Calendar November

November 1, 2007 - Thursday

Eugene Coleman - Memorial for Eugene Coleman is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Providence Baptist Church, 1601 McKinnon, SF.

Assembly Majority Whip - Fiona Ma - Re-Election Celebration at Trader Vic's, 555 Golden Gate Avenue, S.F. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. $100. at door R.S.V.P. Annie Eagan 415-269-5105 or fionaevents@gmail.com Checks payable to: Re-Elect Fiona Ma, c/o Annie Eagan, 1364 San Mateo Avenue, South San Francisco, Ca. 94080

Josh Wolf - Candidate for Mayor. Commonwealth Club 6:30 p.m. $20., 595 Market Street, S.F. Information: 415-597-6700 www.commonwealthclub.org

November 2, 2007 - Friday

Bill Clinton - 2 p.m. Books Inc., 601 Van Ness, S.F. Have to have paid receipt of book "Giving". All items checked before. Information: 415-776-1111

San Francisco Democratic Party - Annual Fall Gala at Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, 999 California Street. San Francisco, Ca. Information: 415-626-1161 info@sfdemocrats.org $150. up.

Dia de los Muertos - San Francisco - 7 p.m. Procession @ 8:30 p.m. Festival of Altars. 24th and Bryant to Garfield Park/Festival of Altars@ 26th and Harrison.

Fundraiser for Jerry Day 2008 - 9:45 p.m. $12. Celebrate success of Jerry Day 2007 and start to rally the troops for Jerry Day 2008. Connecticut General, 100 Connecticut Street and 17th Street, S.F. 415-552-4440 http://www.theyankee.com/ Information regarding Jerry Day - Thomas Murphy tmurphysf@yahoo.com

November 3, 2007 - Saturday

Senator Leland Yee and the SF Democratic Party needs help for GOTV events, 10:30 a.m. 155 Sansome Street, Suite #520. S.F. Confirm information: 415-626-1166 or info@sfdemocrats.org

Saturday Longest Walk 2 Benefit Concert - 7 p.m.The Fillmore with Dennis Bank & Floyd Red Crow Westerman featuring Kris Kristofferson, Taj Mahal, Peter Coyote . Proceeds benefit The Nowa Cuming Institute. Doors open at 6 p.m. $100 day of show. Information: http://www.redhotpromotions.com/

November 4, 2007 - Sunday

San Francisco Jewish Bookfest - 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Keynote: Michael Chabon. Will speak about the visceral power of memory and his own long journey as a writer and Jew in search of identity. Michael Chabon will sign books from noon to 12: 30 in the Pottruck Family Atrium. 3200 California Street, S.F. Pre-registration is required. Contact JCCSF P. O. Box at 415-292-1233 or email arts@jccsf.org www.jccsf.org/bookfest

Regional Meeting of Region 4/Northern CA Statewide Platform Hearing. The California Democratic Party invites all Democrats to help shape their Blueprint for 2008. Join their effort to promote a progressive platform. Regional meeting starts begins at 2 p.m. - Platform hearing begins at 3 p.m. Location: 455 Golden Gate at Larkin and Polk Streets, S.F. Information: August Longo, Region 4 Director 415-777-1314 jp@fdrdems.org

November 5, 2007 Monday

SPUR - 2007 Silver Spur Awards Luncheon - Reception 10:30 a.m. Luncheon Noon to 1:30 p.m. Moscone Center North, Howard Street. Honorees: Paula Collins, Dr. Marcos Gutierrez, Jon Osaki, Walter H. Shorenstein . $150. Information: http://www.spur.org/ 415-781-8726

November 6, 2007 Tuesday

Vote! 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Information: 415-554-4375 www.sfgov.org/election

November 7, 2007 Wednesday

Holiday Rink at Embarcadero - through January 15,2008 Justin Herman Plaza Information: http://www.embarcarcadaerocenter.com/

Labor Archives & Research Center "Spanning the Gate" - Opening Reception for Exhibit of Photographs 5:00 to 7 p.m. J. Paul Leonard Library, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue. Information: http://www.sflaborcouncil.org/

November 8, 2007 Thursday

Central Subway Community Advisory Group - Chinatown/North Beach Community Meeting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Gordon J. Lau Elementary School, 950 Clay . Information: www.sfmta.com/cms/mcentral/centralmtg.htm

Screening of Rendition: Screening of Rendition starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Reese Witherspoon featuring a presentation by Jusice Sarver, ACLU-NC Organizing Director. 7:45 p.m. Vogue Theater, 3290 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, Ca. 94115. $8.50 admission RSVP, please contact RSVPScreeningLiberallySF@yahoo.com http://www.aclunc.org/

November 9th and 10th - Friday and Saturday

Olympia Duka kis - "Rose" Epic story of a Jewish octogenarian looking back on her life, from her birth in the Ukraine, to her escape from the Nazis, to her emigration to America. JCCSF 3200 California Street : $60. Information: 415-292-1233

March Against the War - San Francisco Oct. 2007

San Francisco Calendar - October/November

October Items (additional)

