http://www.missiondispatch.com www.missiondispatch.com en-us Mission Dispatch DW Alliance LLC http://www.dwalliance.com http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=a4251a55c31bcbaa1e7fbb6a6289db6e&from=rss On Tuesday May 20, Phil Lesser of Lesser Enterprises presented his critique of the proposed Eastern Neighborhoods Plan to the general meeting of the Mission Merchants Association gathered at Café Arguello on Mission at 24th streets. As a business owner in the Mission District for over 30 years Lesser questions the feasibility of the plan which the San Francisco Planning Commission initiated on April 17 in an adoption process thru a series of hearings and approvals. The series of meetings on this plan have been scheduled throughout the summer months. Yet, Lesser pointed out that “This plan has been in the works, so to speak, for years,” he said. He sees the basis of the plan as a reactionary tactic to the dot com boom of the 1990’s. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-06-17T09:56:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=fbe073fa6702630249f4fef329dd36c4&from=rss Transportation has never been simply about moving from point A to point B. Every mode has its baggage. What we now regard as environmentally friendly trains were once the sinister octopus, strangling farmers through land seizures and monopoly shipping charges. Stagecoaches and wagons enabled the attempted genocide of Indian tribes by transporting white homesteaders onto Native land. Bicycles encouraged women to shed their petticoats, which was either liberation or the work of Satan, depending on your view of woman’s place. By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2008-06-17T09:56:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=71fb6c6e10a3c9ac780aa3b5d198d2a3&from=rss May 29 was an open working session of the Blue Ribbon Committee panel that has been gathering for the past three months since March of this year. After the May 19 meeting, the panel decided they needed one more session to lock in on the healthcare delivery options they would like to present for public comment. At its third meeting, on May 9, the Blue Ribbon Panel listened to a presentation from the panel’s Community Outreach Task Force. Stephen H. Lockhart, M.D., Ph.D, Community Liaison to the Blue Ribbon Panel, and task force members Marilyn Metz, MD, Gillian Gillett, Karen Garrison and Olivia Fe presented the group’s recommendations to the Panel. The extensive report focused on recommendations for Emergency, Urgent Care and Inpatient services, with specific emphasize on obstetrical and geriatric services. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-06-17T09:56:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=0116b293dd180be575a22f58e2ab9f17&from=rss The 32nd annual Frameline Film Festival takes place from June 19 to 29 at the Castro Theater, Roxie Film Center, and Victoria Theater. The Frameline festival is now the largest LGBT event in the world. This year the festival will present 237 feature-length and short films, and will have more than 70,000 patrons visit the festival from around the SF Bay Area, from around the U.S., and from around the world. The festival has been held at the famous Castro Theatre, along with the Roxie and Victoria, for most of the Festival’s previous 31 seasons. By Tom Mayer 2008-06-17T09:56:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=0c845329529b9b7abf580d0c42522083&from=rss Nobody wants to be passé. You’ve ditched the shoulder pads and stilettos. The parachute pants and splatter painted t-shirt are long gone. Hopefully you don’t still think it’s okay to use disposable bags like they’re going out of style. Oh wait, they already are out of style. Haven’t you seen the array of practical, cute, hip, funky, and functional reusable bags so many people are sporting these days? Next time you go to the mall, pharmacy, grocery store, or any other store, take a look at the bags folks are carrying. Are folks bringing their own bags to save sea turtles, or is it more of a fashion statement? No matter. The trendsetters know: reusable bags say you’re both “chic” and “ecosavvy.” By Deanna Simon 2008-06-17T09:56:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=15afb1d3d2aa2266c3b7d204c47ecc00&from=rss Attention parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and neighbors! Is there a young person in your life that loves to read or who needs some encouragement to polish his or her reading skills? Summer Reading and the special programs that we’ve arranged may just be the ticket to a positive school year starting in September. Here’s the deal: By Sharon Dezurick 2008-06-17T09:56:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=bc7dca0f5f14352136e48dacb10e289f&from=rss Frameline, the world's premier showcase for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cinema, proudly announces Frameline32, the annual San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival. This year's Festival runs June 19-29 in San Francisco at the historic Castro Theatre, the Roxie Film Center and the Victoria Theatre. For more information on Frameline and the Festival visit www.frameline.org. Pictured is "Word Is Out", 1977. By J. Evert Winburn, www.artsextra.com 2008-06-17T09:56:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=e6f8f080bf5aad699cdf248ae7ae9a9f&from=rss Potential Historic resource is imminent to being demolished in order to build an apartment complex.Plans are in full swing to demolish a potential historic resource on 200 Dolores Street later this year. Construction Company Corvon LLC has proposed to demolish the 3,800-square-foot abandoned three-story building to build a four-story residential building. By Dania Maxwell 2008-05-12T06:23:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=4b1f5241b2b8a9f0590cb77579a5bc84&from=rss The 67-year-old arena has been saved from proposed demolition. The California State Senate Agricultural Committee decided on April 15 in favor of an amendment to appease both the Cow Palace Board of Directors and the City of Daly City. “All five state senators were delivered a bound copy of all 2,800 signatures received by the Coalition to Save The Cow Palace,” said coalition representative Kevin Patterson. “We can breathe a sigh of relief,” he added. California State Senator Leland Yee amended his Senate Bill 1527 which he initially presented to the California State Senate in February of this year. The efforts of the coalition and other supporters of the Cow Palace made Yee’s revision of SB 1527 possible. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-05-12T06:23:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=3daaa5b631b44c6191f66ff71683c4fb&from=rss One of our readers, Robin Krop wrote to the editor to say that the month of May is Lyme Disease Prevention Month nationwide. Krop noted that since the start of spring this year, two cases of Lyme Disease have been reported in San Francisco. Krop requested that the Mission Dispatch feature an article about Lyme Disease. With the arrival of spring comes an out-pouring of new life in various forms, especially plant and insect. As humans venture out to enjoy nature in full bloom, amid the splendor are parasite insects such as fleas and ticks. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-05-12T06:23:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=0a9af31a395a9a2fd372a6c12202573f&from=rss There’s no better time than May and no better place than the Mission to try a two-wheeled, healthy, fun commute. Expect to see lots more bicyclists filling the streets on Thursday, May 15th -- annual Bike to Work Day. “This is an opportune time for newcomers to join the growing numbers of people riding, especially in the bike-friendly Mission District,” says Leah Shahum, of the 8,500-member San Francisco Bicycle Coalition (SFBC) and Mission resident. “There are more ways than ever to discover the benefits of biking – it’s healthier, more environmentally sustainable, cheaper, and definitely more fun than waiting in long lines of traffic.” By Joseph Montana 2008-05-12T06:23:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f56617cc3f725c5c6ffdab386ea229ed&from=rss Sunday, May 25: Carnaval San Francisco 2008 Parade will take place along Mission Street on Sunday, May 25th at 10 am. The parade begins at 24th and Bryant Streets, and ends at 17th and Mission Streets. