Fall
by Cathie Hehman*
Some of us don't need any new clothes this fall but may like to add something to update what we have in our closets. One of the five hot trends listed below will give your fall wardrobe a new life.
1.
Boots are a staple in every woman's wardrobe today. They aren't going away either.
Hornblower offers 30% discount on cruise
Hornblower Cruises & Events
Pier 3 on the Embarcadero
1.888.HORNBLOWER (1.888.467.6256)
Set against twinkling city lights and legendary vistas, the Dinner Dance Cruise includes a four-course meal, accompanied by a live band and dancing.
Reserve by September 3, 2009 and save 30%.
Use code HBL30*
SFAC Seeking Artists
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
Art Will Transform Empty Storefronts
The San Francisco Arts Commission's Community Arts & Education Program and the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development have partnered to create a pilot Art in Storefronts program that temporarily places art in vacant storefront windows.
What's fresh at the Farmers' Market?
August 1, 2009
FERRY PLAZA FARMERS' MARKET
Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture (CUESA).
(http://www.cuesa.org/)
Mulberries
Mulberries
Lemongrass
Summer Royal grapes
Semolina bread
Early Girl tomatoes
Corn
Eggplant
Tepary beans
Dapple Dandy pluots
Fresh oregano
REMINDER
The second NORTHEAST EMBARCADERO STUDY COMMUNITY WORKSHOP will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
The Workshop will again be at the KGO-TV Community Meeting Room, 900 Front Street (Vallejo and Front).
NEWAG Members and Interested Citizens:
There will not be a Port of San Francisco Northeast Waterfront Advisory Group meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 2009. Rather, the Port encourages you to attend the next Community meeting as part of the Planning Department's Northeast Embarcadero Planning Study next Wednesday. Details are below.
NEWAG will meet again in the Fall and we will notify you of the date and agenda.
JULY 30, 2009: Northeast Wharf Plaza Community Workshop
Erik Hillstrom
Planning & Development Intern
Port of San Francisco
(415) 274 - 0637
www.sfport.comPIER 27 (Northeast Wharf Plaza)
Port of San Francisco Community Workshop
Thursday, July 30, 2009
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Port of San Francisco, Pier 1
As part of the Pier 27 Cruise Terminal project, the Port will develop a new two-acre public plaza adjacent to the Embarcadero Promenade known as the Northeast Wharf. You are invited to attend a public workshop to help defi¬ne the character and uses of this new waterfront plaza.
If you would like to be notified of future meetings please provide your email address to
Foristine.johnson@sfport.com.
Where does it all go?
There he was, big as life, encouraging TV viewers to “come on down” to take a tour of the unusual San Francisco sewer system. Tyrone Jue of the SF PUC (Public Utilities Commission) was spotlighted last week on a national TV special about unique ways to vacation around your own city (instead of spending bucks on an expensive family vacation you can’t afford these days).
Did you know that there are enough sewer pipes in San Francisco to stretch from Portland, Oregon to San Diego, California?
Vote NO on New Taxes & Spending Mandate
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
November Ballot Measure UPDATE
As reported last week [in Chamber of Commerce newsletter], there are a number of Charter amendments, a bond issue and other ballot measures working their way through the Board of Supervisors. Between now and July 28, the Board may place two very costly tax measures on the November ballot:
New NERT classes to begin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Information: Rosie Klahn
NERT Neighborhood Contact--Financial District
rosiek1.0@gmail.com or 415.305.7903
Help San Francisco to be self-sufficient in a major disaster situation. Citizens will learn hands-on skills that will help them as members of an emergency response team and/or as leaders directing untrained volunteers during an emergency, allowing them to act independently or as an adjunct to City emergency services at free classes taught by San Francisco Fire Department first responders. Visit
www.sfgov.org/sffdnert for other available sessions throughout the City.
TRAVEL: The Big Hot
Norman Patrick Doyle, resident
The Commons
Venturing away from the Barbary Coast can be an experience of unexpected discoveries. We were invited to the birthday party of an old friend, which was being held in a wonderful villa in the Las Palmas area of Palm Springs, and decided to take some time exploring parts of California we'd never seen before.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The Unanimous Declaration
of the Thirteen United States of America
(Adopted by Congress on July 4, 1776)
When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
BOOKS ‘n THINGS
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
I’m often disappointed in books that win major literary prizes, and I’m not a fan of short-story collections, either. That said, I will once again contradict myself, which I’m always happy to do when something comes as a pleasant surprise. As did Olive Kitteridge, winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and a short-story collection, to boot.
