http://missiondispatch.com missiondispatch.com en-us Mission Dispatch DW Alliance LLC http://www.dwalliance.com http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=c08f300cf7122fc6a9abd82c0b349e28&from=rss Robbery with Gun, Aggravated Assault Elvita’s Jewelry Store, 2689 Mission Nov. 23, 6:41 p.m. Two men wearing ski masks ran into the small jewelry store. One robber pointed a handgun as the other suspect immediately jumped the display counter and started scooping up gold rings and hanging necklaces placing them into a white plastic bag. “Don’t move,” the gunman ordered pointing the gun at the two women working behind the counter who were mother and daughter. “Or I’ll shoot you.” Fearing for the life of her daughter, the senior woman grabbed the suspect next to her who was holding the bag of stolen goods. The other suspect reached over and struck the woman over the head with the butt of the gun. The woman’s daughter grabbed a step ladder near-by and threw it at the gunman striking him in the legs. A third employee who was standing quietly behind another counter, screamed for her husband who was in back of the store. Alarmed by the sound of his wife’s voice, the woman’s husband hurriedly walked to the front of the store not knowing a robbery was in progress. As he approached, the gunman turned and pointed the weapon at him using both hands. Courtesy of Jane Warner, Police Special Patrol Officer 2009-12-22T10:36:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d5a2648f9bb2db6017c05933ec258fc2&from=rss Each fall I have the unique opportunity to team up with local community organizations and schools to host events that are designed to empower and educate our young people. Since joining the Legislature in 2003, I have hosted annual youth conferences, in collaboration with community organizations, as part of my ongoing commitment to helping prepare them to become fulfilled, healthy and productive members of society. By Senator Mark Leno 2009-12-22T10:36:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=3acc12692fb627ef54e6af6e3a3dd841&from=rss Despite making up about half of the traffic fatalities in San Francisco, pedestrians receive only a tiny portion of the federal transportation funding available. Walkers contribute to their own health, reducing local medical costs, and tread lightly on expensive infrastructure, but pedestrian projects win peanuts compared with highway projects that often bring pollution and congestion instead. By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2009-12-22T10:36:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=c4a3b2a0c099a934a4dfd3fa95dcbb4c&from=rss With the cheers for SF Supervisor David Campos and his amendment to the City’s Sanctuary Ordinance this past October, now emerges a very difficult path. Campos and the Board of Supervisors want to uphold the Sanctuary Ordinance to ensure civil rights for undocumented workers and their families. But the issue of crime and the State and Federal regulations regarding undocumented persons is very delicate. The subject of crime has been the stumbling block to recent efforts to maintain or with the Campos amendment distinguish and clarify this ordinance. Melissa Griffin of the SF Examiner perhaps said it best when she wrote in her column on Nov. 17, “the heart of the sanctuary city controversy, is simply a statement of what is legally obvious: When local law conflicts with federal law, federal law wins.” By Jonathan Farrell 2009-12-22T10:36:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=66ac523609099bedcd266eae62a23483&from=rss Nurses, hospital workers and clergy joined in a candlelight vigil estimated at over 80 people at St. Luke’s Hospital on Tuesday, Dec. 1 in an effort to express their disagreements with the current plans to rebuilt the130-year-old facility. “We organized this vigil to commemorate the two-year anniversary of the plans California Pacific Medical Center and Sutter Health pushed forward as part of a Master Plan,” said Nato Green, labor representative for The California Nurses Association. “CPMC’s plan is to build a new hospital at Cathedral Hill,” added Green. California Nurses is one of at least three unions not pleased with the proposed plans for St. Luke’s. St. Luke’s which at once had been a community hospital operated by the Episcopalian Diocese of San Francisco to serve the poor eventually landed in the hands of CPMC/Sutter. Rising costs in health care and an ever-increasing complexity of health care technology and outreach forced the Episcopalian Church of San Francisco to relinquish its control of the beloved hospital it founded in 1871. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-12-22T10:36:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=4c4f3ba6f8a7fe8267f0db4f29d7008d&from=rss How would you act if you knew that your household spending was projected to outpace your earnings? You would cut back on vacation plans, dining out, and other unaffordable spending. You would figure out what you could and could not live with, and make the necessary adjustments. Unfortunately, San Francisco’s city government has not done this. For the tenth consecutive year, the city faces a growing budget deficit. Next year’s deficit is projected to be $522 million. In addition, a $53 million dollar shortfall is expected in the current fiscal year. But this is not because there isn’t enough money to cover essential services. It’s because the political will hasn’t existed to make the tough decisions that would bring our city’s budgetary spending into line. By Jeff Adachi, SF Public Defender 2009-12-22T10:36:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=01aa9ce08fcf782e99f73150df143a88&from=rss @ Yerba Buena Center for the Arts The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival presents THE INSOMNIAC CITY CYCLES – a visually intoxicating experimental psychodrama by Israeli multimedia artist Ron Slavin – in the Screening Room of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St. Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $8.00 general admission and $6.00 for students, seniors, and Jewish Film Forum or YBCA members. For tickets and information, please call (415) 978-2787. The film will be preceded by two short films by Slavin, EVERYTHING IS URGENT and ALENBI MOMENT. The combined program is 74 minutes. INSOMNIAC CITY CYCLES includes some nudity and intense and/or violent imagery. 2009-12-22T10:36:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=87e7d530f7e9be61387a192055a6c855&from=rss @ Community Music Center El Chavo del Ocho: A Latin Music Show for Children: #8232;Sat., Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.#8232; $8 General Admission. #8232;El Chavo del Ocho follows El Chavo and the other inhabitants of the neighborhood as they go about their everyday lives. The show explores, in a comic way, the problems that many homeless children face on a daily basis, such as hunger, sadness and not having someone to watch over them. Some episodes end with a lesson, such as the importance of good hygiene and not judging a book by its cover. Look forward to games, a pinata, music, raffles and surprises for the whole family. Come dressed like el Chavo, la Chilindrina, Nono, Don Ramon, or any of your favorite characters. •••Community Music Center is located at 544 Capp St.#8232; (#8232;415) 647.6015. www.sfcmc.org. 2009-11-13T09:25:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=5b2838c0b5c8bdc297abe57692a2716c&from=rss A summer-like day with clear blue skies greeted hundreds of people as they gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 22 to begin the rebuilding of San Francisco General Hospital’s inpatient care facility at 1001 Potrero Ave. Doctors, nurses, therapists, lab technicians, administrators and scores of hospital workers from all departments converged onto the Main Lawn in front of the hospital’s main entrance. On the front lawn next to the speaking platform and loudspeakers, Ed Reiskin, director of SF Dept of Public Works with the dozens of construction workers had a large tractor along with shovels ready to dig into the ground. Patients and staff in the old red-brick buildings overlooking the lawn area peered out the windows to view the ceremony. Those four majestic but aging brick buildings are a sharp contrast to the gray concrete edifice added to the SF General campus in 1972. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-11-13T09:25:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=885b56b5b635a8936ac0e18405ebdc1e&from=rss Merchants and Residents from all over the City showed up in solidarity to voice concerns over the proposal to increase parking meter fees and to extend meter hours of operation. SF Municipal Transit Authority that now oversees the responsibilities of the Dept. of Parking and Traffic held an informal hearing regarding this proposal on Oct. 20 at City Hall. Room 400 was overflowing on that Tuesday as dozens lined up to speak. Residents and merchants from some of the most densely populated neighborhoods of the City like the Mission District, North Beach, and South of Market areas were among the most vocal. Regina Dick-Endrizzi said on behalf of The Office of Small Business, “take a look at small businesses and private sector jobs.” CNNMoney.com listed San Francisco as among the “best places to launch a business in 2009.” Currently there are over 115 thousand small businesses in the City, with an average per capita income growth of 32 percent since 2007. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-11-13T09:25:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=978563326a0bf2862751d218a3502e5f&from=rss The spirit of American entrepreneurism is alive and well, poised to take San Francisco’s youth by storm on Nov. 18. The Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour—the first ever collegiate entrepreneur tour—will be visiting City College of San Francisco (CCSF) for a final stop on its 18-college-tour throughout the state. The tour features many of California’s top young entrepreneurs who have made, earned or sold companies for millions of dollars and/or made a huge impact before the age of 30. One speaker, Cameron Johnson (24) from Los Angeles, started a dozen profitable businesses and became a self-made millionaire while he was still a teenager. Another speaker, Rahim Fazal (27) from San Francisco, sold his first business for $1.5 million as he was graduating high school. 