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts is looking for volunteers for float construction and decoration. Please contact them at volunteers@missionculturalcenter.org. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts is at 2868 Mission St., San Francisco. For more information, call (415) 821-1155 or www.missionculturalcenter.org. By J. Evert Winburn, artsextra.com 2008-05-12T06:23:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f7e63ac1a68dbad4330df7d8f1751a37&from=rss In an effort to limit litter in the City, one San Francisco supervisor has introduced legislation that would hit newspaper publisher with stiff fines if they deliver to people who do not want the newspaper. The legislation calls for all publishers to maintain a “do not deliver” list that the public can get on to stop delivery of the newspaper. If a paper is delivered to someone on the list, they can appeal to the director of the Department of Public Works for action. The director would determine guilt or innocence. If a publisher is found guilty of an infraction, they could be fined $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second and $500 for the third. Legal challenges would be handled by the City Attorney’s Office. By Paul Kozakiewicz 2008-05-12T06:23:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b0eaf4672628bfd8b86c226215d614d8&from=rss Paint cans to stripe new bike lanes may be gathering cobwebs, but the design and community outreach that must come first anyway are chugging right along. Physical manifestations of the citywide bicycle network have been on hold since a judge imposed an injunction in 2006 that prohibits the City from so much as installing a bike rack on a sidewalk. But the injunction doesn’t proscribe steps up to actual implementation, and cyclists have used the time to prepare detailed plans. The idea is to get each leg of the bike plan ready while the environmental impact review is taking place, so the physical changes can begin immediately once the injunction is lifted, probably next year. By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2008-05-12T06:23:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f50af13a48054f83c2cb3f5535d3803c&from=rss As anyone who has taken a vacation or business trip knows, some stress when traveling is simply unavoidable. Airline passengers who’ve been stranded on the tarmac for hours, without food, water, fresh air, or working bathrooms would probably say that “stressful” doesn’t begin to adequately describe the situation. By Mark Leno, D13 Assemblyman 2008-05-12T06:23:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=0c5f1a44374ae592f4ae89fd66f87094&from=rss The health and wellness of all San Franciscans continue to play an essential role in my administration. I am proud of the positive inroads that programs such as Shape-Up San Francisco and the Mayor’s Walking Challenge has had on our residents toward increasing the awareness of and opportunities for increased physical activity and improved nutrition where people live, play, work and learn. Getting proper exercise or regularly engaging in healthy physical activities has also been attributed to greater academic success in school. By Gavin Newsom, SF Mayor 2008-05-12T06:23:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=57f836e653c7f07f7e11442bb5e5e85d&from=rss Nobody wants to be passé. You’ve ditched the shoulder pads and stilettos. The parachute pants and splatter painted t-shirt are long gone. Hopefully you don’t still think it’s okay to use disposable bags like they’re going out of style. Oh wait, they already are out of style. By Deanna Simon 2008-05-12T06:23:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=085c3d8001ecc2b2bbba6247d7c29a3d&from=rss Wednesday, April 30: Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts presents "21 Lines for May Day", a poetry celebration on the International Working Class Holiday. Poets Alejandro Murgula, Daisy Zamora, Jose Montoya and many others will perform, 7-9 p.m. April 30th. Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts is at 2868 Mission Street, San Francisco. Contact MCCLA for admission costs at (415) 821-1155 or visit www.missionculturalcenter.org. By Jamie Windborn, artsextra.com 2008-04-22T14:37:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b25d4004eca8e3c752b607d7f86974f2&from=rss The Transit Effectiveness Project (TEP) released last month its draft recommendations for Muni service and route changes. Community meetings to help fine-tune the plan will take place in April and May at several locations, including Bayview and the Mission. As part of this month's blog, riders and residents were asked to weigh in on the current proposals. (Local Motion also explores how some of these changes will affect the southeastern parts of the City, including the Mission and Bernal Heights.) By Fran Taylor 2008-04-22T14:37:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=3c295185a4aa9b6cdb2cb1cb6f4159b3&from=rss San Francisco’s gang problem is not new. In the 1850s, the "Sydney Ducks," a gang of ex-cons from Australia, reportedly committed countless murders, robberies, assaults, and arsons in Sydney-Town, an area that encompassed much of today’s Financial District. A group called the "Committee of Vigilance" responded to the violence by conducting secret trials, lynchings, deportations, and summary executions. While the vigilantes were successful in driving out the criminal element, many innocent people were also misidentified and stereotyped as gang members. by Jeff Adachi 2008-04-22T14:37:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=5a0540d6f694538cafea86cf4960c178&from=rss California has always been on the forefront of workers’ rights and a leader in stopping discrimination in the workplace. Our state leaders have led the fight for protections that workers now take for granted. Unfortunately, one of the laws designed to help injured workers has instead allowed insurers and their doctors to cheat women, minorities and older workers out of millions of dollars. By Senator Migden for the Mission Dispatch 2008-04-22T14:37:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=83d4646d70fbf5afab4d9d1041c37243&from=rss San Francisco is considered by many as one of America’s greatest cities. With our iconic landmarks, world-class shopping and dining and renowned diverse neighborhoods and communities, our city continues to be a top travel designation for millions of visitors each year. San Francisco also takes great pride in being one of America’s Greenest Cities as recently named by Popular Science Magazine. By Gavin Newsom, SF Mayor 2008-04-22T14:37:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=53575007cff57380b3444a42f34ee8aa&from=rss It was the best of plans. It was the worst of plans. Muni’s Transit Effectiveness Project offers the most controversial of plans, and riders are grappling with how to support calls for increased core service and speedier boarding but still disapprove of specific suggestions. Fears that too much carping could bring down the whole project have dampened criticism amid worries that benefits are unequal. By Fran Taylor, Member of Walk San Francisco 2008-04-22T14:37:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=4df2603e3d8e214d3ed9ef17a3c35a4b&from=rss Having spoken out numerous times on Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his Republican colleagues’ inability to deliver on their promises to solve California’s budget problems, I was further outraged by their recent opposition to closing a loophole that gives tax breaks to wealthy yacht owners. At a time when California is considering drastic cuts to education, health care, state parks and the poor, this unconscionable position only underscores the Administration’s inability to deal with our budget crisis in an honest manner and their willingness to balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable. By Mark Leno, Assemblyman 13th District 2008-04-22T14:37:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b626076ebf32da00d39f8217f43715ce&from=rss After a catered lunch was served, the 30-member panel of the Blue Ribbon Committee convened on March 20 at Grace Cathedral to begin the first in a series of meetings to help advise California Pacific Medical Center and Sutter Health on the future of St. Luke’s Hospital. The panel consists of a “who is who” of highly respected (CEO’s, VP’s, Exec. Directors and Doctors, etc,) distinguished as experts in their professional fields; as well as representatives from labor unions, community groups and private foundations. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-04-22T14:37:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=7d0c28efc5d84f90ab867683735b307a&from=rss Public Defender Jeff Adachi announced his “10 Points of Action” proposal on March 20 to the press. His proposal to reduce gang violence arrives just as San Francisco Police Department introduced its “high crime-prone zone areas” strategy at a Police Commission meeting six days earlier. As reported by the SF Examiner SFPD has made “a major strategy adjustment … concentrating police resources in five geographic areas that have seen the most violent crime in recent years.” The five high crime-prone zones are: The Tenderloin, The Western Addition, The Mission, Bayview-Hunter’s Point and Visitation Valley. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-04-22T14:37:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=8c4363b1fcfd260a04ebd3b6ff60fe2c&from=rss A program that began last fall at Everett Middle School uses the fun of riding bikes to explore zero waste, bike advocacy, food justice, gardening and composting, do-it-yourself bike mechanics, social justice, and community leadership. Some of the students involved in the weekly after-school project describe it in their own words below. (Questions from cofounder Ami Puri are in parentheses with clarifications in brackets. Full story appears in Local Motion column in March Mission Dispatch.) By Fran Taylor 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=250fb01aa255164492e1b9239291b3de&from=rss Sit-ins and candlelight vigils this past February got the attention of the SF Chronicle as it brought into focus the critical fact that St. Luke’s one of the city’s oldest and most vital hospitals faces a possible shut-down as a Blue Ribbon Committee gathers to determine its fate on March 20. Kevin McCormack Media Rep for California Pacific Medical Center one of the two corporate entities in control of St. Luke’s, sees the forming of a committee as a positive step. McCormack was enthusiastic when he talked to the Mission Dispatch about the forming of a Blue Ribbon Committee as he admitted he was biased about the idea. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f96d1d60fccc363a173cbe26d6e8007e&from=rss Parents and teachers in the SF Unified School District are justifiably nervous about Governor Schwarzeneger’s threat to drastically slash school funding. I share that concern now as I did in 2003 when I authored Prop G, the Rainy Day Fund. The Rainy Day Fund requires the City to put aside excess revenue in a savings account to be used in lean economic years, and it allows for the City to transfer up to 25% (or around $29 million) of the Fund to the School District. I am currently in the process of making sure the political will is there to give our schools all they need to fill the funding gap they are facing. Please call or email the other members of the Board of Supervisors to make sure they understand how important the Rainy Day Fund is for our children’s future! By Tom Ammiano, D9 Supervisor 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=43ddf6a78c4aae5b7bd456e9b977b295&from=rss As the high cost of medical care keeps rising the need for more space in hospitals is crucial. Yet news reports have surfaced that a disturbing trend has emerged of hospitals releasing patients onto the streets. Social worker James Chionsini of the Health Care Action Team of The Planning for Elders agency here in San Francisco was adamant that such negligence should not happen. He spoke to the SF Board of Supervisors on Thurs. Feb. 28. His concern like all social workers everywhere is especially on behalf of the most vulnerable of the population, the homeless, the elderly and the chronically ill. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=ef8efc9f334b0e561944b18d7d98e1e7&from=rss On Wed., Feb. 27, Luis Rodriguez author of “La Vida Loca: gang days in L. A.,” appeared at a free program at Mission Branch (all library programs are free). Although promoted as a teen program, ninety plus tweens, teens and adults showed up to hear Mr. Rodriguez read poetry, talk about his gang life and writing life, answer questions, and be available to the appreciative audience. As part of the program the library gave away 25 copies of “La Vida Loca,” which he graciously signed. The biggest problem was the space was cramped for the size of the audience. By Sharon Dezurick 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=545914bc3f5ace55c2b27ed623bebdc9&from=rss A program at Everett Middle School uses the fun of riding bikes as a launching point to make connections about building healthy community, according to Ami Puri, who conducts the group along with Elokin Orton. The program began last fall. Ami describes the project, sponsored by the Mission Beacon Center, as a “riding program where we explore zero waste, bike advocacy, food justice, gardening and composting, do-it-yourself bike mechanics, social justice, and community leadership.” By Fran Taylor, member Walk San Francisco 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d6a753f77cfcb060e0bf543072e5955d&from=rss As Mayor of San Francisco, I am committed to the health and well-being of San Francisco residents and of our communities. Last year, under my direction, the San Francisco Department of Public Health launched the Healthy San Francisco program (HSF). Over 11,000 residents are currently participating in the program. By Gavin Newsom, SF Mayor 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=ef85618aa79581ada392fce99ba824db&from=rss Lack of affordable housing and increased development in our neighborhoods are displacing a growing number of our city’s working families, seniors and disabled. Last year, I stood with housing advocates and Mission residents to push for greater affordable housing for a proposed development on the corner of Cesar Chavez and Mission Streets. This year, I’m continuing my efforts to expand and protect affordable housing by introducing Senate Bill 1299, which helps protect rent-controlled units by requiring landlords who demolish those units for new residential construction to replace them with an equal number of rent-controlled units. By Carole Migden, D3 Senator 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=50879518ffce16804af89c1a4f8e77a0&from=rss Speaker Nancy Pelosi helped City College of San Francisco celebrate the grand opening of its new Mission Campus located at 1125 Valencia St. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom also heralded the first New City College campus constructed from bond funds approved by San Francisco voters in 1995, 2001 and 2005. "The students at City College of San Francisco are our nation's next generation of leaders, and they deserve the best educational facilities so they can continue to succeed,” said Pelosi. "Learning at this new, world class campus will help train tomorrow's innovators and keep San Francisco and America vibrant and competitive in the global economy," she remarked. 