October 25, 2007 - Thursday

San Francisco Peoples Organization - SEIU Stand for Security. March for Family Health Care. 4:30 p.m. Freedom Plaza: 1 Front Street @ Market (one block east of 1st Street). Support health care for security guards. Information: John Avalos at 415-359-8367 avalos_john@hotmail.com

October 27, 2007 - Saturday

National Day of Action to End the Iraq War - 11 a.m. Rally at San Francisco Civic Center . March to Dolores Park. Support Senate Joint Resolution 1 to urge Congress to prohibit the President from spending taxpayer dollars on the escalation of the Iraq war. To support National Day of Action go to www.sen.ca.gov/3 Information: Call Senator Carole Migden's district office 415-557-1300 . Carole Migden's Office: 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Suite 14800, San Francisco, Ca. 94102. (this flyer sent out by State Senator Carole Migden. )

October 29th, 2007 - Monday

SPUR - "Muni Monday: Operators' Perspective". 12:30 p.m. 312 Sutter Street #500. Non-Members $5. Information: 415-781-8726 http://www.spur.org/

Mike Farrell - "Just Call Me Mike - A Journey from Actor to Activist" - Stacey's, 12:30 p.m.
581 Market Street, S.F. 94105 Information: 415-421-4687 http://www.staceys.com/

Supervisor Aaron Peskin - Commonwealth Club - 5:30 p.m. 595 Market Street, 2nd Floor,
S.F. $18. Information: 415-597-6726 http://www.commonwealthclub.org/

October 30, 2007 - Tuesday

Susan Faludi - "The Terror Dream: Fear & Fantasy in Post 9/11 America." 7 p.m. The First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1187 Franklin Street, S.F. $12. Information: http://www.citylights.com/

Democratic Debate - MSNBC . 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (I do not know what time it will air here?).
Brian Williams will moderate.

October 31, 2007 - Wednesday

SPUR - Architect Jeff Heller will explain story about the Planning commission and how approvals really work and what this has to do with the cost of housing in San Francisco.
12:30 p.m. 312 Sutter Street, S.F. $5. Information: 415-781-8726 http://www.spur.org/ info@spur.org

November 1, 2007 - Thursday

Assembly Majority Whip - Fiona Ma - Re-Election Celebration at Trader Vic's, 555 Golden Gate Avenue, S.F. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. $100. at door R.S.V.P. Annie Eagan 415-269-5105 or fionaevents@gmail.com Checks payable to: Re-Elect Fiona Ma, c/o Annie Eagan, 1364 San Mateo Avenue, South San Francisco, Ca. 94080

November 2, 2007 - Friday

San Francisco Democratic Party - Annual Fall Gala at Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, 999 California Street. San Francisco, Ca. Information: 415-626-1161 info@sfdemocrats.org $150. up.

November 3, 2007 - Saturday

Senator Leland Yee and the SF Democratic Party needs help for GOTV events, 10:30 a.m. 155 Sansome Street, Suite #520. S.F. Confirm information: 415-626-1166 or info@sfdemocrats.org

November 3, 2007 - Saturday

Longest Walk 2 Benefit Concert - 7 p.m.The Fillmore with Dennis Bank & Floyd Red Crow Westerman featuring Kris Kristofferson, Taj Mahal, Peter Coyote . Proceeds benefit The Nowa Cuming Institute. Doors open at 6 p.m. $100 day of show. Information: http://www.redhotpromotions.com/

November 4, 2007 - Sunday

San Francisco Jewish Bookfest - 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Keynote: Michael Chabon. Will speak about the visceral power of memory and his own long journey as a writer and Jew in search of identity. Michael Chabon will sign books from noon to 12: 30 in the Pottruck Family Atrium. 3200 California Street, S.F. Pre-registration is required. Contact JCCSF P. O. Box at 415-292-1233 or email arts@jccsf.org www.jccsf.org/bookfest

Regional Meeting of Region 4/Northern CA Statewide Platform Hearing. The California Democratic Party invites all Democrats to help shape their Blueprint for 2008. Join their effort to promote a progressive platform. Regional meeting starts begins at 2 p.m. - Platform hearing begins at 3 p.m. Location: 455 Golden Gate at Larkin and Polk Streets, S.F. Information: August Longo, Region 4 Director 415-777-1314 jp@fdrdems.org

Information:

Eric Mar - filed papers to run for Supervisor in District One in 2008. Currently on the San Francisco School Board. http://www.ericmar.com/

Peter Lauterborn filed papers to run for San Francisco school board.

Chris Jackson filed papers to run for San Francisco Community College Board

Muni, October Calendar, Lights Out ,Mecke

Walked to Transit Effectiveness Muni Project at St. Peter's Catholic Church in the Mission . As always I try and walk most of the way, it is easier-besides San Francisco is a great walking town.

Quintin Mecke, candidate for mayor was at Church and Market (more commonly known as lower Safeway).

Found Noe Valley Democratic Club doorhanger. Very impressive and smart doing this early for people who vote by mail.

Transit Effectiveness meeting was really a market research meeting for the Muni staff to meet with real people who ride Muni. ( as you would expect Norm Rolfe and David Philpel were there.) We were given maps and were asked to mark the map up with our comments about Muni service.