2009-11-13T09:25:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=9590330b53b984bb50a036962cfbf2a9&from=rss All grocery pantries are not created equal. Some, like those hosted by congregations, provide more food— particularly protein items like beans and staples like rice—to their clients. Others, like those at schools and public housing communities, don’t have supplemental funding and receive the basic groceries the Food Bank allocates from its supply of donated food. Fresh produce—and lots more— is always free to every pantry, but the Food Bank typically has to purchase essentials like rice, beans and other items in order to always have them available for clients. These foods are often distributed through our Shopping Program, which allows pantries to “shop” at the Food Bank at a subsidized rate. But some pantries do not have the budget to make use of the Shopping Program to supplement their weekly distribution. 2009-11-13T09:25:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=32343b2c97dfb12c6b2c87f60e6251ff&from=rss The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) will begin track improvement work on the N Judah light rail line on Nov. 13 at the intersections of Judah Street and 19th Avenue and Judah Street and Sunset Boulevard. The work will continue over two additional weekends and require the use of Muni bus shuttles on the N Judah from Duboce and Church to La Playa and the diversion of traffic off of Judah Street, 19th Avenue and Sunset Boulevard. Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., SFMTA’s Executive Director, said the improvements are necessary to “provide safe and reliable Muni service to our customers.” Worn pavement and rails in these heavily traveled intersections require the replacement of rail and repaving of the intersections to keep the tracks in good working condition. In addition to replacing and repairing aging Muni tracks and components, the project will include long-overdue enhancements to the surrounding area such as street repaving and re-striping, sidewalk improvements and upgraded water lines. 2009-11-13T09:25:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=332011ec86396e35cd74abad75c564e8&from=rss Robbery w/Force, 18th and Dolores, Oct. 24, 1:31 a.m.: While walking home from a bar in the Castro, a woman took a short cut through Dolores Park. While she neared the tennis courts, a man approached her coming from the opposite direction. “Give me your fucking purse.” He threatened. Fearing for her safety, the woman complied and handed it over. The robber, described as a Hispanic male, 27-35 years old, 5’7, 160 lbs, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and baggy jeans that dragged on the ground, took the bag and fled into the park. Unhurt, but shaken, the woman walked to Mission Station and reported the robbery. Taken during the heist was an $800 Luis Vitton handbag, a pair of $300 black Christian Dior reading glasses, an Apple Ipod and a $5,000 Tag Heuer diamond watch. Courtesy of Jane Warner, Police Special Patrol Officer 2009-11-13T09:25:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=434fd3630ff0837680344438b5aaf62f&from=rss Muni riders whacked by fare increases in July now face the second punch of the old one-two: service changes and a more expensive Fast Pass. Come January, the adult pass will cost $60, or $70 with BART access in the City, which has been free. But first, major changes in service are scheduled for December 5. Not all are cuts, but several lines have had frequency or hours of operation reduced. One example hits home. The #67-Bernal Heights will cease service at 11 pm. No doubt, ridership on this bus was low late at night, but no alternative exists. A residential home for Alzheimer’s patients at the top of Bernal hill has a night shift that relies on the #67 to travel from BART. Those workers, poorly paid women who gave wonderful care to my mother before she died in 2001, must now scramble to find a ride or face a dark, hilly half-hour walk. By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2009-11-13T09:25:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=1f37594e4667eb1118f05c605137a0b6&from=rss California boasts one of the largest economies in the world – an economy that continues to require an ever-increasing number of educated, skilled workers. We are a world leader, yet our state ranks 47th in the nation in per-pupil funding for public schools, the very institutions that prepare Californians for college and the workforce. This year’s unprecedented budget crisis, prompted by the global economic downturn, has only made matters worse. Public education funding in California was cut by $11 billion for the 2009-10 budget year. By Senator Mark Leno 2009-11-13T09:25:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=52ac74b2d35cbbd8366e113d9937acd6&from=rss The Department of Public Works is encouraging residents to rethink the way people look at leaves. Rather than having leaves that fall on the ground go to landfill, residents can put leaves that gather on their sidewalk in their green recycling compost bin. San Francisco is home to thousands of trees that add to the beauty and greenery of the community. During the fall and spring, these trees shed leaves—marking a change in seasons. In San Francisco, these leaves can be swept up off the streets, sidewalks, and around catch basins and kept from ending up as waste and going to the landfill. 2009-11-13T09:25:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=90a535e60a7c49a479e929f857dcba07&from=rss A fatal shooting occurred on 24th and Shotwell streets in San Francisco’s Mission District on Sept. 18. The following evening on Saturday the 19th a gala event was held by the Precita Eyes Muralists in celebration of the publication of “Street Art San Francisco: Mission Muralismo” a new book about the murals of the Mission District. The sharp contrast between these two extremes is undeniable, yet this is the struggle the people of the neighborhood confront regularly. “If it were not for art I would have become just another statistic,” said local artist Dog Paw Carrillo.He briefly mentioned disappointment in the closing of New College and the programs it provided for youth in the Mission. Last year accreditation for New College of California was revoked. According to the SF Chronicle allegations of financial questions; irregularities in admissions, enrollment and awarding of credit and grades; and poor documentation of student records along with financial aid, caused the demise. In 2008, the campus on Valencia Street closed its doors after 37 years. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-10-26T15:04:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=59b26f286f64b32d939590b1e0c85261&from=rss In a time of unprecedented and painful state budget cuts, at least 100 of California’s treasured state parks are on the chopping block and could be closed to local residents and visitors. For San Francisco, that means the possible shuttering of Candlestick Point State Recreation Area, the state’s first urban park, which is located in the City’s Bayview/Hunters Point neighborhood. By Senator Mark Leno 2009-10-26T15:04:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=fdff18645732a7e286490e19a01c2d04&from=rss The diagnosis was clear: San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center faced massive disruption during construction of the new hospital mandated by state earthquake standards. Signs and symptoms included traffic congestion, which would affect vulnerable patients and other pedestrians, loss of about 100 on-campus parking spaces at the same time an army of contractors would be bringing in their own vehicles, and worsened air quality. By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2009-10-26T15:04:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=132cc50864ae37969805d278446ee0c8&from=rss Attempted Armed Robbery w/Knife Dolores Park, near the Muni tracks, Oct. 11, 1:50 a.m. Two men who were walking home from the bars in the Castro took a short cut through Dolores Park. While walking near the rails, they were approached by two men, both of whom held pocket knifes. “Give me your money, or we’ll stab you.” One of the suspects threatened and held the blade of the knife to one of the victim’s neck. Fearing for their lives, the men pushed their attackers away in an attempt to flee. The suspects sliced through the air with the knives cutting one of the victims on his index finger, the other victim felt a sharp blow to his lower back. Both men ran northbound toward 18th and Church when they saw two unidentified passersby and screamed for them to call 911. The suspects, who were not giving chase, were last seen running in the direction of the park’s restrooms. Police arrived and searched the area finding the suspects running on 18th Street and took them into custody without incident. Both suspects had been drinking and one of the suspects had blood on his shirt. The victims positively identified the detained men as their assailants. Police took the two suspects, ages 25 and 33, to Mission Station where they were booked for attempted armed robbery, aggravated assault with a knife and conspiracy. The victims were taken to SF General Hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening knife wounds and released 2009-10-26T15:04:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=3f96cf62ea53568b13f19669dc145b5c&from=rss 3rd i Film group proudly presents the 7th Annual San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival at the Roxie and Castro Theaters. The festival screens November 5-8, 2009, with opening night at the Roxie Theater on Thursday, November 5, continuing there on Friday, November 6, and then moving to the Castro Theater for the weekend of November 7-8. From art-house classics to documentary films to cutting-edge Bollywood, 3rd i promotes diverse images of South Asians through independent film. The 2009 festival includes films from South Asia and the South Asian diaspora including: India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Australia, Canada, Germany, the UK, and the USA. By Tom Mayer 2009-10-26T15:04:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=407fbbae772caf944a0b85fb1fb403f7&from=rss San Francisco Public Library will celebrate the re-opening the newly renovated Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library, on Saturday, Oct. 24. Located at 1 José Sarria Court, near 16th and Market streets, the Eureka Valley renovation is the latest project in the City’s Branch Library Improvement Program. The grand re-opening celebration will kick off with lion dancers and musicians in front of the renovated branch. Festivities begin at Noon with a small neighborhood parade, followed by speeches and entertainment at 1 p.m. Library services will start at 2 p.m. Pond Street will be closed between 16th and 17th streets to through traffic during the event. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned with Mayor Gavin Newsom, City Librarian Luis Herrera, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Department of Public Works Director Ed Reiskin and other city and state officials. 