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=133b47667bd50fb7d2964b9df1b70d23&from=rss On February 13, 2007, President Bush signed into law the bipartisan economic stimulus package to help hard-working families in San Francisco and across the country who are struggling to make ends meet with the rising costs of energy, housing, health care and groceries. Nationwide, more than 100 million families, seniors, and veterans will receive recovery rebates, and for the first time, tens of millions of low-income working people who have been excluded from past stimulus plans will benefit from rebates and the child tax credit. Here in California, more than 14,700,000 households will receive an average tax rebate of $844 By Nancy Pelosi, Speaker 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=bd2afd4627255a312948b24eba6a68c3&from=rss On Feb. 7, after 3-and-half years of fighting the eviction of the Bernal Preschool from the Bernal Library, the Save the Bernal Preschool Committee took a devastating $425,000 blow from the Mayor as part of mid-year budget cuts. The $425,000 was part of the $500,000 raised during last year’s city budget cycle where Supervisor Ammiano successfully convinced fellow board members to support some of the most vulnerable children and families in District 9. The money was budgeted to complete a feasibility study and begin the rebuild of a new Bernal Preschool/Learning Center in the Bernal community hub. By Mauricio Vela, Bernal Heights Resident 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=cdcbe7f8e69ef5f1d675dece9e50490b&from=rss I read the article today, and was surprised to see several significant inaccuracies. City Attorney Herrera told you that out of 100 named gang members, only 1 had stepped forward to contest his case. This is not true. There were 9 individuals who stepped forward to contest their inclusion in the three gang injunctions. Of 9, 3 were determined not to be members of any gang. The reason why we only represented 8 is because we had to rely on lawyers who would volunteer their services, since none of the individuals could afford to hire a lawyer. The City Attorney disingenuously asks why more people haven’t contested the injunction. There were dozens of individuals who wanted to fight the injunction — it’s just without a lawyer willing to take their case, they are without luck, and unfortunately, cannot contest the City Attorney’s designation as a gang member. 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=4cb5efe59bf279276214af6065cc0760&from=rss March 21-29: Project Artaud Theater presents Cariño: Economy of the Heart — a world premiere conceived and choreographed by Anne Bluethenthal. March 21-29; march 21-23 (Fri.-Sun.); March 27-29 (Thurs.-Sat.). All shows at 8 p.m., except Sunday, march 23 at 6 p.m. $25, $20 students/seniors, $10 children under 12. Cash only at the door. Fri. march 21 Thurs. march 27 are pay what you can nights. Tickets available at Modern Times Book Store, 888 Valencia St. and at www.brownpapertickets.com. More information at www.abdproductions.org. By Jamie Windborn, artsextra.com 2008-03-18T13:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=fecd7d80f3a8322c643c84119b2aaf80&from=rss The Public Safety Committee hearing that was held this past Dec. 10 before the Board of Supervisors at City Hall, stirred up a lot of tense debate when the subject turned to gang injunctions. Currently, San Francisco has three civil injunctions prohibiting gangs from engaging in any gang activity in the Western Addition, Bay view-Hunter’s Point and Mission District areas. The injunction for the Mission District was set in place last year. Since the initial implementation of gang injunctions back in November of 2006, all the sensitivities surrounding this approach have emerged with Jeff Adachi, the Public Defender on one side and Dennis Herrera, the City Attorney on the other. Adachi views gang injunctions as making matters worse. He mentioned that he has met with gang members and most want to get out of the gang lifestyle. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-02-21T12:12:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=a8d07f1550d6e6f771943762a61fb879&from=rss San Francisco’s Dept. of Public Works was pleased to announce that the upgrade/ renovation work for parts of Valencia and parts of Mission Streets has begun. Organized and managed as three distinct projects by DPW, the combined estimate of cost is over 4.2 million. “We are waiting for PGE to finish their preliminary work of spray-painting the markings on the asphalt which let our contractors know where important underground utilities are located,” said Dadisi Najib in the Public Affairs office of DPW. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-02-21T12:12:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f251a33de06a2eac6f896548eb6cf241&from=rss This year, our Bay Area veterans and veterans across the country will finally receive the resources and benefits that they have earned and that they deserve. The release of the $3.7 billion over the President’s budget request—approved by Congress in December and signed by the President in January—provides the largest single funding increase in the 77-year history of the Department of Veterans Affairs. By Speaker Nancy Pelosi 2008-02-15T11:01:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=6f51cfe0e954fcc4eed674243ed1cbf3&from=rss I have very exciting news to report regarding the implementation of Healthy San Francisco (HSF). The City suffered a setback in December when a conservative judge struck down the employer mandate component of the ordinance. However, the 9th Circuit Appeals Court has since granted the City’s request for a stay, which allows us to go forward full speed with the implementation of this groundbreaking health care plan. The 9th Circuit panel, composed of three judges, unanimously agreed in a 35 page decision that the City has a “strong likelihood” of prevailing in its argument that HSF does not violate federal law. Additionally, the judges stated that the City should be able to enforce the employer spending requirement in order to prevent “avoidable human suffering”. By Tom Ammiano, D9 Supervisor 2008-02-15T11:01:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f5e35aa180ff326689c71fe00ffd06e5&from=rss Greetings Neighbors! What an amazing year we have before us. Never before in our nation’s history has there been a more honest representation of our diverse population on the presidential campaign level. Women, African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, members of different faiths, ages, colors and creeds, are running strong campaigns to serve in the highest office in our land. Our diverse candidates make a strong statement of how far we’ve come and offer hope for our future as we continue to our work toward economic, social, racial and gender equali By Mark Leno, Assemblyman 13th District 2008-02-15T11:01:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f3481aa1ba97ce08126601d4c09157ee&from=rss Transportation could be on the verge of an environmental breakthrough, but only in the teeth of staunch resistance. A growing movement toward green jobs being led by organizations based in communities of color and working people could bring big changes, but it’s butting against two ominous recent developments: the EPA’s refusal to allow California to enact stricter fuel efficiency standards and the success of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney in Michigan By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2008-02-15T11:01:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=0cb94924a6d6a0ed8b20bb287a1e4979&from=rss San Francisco is leading the way towards universal health care by launching the Healthy San Francisco plan, but this plan can’t work if hospitals are being closed in the areas that need those services the most. For more than 130 years, St. Luke’s Hospital has been a vital resource in the heart of the community that it serves, but it’s now facing drastic cuts in the services it provides and will soon cease to be a full-service hospital. By Carole Migden, State Senator 2008-02-15T11:01:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=68ef638752488e9c92d2a9fa5ec1fa62&from=rss Four years ago I had the distinguished honor to be elected mayor of this incredible city. I am indeed thankful to all to my friends, family and supporters who helped me reach my dream of serving the good people of San Francisco and providing a government to you that is efficient, responsive and innovative. Being a model 21st century city and leading the way for the rest of the country require nothing less. As I enter my 2nd term as Mayor, I am again honored and sincerely thankful for the privilege to serve as your Mayor and for a city I love so dearly. By Gavin Newsom, SF Mayor 2008-02-15T11:01:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=91f790f7404191507c3f34552232e7b5&from=rss Friday, February 29: Noisepop, Imeem and Blasthaus present Electropop, the first annual electronic music stage at the 2008 Noisepop Music, Film, and Arts Festival Friday, February 29th, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. This dynamic new chapter in the festival continues the long-standing Noisepop tradition of bringing cutting edge, independent music to San Francisco. Electropop will run Friday, February 29 and Saturday, March 1st at Mighty, 119 Utah Street. Tickets are $15 advance, $20 at door. 21 and over. Visit www.blasthaus.com for more info. By Jamie Windborn, artsextra.com 2008-02-15T11:01:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b31bd56027cfa90f07468d97d7137ffe&from=rss An extremely one-sided article ('Securing the Uniqueness of the Mission' — January 2008). Where is the balance? Who commissioned the study noted in the article? If Mr Farrell views the streaming video of the Small Business Commission hearing, he will hear Pilar Schiavo explain that Ammiano is proposing a Formula Retail ban at the behest of MEDA, and as a direct response for not getting his way in the case of 3400 Cesar Chavez (old Kelly-Moore site). This is pure political get-back, and in no way is meant to help merchants or shoppers. Take a look for yourself: sanfrancisco.