Join developers and business leaders
On July 15 at 7:30 am you can join Mayor Gavin Newsom and a panel of developers and business leaders as they share the challenges and solutions, development priorities, and plans to navigate the current economic storm. Speakers include:
- Gavin Newsom, Mayor, City of San Francisco
- Michael Covarrubias, Chairman & CEO, TMG Partners
- Oz Erickson, Chairman, The Emerald Fund
- Monique Moyer, Executive Director, Port of San Francisco
I’m outtahere
For 10+ days beginning July 5, I’ll be out of the country. In my absence, Cathy Fiorello will man the editorial responsibilities at the
Barbary Coast News.
Cathy Fiorello
If you have any notices or stories to publish during July 5 – July 17, please send them to Cathy at
cathfior@sbcglobal.net.
Weekly Police Report
June 30, 2009
CENTRAL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
Captain’s Comments
My name is Lieutenant Richard Pate and I will be the Acting Captain until James Dudley returns in July 13, 2009. I have been assigned to the night watch at Central Station since October 2008. I have been in the department since 1981, and I have to admit this is near the top of my list of stations that I have been assigned to. I hope this newsletter will provide you with the same information that Captain Dudley has sent you.
NEWAG Members and NEWAG Interested Citizens
Jennifer Sobol, Project Manager
Port of San Francisco
Pier 1 The Embarcadero
T: 415-274-0548
Email: Jennifer.Sobol@sfport.com
This is to inform you of upcoming meeting/hearing dates that may be of interest to you:
EXPLORATORIUM PROJECT
The Waterfront Design Advisory Committee (WDAC) will review an update to the Exploratorium Project on Monday, July 6, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in Pier 1, Bayside 1.
Reminder to Friends of the Waterfront
& 8 Washington Supporters:
Trudi Loscotoff
San Francisco Waterfront Partners
CALL TO ACTION!
NORTHEAST WATERFRONT PLANNING WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, JUNE 30 5:30 - 7:30PM
KGO-TV COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM,
900 FRONT STREET
In February, San Francisco Waterfront Partners was awarded the exclusive right to negotiate for the use of the Port’s Seawall Lot 351 as part of the 8 Washington project.
A DAY AT THE MUSEUM
Louise Bourgeois, THE NEST
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve only recently taken advantage of a treasure in our midst—SFMOMA—after living within walking distance of it for several years. The impetus to join was the launching of the rooftop Sculpture Garden and, simultaneously, the premier of the Georgia O’Keefe/Ansel Adams exhibit. Not to mention that my granddaughter, Jenna, was between the end of her school year and the beginning of her volunteer stint at Crissy Field summer camp. A perfect opportunity for some quality grandparenting and culture-cramming.
Ellsworth Kelly and JennaPotential BART Strike Information
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
Starting July 1, BART may strike due to current negotiations of union labor contract(s). At 11:59 pm on June 30, contracts between BART and many of its unions will expire. If agreement is not reached between the parties by then, there is a possibility of a strike and BART service stopping as early as July 1. Please plan ahead and inform your employees to make necessary arrangements.
The Next 'First' Meeting:
Northeast Embarcadero Study
SF Planning Department
Kate McGee | Lead Planner (415.558.6367)
Neil Hrushowy| Urban Designer (415.558.6471)
For those of you who missed
the first community workshop,
we will hold another on June 30, 2009
Due to a notification error in our outreach efforts for our community workshop on May 27th, we are hosting another community workshop on June 30.
WHAT: Workshop/Study
DATE: June 30
WHERE: KGO TV, 900 Front St.
This meeting will be identical in format to the meeting hosted on May 27th. If you were unable to attend our first meeting or would like to hear about the study again, you are welcome to attend. Please note, this meeting is at the KGO-TV building located at 900 Front Street. Our next series of workshops is expected to occur at the end of July and we will contact you when those meetings are scheduled.
FROM FOGG: To Our Friends & Supporters
Lee Radner, Chairman
FOGG (Friends of Golden Gateway)
June 21, 2009
Please mark Tuesday, June 30 on your calendars. That is when the SF Planning Department will be holding a “redo” Planning Workshop on the
Northeast Embarcadero Study.