2009-10-26T15:04:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=2ce81bb2cbbcaef03aa5ed5811902833&from=rss The San Francisco General Hospital Foundation is seeking nominations for its fifth annual Heroes Hearts Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and inspirational behavior to another individual or the community as a whole. Nominations are being accepted now through Monday, Nov. 2. “A hero doesn’t always wear a cape,” said San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom. “In fact, in San Francisco we are blessed with many heroes in disguise who work hard to improve and maintain our wonderful community. Every one of them deserves a hero’s thank you for what they do. If you have a hero in your life, nominate them for our fifth annual Heroes Hearts Award. It’s a great way to touch their life the way they’ve touched yours.” 2009-10-26T15:04:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f9ce2e5826ebf11d7dbc7b9d14b2abff&from=rss @ Creativity Explored “Science” Fiction features a fantastical array of renderings by Creativity Explored studio artists depicting characters, landscapes, and vehicles from the world of science fiction TV, film, and pulp fiction, as well as original conceptions of futuristic places and beings. In this lively show, images of iconic characters such as the Robotrix, from Metropolis, Robbie the Robot, C3PO, Darth Vader, General Ursus, and Mr. Spock and the crew of the Enterprise will populate the gallery at Creativity Explored, while renderings of scenes from classic films and TV shows further advance the science fiction theme. Opening reception: Oct. 8, 7–9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear science fiction attire to the reception. Exhibition Dates and Times: Oct. 8–Nov. 21. Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; Thursday until 7 p.m.; Saturday, 1–6 p.m. Creativity Explored Gallery; 3245 16th St. at Dolores Street. More info at (415) 863-2108, www.creativityexplored.org 2009-10-26T15:04:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=181beafe353f240e2bdfb7ee7a7ec0e9&from=rss On Aug 12th staff members of the SF Planning Dept. presented the Mission Streetscape Plan to the community at a workshop style meeting. This was the fourth of such meetings. Their goal was to get public reaction and input to the plans drawn up so far. Project manager Ilaria Salvadori explained to the audience of about 50 people in the Women’s Building that Wednesday evening that these plans are only ideas and that the planning dept. is eager to receive comment from the community. Twelve large charts and various displays were set up for the public to view. Concepts like “traffic calming,” and “road diet” was mentioned frequently in the presentation. Representatives from Supervisor David Campos’ office were there as well as other city agencies like SF Municipal Transit Authority (MTA) and SF Recreation and Park to also participate in the discussion. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=62a3691bee0e955a69ec57c4ec0c0daf&from=rss The Department of Public Works (DPW) began the Leland Avenue Streetscape Improvements Project Aug. 31, commencing a ten-month neighborhood revitalization project that includes pedestrian lighting upgrades and crosswalk improvements, enhanced storm water management, new street trees and sidewalk furniture, sidewalk curb ramps, and public art. 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=ff5f7e2ddab7f9c47c6e3b553dd66606&from=rss As a follow up to the resolution it passed at its September meeting, the San Francisco Republican Party has mailed letters to the Mayor, all members of the Board of Supervisors, the City Attorney and the District Attorney asking them not to support Ordinance 091032 proposed by Supervisor David Campos, and to re-evaluate the current sanctuary policy to ensure that it complies with federal and state law. 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=e9b6061892cd966c72ad79788bc86ed1&from=rss San Francisco SAFE is gearing up to host its first ever 5K Fun Run/Walk for SAFEty event designed to promote awareness of personal and family safety, while raising funds for all of its important community services. On Sunday, Oct. 25 at 11 a.m. at Peacock Meadow in Golden Gate Park, communities from The City will come together for safety in an effort to make walking on the streets of neighborhoods a safe experience for the entire family. 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=46629412dd8c465b1927f05de1e8cf6a&from=rss Gateway to College National Network announced Aug. 28 the launching of the Gateway to College program at City College of San Francisco. The first Gateway to College students started classes on Aug. 17 at the College’s Southeast Campus. City College received a $300,000 start-up grant from the Gateway to College National Network to create a unique San Francisco collaborative to provide greater service for high school dropouts. The City College program currently serves 50 students, and is expected to serve up to 300 through its first three years of operation. 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=dd0b7b8a1d629e19f8802eca34c26ca6&from=rss @ Mission Public Library: Celelbrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Mission Branch Library Sat., Oct. 3 from 12-3:30 p.m. The event will begin with De Colores, dance and music from Mexico from 12-1 p.m. in the children’s room. Wear a traditional costume, play instruments, learn about Mexican culture, and dance! (costumes will be provided). Tango Argentino, the roots, history, and examples of Argentine tango dance and music from 1– 2:30 p.m. Maria Medina Serafin, bilingual poeta/percussionist and sonera of salsa music from 2:30-3 p.m. Xiuhcoatl Danza Azteca, traditional Aztec dance of ancient Mexico from 3-3:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. 300 Bartlett St. @ 24th St. between Mission and Valencia. For more info call (415) 355-2800. FREE. 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=1beb1250a31f2df8e235b8ea5d52cc23&from=rss Tossing your empty Coke cans and water bottles in the recycling bin has become an important part of reducing waste. However, there is still more to be done and fortunately it’s as easy as adding another bin to the bunch. Recently, I signed the nation’s first mandatory composting law requiring residents and businesses in San Francisco to compost food scraps. This legislation will assist us in reaching our goal of diverting 75 percent of our resources from landfill by 2010 and achieving zero waste by 2020. By Gavin Newsom, SF Mayor 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d8a3648480ae34a1c54fbbb52c8b1a2d&from=rss The Mission has higher rates of asthma and lower incomes than most San Francisco neighborhoods. And proximity to freeways and busy streets is as common as access to parks and green space, according to the Department of Public Health’s Program on Health, Equity Sustainability. The program analyzes by neighborhood several factors: access to healthy foods, obesity, and physical activity; housing; transportation; open space and parks; air quality and noise; and segregation. Findings appear in maps and tables that also rank the incidence of several chronic illnesses for 26 neighborhoods By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=0a1093c241dedeaf1dd4a501fc7b531e&from=rss Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. In just the last decade, small businesses have created 60% to 80% of the nation’s new jobs each year and employ nearly half of our workers. There is no doubt that we have had a difficult economic downturn over these last few years. While much of the media focuses on the ups and downs of the largest Fortune 500 firms, the reality is that our economic fortunes or misfortunes are directly tied to the fate of our independent small businesses By Senator Mark Leno 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=19e7b420b1877f40433e9da88504f8ef&from=rss The 32nd annual Mill Valley Film Festival runs Oct. 8 to 18 in Mill Valley and San Rafael, and this year features 220 films from 25 countries, including feature films, shorts, and documentaries. This year the festival is hosting major tributes to Uma Thurman, Clive Owen, and Woody Harrelson, all of whom will appear in person. By Tom Mayer 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=be9e91bb93f14317736bb7691ce5799c&from=rss Burglary, Hot Prowl, Robbery —2700 blk of Folsom, Aug. 30-09 at 2:30 a.m.— While asleep in her bedroom a woman heard her phone rang, answered it and found that it was her ex-boyfriend. The woman hung up the as she did not want to speak to him as they had separated on bad terms. About an hour later, she heard the sound of breaking glass coming from her living room. The woman got up from bed and went to her living room in time to see her ex-boyfriend climbing through the broken window. Courtesy of Jane Warner, Police Special Patrol Officer 2009-09-25T12:28:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f649bf14755e0c34339a13cc3392a4be&from=rss Aggravated Assault, Hate Crime: 18th and Valencia, Aug. 7 at 3:22 a.m. After leaving The Café located at 2367 Market St., a man was walking another man home. When they reached the corner of Valencia and 18th streets, he heard a male voice shouting out, “There goes two faggots.” Before the man could turn to see where the voice was coming from, two Hispanic males came out of the shadows and started beating him with their fists. The man took off his shirt to protect himself as the two suspects continued the beating yelling homophobic and derogatory insults. At one point during the assault, the man lost consciousness. When he woke up, the suspects were gone and so was his acquaintance. The man felt blood on his face and called 911 on his cell phone. Officers quickly arrived, called an ambulance and searched the area for the assailants described as Hispanic, between thirty and thirty-five years old, both over six feet tall, but could not find them. The victim told officers he believed the attack was provoked because he is gay, was taken to San Francisco General Hospital and treated for a laceration to the right side of his head, a broken deviated nose and a laceration to the corner of his right eye. It was unknown if the man’s friend was also a victim as police could not find him. Police are asking anyone with further information to call San Francisco Police Department’s Hate Crime Division at (415) 553-1133. Courtesy of Jane Warner, Police Special Patrol Officer 2009-09-02T18:07:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d7394d820c6fde46db7b6ecd56754cac&from=rss There are few things more important in life than the need for a roof over one’s head. The very basis of our survival is hinged on adequate housing opportunities. Humans over the centuries have developed many variations on the issue of housing, but one thing remains constant, shelter has always been a necessity for survival. I believe that housing is a right for all, not a privilege of the few. It is easy for housing to be taken for granted when one already has it. However, there is always a looming possibility that this situation could change, as evidenced by our recent housing foreclosure crisis nationwide. Whether you own or rent, have a house or an apartment, live in suburbia, rural areas, or in a densely populated city, housing is critical to everyone’s existence. 