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=45 (December 10, 2007 Item 2008-02-15T11:01:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=91a4f4e3d3d584c3eae8da471903fbd3&from=rss On February 4th millions took to the streets in Colombia and worldwide to protest the FARC-EP (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo/Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army). Online and media debates have been rife with arguments that are increasingly polarizing an issue which requires a far more complex attentiveness. We are so quick to point fingers while the binary of “for or against” rings familiar for both U.S. and Colombian citizens, as the rhetoric of anti-terrorism proliferates, particularly in this post-9/11 world. The notion of the nation’s ‘internal enemy’ has been amplified in the social imaginary, allowing for ‘national security’ to extend its reaches into the folds of the everyday, impinging on what once were, for many of us privileged with citizenship in the United States, assumed freedoms. For Colombia, the effects of Uribe’s Democratic Security and Defense Policy remains alarming as such polarization mandates patriotic allegiance from the nation’s citizenry, and freedoms are also interfered for the promise of the public’s protection. And yet, the complexity of this moment cannot be reduced to this alone. A vigilant inquiry would require a more profound exploration of the socio-political histories and present, of Colombia’s internal politics, and of U.S-Colombia relations. By Heidi Andrea Restrepo Rhodes 2008-02-10T08:13:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b6abaae5da883696b64b1b8bc60afc66&from=rss A bouncing “happy face” cartoon figure slashing shopping prices or announcing blue light specials and alike will not be appearing anytime soon in the Mission District as San Francisco Supervisor Tom Ammiano seeks to ban formula retail stores from the neighborhood. Heeding the concerns expressed by merchants and residents, Ammiano told the Mission Dispatch that “the piece-meal approach to city planning when it comes to formula retail or “chain stores” is not working,” he said. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-01-15T17:32:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=c661a8d69bb7e9a446db5b802bd50345&from=rss Amid the enthusiasm of this past October’s “Energy Awareness Month, which included a “Lights Out San Francisco” event coordinated by Nat Taylor of the non-profit group lightsoutsf.org, Compact Florescent Lights have generously been promoted. Those new light bulbs with the spiral or “twisty” design-shape. Mostly, the enthusiasm is because the bulb uses up to 75 percent less electricity than an incandescent bulb. Throughout the month of October with the help of groups like Lights Out SF and others PGE gave away over 1,000,000 CFL bulbs to SF residents. As reported this December by US News World Report, with the approval of new energy legislation by the US Congress, incandescent light bulbs will be phased out and off the market by 2012. By Jonathan Farrell 2008-01-15T17:32:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=90a5eb9d7e8574a40cd0c87f8e56eeaf&from=rss Parents, neighborhood kids and city leaders held a campaign kickoff on Saturday, December 12 at Cabrillo Playground in the Richmond for Prop. A – the neighborhood parks bond on the February 5th ballot. Standing beside Supervisors Bevan Dufty, Sean Elsbernd and Gerardo Sandoval Assemblymember Mark Leno encouraged the crowd of parents and kids to support Prop. A, and get involved in the campaign. 2008-01-15T17:32:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=126cfaca747d552a9f173aa493b4a692&from=rss Last November, the American people made it clear that our country needed a New Direction. In the first session of the 110th Congress, we have made historic strides to make America, restore the American Dream, and restore accountability. And last month, we successfully passed a sweeping new energy policy—the Energy Independence and Security Act. This landmark energy bill will lead our nation on a path to energy independence, with clean and renewable energies, and lower prices for consumers. By Nancy Pelosi, Speaker 2008-01-15T17:32:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=9725d0b648108d2db534e3b8cdd375e0&from=rss For decades St. Luke’s Hospital has been providing the neighborhood with community based primary and acute health care. Since the take over by Sutter Health/CPMC, services have been reduced or completely discontinued. The Coalition to Save St. Luke’s Hospital is actively meeting to gear up for their continued fight to save essential services at the hospital. The neo-natal center is scheduled to be shut on Feb. 13, and the emergency room will the next major service slated for closure in 2009. Get involved in planning actions to keep our hospital open for the Bernal/Mission community. Call Jane Martin at the BHNC at 206-2140 or e-mail jmartin@bhnc.org to get involved. 2008-01-15T17:32:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=8f312856621d74af227b9c2629ad453c&from=rss The staff at Mission Branch wish you a happy and prosperous New Year. We’d like to let you know about continuing events and about a revised schedule of children’s events. By Sharon Dezurick 2008-01-15T17:32:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=46107a8aaa0dbd7e4668aad4e86c4fea&from=rss Election battles last November spurred an alliance between housing and transportation advocates in the successful effort to pass Prop A and defeat Prop H. Prop A won new money for Muni, while the defeat of Prop H avoided massive parking garage development. The Yes on A/No on H campaign became known as “Transit, Not Traffic.” By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2008-01-15T17:32:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=ccb727e35699fbb00bde790dc816c1e4&from=rss Every day, thousands of San Franciscans are losing their hard-earned money simply because they do not have a bank account. An estimated 50,000 San Francisco households are “unbanked,” meaning they get by without a checking or savings account. Among African Americans and Latinos, approximately one in two adults has no bank account. Without access to mainstream financial services, unbanked San Franciscans are forced to turn to expensive check cashers, spending hundreds of dollars a year to cash checks and pay bills. Estimates suggest unbanked families spend an average of 5% of their net income just to manage their basic finances. By Gavin Newsom, SF Mayor 2008-01-15T17:32:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=54ce5509c31726b0cd999bd969a0fd4d&from=rss The Health Care Security Ordinance and Healthy San Francisco suffered a blow last week after US District Court Judge White sided with attorneys from the Golden Gate Restaurant Association who claim the ordinance violates a Nixon era law. However, on Jan. 3, the 9th Circuit Appeals Court openly stated that they felt Judge White had made serious errors in his ruling, thus signaling that the ruling could very well be overturned on appeal. This is hopeful news for San Franciscans who are in desperate need of affordable health care. Mayor Newsom and I are supremely confident of victory on appeal. By Tom Ammiano, D9 Supervisor 2008-01-15T17:32:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f5be1f9263ccc6f3546c6bd991d0ca2b&from=rss JimBo Trout the Fishpeople will be celebrating the release of their new album "Hillbilly Bebop-Boogie". San Francisco's JimBo Trout the Fishpeople have been performing their entertaining, energetic mix of