WHAT: Planning Workshop
WHEN: June 30
TIME: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
WHERE: KGO auditorium (900 Front St.)
Liberté, Egalité ...
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
…and, most important,
Fraternité, in San Francisco’s renowned French Quarter.
If you’re thinking it’s too early to make a reservation for Bastille Day at one of the cafés or bistros on Belden Place and the surrounding French-flavored areas— trust me, it’s not. This annual block party in honor of Marianne, the patroness of French liberty, is a major happening, when city streets in the neighborhood are shut down for one of the longest, most festive Bastille Day celebrations in the country. Fueled by the presence of the French Consulate, thousands of Francophiles, and your basic San Franciscan looking to party, this is the hottest ticket in town.
The North Beach Festival—always a pleasure
Norman Patrick Doyle, resident
The Commons
Maybe there weren't as many people as in recent years, but the North Beach Festival on Sunday was a delightful experience, as usual. It was a feast for the senses.
Come join our sister neighborhood association and celebrate!
Our closest, western neighbor has a new website, and a plan to enhance their area. Their method: a party—what a great idea!
Jackson Square’s
A Night on the Barbary Coast
will be held on Friday, June 26 from 5 pm to 10 pm
Please come and join the festivities
on Hotaling Place at Washington Street.
The purpose of the event is to raise money to restore the International Settlement Arch at the Montgomery entrance to the 300 block of Pacific Avenue.
City Hall Public Safety Rally
On Tuesday, June 16, at 1:00 pm you can join San Francisco Firefighters, Police Officers Association, the Chamber of Commerce and other San Franciscans concerned with public safety to tell the Board of Supervisors that enough is enough.
Protect our vital public safety services!
City Hall, Polk Street steps at 1 pm.
Tuesday, June 16
Sprucing up The City’s waterfront
Concept design: from Piers to Park and the Brannan Street wharf by 2012
The long planned demolition of the dilapidated Pier 36 and transformation of former Pier 34 into the Brannan Street Wharf has received a tentative $6 million federal funding boost.
Neighborhood Evening Event
Morton Beebe and Linda Schwartz from the Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association (BCNA) are working with the Jackson Square Historic District on a block party. The get together is taking place:
On the streets of Italy
Recently Cathie Hehman and her husband traveled through Spain and Italy. Fashion was on Cathie's mind so she took photos of streetwear by the locals. Her website points out, "Denim pants in every style imaginable continue to be a global classic.They have become a woman's uniform..."
Are stockings Obsolete?
by Cathie Hehman*
Not so many moons ago, when temperatures dropped, women put their stockings on. And when temperatures soared, and the weather got hot and sticky, off came the stockings.
On the election...
BACKGROUND
This year’s annual BCNA Board election attracted more candidates (15) than there are seats on the Board (11), necessitating an election which BCNA President Bill Sauro hoped could be completed at the June 4 Annual Membership Meeting.
And you thought national politics was rough…
Yesterday evening during the annual gathering of Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association membership, 15 member-candidates were on display for next year’s term for the board of directors.
The setting
Last year’s meeting was a wine-and-cheese, smiley bonding event onboard a Hornblower yacht. This year we were lined up in rows of chairs at the Port’s meeting room as though for a lecture. And a lecture it was. With a test at the end.
The Port's Plan For Pier 27:
We Don't Need No Stinking Rate Of Return!
From the
Examiner with respect to the Port's plan for a new San Francisco cruise terminal: [The Port of San Francisco] now plans to take advantage of an upcoming bond sale to help fund the $40 million-plus conversion of Pier 27 from a cavernous limousine storage lot into a modern cruise terminal.
NEWAG Members and Port Commissioners:
Jonathan Stern, Asst. Deputy Director
Waterfront Development
Port of San Francisco, Pier 1
415.274.0545 direct
415.544.1746 fax
jonathan.stern@sfport.com
The next meeting of the NORTHEAST WATERFRONT ADVISORY GROUP will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Port of San Francisco offices, Pier 1 (The Embarcadero @ Washington Street), in the Bayside Conference Room. Refreshments will be served. Below you will find the Notice & Tentative Agenda.
Memorial Day at the Presidio
Monday, 25 May 2009
Norman Patrick Doyle, resident
The Commons II
Over the past half dozen years we seem to have acquired the habit of attending the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Presidio. It’s a low-key, very San Francisco type of event, mixing military and civilians, veterans and re-enactors, politicians and media.