Muni is seriously thinking of different ways to make Muni faster and more reliable. People are taking Muni at different hours than 25 years ago. New neighborhoods have cropped up. Economically it makes sense to improve Muni, it would take less buses and therefore fewer driver's. If a rider is having trouble on Muni, call 311 and report the problem. 700,000 people ride the Muni every day. Suggestions for improvement are signal priority, dedicated transit lanes, double deck buses, on curvy routes driving straight and getting off straight road when asked by a rider. Special shuttles paid by private industry. Increase driver training, smaller buses for certain lines. Major changes would include Van Ness Avenue and Geary Corridor.

There are two more meetings , Monday and Tuesday of this coming week (see calendar below). It is important to attend and let Muni hear from you. Information: info@sftep.com or call 415-701-4599. http://www.sftep.com/

Besides you might win a free Muni pass in a raffle. I won the raffle!

Lights Out - I tried. Reading my Sunday Chronicle in the dark - looked like a shrine!

Boring. Next time should be later in the evening, so I would just fall asleep....

October Calendar: (additional items)

October 22nd - Monday

San Francisco Bicycle Coalition - Community Planning Workshop- Planning meeting for guiding the bicycling and pedestrian plan for Treasure Island. - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. SMWM Architects, 989 Market Street (at 6th) Third Floor - Information: Neal Patel at neal@sfbike.org or 415-431-BIKE x 312.

Transit Effectiveness Project Community Meeting -Muni Planning meeting. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Inner Sunset, County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers) 9th Ave. at Lincoln Way. Information: 415-226-1313 http://www.sftep.com/ info@sftep.com

Nick Hornby - Presents "Slam" 7 p.m. Books, Inc., 601 Van Ness Ave., S.F Information: 415-776-1111.

Broadway North Beach: The Golden Years A Saloon Keeper's Tales - 7:30 the author Dick Boyd will discuss his book. Books Inc. in the Marina. 2251 Chestnut, S.F. Information: 415-931-333

Alice Sebold- Author of "The Almost Moon" and "The Lovely Bones" will speak with Andrew Sean Greer 8 p.m. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave. $19. Information: 415-392-4400 http://www.cityarts.net/

Norman Podhoretz - World War IV - Editor in Chief of "Commentary" a leader of neoconservatism. 8 p.m. Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, Ca. , 3200 California. Ticket Information: http://www.jccsf.org/ 415-292-1233.

October 23, 2007 - Tuesday

Transit Effectiveness Project Community Meeting - 6 to 8:30 p.m. Muni Planning Meeting, Bill Graham Civic auditorium 99 Grove Street at Polk St. Politicians are expected to attend. http://www.sftep.com/ info@sftep.com 415-226-1313

Russian Hill Neighbors - Election 2008 Forum - RHN and League of Women Voters present "Election Integrity and Transparency". Discussion will include informative, nonpartisan presentations of upcoming election issues. T hurman Hall, Fellowship Church, 2041 Larkin Street (between Broadway and Vallejo). Information: 415-267-0575. http://www.rhn.org/

San Francisco Bicycle Coalition - Planning meeting regarding bicycling and pedestrian plan for Treasure Island. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Treasure Island, Ship Shape Center Building, 497, Ave, M and 11th Ave. Information: Neal Patel at neal@sfbike.org 415-431-BIKE x 312

Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club - Monthly Meeting 7 p.m. Women's Building, 3543 18th Street, S.F. Discussion regarding early endorsement in the Senate Race on December 11th. Information: http://www.milkclub.org/ treasurer@milkclub.org 415-385-9229

October 24th - Wednesday

San Francisco Dining Discussion with Jean-Luc Naret and Marcia Gagliari. - Second Edition of the "Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & the Wine Country". Book Passage at the Ferry Plaza Marketplace. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 1 Ferry Plaza, #42, SF Information: 415-835-1020 http://www.tablehopper.com/

San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee monthly meeting. 7 p.m. 455 Golden Gate Ave., Milton Marks Auditorium. I would call ahead to make sure this meeting is still on. Information: http://www.sfdemocrats.org/ 415-626-1161

Lawrence Ferlinghetti - Reads from "Poetry as Insurgent Art" - 7 p.m. City Lights Books Store, 261 Columbus Ave., S.F. Ca. 415-32-8193.

David Eggers talks about "What Is The What"? 7:30 Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia Street, SF. Information: 415-282-9246

October 25th - Thursday

A Tribute to Grace Paley - Open Reading from her works. 7:30 p.m. Bird & Beckett Books and Records, 653 Chenery Street S.F. Ca. 415-586-3733

October 27, 2007 - Saturday

Upper Market Community Planning Workshop - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Harvey Milk School, 4235 19th Street. Information: uppermarket.sfplanning.org

Farley's 17th Annual Pet Fest - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1315 18th Street. Parade begins at 1 p.m. Bring your pets in costume! Information: 648-1545; http://www.farleyscoffee.com/

End the War Now! March & Rally - SF Civic Center 11 a.m. "Wear some flowers in your hair". Information: 415-821-6545 http://www.oct27sf.org/

8th Annual Potrero Hill History Night. Potrero Hill Archives Project - Celebrate the history and legacy of Potrero Hill. Pictures, home movies and video interviews. 5:30 to 9 p.m. International Studies Academy, 655 De Haro Street. Information: 863-0784

Tribute to Jack Kerouac - With Gerald Nicosia, Phil Cosineau and R. B. Morris. 7:30 p.m. Bird & Beckett Books and Records, 653 Chenery Street, S.F. Information: 415-586-3733.