bluegrass, western-swing, blues, honky-tonk, rock+roll, ragtime and more since 1992. with special guests; The Shut-Ins and Craig Ventresco Meredith Axelrod. $7 at the door. AMNESIA is at 853 Valencia St. between 19th 20th St. Call (415) 970-0012 or visit www.amnesiathebar.com. 2008-01-15T17:32:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b9572ee933c161c4a45a73c393a556a3&from=rss The proposed closure by Sutter Health affiliate California Pacific Medical Center of acute-care services at St. Luke’s Hospital will have a devastating effect on nearby neighborhoods. Patients forced to travel elsewhere face daunting distances. Visitors could spend hours on transit. The proposed closure faces opposition from hospital staff, neighbors, health advocates, and local officials. “Closing St. Luke’s as an acute-care hospital means getting sick or injured South of Market residents to any North of Market medical center will be a burden,” said Health Commissioner Roma Guy. (Click 'MORE' to share your thoughts and read our readers' responses). By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2007-12-18T12:59:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=15988c02bd8fd6dab02ef7f17671afb6&from=rss Sunday, Dec. 23, 7 PM: Carol Sing and Concert. Join Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist for a very special holiday concert offered by St. John's music director Charles Rus, who will be joined by Alexa Weber Morales (http://www.alexawebermorales.com/), jazz vocalist and Bay Area native. There will be carol singing by all and some pieces by Alexa and Charles, including "O, Holy Night." FREE! Julian Avenue and 15th St. www.saintjohnsf.org. 2007-12-16T15:48:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=4f0cbf2cf5bc49a0ee7bea3baaae7a4b&from=rss Lately, we have heard from a number of neighbors that the street lights which run along Capp St. are frequently out of order, leaving the street perilously dark. Even after repairs are made, the lights fail to stay on, and this is an absolutely unacceptable situation for residents of the Mission to contend with. I have been working with the PUC and PGE to ensure that this problem be permanently solved, but as there is a lot of ongoing construction in the area, there may be more disruption. PGE says they will respond immediately with a maintenance crew once an outage is reported, so, please call PGE or 311 immediately to let them know, or call my office at 554-5144 and we will follow up with PGE By Tom Ammiano, D9 Supervisor 2007-12-16T15:48:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=51d5db0baccd4776f67409017c2d4c40&from=rss Sadly, children from low-income families who are at the greatest risk for childhood illness and obesity are also the least likely to be breastfed, a no-cost way to ensure healthier children. Breastfeeding has long been recognized as a proven disease prevention strategy. Breast milk bolsters a baby's immune system and prevents a wide range of medical conditions, including respiratory infections, allergies, asthma and ear infections. More recently, studies have documented the role that breastfeeding plays in preventing childhood obesity. By Carole Migden, State Senator 2007-12-16T15:48:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=e55af316177dc017efdd00caec0c4c7f&from=rss In the weeks since 58,000 gallons of toxic bunker fuel from the Cosco Busan spilled into San Francisco Bay, each of us has been reminded of the Bay's central importance to our region's wildlife, economy, fishing fleet, tourism industry, and human health, and its place in the hearts of the people of Northern California. By Mark Leno, Assemblymember 2007-12-16T15:48:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=abc24fa3443c6658cef3a5c082aa5ae0&from=rss For Adults seeking entertainment, the fiction DVDs are now downstairs to the right as you face the check out desk. The non-fiction DVDs and all the adult videos are still upstairs. Children’s DVDs and videos continue to be available in the children's room By Sharon Dezurick 2007-12-16T15:48:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=7ea436b8d1f79cd47bc3095f445f9f0b&from=rss Merry Christmas! Happy Kwanzaa! Whatever your religious persuasion is…Happy Holidays! I think any time that you get off from work, but still get paid for, should be cause for celebration. Don't you agree? Well, the optimism that the holidays bring — about ourselves, our families and about people in general — is affecting the real estate financing industry, too. No, the Credit Crunch that we have been speaking about in the last couple articles is NOT over. No, we are not out of the woods yet as far as housing prices go. No, mortgage interest rates are not as low as they were 3 years ago. Mainstream media is making sure you do not forget it, either! By Perry Reyes, Mortgage Consultant 2007-12-16T15:48:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=ebaf52b129635507479b7cbb4a389401&from=rss Over the past 30 years, California’s housing prices have steadily outpaced the incomes of Californians. The creation of new housing has lagged behind the job and household growth. Needs are not being met. So, not surprisingly, only one in 5 households can afford a typical home. I recently came across a list on myths and facts pertaining to public perception of high-density and affordable housing. Here are a few I consider commonplace: 2007-12-16T15:48:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=57ca15a6ca06c541ad80ad3693abed47&from=rss Dozens of volunteer architects, interior designers and engineers brought together by furniture manufacturers Geiger and Herman Miller helped spread holiday cheer to over 250 San Francisco youth at “We Care” — an annual event featuring arts and crafts activities. Boys Girls Clubs of San Francisco members created elaborate holiday decorations and gifts for family and friends with the help of some of the top creative forces in San Francisco. The event was held on Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Columbia Park Clubhouse, located on 450 Guerrero Street, in the Mission. 2007-12-16T15:48:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=966364f5741901fc4ef4d65abd76d27e&from=rss In an urban setting with seemingly endless construction and traffic congestion it is a surprise to encounter an open space. One such space is a parcel of land located on 23rd Street adjacent to Harrison Street. It is an oasis amid a concrete-asphalt landscape. Larry Del Carlo, president/CEO of Mission Housing Development Corporation often refers to it as a “secret garden” in the Mission District. On the heals of Mayor Gavin Newsom's Open Space Task Force established this past November, Del Carlo with the help of his staff hopes the garden space as he put it, “will be a secret no more. We want to get the word out that this space is for the community to use and enjoy,” said Del Carlo. By Jonathan Farrell 2007-12-14T09:47:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=e1ef4339e58a82e35c6530cff6d24b02&from=rss Despite San Francisco's best efforts to be a transit-friendly city, the issue of parking, commuting and traffic congestion continues to affect the pace and quality of life in our city. Of the 1 million trips made daily to and from the combined areas of downtown, South of Market and the Civic Center only 28 percent use public transportation. More cars continue to fill the roads, as a result, San Francisco County Transportation Authority has launched a study to evaluate the idea of Congestion Pricing as a potential tool for improving mobility around the city. By Jonathan Farrell 2007-12-14T09:47:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=461eea038ca79c49f2df51304c0aa599&from=rss It’s easy to see how transportation affects our health: most obviously in any crash or fall as we move about, more indirectly through pollution or social isolation caused by traffic and road design. But how does healthcare affect transportation? By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2007-12-14T09:47:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=b5747e974ce2069989b9e2ecce87ff72&from=rss Assault with a Deadly Weapon-Gun Nov. 18, 2:13 a.m., 18th @ Florida St.: A Patrol Sergeant was in the area of the above listed location when he heard shots fired. Numerous officers responded to the area and 2 shooting victims were located nearby. Officers rendered aid and medical