2009-09-02T18:07:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=c0e151365c4e137808b23c28b5509e3a&from=rss Last November, millions of people across the nation stood in agonizingly long lines to exercise their right to vote for the presidential candidate of their choice. The result would have been pandemonium had anyone dared interfere with that right. After all, voting is a form of civic participation that is a cornerstone of our democracy. So is another equally important civic duty of ours – jury service. However, many people called upon to fulfill this civic responsibility will barely open their jury summons before they begin devising ways to get exempted from jury service By Jeff Adachi 2009-09-02T18:07:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=0379020a857b911581c635ac9a66c64a&from=rss The Bay may not be far from the Mission or Bernal Heights, but it feels a million miles away. Though drivers can make the trip in no time, walkers and transit users find it easier to get to Oakland. But help may be on the way. Several blocks of Cesar Chavez east of Highway 101 have no sidewalks or only three feet of walkway, with utility poles smack in the middle. Crosswalks are also lacking. Veritable Vegetable, a distributor of organic produce at Tennessee, has facilities on both sides of Cesar Chavez, and workers constantly cross the street at corners that lack even basic stripes. To cross at a light, they would have to go blocks out of their way. The company petitioned the Municipal Transportation Agency for a crosswalk, but the MTA turned them down. 2009-09-02T18:07:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=12470e4c7cc48299e789c53ab60ecc96&from=rss @ The Roxie Theatre: FILM NOIR returns to San Francisco’s Roxie Theater with a vengeance! Elliot Lavine and the Roxie will be showcasing a stupendous 10-day fest of noir classics and curios from the fabled vaults of Columbia Pictures from SEPT. 17 – SEPT. 30. A total of 22 great films-all presented in beautiful 35mm studio vault prints — and none currently available on DVD. Original artwork for many of these titles will be available as well. For more information call (415) 957-1205. 2009-09-02T18:07:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=89940dcfa3736c19f104ff309f30b0c2&from=rss As lawmakers in Washington DC struggle to figure out the strategies for healthcare reform, two of San Francisco’s busiest and most relied upon hospitals push forward to renovate and rebuild. Both San Francisco General and St. Luke’s which have been serving the Mission District and surrounding areas for over 100 years have plans in the works that will impact the community for decades to come. Yet these plans for renovation and rebuilding are long-over due as new technology and mandatory seismic upgrade regulations have set higher and at times more complex standards than ever before. SF General is the only trauma center in The City. Almost 30 percent of all ambulances go to SF General, as it provides 20 percent of all inpatient care in San Francisco. On average SF General serves 100,000 patients annually. San Francisco General Hospital also provides the only emergency psychiatric care in The City and it offers the largest in-patient psychiatric facility. St. Luke’s has about 28,000 emergency visits per year. And, just like SF General is stretched to its limits trying to meet the needs of a diverse community. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-09-02T18:07:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b1d83c67b03fa7a54e21536649262254&from=rss “Budget Cuts,” those dreaded words that are becoming all too familiar in everyone’s ears. When residents and families heard that the Playground and Recreation Center on Moultrie Street near Cortland Ave. was going to close due to “budget cuts,” they persisted and protested before the Board of Supervisors demanding that it remain open regardless as it is vital to the community. Mauricio Vela, a community advocate and organizer was upset when he heard the news early in June. Since May 31 the playground and rec center which also has a gym has been limited to only three hours of use a day. How can the entire community be able to utilize the facilities if it is only open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.? This made no sense to Vela as he noted that, neighbors fought long and hard to raise $500,000 to renovate the gym and last year new exercise equipment was purchased. “Our school children and teenagers have been locked out of the gym with nothing left to do but hang out on Cortland Avenue,” said Vela as he talked to the Mission Dispatch. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-09-02T18:07:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=a89933a69688fed2941b811e558bb6cc&from=rss The fourth annual San Francisco International Festival of Short Films will be shown at Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight St. The festival is a celebration of the rebellious nature at the heart of all great filmmaking, and includes over 60 films and music videos from 19 countries. SF Shorts delights in screening a range of films. SF Shorts is about grabbing someone and making them think, feel and react. It's about what people see every day but now stare at in wonder. The festival screens a wide mix of genres to watch films rub up against each other, and proves that entertainment can have human value. SF Shorts will run from Sept. 9 to 12 at the Red Vic Movie House. Tickets are available through the website www.sfshorts.com and at the door the week of the festival. By Tom Mayer 2009-09-02T18:07:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b7aae9765f0d087aa59a2e4951b4ddf3&from=rss Great article, Jonathan, the one important aspect I don't see — San Francisco has, since the 1970’s committed to promoting biking, walking, and transit over personal autos in the City Charter. This means that, when making decisions about how to best use each and every foot of scarce road-space and sidewalks in this 7x7 city, it is the city's responsibility to put car parking last. As former Mayor of Bogota, Enrique Penalosa, recently said, “nowhere in your constitution does it require the government to provide car parking.” No reasonable person would buy an elephant with the expectation that the government to provide you with space to store it — why is that different for cars? — marcSFBC marcac-nospame-aswell@gmail.com 2009-07-15T19:55:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=cb4fa63ee40ad45790916a8735e7af06&from=rss The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition was ecstatic on Friday June 26 when the SF Municipal Transportation Agency adopted the Bicycle Plan promoted heavily by the coalition and a host of others. The approval and upcoming legislative implementation will provide 45 bicycle network improvement projects to the entire City. This will also seek to improve intersections and pedestrian walkways, promoting safety for bicyclists, pedestrians and commuters. Over 200 people showed up at City Hall room 400 to give testimony at the Friday hearing at 9 AM. The overflow of people had to gather in the North Light Court on the main floor to watch the hearing proceedings via video broadcast on a large screen that was set up to accommodate the crowds. Some arrived as early as 7:30, eager to provide testimony before the SFMTA panel and then be on their way to work. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=420bcee1cbabde8b7e032f023e7ce85a&from=rss Habitat Restoration Volunteer Work Party, Sat., July 25 at 10 a.m.: Join habitat restoration volunteers to keep the hill at Corona Heights Park healthy for birds, insects, and other native wildlife. Enjoy a spectacular view of the City while you help remove invasive weeds, maintain trails, and learn about our San Francisco ecosystem. Advance sign-up is required. Adults and Teens. Please call or email ahead to sign up: (415) 552-3542 or at coronavolunteers@sonic.net. Free. Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way (off Roosevelt, above 14th and Castro streets) Info: (415) 554-9600 or www.randallmuseum.org. 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=afe02a7fd04ed60d44d11b2f294a89fc&from=rss Bicycle gloves serve their owners well, helping them climb the City’s steep hills, dodge buses and taxis, and endure the daily slog to work. The padded gloves with cut-off fingers are not a frill or fashion statement for the serious cyclist. Besides protecting the hands, they may also help prevent lateral epicondylitis, or “tennis elbow,” by cushioning the repeated whacks a cyclist takes going over San Francisco’s bumps, tracks, and potholes. By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=1e18c3579a870b4f982e63d2f1042e9e&from=rss With an unprecedented $24 billion budget deficit, Californians have had concerns and questions about how elected leaders in Sacramento would resolve the state’s budget crisis. To address some of these concerns, I participated in a live, online Town Hall on June 15 with Senate pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento). During the 90-minute forum we discussed the factors that prompted the budget crisis, the governor’s proposed cuts and our ideas for resolving the state’s fiscal emergency. Thousands of Californians tuned in to the Town Hall, and about 1,000 people from across California submitted their questions and concerns about the budget. I want to share with you some of the issues we were able to address during that internet Town Hall. By Senator Mark Leno 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=3ce76c82b1cdde497c20b91534c7c6e8&from=rss A report released by the San Francisco City Controller on the San Francisco Public Defender's Office case costs has found that the office’s representation of 28,000 people each year is the most efficient and cost-effective way to provide legal representation to those who cannot afford lawyers, according to Public Defender Jeff Adachi. “The findings of this report show that cutting the Public Defender’s Office by $1.9 million would cost the city as much as $1.4 million more per year if my office is forced to outsource 2,600 cases to private attorneys,” said Adachi. 