NEWAG Interested Citizens:
April T. Shaw, Assistant
Director of Planning & Development
Port of San Francisco, Pier One
415.274.0549
april.shaw@sfport.com
There are two items addressing the Northeast Waterfront area on next Tuesday's agenda:
Item 11A.
Informational presentation by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission staff on the North Shore Force Main Sewer Improvement Project (Embarcadero, Drumm and Spear Streets) including Seawall Lot 351 located at Washington Street at Embarcadero.
Myths and Facts Related to the 8 Washington Project
8 Washington Project artist rendering
This document has been designed by San Francisco Waterfront Partners in an effort to provide information to clarify and confirm some of the key issues pertaining to the proposed 8 Washington project.
MYTH:
The proposed buildings are too tall and dense for the surrounding area.
You're Invited!
The San Francisco Planning Department
is pleased to announce the first
NORTHEAST EMBARCADERO STUDY COMMUNITY WORKSHOP
At the request of Supervisor Chiu, the Planning Department is initiating a study of the Port properties on the west side of The Embarcadero between Washington and North Point streets that are currently being used as parking lots. The study will result in design guidelines and plans for improving the public realm.
DATE: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
TIME: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
WHERE: International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU),
400 North Point (2nd Floor)
INFORMATION: Kate McGee,
Telephone: 415.558.6367.
Email: kate.mcgee@sfgov.org.
Internet: http://nes.sfplanning.org
YOU ARE INVITED!
Jackson Square Historic District residents, property owners, businesses and friends are invited to attend an Open House.
WHERE: Small conference center building in the Transamerica Pyramid block
WHEN: Tuesday, May 12 at 5 PM
WHAT: Briefing on the Transamerica Pyramid Block improvements
RSVP: Sarah Stocking 415-984-0700 or sarah@sarahstocking.com
May 12, 2009 Port Meeting:
Pier 27 Cruise Terminal
Jonathan Stern
Asst. Deputy Director, Waterfront Development
Port of San Francisco, Pier 1
415.274.0545 direct
jonathan.stern@sfport.com
Dear NEWAG and NEWAG Interested Citizens:
At the May 12, 2009 Port Commission Meeting the Port Commission will consider an item asking them to authorize entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Public Works (DPW) for engineering and architectural services for the Pier 27 Cruise Terminal.
Safeway Delays Renovation of Barbary Coast Store
Store Manager Alfredo Lewis recently announced that the proposed renovation of Safeway's store at Davis and Jackson streets will be delayed at least a year. For more information about changes at the store,
read >It’s getting to be that time!
ONBOARD AND CRUISIN’: “Our group included 76 Americans, two Brits, two Aussies and one Canadian. Most of our fellow travelers are devoted ‘Tauck Tour-ers,’ having been on five, 10, and even 25 prior Tauck trips.”
Time for spring, summer and fall travel. It’s the season for many Barbary Coasters to take off for exotic—and not-so-exotic—lands.
Walk San Francisco News - May 4, 2009
Volunteer for Sunday Streets!
Did you go out and play in the streets on April 26? Sunday Streets is a time when we can truly take back the streets from the cars. Take advantage of it! There's no better feeling than walking, skating, biking, hula hooping, or doing whatever it is you want to do out in the middle of a main thoroughfare that is normally ruled by motor vehicles.
WHEN: Sunday, May 10: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
ROUTE: Waterfront Route in the Southeast Sector (highlighting the San Francisco Bay Trail, which is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in May) from AT&T Park to the Bayview Opera House along the Bay.
BOOKS ‘n THINGS
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
A lot more than discussing a book happens at book club meetings. That club members love to read is a given; that’s what brIngs them together. But that’s just the beginning. As the group gets to know and feel comfortable with each other, the discussions are brought to a whole other level. An opinion of a selected title often tells more about the reader, than the book. What each member brings to or takes away from a discussion of the same book is what makes book clubs so enlightening. I can’t think of a more interesting way to make a new friend, or to better understand an old one.
What's Going On?
FRIDAY NIGHTS AT THE DE YOUNG
Telephone 415.750.7694
www.deyoungmuseum.org
Open until 8:45 pm
no-host bar open for dinner/drinks
Free to members (& children under 12)
Non-members: $10 adults, $7 seniors,
$6 youths (13-17)
From the looks of things, it'll be another busy summer with street festivals, Friday nights at the DeYoung, Pier 39, Stern Grove and an astounding lineup of talent to appear through the auspices of Yerba Buena Gardens.