assistance was summoned. Both victims were stable at SFGH. The incident is currently under investigat Courtesy of Mission Station 2007-12-14T09:47:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=8e2ca1bb51788ede8aeb7b84a0b78e4c&from=rss Universal Health Care is the “order of the day.” Everywhere you turn it is on the news and being discussed by Presidential hopefuls and gubernatorial lame ducks. San Francisco California is just beginning to offer free health services to its residents and Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is expected to reach a final agreement in the next week on a health care overhaul that could go to a vote as soon as Dec. 05, 2007. Yet why can’t these factions get together to make Universal Health Care work? by James Keys 2007-12-14T09:47:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=8419f2e872ca21396339430c54ef5c4f&from=rss Bernal’s Erick Balderas Shooting —On early Sunday morning at 3:20 am, Erick Balderas was dropping off two friends at 23rd and Treat, when a car pulled up and opened fire leaving Erick fatally injured, one of the friends in a coma and the other in critical condition. The shooters are said to be teenagers and no arrest have been made. Mauricio Vela, Bernal Resident 2007-12-14T09:47:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=fa05977f802b1e07576d435d24f6f5ab&from=rss OK my friends. Did you know that if you are behind with your ATT telephone bill you are being charged $5 plus 1.5 percent? This charge applies even if you are late one day — meaning after ATT’s closes for the day? And did you also know that they limit your plan and services? So know don’t wonder why your Internet Service begins faltering, or when you cannot call mom who lives outside the state. Mission Blogger 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d6c0a6f8851d96e00d451770f72f320b&from=rss Friday, Nov. 30: A wide array of Bay Area comedians will be performing at The 3rd a 1/2 Annual Café con Comedy, a night of comedy at Dolores Park Café. The line-up features a diverse mix of comics, ranging in age from 18 to 74; African American, Asian American, Jewish, Caucasian American, gay/lesbian, straight comics. 7:30 p.m. Dolores Park Café, 501 Dolores St. @ 18th St. Tickets: $7-$10 Tickets at the door. More info at (415) 522-3737. www.doloresparkcafe.com. 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f0feaea035937d8712a00f24c5700be4&from=rss News clippings over the years tell the story. “Muni chief claims cuts could improve reliability,” reads a headline from the Examiner in spring 2005. Fast-forward to March 2006, and the headline reads, “Muni's on-time rate plummets further.” Reform is in the air, but history weighs heavily on Muni. By Fran Taylor, Member of Walk San Francisco 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=28bbf7881d18c8824f043974ba164d00&from=rss San Francisco achieved another historic milestone last month in our efforts to be America's leading city for solar power and clean energy when I joined officials from the San Francisco International Airport and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to unveil the city's newest solar energy project on the roof of SFO's Terminal #3. This new 456 kilowatt system will draw enough power from the sun to provide all the daytime lighting needs of within Terminal #3 as well as excess power to spare. By Gavin Newsom, SF Mayor 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=cdbf5612689e4c4f7f40d7461a449dcc&from=rss In 2001, San Franciscans saw Crissy Field go from a dilapidated former military site to a robust and inviting natural attraction. When the local community, volunteers, and the city, state, and national governments came together to clean up this section of our City we witnessed an environmental success story. By Mark Leno, Assemblyman, 13th District 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=f53f68a11fe843e8493e770ef92cda33&from=rss Buster’s Place a new 24-hour-drop-in clinic got booted out by concerned residents, in an attempt to move into a spot at 1855 Mission Street. The residents say the Mission District is over-burdened by too many drug treatment facilities and rehab centers. As Part of the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic, an Out Patient Abuse Treatment Services facility was established in the Mission in 2005. Buster’s Place is part of that facility. By Jonathan Farrell 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d63d539c4b36e79d5c64082ae0fcce9a&from=rss Although few people are aware of this precious health resource, storing and banking umbilical cord blood has incredible life-saving potential in ethnic communities. Ethnic populations suffer from disproportionately high donor shortages, and patients often have a much harder time finding bone marrow matches than their Caucasian counterparts. Cord blood, on the other hand, does not need to be as close of a patient match as donated bone marrow, giving greater hope to patients. Plus, with more than 4 million births every year, there is a readily available supply of cord blood. By Carole Migden, D3 Senator, 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=38547e4f36f7661da555212a2c34f91b&from=rss As a group of initially 12 performers, the cast of “Sins Invalid: An Unshamed Claim to Beauty in the Face of Invisibility,” have set out to strip the taboos off disability and sexuality. Referring to this groundbreaking work as “Hot Activism,” the cast and crew of Sins Invalid are presenting an evening of erotic spoken word, stage performance and video film on Nov. 2 3 at the Brava Theater. By Jonathan Farrell 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=cd049566a3af8c58358006a576ef9ae4&from=rss San Francisco libraries are undergoing a renaissance. While the Mission Branch Library was renovated and seismically upgraded back in 1997, other nearby libraries are only recently undergoing significant improvements. In November 2000, San Francisco voters overwhelmingly passed a bond measure for $106 million to upgrade San Francisco’s branch library system. The priorities were to reduce seismic risk, meet modern technological needs and current code requirements, bring branches in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and to provide buildings responsive to current services, yet flexible enough to meet future needs. 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=d9105dafd6bec6be44bb69f45d4baa09&from=rss On Thursday, Oct. 11 Oleysa Rulin and Monique Coleman, two of the stars from Disney’s High School Musical, visited Boys Girls Clubs of San Francisco's Columbia Park Clubhouse, located at 450 Guerrero St. in the Mission Oleysa, who plays Kelsi Nielsen and Monique, who plays Taylor, answered questions from the audience, signed autographs, and posed for photographs. High School Musical is one of the most successful Disney Channel original movies of all time, already with one sequel and another in the works. Along with Oleysa and Monique was Rick Ross, president of Disney Channel Worldwide. For information about services provided by Boys and Girls Club, visit bgcsf.org. (Photos: Courtesy of Boys Girls Club) 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=983cbeada8444f75e44dd70d1f7e23e2&from=rss The aesthetic views along scenic Dolores Street will be enhanced all the more when the undergrounding work is completed by PGE. "PGE committed to put 45 miles of major utility lines in San Francisco underground. The work is approaching the final phase of a 10 year project and we are pleased with the results,” stated Joe Molica, speaking on behalf of PGE. By Jonathan Farrell 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=461fead60d5b09ff73b9436e2e744352&from=rss In response to the urgent need for low cost legal services in San Francisco, The Women’s Building, located at 3543 18th Street, will host Attorney at Law, Annie Thorkelson, who offers one dollar per minute legal advice clinic. The service provides a creative, personal and non-litigation forum for getting informal answers and creative solutions to legal questions, problems and conflicts on most of the kinds of legal matters and questions that arise every day for ordinary San Franciscans. 