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=173b31875b2fe188fc20074f400b9e9d&from=rss TOMRA Pacific Inc., a unit of Tomra of North America, a leading provider of advanced recycling solutions, will open a new, user-friendly TOMRA Recycling Center in the City’s Bayshore Corridor. The recycling center, scheduled to open July 18, will serve the City’s largely unmet demand for consumer recycling facilities for the redemption of plastic, glass and aluminum CRV beverage containers. “Citywide, San Francisco has only 15 locations where consumers can recycle their beverage containers, down from 35 locations just three years ago. For a city with a population of over 800,000, there is large unmet demand for facilities,” said Frank Canelo, TOMRA Pacific’s Operations Manager for the Bay Area. 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=a3c59e688b2e12b8d5e431ae982062e2&from=rss As most of the City calls it a day, the Department of Public Works (DPW), the Entertainment Commission and Norcal Waste Systems, Inc. have been visiting some of the City’s busiest nightlife spots in an effort to curb the amount of litter, including gum and cigarette butts, that end up on the sidewalks of some of the City’s busiest nightlife districts. 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=0889c804cc5e7e7eb3440b60496849c7&from=rss When I was elected Public Defender in 2002, I set out to ensure that the Public Defender’s Office was properly staffed and had the necessary resources to competently represent its clients. Part of the oath I took requires that I “protect the U.S. Constitution,” at all costs. With the onset of the recession, we have seen the number of people who need legal services increase, while our office’s resources have decreased. This is because there are fewer people in this economy who can afford to hire an attorney. By Jeff Adachi, SF Public Defender 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=1d77b2d5fe223158e9e5de10d0cb2966&from=rss In May, the Carnaval parade in The Mission brought together tens of thousands of individuals, most of whom who are members of ethnic minority groups. Dozens of Central American, South American, and Caribbean nationalities were represented. All of these people are classified as “hard to reach individuals” by the U.S. Census Bureau. 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=a9c5a300a9415b84f0f66be6aee07a20&from=rss Right now, the California legislature is considering legislation that would dramatically weaken our current fire safety standards. Senate Bill 772 proposes to eliminate critical fire safety standards from children's products. Children are the one of the most vulnerable populations to fire and removing children from the umbrella of California’s strict fire safety standards is dangerous and unwise. By Aubry L. Stone 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=e69753fd92b5bdec77af4288f28e03b1&from=rss Boys Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF) announces the start of our Summer Food Service Program. The food program is available without charge to all youth in the community ages under the age of 19 at the following Mission location: Clubhouse: Columbia Park, 450 Guerrero St. Lunch Time: 11:45 a.m. Snack Time: 3:30 p.m. 2009-07-14T13:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=cbb97ce1f13017b25e81758883c94df0&from=rss As the effects of the economic recession make a larger impact, one necessity often taken for granted and overlooked is streets and roads. The City and County of San Francisco is proposing a $368 million dollar Safe Streets Road Repair Bond initiative for the November 2009 ballot. If passed by the voters, the bond will repair, improve and enhance San Francisco’s streets, sidewalks, bridges, stairways, streetscapes and curb ramps. “This bond initiative needs a two-thirds majority to pass,” said communications rep Gloria Chan speaking on behalf of SF Dept. of Public Works. Yet in an opinion piece on July 6, SF Examiner columnist Ken Garcia critiqued that with a city budget of over $6 billion there should be enough money for basic repairs. Garcia wrote, “Why can’t we find money to fix our own streets? Something is wrong here – very, very wrong.” By Jonathan Farrell 2009-07-14T13:12:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=26d1449a3bfcfabb7efc1561a3b05108&from=rss California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced on June 30 that City College of San Francisco (CCSF) is among eleven recipients of nearly $10 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) funds to launch regional California Green Job Corps pilot programs throughout the state. The $931,087 award from the Federal Recovery Act funds will be matched by CCSF. As one of four Bay Area recipients of the California Green Jobs Corps funding, CCSF will provide job training and community service opportunities in California’s emerging green economy. Statewide 1,500 at-risk young adults aged 16–24 will be served, and they in turn will help to create a cleaner environment as well as spur economic growth in California. 2009-07-14T12:13:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d456a85a5e25f2fffb594e89548b6ce7&from=rss Once upon a time this city had as its motto: “The City that Knows How” — with good reason that slogan seems to have been retired along with the thought behind it. The City built Candlestick Park back in the 1950s in order to lure the New York Giants out to the Bay Area. It has sat on that accomplishment for over nearly 60 years. During the intervening half-century we have watched the Giants abandon the place for a more convenient location downtown. After they moved out, the stadium has sat empty around 350 days and nights every year. For a number of years now the sole remaining tenant, the 49ers have also said that they want to move and are now actively trying to obtain a new facility down in Santa Clara By Wheelman 2009-06-13T11:59:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=0f5a55dc1b2d4fadd038f524ed6d8489&from=rss June is Pride month! For nearly 40 years, the San Francisco Bay Area has been home to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, which includes a month-long series of events and programs and culminates with the annual Pride parade. We have many reasons to celebrate our pride this year as many states across the nation continue to recognize the importance of marriage equality for same-sex couples. At the same time, the passage of Proposition 8 in California shows us that we must redouble our outreach and educational efforts as we work to achieve full equality in the Golden State. By Mark Leno, State Senator 2009-06-13T11:59:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f74f206db06114ea46dcb26868c3f1f8&from=rss The “Gallant Old Party” Republicans of San Francisco have set the issue of the Sanctuary Ordinance along political party lines. This past April the SF GOP unanimously passed a resolution to “support and defend the Constitutions of the United States and of the State of California” in opposition to the City of San Francisco’s current policy of its Sanctuary Ordinance. This local Republican Party platform resolution was established in response to the SF Democratic County Central Committee resolution this past March to demand that Mayor Gavin Newsom direct the SF Police Dept. not to enforce immigration laws for undocumented aliens, including youths that commit felonies. The Mission Dispatch talked with the Chair of the SF Republican Party, Howard Epstein and he explained that San Francisco “must follow the U.S. Code Laws as well as State Code laws. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-06-13T11:59:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=411f36dd5e84f08058a5e82740bd0c4c&from=rss Streets in the Mission will either open up or close down this summer, depending on your mode of travel. Walkers, skaters, and bicyclists will luxuriate in unfettered access to a route between Rolph Park and Dolores Park on two Sundays this summer. Drivers will have to find another way. June 7 and July 19 are the two days that the roving celebration of self-propulsion known as Sunday Streets will come to the Mission. Earlier events have hugged the eastern waterfront, and the final two Sundays later this summer will hit the ocean side of the City. The Mission Sundays are the only ones to be located entirely in a dense residential neighborhood. By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2009-06-13T11:59:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=469ef850f90769b337747ac090914afc&from=rss @ Roxie, Castro and Victoria Theater Frameline, the oldest and largest LGBT film festival will present more than 200 films from all over the world from June 18-28 at the Roxie Cinema, Castro Theater, and Victoria Theater. During the 11 days of Frameline33, more than 60,000 patrons around the Bay Area, the U.S., and around the world will attend the various screenings. The films, both short and feature, examine the lives of gay people in the Latino, Asian American, African American, and Native American communities. Opening night film is An Englishman in New York, starring John Hurt as Quentin Crisp, a great performance portraying the queer Crisp, who shot to fame as "the naked civil servant.” Centerpiece films are Patrick, Age 1.5, a Swedish film about a gay couple who get more than they bargain for, when their adopted “baby” turns out to be a cranky 15-year-old boy — and Prodigal Sons, a documentary about a transgender woman going home to Montana for her high school reunion. Famous local twin filmmakers George and Mike Kuchar will receive the 2009 Frameline Award at a screening of the new documentary It Came From Kuchar on Sunday, June 21 at the Castro Theater. For more info and tickets, go to www.frameline.org — tickets are also available at the Frameline Box Office at Superstar Video at 474 Castro St. 2009-06-13T11:59:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d1583321a9ec642d41e9f96ee79c1072&from=rss This past May, City Attorney Dennis Herrera took legal actions against the United States Postal Service for refusing to ensure proper delivery of mail to Single Residency Occupancy Hotels in San Francisco. Tenants of SRO hotels throughout the City have complained that their mail is often misplaced, tampered with or stolen because the USPS will not take the basic steps to ensure mail is placed securely in each individual mailbox. As it is now, mail delivery to a SRO hotel is simply left at the front desk or in the hands of the hotel’s owner or staff clerk. “Should a desk clerk control who gets their mail?” Jeff Buckley, director of the Central City SRO Collaborative asked this question as he talked to the Mission Dispatch about this on-going and menacing problem. “We didn’t think much of this at first, considering it isolated incidents,” said Buckley. “But it kept growing,” he added. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-06-13T11:59:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=1871dc603dc184d423f42425f3898b87&from=rss Sunday Streets creates a safe, fun, car-free place for people to get out and get active in San Francisco neighborhoods. Last year’s two events drew more than 15,000 people. Sunday Streets coordinators Susan King and Cheryl Brinkman of the nonprofit Livable City spoke briefly at the Mission Station community meeting on May 26 at the invitation of Capt. Stephen Tacchini. The community room at SFPD’s Mission Station that Tuesday evening was overflowing. Most were there for other concerns. Yet all seemed pleased to hear that another neighborhood event is being planned, especially upon the heels of Carnaval celebration. Capt. Tacchini mentioned that Carnaval this year went very well with only a few small incidents that were easily maintained. He welcomed the Sunday Streets event idea. King explained Sunday Streets, opens the streets to San Franciscans to explore four different neighborhoods and participate in a wide variety of activities, including dancing, biking, skating, walking, hula hoop, yoga, and just people watching. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-06-13T11:59:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=16ea192fc83aadf82b149debe5e5250c&from=rss San Francisco Public Defender Jeff Adachi says the Mayor’s proposed $1.9 million cut to the Public Defender’s Office will cost the city millions more in the years ahead and take an unnecessary toll on low-income people in the justice system. 2009-06-13T11:59:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=5b029dfe12b31fb4b70d2ef00c8bf9a4&from=rss Attention car owners! Get plenty of extra quarters in your pocket change. Proposals to increase parking fees by 50 cents to a dollar citywide are being reviewed, as the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority needs to recover a $128 million deficit. As reported in the San Francisco Examiner this past April 6, ideas to increase parking fees would cover all four parking zones in the City with the exception of sections of the waterfront that is controlled by the Port of San Francisco. Representative for the Parking and Traffic Division of the SFMTA, Terry Robbins met with the Mission Merchants Association about the proposal on April 21. His purpose was to bring to the merchants the idea as a way of improving and creating more parking availability in the Mission District. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-05-13T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=ec38fbba2ba4c7b56764c3e26de8f83a&from=rss Galeria de la Raza: April 18-May 31: Galeria’s upcoming exhibition opens its doors to Exit Art, a NY nonprofit cultural center. The exhibition features two complimentary shows: Jumping the Fences which includes a series of performance-based photographs by Papo Colo, Renegades a collection of videos documenting 25 years of performances produced by or presented at Exit Art. Site: galeriadelaraza.org. Tel: (415) 826-8009. Address: 2857 24th St. 2009-05-13T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=5d14ca06500e5c06cb1cf2b60979864f&from=rss Our leaders have hatched several new ways to fleece — that is to tax — us. Both fly under the deceptive title of “Congestion Pricing.” The title is intended to suggest that the City leaders are really interested in alleviating traffic congestion rather than crassly trying to pry more money out of us for things that were formerly free. People of my generation can remember that when parking meters were first ‘sold’ to the public it was not to raise money but simply to regulate parking. Of course we now see how the Board of Supervisors and the mayor lean on parking revenue and parking fines as just another cash cow having no relation at all to parking regulation. In the same vein is “congestion pricing.” By Wheelman, Member 'I Love my Wheels' 2009-05-13T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=fa09d6b32e66831cd7bc802f2305b45f&from=rss Muni riders at community workshops of the Transit Effectiveness Project last year were reassured at every meeting that improving reliability would be the first step toward any changes. The TEP process involved tremendous effort in soliciting opinions, crunching data, and rejiggering routes, and the results promised a new beginning for Muni. Now, riders face a downward spiral, and the word reliability has been forgotten. By Fran Taylor, Member of Walk SF 2009-05-13T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=6efcc54e2a0b482720561bb388f5efa8&from=rss Since the announcement of the forming of Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan, critics have worried that the 13-member committee will be biased toward the wishes of the Board of Supervisors. The supervisors will nominate most of the seats as applications are now being accepted and the five remaining seats are to be appointed by Mayor Newsom. There was no mention of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee at the Mission Street Heights Community meeting held on April 14. Instead the focus of the meeting was upon the issue of “small business displacement,” and “smart growth” which despite six wall maps displayed then included only vague references to the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-05-13T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=37a1e79cd7c362938b04a023a500e466&from=rss FILM NOIR returns in May to the ROXIE where it once enjoyed its greatest renaissance. Two weeks — from May 15 through May 28 — of darkly demented, baffling B budget curios of the American style — most not available on DVD and many not seen in theaters for decades! #8232;#8232;From 1990 until 2003, San Francisco’s Roxie Theater enjoyed a reputation as being the foremost venue in the entire Bay Area for the absolute best in quality, esoteric film noir. The guiding hand behind the film noir programming at the Roxie was Elliot Lavine, who left the theater in early 2003 to pursue other interests, among them teaching courses in film studies at Stanford and San Francisco State University. He has also completed work on a fascinating new book called TV Noir: I Wake Up Dreaming. To help celebrate the appearance of his soon to be published book, Lavine has been invited to curate this film noir series at the Roxie. By Tom Mayer 2009-05-13T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=032ee4af10cee8c81daec27093769081&from=rss Residents applauded when they heard the news that a world-class skate park is in the planning stages at Duboce and Mission streets. San Francisco Skateboarding Association hosted two community meetings on March 5th and April 2nd to discuss the proposed plans and to receive public input from residents and merchants. Both meetings at the LGBT Center at 1800 Market were well attended much to the delight of Ted Loewenberg, vice president of the SF Skateboarding Association. “This will be so positive for the area, as it is making another venue open to the public and it will be a venue accessible by public transit,” said Loewenberg. The skate park will be build on a spot of land that is underneath the over pass of what is now Octavia Blvd. but had at one time been part of the Central Freeway. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-04-16T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=0132eb94ccc16987829fe649daced8fa&from=rss Now that the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan has been adopted by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, it was official as of January 2009, a Citizens Advisory Committee is being formed. This committee will provide a formal venue for the community to participate in the implementation process. The committee is to provide guidance on community benefits and to ensure that projects outlined in the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan meet the stated needs of the community. Yet critics fear the committee will be bias in its decision making process. Because, eight of the 13 seats on the committee will be nominated by the Board of Supervisors and five seats will be appointed by Mayor Newsom. Among those critics is Phil Lesser of Lesser Enterprises Inc. He talked with the Mission Dispatch at length about this new development in his long struggle with the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan By Jonathan Farrell 2009-04-16T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=550113bbb84401d3105afafec85f1631&from=rss Make your commute count by joining the thousands of first-time and experienced commuter cyclists during this year’s annual Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 14 hosted by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC). With its sunny weather and flat geography, the Mission District is naturally an inviting area to bike in. Resources provided by the SFBC make participation in the event even easier. Pedal by an Energizer Station on Bike to Work Day (there will be one at 17th and Valencia in the morning and evening as well as a bilingual/Spanish station at Cesar Chavez and Valencia in the evening). Volunteers will be handing out free goodies like the popular Bike to Work Day tote bag and tasty treats to keep you going. And you can learn more about bike lane projects proposed for Cesar Chavez and 17th Street, part of 56 bike improvement projects that are up for City approval this spring. By Constance Cavallas 2009-04-16T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=e7bb6ca800d14060cb8227babcabe159&from=rss BRAVA THEATER: April 15–25 at 8 p.m.: OVER THE MOUNTAIN (World Premiere): The story begins when a female writer is detained by her local government. Two government clerks are sent to interrogate her, and a conflict soon develops pitting human rights vs. the needs of the government. At its essence, Over the Mountain is about family – those created by birth and those developed by choice. It shows the human spirit at its worst and best. It also shows how the family we are born into can shape us, but may not completely define who we become in our communities. This piece poses questions in hopes of presenting the audience with an opportunity to evaluate its own contemporary value systems, whether they be social or economic in nature. Tickets $20 in advance/$20-$35 at the door depending on the evening. Brava Theater, 2841-24th St. (at York). For tickets and more information got to www.brava.org or call (415) 641-7657. 