Discount coupons for some events around the bay are available
CLICK HERE.
If you don't see your favorite event on the list below, just let me know and I'll be happy to include it.
Study of Seawall Parking Lots
To Interested Citizens
Board of Supervisors President David Chiu and the San Francisco Port Commission have invited the San Francisco Planning Department to conduct a focussed, six- to eight-month public planning process to develop urban design and development recommendations for Port-owned surface parking lots on the west side of The Embarcadero, between Market and North Point Streets.
We would appreciate hearing back on your interest by Friday, April 24, 2009.
CAFE COMFORT
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
I am an unabashed Francophile. Even during our national temper tantrum that put “freedom fries” on the menu, my fries were always French. One of the things I love most about living in San Francisco is its similarities with Paris, nowhere more so than in the café culture of both. Though separated by a continent and an ocean, San Francisco and Paris are cut from the same café cloth.
N.E.R.T Training in May
For Immediate Release
Rosie Klahn
GoldenGateway NERT
415.305.7903
There are two NERT events in May, one for full training at Davies Hospital, the other, a short personal preparedness class for people who want to get safety skills for their home, but not be trained as emergency team responders.
Projected $128.9 Million Transit Deficit
Requires Difficult Decisions
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
As a result of the global economic downturn, a national recession, the elimination of state funding for transit operations and a city budget deficit of some half billion dollars, the SF Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is facing an unprecedented budget deficit of $128.9 million for the next fiscal year, beginning July 1.
Wear a Scarf to Express Your Uniqueness
by Cathie Hehman*
The scarf offers endless possibilities for enhancing your looks and adding uniqueness to your personal presentation. Scarves can help you individualize your look in three ways: 1) They come in many sizes and fabrics, 2) You can combine them with various types of clothing, and 3) You can tie or secure them in many different ways.
ATTENTION: PUC’s Upcoming Sewer Project
Idil Bereket, Communications / Public Outreach
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
1155 Market St., 11th Floor
415-554-0741 / Fax: 415-554-3282
ibereket@sfwater.org
www.sfwater.orgSEWER REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
North Shore Force Main Sewer Improvement Project
(Drumm and Spear Streets, San Francisco)
FACT SHEET
BACKGROUND:
San Francisco's wastewater collection system is a combined system and consists of 1,000 miles of sewers that transport sanitary flow and storm runoff. More than 70% of the city's sewers are over 70 years old. Since the late 1970s, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has been working on sewer improvement projects throughout the City and at our wastewater treatment plants with the ongoing Sewer Repair and Replacement (R&R) Program. There are usually dozens of these R&R projects happening at any given time throughout the city. Each of these R&R projects, are coordinated with the City's street paving program through the Department of Public Works (DPW).
DID YOU KNOW?
…that you can easily
find out if you’re a Barbary Coaster?
…that over a million dollars was spent to buy the artworks in
Walton Park?
…that you don’t need a resale card to get into the Gift Center? Barbary Coaster Kate Van Ness has a costume jewelry shop called
Moxie, and she’ll be glad to let you in the front door? Find out how.
…that you can read the weekly
police report every Tuesday?
…you can learn about the history of the beautiful
old buildings in the Northeast Waterfront District of the Barbary Coast?
…that you can go on adventures—thanks to Bill Sauro, Marti Young, and Cathy Fiorello:
…you can always let us know what
you think?
BOOKS ‘n THINGS
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
A Homemade Life
by Molly Wizenberg
When I decided to do a column on food writing, I found myself burdened with a wealth of possibilities. I have been reading about food, collecting quotes about food, filling my shelves with books about food for most of my adult life.
NEWAG Meeting April 1, 2009
Jennifer Sobol, Project Manager
Port of San Francisco
Pier 1 The Embarcadero
T: 415-274-0548
Email:
Jennifer.Sobol@sfport.com
The next meeting of NEWAG (NORTHEAST WATERFRONT ADVISORY GROUP) will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Port of San Francisco offices, Pier 1 (The Embarcadero @ Washington Street), in the Bayside Conference Room. Below you'll will find the Notice & Tentative Agenda. You are all welcome to attend.