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=336459fc7935a7931a28bed1e7b44791&from=rss DEAR EDITOR: Proposition D, the Library measure on the Nov. 6, 2007 ballot, is a civic disgrace. It is a bond authorization in disguise. And it is being sold with misinformation and worse. Big Dollars, Harming What People Want Most. Proposition D will hurt the very things people want most in our libraries: good collections, services, and open hours. It is big — it would control more than $1.2 Billion ($1,200 Million) in library spending over the next 15 years. (The current $78 million budget times 15 year life of the measure = $1.2 Billion, without adjusting for inflation). 2007-11-02T10:53:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=62f49a1f80b67f126b8ddbc34aac4b9e&from=rss Auto Burglary, Arrest Made: Sept. 12, 7:05 p.m., 1300 Blk. of Potrero Ave. Officers responded to a report of an auto break-in that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the witness who had seen the suspect break into his parked auto and remove property. While at the scene, officers discovered another vehicle that appeared to have been broken into. After receiving a description of the suspect, officers searched the area and located him. The suspect was positively identified by the witness and taken into custody. Courtesy of Police Station 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=e29519366feb3950770cee3383b53cd1&from=rss I am happy to report that the Healthy San Francisco Program, created by the Worker Health Care Security Ordinance, which I authored in partnership with organized Labor and the Mayor’s Office, is off to a fantastic start. The program, which focuses on preventative and primary care, is designed to meet the health care needs of the roughly 80,000 uninsured adult residents of San Francisco, regardless of their ability to pay (fees are levied on a sliding scale based on means). Unlike conventional insurance programs, Healthy SF will not discriminate against potential enrollees based on immigration status, a pre-existing medical condition, or employment status. No municipality has come close to initiating a plan that amounts to universal health care, and we are proud that San Francisco has the distinction of being on the very cutting edge of health care policy. By Tom Ammiano, D9 Supervisor 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=fd3fa7557ad733c1922316ce294c393e&from=rss It’s back and it’s better than ever: the new Mission Campus, re-opened in August, is a modern beauty and a community resource to celebrate now that its 2-year renovation and expansion is complete. After 36 years serving the Mission District, the City College of San Francisco’s Mission Campus has a permanent home that will shine a light of opportunity and achievement throughout the neighborhood. By Carole Migden, State Senator 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=96bb9b481f674e91eda7ba8c8a606bbc&from=rss After more than four years of a war in Iraq that has cost the lives of thousands of brave men and women in uniform, weakened our military, and cost American taxpayers billions of dollars, President Bush continues to offer a failed policy that is a path to 10 more years of war in Iraq. This plan for the continued occupation of Iraq sends the wrong signal to an Iraqi government that has failed to implement the needed reforms for national reconciliation, and it is against the will of the American people, who want to end this war. By Speaker Nancy Pelosi 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=6aa24e76941b8be13031f45d5b6bcdf7&from=rss Saturday, October 20: Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center hosts its 30th Anniversary Gala Benefit on Saturday, October 20, 6-10 p.m. The benefit celebrates 30 years (1977-2007) of Community Mural Art at Project Artuad, 499 Alabama Street (between 17th street Mariposa). Gala Honorary Co-Chairs include Mayor Gavin Newsom, Supervisor Tom Ammiano, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Precita Eyes Mural Arts Center is at 348 Precita Ave. (@ Folsom). Visit www.precitaeyes.org for more details. By Jamie Windborne 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=61a1f103f2518adbd6326891cd40a976&from=rss As if being run over weren’t injury enough, pedestrians hit or even killed by motorists then incur the insult of being blamed. The hostility displayed in online comments following a newspaper article on dangerous streets took some pedestrian advocates aback. Others say it’s long been scarier to walk than to bicycle. By Fran Taylor, Member Walk San Francisco 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=c0acda5608e3e982216f6ee415887b01&from=rss This is one istraight out of Karl Rove’s political playbook. A group of Republican political operatives and their powerful special interests have hatched a desperate scheme to rig California’s electoral process to their advantage. They’re proposing a statewide ballot initiative to change how California casts its electoral votes for President. They’ve cleverly labeled it the “Presidential Election Reform Act,” which would sound credible if it weren’t so cynical. By Mark Leno 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=bd4f43f891fc3399351ee8e46753519d&from=rss San Francisco is ramping up its efforts to tackle the climate crisis. We’re collecting food scraps and converting them to organic compost, eliminating unnecessary plastic bags and water bottles, exploring tidal power under the Golden Gate Bridge, and communicating the solar energy potential of rooftops to homeowners over the internet. The City continues to lead the way in pursuing carbon reduction strategies that work. By Gavin Newsom, Mayor 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=182c856e735b7f01ca2e6151b7ff4059&from=rss 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=df9a5b9020932facc70724c3cc945105&from=rss A subtle tone of depression was in his voice as José Morales explained briefly to the Mission Dispatch that he lost the court case with his landlord that had been set for Sept. 10 in the State of California, Superior Court of San Francisco County. Originally, Judge Patrick J. Mahoney scheduled it to be a jury trial court day, as Mahoney denied the landlord a Summary Judgement this past August. Despite the hopes for a favorable outcome for Morales, there were delays and the case went to Judge Ronald E. Quidachay to decide. A week had passed by Mahoney’s set court date. Then on Sept. 17 Judge Quidachay sided in the landlord’s favor. Apparently Quidachay saw no need for a jury to review the facts. By Jonathan Farrell 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=65c004300918cf4f3bc46eced80500fd&from=rss Boomers are retiring, so the top brass at the SF Police Department (SFPD) and other department’s throughout the state are perspiring, as their agencies have to actively recruit more officers. Across the state, police departments are competing for officers by recruiting from other departments, military bases and by offering cash bonuses. In the next four years, roughly a third of the SF Police Department will start collecting pensions, which no doubt troubles at least some at 850 Bryant St. since the city charter says they have to provide a minimum level of police officers. In 1994, San Francisco voters placed a mandate in the charter requiring the police department to provide a minimum of 1,971 “full-duty sworn officers,” yet the SFPD is now understaffed by at least 150 officers. By Tom Pendergast 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00 http://www.missiondispatch.com/news/view_article.html?article_id=64c1a6ae8a86ce0bad756d6aa0f2e162&from=rss Have you ever wondered about you family history? Author Lalita Tadmey turned her interest in her own family history into the best selling novel Cane River, selected for the Third Annual citywide reading program One City One Book: San Francisco Reads. In this extensively researched personal odyssey, Lalita Tademy brings to life four vivid and remarkable women in her family, beginning in slavery, sweeping through the Civil War, and into the pre-Civil Rights South. As we follow these four women through extraordinary hardship, they learn to empower themselves, and despite overwhelming pressures, get their due and preserve their heritage. Set on a Creole plantation on the banks of Louisiana's Cane River, this New York Times best-seller is a beautifully written slice of American history never before seen in such piercing and personal detail. 2007-10-15T16:22:00-08:00