Information:

Noe Valley Democratic Club - meets at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez Street. http://www.noevalleydems.org/

Quintin Mecke for Mayor - http://www.qformayor.org/- Endorsed by San Francisco Bay Guardian, San Francisco Tenants Union, Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club, Richmond District Democratic Club, Bernal Heights Democratic Club, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, Supervisor Chris Daly, Bart Director Tom Radulovich, Police Commissioner David Campos, San Francisco for Democracy PAC, The League of Young Voters, Ted Guillicksen

Mark Leno for State Senate 2008 - 55 Brady Street, San Francisco, Ca. 94103 Information: http://www.markleno.com/

San Mateo County Presidential Straw Poll Results. Votes cast 761

John Edwards 29%

Dennis Kucinich 23.6%

Barack Obama 22.5%

Hillary Clinton 16.8%

Al Gore (write in) 3 %

Bill Richardson 2.8%

Joseph Biden 1 %

Christopher Dodd 0.5%

Michael Gravel 0.5%

Other Write Ins 0.1%

Formatting problems with Blogger again. Sorry.

Vote on Chinatown Campus

Vote on Chinatown Campus last night at City College Chinatown/North Beach Campus.

Motion passed for new Chinatown campus with only one descending vote from John Rizzo.

Huge crowd in a very small, hot, narrow room.

The meeting lasted over 7-1/2 hours and did not end until 2 a.m.

Many people in the audience have been involved in politics and the community for a long time. Judge Lillian Sing, Judge Julie Tang, Carlota del Portillo, Dean of the Mission Campus; Walter Johnson, San Francisco Labor Council; Eric Mar, San Franciso School Member; Ex-Supervisor Michael Yaki, Ex-Community College Member Robert Varni, Samson Wong Asian Week , Tom McCarthy, Frank Noto, Henry Der and Clifford Waldeck.

This issue has been around a long time going back after the International Hotel was torn down which was over thirty years ago. I went into the International Hotel once, it was your typical Chinatown old housing unit with little rooms. I remember the bright lights and nice people. All these years later there is still that hole open to remind everyone of what happened.

I understand why the vote went through, it is just sad that such a big, huge structure is being built over what use to be housing for people. Chinatown/North Beach definitely needs a new facility with adult size chairs with large rooms and air conditioning.

Calendar - additional items for this week ending October 22nd.

October 20th - Saturday

San Francisco: Labor Conference Against the War. ILWU Local 10 at 400 N. Point Street, San Francisco, Ca. Organizer: ILWU. The time says 09:00 to 16:00. I know this is military time and I don't know what that means? I went on the website and I could not pick up any further information. Information: Center for Media and Democracy PR Watch.org

October 21st - Sunday

UCSF Helicopter Flight Test - Helipad is part of the proposal for the new UCSF Mission Bay children's women's and cancer hospital complex to be built on the site just south of the existing UCSF research campus. Because of community feedback, the proposed helipad has been relocated to 16th Street, the northernmost point of the hospital site. UCSF will be conducting a helicopter test flight October 21st beginning at 8:30 a.m. or as late as 12:00 p.m. depending on the weather conditions.

The helipad will be 140 feet. Nose monitoring equipment is being installed in several places. Annual trips a year 500; month transports 40; daily transports 1.4 per day. Information: Barbara Ba got-Lopez 415-476-8318

Information:

Sharp Park Golf Course - There is a very interesting long article about Sharp Park Golf Course in Pacifica along with information about San Francisco and the future of San Francisco's golf course. Supervisor McGoldrick has asked that a Sharp Park resident be part of the golf task force. Information: www.pacificatribune.com/local

ACLU - "Under the Watchful Eye: The Proliferation of Video Surveillance Systems in California". Report is available at www.aclunc.org/watchfuleye. ACLU questions if these measures are worth the time and money versus the loss of privacy and free speech rights.

Board of Supervisors - October 17th Calender

Quiet Leadership: I am so sorry to hear about Jim Rivaldo's passing. This is a loss for all San Franciscan's.
When I would see Jim somewhere I would always go over to him and ask him a question or what his thoughts were. Jim always responded straight forward and honestly. Because he had been an astute political activist for many years he was knowledgeable and wise. I will always miss Jim, just like I still miss Bill Krause, Dick Pabich , Anne Daley, Sue Bierman and Jane McKaskle Murphy. All icons, all respected and loved.

San Francisco Board of Supervisor's Meeting. - October 16th

Low key meeting:

Chalk Marks: $100. fine for erasing chalk off your tires. Passed

Peak Oil Preparedness Task Force. Appointed Jeanne-Marie Rosenmeier, Carl Duisberg, Bernard Meyerson and Jan Lundberg.