ATTENTION Barbary Coast Small Businesses
Forms available through:
Patti Mangan
Imagine That SF
950 Battery Street
Telephone: 415-362-2625
From May 16 through May 23, San Francisco will celebrate Small Business Week. Throughout each day of that week business networking events, seminars, workshops and sidewalk sales will be hosted throughout the city.
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
May 16 - Members of District Merchants Assn. host sidewalk sales
May 18 - Opening ceremonies hosted by Mayor Newsom at City Hall from 6-8pm
GETTING OUT: The Polk Street Stroll
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
I’ve been so content with the ambience of our Barbary Coast neighborhood since moving to San Francisco that I’ve hardly ventured outside its borders. But lately I’m discovering that there's life beyond the Embarcadero and North Beach. I’m not talking about Fillmore Street. With its high profile boutiques and restaurants and festival—Fillmore is almost an extension of the Barbary Coast. I’ll ask instead, raise your hand if you’ve been to Polk Street lately. No? Come take the “Polk Street Stroll” with me.
BOOKS ‘n THINGS
A Last Word about Stacey’s
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
I attended Stacey’s farewell event featuring Cara Black, who talked about her ninth Aimee Leduc Paris-based mystery,
Murder in the Latin Quarter.
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES
As promised, the event opened with French treats—a Rhone wine, several cheeses, a tapenade, and baskets of baguette. Though expected to be well-attended, nobody was prepared for the size of the audience. Every seat was filled, the overflow stood in the aisles, sat on the floor, and lined the walls. In addition to official press, hand-held digital cameras clicked all over the room. It seems everyone wanted one last keepsake of this much loved independent bookstore.
SHIMMER & SHINE
Create A little Wardrobe Magic
by Cathie Hehman*
Designers around the world are showing clothing with a little dazzle on their daytime designs. Gold, platinum, silver or copper lame fabrics and articles of clothing with embellishments like sequins and crystals are creeping into daytime fashions. They're a way to express optimism and confidence in spite of all the bad news that is prevailing in the news media.
MEETING NOTICE
Waterfront Design Advisory Committee
DATE: Monday, March 9, 2009
TIME: 6:30 P.M.
LOCATION: Port of SF offices (Pier 1 - Embarcadero at Washington)
Sewall Lot 351 and NEWAG meeting
On Tuesday, February 24, the Port Commission voted unanimously to:
1) Award SFWP II the Seawall Lot 351 Development Opportunity
2) Enter into exclusive negotiations with SFWP II to explore a mixed-use development project combining Seawall Lot 351 with the adjacent property
BOOKS ‘n THINGS
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
“Have you tried Stacey’s?” How often have we heard that, even from competing booksellers who didn’t carry the genre we sought? Because, if Stacey’s didn’t have it, no one did. It was our resource of last resort.
SUPPORT OUR INDEPENDENT BOOK STORES
SF Chamber Announces 2009 CityBeat Poll Results
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery Street, 12th Flr.
Telephone: 415-392-4520 - FAX: 415-392-0485
While the majority (65 percent) of San Francisco voters are pleased with the quality of life in San Francisco, and while concerns over homelessness and panhandling are at the top of the list of major issues, San Franciscans are more concerned than ever before with jobs and the economy. In 2008, just 12 percent of voters rated jobs and the economy as a major issue; in January 2009, worries about jobs and the economy jumped to 26 percent. (And this number may be even higher today than in January.)
BOOKS ‘n THINGS
Cathy Fiorello, resident
The Gateway
When I read a book I love, I need to tell others about it. So, I’ll use this space occasionally to pass on some of my favorites.
Before I do that, I want to pay homage to the bookstores that have fed my need to read. Wherever I’ve lived, I’ve always been drawn to small neighborhood bookstores with cozy corners that I can disappear into and, for a stolen hour, drop out of the din of city life. In last week’s
Barbary Coast News story about Book Passage,
Host Visiting Fullbright Students
We invite you to share in the rich diversity of the Fulbright Program by hosting a few visiting Fulbright graduate students/researchers for dinner on the evening of Friday, March 6.
We hope you will be interested in hosting two or more Fulbrighters for dinner (or maybe even co-host a potluck dinner for 10) on the evening of Friday, March 6.
Upcoming Meetings of NEWAG
Kathleen Diohep, Project Manager
Planning and Development, Port of San Francisco
(415) 274-0536
ATTENTION: NEWAG (Northeast Waterfront Action Group) and NEWAG Interested Citizens:
This is to update you on several upcoming meetings of interest.
