Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Board of Supervisors August 14, 2007


Meeting went really fast until Item came up on Medical Cannabis Dispensary Permits. One of the 30 locations at 194 Church Street could not comply with disability access standards and Supervisor Dufty made a motion to make 194 Church Street a landmark building so this location could stay open. Michela Alioto-Pier spoke very forcefully and eloguently about the rights of disable having the same rights as gays, and especially at this type of locations everyone should be able to use the facilities. This discussion was very emotional and a problem with the supervisors because of the long time facility being used by District Eight and the gay community. The motion failed to make the location at 194 Church Street a landmark building with a vote 5 to 5. A compromise was made by giving a one year continuance for 194 Church Street to come up with a solution. Everyone involved wants to come up with a solution. I admire Supervisor Alioto-Pier's advocacy for disability rights.
The other item (see above picture) was 55 Laguna Street location development. Many people from both sides spoke. After much discussion there was a compromise solution with a portion of the buildings being landmarked so the development could continue. At the end of the discussion a man next to me said "how can both sides win at the same time"? . Many people on all sides have spent year's on this development of a housing, open space, community center and business section.
Other item: Liquor License Transfer - 845 Market Street (Bristol Farms - downtown centre) continued until September 11th (the next Board meeting after vacation break). Sean Elsbernd spoke that this has been on the calender for a year and he was tired of seeing it and would like this item resolved.
Golf Course Task Force - Continued until October 16th (all sides are working on a working solution.
Residential Hotel ordinance passed on first reading letting GOTV activists in the SRO's to register voters.
Events:
September 8, 2007
Neighborhood Empowerment Network (NEN)-
Empowerment Summit, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 90 Grove Street, San Francisco. Resource fair that will feature government agencies and non profits that are comitted to partnering with the neighborhoods to help become better places to live and raise family. Four areas: Public Safety, Clean and Green, Community Building and Disaster Preparedness. 9:30 to 4 p.m. Key Note speaker is Latoya Cantrell President of the Broadmoore Improvement Association who has been charged with rebuilding neighborhood after hurricane Katrina. Information: nen@sfgov.org or call 415-554-7111.
September 23, 2007
5th Annual Excelsior Festival
- Free 11 am to 5 p.m. Persia Triangle info@excelsiorfestival.org 414-585-3790. Lots of fun, booths, music and great fund.
September 26, 2007
Neighborhood Parks Council
-Alamo Square Park (Hayes at Pierce) 6 to 9 p.m. Celebrate and support Neighborhood Parks Council ten years of advocacy. Information: www.sfnpc.org
September 28, 2007
Friends of Sunset Playground - 13th Annual Sunset Community Festival
Fundraiser for redesign and rebuilding of Sunset Playground. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunset Recreation Center, 29th Avenue at Lawton Street. sunsetfestival@sbcglobal.net or Carol at 415-759-3690
Information:
Democratic Women in Action:
New Democratic club (DWIA). Engage in direction action to address the interest and needs of children and related minors. Membership Dues: $15. Contact: Renee Golanty-Koel, PhD Acting Chair: 415-661-6276.
Transbay Contestants - www.som.com/transbay
Close It Coalition - 77 Beale Street San Francisco, Ca. 94103 (sponsored and supported by PG&E. Join coalition to support safe, clean and reliable energy and to come up with alternatives to the City's proposed power plants. Information: www.closeitcoalition.org.
ACLU of Northern California - Meets third Thursday of each month at 39 Drumm Street, San Francisco, Ca. Informatin: clint@aclsf.org. Phone No. 415-621-2493 Chair- Quinn Delaney