Golf Course Task Force: Tabled a week. Negotiating to a six month delay. Supervisor Elsbernd is adamant that there should be no further delay in finalizing changes in reference to San Francisco Park Code.

Golden Gate Bridge Partnership Program: One Week Delay.

Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks General Obligation Bond- Passed to put on ballot for February 5, 2008.

Budget Analyst Contract: Long discussion regarding contract with Harvey Rose. Passed two year extension. Supervisor Peskin wants to put the Budget Analyst contract out to bid in 2009. Contract with Harvey Rose has been for over three decades!No one had anything bad to say about Harvey Rose, this is Supervisor Peskin's belief that the Board of Supervisors should lead by example and bid out almost all contracts.

Workforce Development Audit: Passed motion to agree with Budget Analyst's findings. Supervisor Ammiano stated that their needed to be improvements from the Workforce Development Program. He was not happy and was asking them to cooperate and to stop wasting time.

$100,000 General Fund Reserve Fund to Hurricane Relief in Nicaragua. (Reduced from $200,000. ) Supervisor Elsbernd and Supervisor Chu voting no.

Transit Shelter Advertising Agreement - Passed. Huge increase in revenue from prior contract. ($13,000,000 over the period of the contract).

Zoning controls regarding the Bernal Heights Brewster/Joy Neighborhood passed. This is an issue that Supervisor Ammiano and the neighborhood have been working on for ten years. This has something to do with water pressure and slippage.

Left meeting early because I was worried about traffic at rush hour, the rain and I was just tired of listening to Supervisor McGoldrick who went on and on. I know he works hard and cares but I wish some of his free thinking thoughts and questions were done before the meeting. Many times things are delayed, with negotiation which could be done for the meeting to make the Board of Supervisor meetings for efficient and organized. It was a great improvement when the Board of Supervisor's starting meeting on Tuesday's instead of Monday to give the Supervisors and their staff more time to prepare.
I have nothing against questions and inquiries. Many of the supervisors do not ask that many questions, (is this because they prepared ahead of time?). Many supervisors ask questions to make a point in public, especially in front of Heads of Department (maybe the press?).

October Calendar Items through October - Addendum to my prior blog of October 14th:

October 18th - Thursday

City Democratic Club - Post-Endorsement Cocktail Hour - 5:30 p.m. at Trader Vic's. 5:30 p.m. Information: 415-923-5252 info@citydemocrticclub.org

Chinatown Campus Vote - 6 p.m. City College Chinatown/North Beach Campus, 940 Filbert Street, Basement, San Francisco, Ca. This is a very controversial vote with many people involved. More information go to http://www.asianweek.com/ and read Samson Wong's column.

October 20th - Saturday

Precita Eyes - 30th Anniversary with gala benefit featuring live mural painting, live music, refreshments and silent auction of art donated by master muralists. 6 to 10 p.m. Project Artaud, 450 Florida Street. Information: 415-285-2287 http://www.precitaeyes.org/

Lights Out San Francisco - Candlelight dinners will be offered by Delfina, CAV Wine Bar, Medjool, The Blue Plate, MoMo's, Nova and Pete's Tavern.

October 21, 2007 - Sunday

5th Annual Portola Festival on Sun Bruno Ave. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: www. portola festival.org

San Mateo County Democratic Central Committee Presidential Straw Poll. 2 to 5 p.m. (voting ends at 4 p.m. Dennis Kucinich will be attending). Senator Leland Yee will speak on behalf of Senator John Edwards, Former State Senator Jackie Speier will speak for Senator Hillary Clinton and former Controller Steve Westly will speak for Senator Sen. Barack Obama. Lynn Mosier, is expected to represent her father, form Senator Mike Gravel. $25. San Mateo Event Center 2495 S. Delaware Street, San Mateo, Ca. Information: sanmateodemocrats.org

Information:

League of Women Voters - Asking people to join as election observer's and monitoring (like President Carter!). You would be trained to make local elections safe and transparent, and will guide you through pre-election, election day and post-election processes that the City uses in casting, and counting votes.
Training: October 20th at the Mechanics Institute at 9:30 a.m.
October 23rd at the League office 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
RSVP: 415-989-8683 or lwvsf@lwvsf.org On election night you can watch election events on http://www.sfvotes.org/ on streaming video.
Actually, when you think about it, this is a complicated election night between the rank choice voting and the status of our voting machines.

Become a pollworker. Earn up to $170. To sign up visit www.sfgov.org/election or call 415-554-4395

6th AD Democratic Club had a Straw Poll at candidates' forum at College of Marin for the Sonoma-Marin-San Franisco Third State Senate District Democratic . nomination. Mark Leno received 47 votes. Senator Migden received 27 votes and San Francisco Police Commission Joe Alioto Veronese received 11 votes. Information came from Marin Independent Journal from columnist Dick Spotswood of Mill Valley spotswood@comcast.net

Reviewing endorsement list for Senator Edwards - two names jumped out, Scott Wiener (current Chair of the San Francisco Demcratic Party) and David Mixner who wrote a memoir about his life and his relationship to President Bill Clinton.