NEWAG members and Interested Citizens:
Jennifer Sobol, Project Manager
Port of San Francisco
Pier 1 The Embarcadero
T: 415-274-0548 - F: 415-544-1748
Email:
Jennifer.Sobol@sfport.com
Please join the Exploratorium for a special update on the museum's move to Piers 15/17 at a community presentation of the project on:
DATE: Monday, February 23, 2008
TIME: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
PLACE: San Francisco Public Library - Chinatown Branch (Community Meeting Room, 1135 Powell @ Washington)
NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING
Learn what to put in your emergency kit, life-saving skills, and how to identify hazardous conditions around your apartment or office—all these and more—at classes taught by San Francisco Fire Department first responders. Visit
www.sfgov.org/sffdnert for other available sessions throughout the City.
WHEN: Wednesdays 3/4, 11 & 18
TIME: 9:00am-4:00pm
WHERE: Federal Reserve Building
FEES: No Cost
RSVP: to (415)970-2024 or register online at
sffdnert@sfgov.orgChamber News that Affects Barbary Coast
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery St., 12th flr.
San Francisco, California 94104
Mayor Newsom Announces Economic Stimulus Plan:
Good News for Small Business
Mayor Gavin Newsom has unveiled the details of his five-part plan for stimulating and supporting the local economy. The plan includes accelerating capital spending, investing in local businesses, reducing the burdens local government places on local businesses, supporting workforce development and attracting more foreign investment to San Francisco.
Subject: Exploratorium Update Meeting 2/23
February 10, 2009——Join the Exploratorium for a special update on our move to Piers 15/17. We will be meeting at the San Francisco Public Library Chinatown Branch on Monday, February 23, 2009 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Please find the details in the attached invitation. Feel free to let all members of your organization know about the meeting.
ALERT: Board of Supervisors Budget Committee Meeting
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
235 Montgomery St., 12th flr.
San Francisco, California 94104
February 10, 2009, San Francisco——The Board of Supervisors is continuing to take the steps to call a Special June 2 election on tax measures and Charter amendments. Though Sup Chiu will introduce legislation tomorrow that opens the door to delaying the election; the Budget Committee will hear three tax measures on Wednesday: Gross receipts tax of .1% and a tax of 1.4% on commercial rents, on businesses with gross receipts of over $2 million; .5% increase to the sales tax and a reduction in the payroll tax for businesses with payrolls under $400,000. These are items 3, 4 and 5. If you plan on testifying, you should try and get to City Hall well before 9:30 AM.
Wednesday, February 11
10:00 AM
City Hall Legislative Chambers
New Beginning for Dragons
(and others, too)
Maria Matson, resident
The Commons
Thousands of people—including two newcomers to the Barbary Coast—crowded the streets of San Francisco to view the Lunar New Year’s Parade last Saturday night. The young couple, new to the Barbary Coast, was closely following Auntie Maria for a glimpse of this unique San Francisco experience. They were excited to finally see the longest—and luckiest—dragon, Gum Long.
Reliving the Civil War in San Francisco
Patrick Doyle, Resident
The Commons
Although the Civil War ended 140 years ago, it’s vividly remembered by many, albeit often under different names: “the war between the states,” “the war of northern aggression,” and (in the case of southern belles) “the recent unpleasantness.”
8 Washington to
Bring Life to Waterfront Location
Image courtesy of SOM
New Open Space, Much-Needed Parking
San Francisco Waterfront Partners, the team behind the recently revitalized Piers 1 ˝, 3 and 5, have announced plans for 8 Washington, proposing a mix of housing and public amenities that would revitalize a corner of waterfront property that currently consists of a small, unsightly parking lot and a private club.
TOGETHER AGAIN *
Over the past 50 years, Barbary Coaster Mort Beebe has been a member of four expeditions to the Antarctic: first with Operation Deep Freeze as a Naval Public Information Officer on Adm. George Dufek's staff; then from 1957-1958 hopping from New Zealand to the Antarctic; and twice again from South America. The 1958 Life Magazine coverage of the polar extremes launched Beebe’s career in photojournalism. Now, 50 years later, Beebe and friend, Geoffrey Lee Martin propose to team up again in order to produce a film and book called Return to Antarctica. Their goal depends upon a grant from the National Science Foundation. The purpose: to contrast the past with the present. Below is a reprint from "Ice Stories" from The Antarctic Sun.