2009-04-16T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=8876ba9106bc8207b64af048e21ae60c&from=rss The 52nd annual San Francisco International Film Festival will be held April 23 to May 7 in San Francisco and Berkeley. The festival, the oldest in the U.S., will offer 150 feature films and short films from 58 countries. The opening night film is the Premiere of Peter Bratt’s La Mission a tale set in San Francisco’s Mission District. Appearing in person will be director Bratt and several stars including Benjamin Bratt and Erika Alexander. Empress Hotel is a new documentary by Allie Light and Irving Saraf set in a Tenderloin single-room hotel. Christopher Felver’s documentary Ferlinghetti pays tribute to poet and City Lights owner Lawrence Ferlinghetti, now 90. San Francisco’s bilingual education is portrayed in Marcia Jarmel and Ken Schneider’s Speaking in Tongues. By Tom Mayer 2009-04-16T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d561fd2ac83446cf5cfea815f7ae5a9b&from=rss Lasting longer than the siege of Leningrad, the San Francisco court injunction barring bicycle improvements has passed its 1000th day. No one starved to death or resorted to eating dogs, as did millions of Russians encircled for 872 days by Nazi troops during World War II, but the judicial blockade has created pent-up demand and energy. In anticipation of a judge’s ruling that will thaw the injunction freeze, the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition kicked off the campaign for a basic network of bike lanes throughout the city with a mass meeting in February. Hundreds of cyclists listened to a brief overview, then broke up into smaller groups by neighborhood. By Fran Taylor, Member of Walk SF 2009-04-16T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=9a361c34a667e9a36a77b84ec7d424fb&from=rss After more than 100 days of negotiations and nearly a full week of a 24-hour lockdown in the state Capitol, the California Legislature passed a bipartisan budget package addressing California’s fiscal crisis. Citizens were understandably frustrated while legislators struggled to reach consensus on a budget plan. Clearly, our state finances have been severely impacted by the struggling national economy. As a result, we are seeing steep declines in our traditional revenue streams, including income, property, sales and capital gains taxes. The $42 billion budget deficit threatened California’s economy. By Senator Mark Leno 2009-04-16T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=bfbc577f00034c1af7650c6e18502b0b&from=rss Carlos B. (not his real name) came to the United States from Mexico when he was 10-years-old with his parents who settled in San Francisco. Smart and determined, Carlos learned to speak English fluently in one year, excelled in school and eventually earned a 3.8 grade point average at Mission High School. One day, Carlos, 14, was arrested by police for possessing a BB gun. Because he was a minor, he was taken to the Youth Guidance Center. Probation officials suspected that Carlos was undocumented and reported him to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Carlos suddenly faced the prospect of deportation and being separated from his family. By Jeff Adachi, SF Public Defender 2009-04-16T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=e45e64c881f8171159dedb347fb6354f&from=rss Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dolores Park, Dolores Street between 18th 20th SF Cinco de Mayo Festival invites the everyone to bring their picnic blankets and enjoy the lush green grass of Dolores Park and its million dollar skyline view, while enjoying music, cultural entertainment, and outdoor recreation. SF Cinco de Mayo is a FREE family and children-friendly, alcohol-free environment. This year SF Cinco de Mayo is introducing Health Screening, Education, and "Going Green" 2009-04-16T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=36f1069c8f350cfa602cc2512efc31fa&from=rss S.F. Small Business Loan Fund SAN FRANCISCO, CA – In response to the ongoing credit crisis, Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that TMC Development Working Solutions (Working Solutions) has been selected to work with the City and County of San Francisco to administer the city's new Small Business Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). RLF microloans will be available starting April 15! 2009-04-16T11:53:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=114013c33b5066ad05606514166ab937&from=rss A PERSONAL STORY — ON THE EVENING OF FRIDAY, JAN. 30, I was detained and later taken into custody by two plainclothes police officers while I was walking along 16th Street. During this ordeal, I was handcuffed, insulted, and generally treated as a criminal for nearly 8 hours without being allowed to contact my family or anyone else. All of this took place without ANY explanation or justification then or now as to why this occurred. Many friends tell me I was picked up for “Walking While Mexican.” Around 7 that evening, I was contacted by a childhood friend who is from the same town in Mexico. He is selling a house down there and I had expressed some interested in buying it. We decided to go to the El Tin-Tan Bar and Restaurant on 16th Street to discuss the matter over dinner and a few drinks. That restaurant is frequented by many other people from our area of Mexico, the Yucatan, and so we both encountered many friends we had not seen in awhile. By Pedro Tuyub, Mission Dispatch Publisher 2009-03-20T11:51:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=012fd3eeee3abf2d17671248d5f75157&from=rss Transit ridership is rising, global warming is speeding up, and sprawl development has led to foreclosure and heartbreak. Encouraging the first development could address the other two. The various budgets and bailouts we’ve been clobbered with this year, however, suggest we should instead slash funding for buses and trains. Start with California’s governor and legislature, pause at local government, then move on to the Feds, and the message is clear: The same policies that got us in this mess will be rewarded, while transportation ideas that could solve multiple problems at once must beg for scraps. By Fran Taylor, Member of Walk SF 2009-03-20T11:51:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=07383ea27f60744278423bb01fd15f85&from=rss Mission Cultural Center: Wed., March 25: Luna Negra — A Night of Women's Live Art with Sandra Garcia Rivera, Gabriela Shiroma, Shefoli Shah, Liva Torio, Ayla Davila. " From 7 to 9 pm.$8 admission, $6 students and seniors. Thru March 27: Solo Mujeres Exhibition: “Future landscapes Designed by Women”/ "Paisajes del Futuro Diseñados por Mujeres includes paintings, drawings, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, fiber art, conceptual art, video, and artists' books. Friday, March 27: Book Release “Yolanda M. López” by Karen Mary Dávalos: A conversation between Dr. Amalia Mesa Bains and Yolanda López, 7-9 p.m. $5 Main Gallery. Yolanda M. López’s book is part of the series “A VER: Revisioning Art History” by UCLA Chicano Studies Research Center Press. In this groundbreaking overview of López's life and career, Karen Mary Davalos traces the artist's participation in Bay Area activism in the late 1960s. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, 2868 Mission Street near 24th St. www.missionculturalcenter.org or call (415) 821-1155. Edited by Tom Mayer 2009-03-20T11:51:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=88e4fb4196c8e0ca781da0e8b2d6e1e2&from=rss It seems to be the nearly universal view of the San Francisco community that the MUNI Fast Pass is a wonderful innovation; I disagree. My first introduction to the Fast Pass was back in the late 70s or early 80s while I still walked or rode my bike to work. One cold, wet, winter morning a neighbor offered me the use of his Fast Pass provided I returned it to him before his evening shift. During that day and ever since, I have wondered why a perpetually deficit ridden transit system like MUNI would give away free rides, particularly to people well able to pay a reasonable fare. By Wheelman, Member 'I Love my Wheels' 2009-03-20T11:51:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=6ce4de1d398c48d0f7462573a499b74f&from=rss The second floor cafeteria at St. Luke’s Hospital was filled to overflowing. On March 4 California Pacific Medical Center invited the public to attend the first in a series of discussion workshops to help CPMC officials and planners establish the future construction of a rebuilt St. Luke’s. Back in January Geoffrey Nelson, Director of Enterprise Development for CPMC faced a standing room only crowed of Mission District residents and community organizers. He presented details of the proposed plan for St. Luke’s within the context of a Master Plan before a community forum. Those in attendance expressed critical concerns and found the proposed plans for St. Luke’s lacking and shortsighted of the needs of the neighborhood. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-03-20T11:51:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=fd2bdbf8e947aa3706eb84fc816ed7e2&from=rss an Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera filed suit on Jan. 27 to strike down provisions of California State law that permit gender rating, a practice by health insurers and health care service plans that can force women to pay a significant premium or price differential based solely on their gender. The Insurance Industry practice of charging women up to 39 percent or more for health care coverage Herrera calls it discriminatory and unconstitutional. The 13-page pleading filed in San Francisco Superior Court this past January alleges that such rating practices by health insurers deny women their right to equal protection under the California constitution, and asks the court to declare the discriminatory laws void and enjoin state officials from enforcing them. The filing of the lawsuit makes good on a notice of intent Herrera sent to California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. Herrera also sent the notice to Insurance Commissioner, Steve Poizner and Department of Managed Health Care Director Lucinda Ehnes. The notice of intent distributed this past December was to inform all of them of the City's plans to file the constitutional challenge. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-03-20T11:51:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f0a92b83d49ad192c88608afc15a2eb8&from=rss You might spot one from time to time if you’re really looking, but unfortunately many of us notice them after it’s too late, when we hear that costly thud, followed, perhaps, by our favorite series of swear words. As any San Francisco driver, skateboarder or bicyclist knows, Bay Area roads suffer from an assortment of potholes, defects, cracks and other dangers. A casual Internet search suggests that potholes are an increasingly hot issue in the City. A San Francisco potholes Flickr.com group has 10 members; Yelp.com has an entry for “Potholes on Divisadero Street;” and Youtube.com features a video called “Potholes of San Francisco.” To judge road conditions, public works officials refer to the pavement condition index, or PCI. Roads with PCI under 70 are tagged for repair. San Francisco’s roads have an average PCI of 64, down from 78 in 1988. The 2005 The Road Information Project (TRIP) Report, published by a nonprofit organization that conducts annual road reports and works to improve road conditions, lists the San Francisco-Oakland area as the nation’s fifth worst area in terms of road repair. Last summer in a talk with SFGate’s C.W. Nevius about the City’s growing pothole problem, Department of Public Works (DPW) director Ed Reiskin said, “It’s true...Over the years the City has not maintained the standards on its streets.” By Chris Long, Special to the Neighborhood Newswire 2009-03-20T11:51:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=477752e7371051f65e7c23f57fd64396&from=rss Be sweet to the pedestrians. This is urban planning in a nutshell, according to Jan Gehl, author of "Life Between Buildings." The Danish planner and his counterpart from Colombia, Gil Peñalosa, both visited San Francisco last fall. They delivered presentations that emphasized the potential joy planning can bring, in contrast to the tortured process locals endure in San Francisco. Details differed in the two talks, but both speakers demonstrated how vision and leadership work. Instead of dwelling on minutiae or settling for half-hearted measures, the international planners use the broad picture to steer change. Fran Taylor, Member of Walk SF 2009-02-26T12:20:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=4b7749ced376b1fa68f97a8d85781a62&from=rss It was standing room only at a community forum on Jan. 26 as representatives for California Pacific Medical Center unveiled the preliminary outline plans for the renovation and rebuilding of St. Luke’s Hospital. The 130-year-old institution has gone through a series of renovations and retrofits over the years, consisting of constructions in 1957 and 1970. But more renovations and rebuilding are required to meet with current State and Federal regulations as California Pacific Medical Center incorporates St. Luke’s into its Master Plan for the future. Over $2 billion in private investment capital funding is being sought to renovate and rebuild St. Luke’s. As reported in The Mission Dispatch as far back as Dec. of 2007, the struggle to keep St. Luke’s in operation has been a major concern to the Mission District and surrounding areas. When news of CPMC’s proposal to close St. Luke’s circulated to the community, activists, physicians and city officials formed a Blue Ribbon Panel to formulate a way to save the hospital. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-02-26T12:20:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=de9f932d5d62cbddb5eba51a7ec73709&from=rss The mortgage crisis and subsequent economic recession has not been ignored by City Attorney Dennis Herrera as he asserted the rights of renters in San Francisco. This past Jan. 16, Herrera issued a public memorandum detailing the rights of tenants in San Francisco under state and local law to remain in their rental units and continue to receive utility service when residential property owning landlords face foreclosure by creditors or delinquency on utility bills. "It's vitally important for tenants to know their rights and understand how to protect themselves from losing their homes if a landlord defaults on a mortgage or utility service," Herrera said. California ranks second in the nation for the number of foreclosures. RealtyTrac, a growing and respected online ranking service for foreclosures was founded over 10 years ago to help consumers uncover what used to be hidden information about foreclosures. In its Sept. 2008 stats report RealtyTrac noted that on average one in every 130 homes in California is in foreclosure. By Jonathan Farrell 2009-02-26T12:20:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=a889bab5a766ab8924801033a6be75cf&from=rss During the six years I have been in the state legislature we have experienced chronic budget deficits. In 2003, after the bust of the dot.com boom, we faced a $37 billion budget imbalance, which subsequently lead to the recall of Gov. Gray Davis. As a candidate in that recall election, Arnold Schwarzenegger promised to cut up the credit cards and bring fiscal sanity to the Capitol. Unfortunately, he has done nothing of the sort as we now face an even larger budget hole approaching $42 billion. By Senator Mark Leno 2009-02-26T12:20:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b050211a477f7147e716922e1f020edf&from=rss Even in these tough economic times, most of us still went holiday shopping. But how we choose to spend our money is of particular importance. Heading to discount chains and box stores searching for bargains might have eased your financial pains in December. But January and February is what we really need to be thinking about. That’s why I want to emphasize another strategy that can be part of the solution: shop local. Far more of the money spent at local businesses is reinvested in the community. This helps other local businesses, which creates greater diversity and helps the community maintain its unique appeal. Shopping local is environmentally friendly, too - it creates less traffic and pollution. My Gavin Newsom, S.F. Mayor 2009-02-26T12:20:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=c71505fc20b2323ea95d71a999ad0f63&from=rss With California in the middle of a drought, and water prices on the rise, property owners are turning to water saving toilets and other devices to reduce residential and commercial water use. Nonprofit San Francisco Community Power (SF Power), with funding from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), recently launched a program to install 2,000 high efficiency toilets for free to qualifying homes and small businesses in San Francisco. Under SF Power’s High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Program pre-1992 toilets, which typically use more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf), can be replaced with top-of-line 1.28 gpf models. The new high efficiency toilets use at least 20 percent less water than the ones they’re replacing. The savings are created through the use of a vessel in the tank that mixes pressurized air with water, a state-of-the-art alternative to older toilets that rely on gravity to flush and remove waste. The high efficiency toilets have been rigorously tested for performance, and are certified by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. By Kerry Fleisher, Neighborhood Newswire 2009-02-26T12:20:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d884f5558b34f7f3c2eab9f600818c22&from=rss Two years ago we — a group of neighbors — adopted a block of San Carlos Street under the City’s Adopt a Block Program. It has been working. The neighbors have learned that clean streets keep not-wanted visitors away — most of the time, that is. Illegal dumping has decreased dramatically. On street-cleaning day, several neighbors come out and sweep their sidewalks before the mechanical sweeping time. On Saturdays a few of us come out and pick up visible garbage. Then call the City to collect our garbage bags. And the City truck shows up quite fast. So far, you might think, all is wonderful. Wrong. 2009-01-14T13:08:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=be53423864584f9d983670127ff83c7e&from=rss As the year comes to a close, charities are gearing up for the 2008 holiday Season. The principal items for the holidays are food and toys. Many honored and long-standing organizations are hoping the people of San Francisco will be generous despite dismal financial forecasts. Organizations seeking help are, the San Francisco Firefighter’s Union, The Salvation Army and The United States Marine Corps Reserve. Two other long-standing organizations are Meals on Wheels and Larkin Street Youth Services. Before splurging on a holiday spending spree, did you know that $50 could fund 10 meals delivered to a homebound senior? Two hours of your time can help with errands, do home repairs, or simply provide company and companionship for a homebound senior. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-12-29T19:36:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=8ccda5dd3d6eb359a4fda00855a02426&from=rss The holiday season is a time of traditions and gathering. December 12 marks an important tradition for the Latino community. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe pulls people together. Among those sharing in this long-honored tradition is Florine Konkle who savors the precious moments to celebrate among family and friends. Konkle grew up in the Mission and cherishes the rich culture. A celebration at Mission Dolores Basilica for the feast day usually begins before dawn with Mañanitas followed by a Solemn Mass. Previous celebrations in years past have attracted thousands to the Mission. Yet on Dec. 12 Konkle attends Mass outside the Mission District for the celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church at the foot of Russian Hill in North Beach. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-12-29T19:36:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d610a27e197f476bc39101973350f5a9&from=rss How, in today’s market, can eager buyers actually acquire desired properties? Buyers are certainly plentiful, so why aren’t they buying; especially with such low interest rates and great deals on properties? Is something truly wrong with our market, or is it possible that lenders, single-handedly, have a strangle-hold on our economy due to fear-based thinking and their understandable reluctance to lend? Presently, their lending criterion is virtually impossible to meet. And, with some regularity, lenders withhold funds at the eleventh hour, refusing to honor loan commitments. Yet, there are solutions By Danita Kulp, Broker 2008-12-29T19:36:00-08:00 http://missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b589109f565c7c126a64456fbcb7e532&from=rss San Franciscans plowing through the voter handbook saw graphic proof after Prop H of a vexing problem. A full-page ad shows one woman in a scooter, a second using a walker, and another pushing a stroller, all struggling to get past cars blocking the sidewalk. Complaints that the City winks at drivers hogging sidewalks are nothing new. But the sponsors of the ad, Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Independent Living Resource Center San Francisco, along with Senior Action Network, are taking a fresh approach to change that cavalier attitud By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2008-12-29T19:36:00-08:00