Skeptical Brother website indicates that Cynthia McKinney has moved to California and has joined the Green Party.

Clint Reilly has blog: clintreilly.com

P.S. Sorry there are no pictures (Blogger is having trouble with the picture down load).

Litquake Crawl, October Calendar - October 15th

Lit Crawl - part of Litquake 07 in the Mission Saturday night. 200 authors in three hours in 35 venues. An ambitious undertaking. Huge success. How could you not succeed - culture, people, the hottest part of town and nice weather.

So much to choose from including reading in the Park from Bark Magazine - bring your pup! and readings in the Mission Laundromat.

I chose two places:

The Beauty Bar, 2299 Mission Street. Always wanted to go in there. Small, semi-tacky bar with decor including a couple of hair dryers with seats. Discussion was "Girls Tell All: Authors from the anthologies: Bad Girls and The Bigger the Better, The Tighter the Sweater". I wanted to go here because Joyce Maynard was going to speak. I have read all her books and she is famous for "Home in the World" (she had an affair with J. D. Salinger) and "To Die For".

The room was so small and hot, I was right up by the dj stand with a great seat (but it got so hot I thought I was going to faint so I had to get out of there and get some fresh air). If you stood outside by the open windows you could sort of hear. The first person talking read from her article about bikini waxing before having her twins. I found out later that Joyce Maynard didn't even show up.

The second venue was "San Francisco Chronicle: The Daily Dish" at 12 Galaxies, 2565 Mission Street. Huge room, huge crowd. Eve Batey the Editor for On Line for the Chronicle did a good job of introducing everyone by reading on line comments from the readers about each one of these individuals. (very funny).

Leah Garchik the columnist, Heidi Benson the feature writer, Michael Shapiro the travel writer and Mark Morford the columnist "Notes & Errata" spoke. Don Asmussen the political cartoonist drew cartoon and had people go on stage with paper bags over their heads and say semi-obscene things (so very funny - you had to be there).

Litquake is now on the map and a success. It will be a hard balance next year to come up with innovative, fun venues and deal with the crowds. Lots of effort went in Liquake. Worthwhile for independents bookstores, writers and San Francisco. Valencia/Mission/Guerrero Street is the best part of town!

October Calendar

October 15th - Monday

SPUR - "Muni Monday: Update on the Transit Effectiveness Project". Julie Kirschbaum project manager will discuss the first systematic overhaul of Muni service in three decades: 12:30 to 1:30 312 Sutter Street #500. $15 Non-Members: Information: 415-781-8726 http://www.spur.org/

Community: Mission Bay. A forum for UCSF and neighbors to talk about UCSF and the needs of the community. 6:30 to 9 p.m. UCSF Mission Bay Campus, Genentech Hall, Room 114, 600 16th Street, San Francisco. Information: 476-8318 bblopez@cgr.ucsf.edu

Gary Willis - discusses "Head and Heart" (famous for writing "Nixon Agonistics" )7 p.m. Free Gresham Hall Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, S.F. Information: 415-749-6308

October 16th - Tuesday

SPUR - Community Benefit Districts in San Francisco. (business improvement districts). Wharf, the Fillmore, Tenderloin, Castro/Upper Market, Central Market and Noe Valley. Marco Li Mandri will talk about how to form these CBDs. 12:30 to 1:30 312 Sutter Street #500, S.F. Non-Members $15 Information: 415-781-8726 http://spur.org/

San Francisco Gray Panthers - General Meeting 1 p.m., Unitarian Center, 1187 Franklin Street at Geary. Speaker Ahimsa Porter Sumchai. "Gentrification, Redevelopment and the Future of San Francisco" http://graypantherssf.igc.org/

San Francisco Board of Supervisors - Weekly Meeting 2 p.m. - Items include Golf Course Task Force, Iraq Mot atrium, Procedures for removal of Supervisor Ed Jew . Information:

http://sfgov.org/

Quintin Mecke for Mayor (great campaign slogan - "Because we Can Do Better") - Candidates Forum at Bazaar Cafe, 5927 California Street, S.F. 7 to 9 p.m. Information: http://qformayor.com/

October 17th through November 30th

San Francisco Jazz Festival - http://sfjazz.org/

October 17th - Wednesday

SPUR - Fred Blackwell new head of San Francisco Redevelopment . 5: 30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 312 Sutter Street, 5th Floor. Information: 415-781-8726 http://spur.org/

San Francisco Neighborhood Business Awards - Urban Solutions 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Rasselas Jazz Club, 1534 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, Ca. $50. Information: 415-346-0199http://urbansolutionssf.org/

Mobility, Access, and Pricing Study - San Francisco County Transportation Authority is conducting interactive workshop regarding the possibility of charging motorists a user fee to access congested areas or routes during the most congested periods. 5:30 to 8 p.m. Milton Marks Conference Center, 455 Golden Gate Avenue, S.F. Information: Zabe Bent: 415-522-4800 mobility@sfcta.org http://sfmobility.org/

October 18th - Thursday

Carl Bernstein - Discussion "A Woman in Charge" book about Hillary Clinton . Stacey's 12: 30 p.m. 581 Market Street, S. F. Information: http://www.staceys.com/

Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan Community Meeting - discussion about the future. 6 to 9 p.m. Japanese Cultural & Community Center, 1840 Sutter Street. Information: 415-575-9068

2007 San Francisco Beautiful Awards - City Hall Rotunda S.F. 6 p.m. $200. up. Information: Ron Wong 415-355-9988

October 20th - Saturday

Transit Effectiveness Project Community Meeting - Discussion on ways to make Muni more effective. 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monroe Elementary School, 260 Madrid Street at Excelsior Ave. Information: http://sftep.com/ 415-701-4599

Transit Effectiveness Project Community Meeting - Discussion on ways to make Muni more effective 3 p.m. to 5: 30 p.m. St Peter's Catholic Church 1200 Florida Street at 24th Street . Information: http://sftep.com/ 415-701-4599

Saturday Pedestrian Safety & Advocacy - Third Annual Peak to Peak Walk, 12 mile Challenge, Mt. Davidson to Coit Tower - 15 peaks. 12 miles 8:30 a.m. West Portal Tunnel Registration by Oct. 17th - $ 75. Information: http://www.walksf.org/ 415-421-walk

Light-Out San Francisco - Dolores Park 5:30 to 9 p.m. Live music including local banks and DJ's to Opera in the Dark Information:http://lightsoutsf.org/

Lights Out San Francisco" No lights from 7 to 8 p.m. Install one energy-efficient light bulb. http://sfpower.org/

October 21st - Sunday

Sunday Fiesta on the Hill - Bernal Heights Street Fair- Cortland Avenue 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Sila and the Afrofunk Experience, pony rides, petting zoo, celebrity dunking tank. Information: bhnc.org and click Fiesta .

Information:

Absentee Ballots in Person City Hall (Early voting): Ground Floor, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 48. : 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (the last two weekends before Election Day). 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day .

Absentee Ballots must arrive at the Department of Elections' City Hall office or at any San Francisco polling place by 8:00 p.m. Election Day. Information: http://sfgov.org/

Java House - FYI - 15 year Lease with the Port of San Francisco is being finalized. $2,045 a month rent with 7.5% gross revenues.

San Francisco Mayor's Debate/Zombies

Where do I begin?

Very sedate crowd, almost all the candidates dressed up (George Davis was dressed up with an apron on with a naked body- he believes people should be allowed not to wear clothes).

Mayor Gavin Newsom was a little late. Comments were "have Ed Jew replace the Mayor" - "maybe he took muni".

The format was dicey because each candidate could only speak for 30 seconds with no rebuttal.

Question: "What is the biggest problem"

Answer: The mayor runs away from discussion, crime, live ability, housing, public safety, poverty, lack of democracy,

Question "What would you do about homeless?"

Answer: Building coalitions to solve problems, legalize drugs, be innovative, education.

Question: "What would you do to improve Bayview Hunter's Point"?

Answer: Don't sweep problems under the rug, put development on hold, Ahimsa Sumchal wants to stop all building of above market housing.

Question: "Who inspires you"?

Answer: Grasshopper Kaplan said Dennis Kucinich and having his taxi taken away, Quintin Mecke said Tom Ammiano, Mayor Newsom said his mother and father. Ahimsa Sumchal said Carlton Goodlett, Wilma Pang said Gordon Lau, Harold Brown said Donald Fisher, Lonnie Holmes said Barack Obama and families who have lost loved ones. (then my notes turn into scribble...muni, violence, what would you change? what do you think about survellience cameras? etc.)

Each candidate had a 30 second closing statement.

Actually, everyone behaved themselves.

I support Mayor Newsom. But I adore John Rinaldi (chickenjohn) - the guy with the hat. He asked that everyone vote for him as their second choice so he would come in last and win (no I am not going to explain ranked-choice voting - go to sfgov.org/election - way to complicated!) Rinaldi is the media favorite.

I like Lonnie Homes and I think he would make an excellent supervisor (but I understand he does not want to run for Supervisor).

Quintin Mecke is impressive and it is refreshing to hear his candid answers. He is very articulate.

It was fun being able to laugh, there isn't much to smile about now days. Watch this debate on public access (sfgov.org) around the middle of October.

Then we all left and were met at the library doors by the "zombies". (I looked up the definition "a reanimated human body devoid of consciousness - undead corpses). Everyone was laughing, but they were gruesome and they were making terrible noises, there was pushing and shoving which got a little scary. The library doors closed and things calmed down quickly. A little political theatre- or was it art?

I am little tired of all this "San Francisco crazy" bashing. Residents in this town take things very seriously. Our critics should start talking about solving problems instead of all this "media hype".

P.S. Last day to register to vote is Monday October 22th in reference to the November 6th election.

Lawrence Ferlinghetti

Lawrence Ferlinghetti spoke and signed his recently published book "Poetry As Insurgent Art".
This was a rare appearance by Ferlinghetti. Booksmith Bookstore on Haight was very crowded. He read poetry and answered questions. He was funny and very wise.

In reference to the question about people's complacency he said that "people do not want to be disturbed".



He does not consider himself a beatnik but a bohemian which came before Beatnik's. Herbe Caen is responsible for the word "beatnik" coming into existence.

He sees no difference today between Republicans and Democrat's.

When he is interviewed by anyone now he always tells them he is not a Beatnik - he just published Beatnik books. But the next day the article always starts with "The Beat Goes On!".

Lawrence Ferlinghetti is 88 years old and lives on Potrero Hill and shows his art work at George Krewsky Gallery at 77 Geary, San Francisco. georgekrewskygallery.com.

He is the founder with Peter D. Martin of City Lights Book Store in 1953. City Lights Book Store is the first all paperback bookstore in the United States. 261 Columbus, San Francisco, Ca. citylights.com. He also has a art studio out in Hunter's Point. He was San Francisco's Poet Laureate in 1998.

San Francisco Calendar - October 6th

Move- On demonstration at City Hall against President Bush's veto of health insurance for children who are uninsured.






Calendar:
October 4th through 9th
Fleet Week - Do I have to remind you? (every year I forget how loud the Blue Angels are!). Information: fleetweek.us/fleetweek

October 6, 7 Saturday/ Sunday

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass No. 7 - Speedway Meadow in Golden Park 11 a.m. Information: http://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/

October 6 through 13th

Litquake - Literary Festival - 22 Events Information: litquake.org

October 6th - Saturday

Memorial for Trevor Hailey - Lead walking tours of the Castro District for more than 15 years. Starting at 1 p.m. at Harvey Milk Plaza. Memorial Service at 2 p.m. will include a showing of "Only in the Castro with Trevor Hailey" a 25 minute documentary that premiered at the Frameline LGBT film festival only days after her death. Screening will take place at Eureka Valley Recreation Center, 100 Collingwood Street. 2 p.m. RSVP contact Sullivan at BettyS@bettyslist.com. include "memorial" in the subject line or call 415-503-1375

October 7th - Sunday

Beach Impeach - 11 a.m. to 12: 30 p.m.Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley, Ca. Information: http://www.beachimpeach.org/


Italian Heritage Parade- North Beach - Noon

Castro Street Fair - 11 a.m. Information: castrostreetfair.org


October 8th - Monday


Dump Columbus - 7 p.m. Reading and performance at City Lights Bookstore, 261 Columbus Ave. Tom Ammiano is included as one of the performers.


October 9th - Tuesday

League of Women Voters - Discussion District Attorney and Sherriff Election- 6 p.m. San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin Street. Information: lwvsf@lwysf.org

No on Proposition E - Sponsored by Gavin Newsom at Dede Wilsey's home, 2590 Jackson Street 6:30 to 8 p.m. $1,000. up.

Lawrence Ferlinghetti - (founder of City Lights Bookstore) will speak at Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street. 7 p.m. Information: 415-863-8688 http://www.booksmith.com/


October 10th - Wednesday

Block Party - University of California Mission Bay. UCSF Mission Bay celebrates opening of new retail outlets with block party including DJ, kids face painting and games. Noon to 1:30 p.m. followed by Happy Hour Concert from 5 to 8 p.m. featuring GravyBoat, local R&B and Rock 70/80's band. Information: 415-514-1395; tamara.villarina@ucsf.edu


Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club - Endorsement Meeting 6 to 8 p.m. San Francisco Jewish Community Center, 3200 California Street. First Floor Atrium. Information http://www.wallenbergdems.org/

15th Annual Celebrity Pool Toss - 6 to 9 p.m. Tenderloin Neighborhood Development

October 11th - Thursday

Fundraiser: One City, Many SAFE Neighborhoods. Honors business watch groups. 6 p.m. Green Room, San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center Information: cindy@sfsafe.org: http://www.sfsafe.org/

League of Women Voters - Mayor's Race 2007 - 6 to 8 p.m. San Francisco Main Library. 100 Larkin Street, S.F. Information: lwvsf@lwysf.org

Barbara Boxer - Honoring Al Gore - St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street. Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt . Information: 2010 Re-electionBarbaraBoxer.com

October 13th - Saturday


Potrero Hill Festival 2007 - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 DeHaro Street. Music, food, crafts. Information: 415-826-8080

Democratic Women in Action (New Organization) Election of Officers, Discussion of Primary Legislation Focus.10: 30 a.m to 12: 30 p.m. Home of Jane Bernard Powers, 121 Frederick/cross Street Ashbury, S.F. Information: 415-864-8732. RSVP: RENGOL@CUS.EDU

San Francisco Family Festival Sponsored by Mayor Gavin Newsom- 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Games, Rides, Clowns and balloon artists -Yerba Buena Gardens. Information: sfkids.org


Celebration: 4th Annual George Bush Going Away Party (Comedians from Los Angels and San Francisco)- Fundraiser for Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors "Military out of our Schools Program Tickets $22 to $35 8 p.m. The Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave. Information: 522.3737 ww.koshercomedy.com


Information: On October 12, 2007 all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start receiving sales calls. You will be charged for these calls.To prevent this, call from your cell phone: 1-888-382-1222. This is the do not call list.

John Dean, San Francisco Board of Supervisors

Since I am a Watergate junkie I had to go see John Dean at Stacey's Bookstore yesterday. John Dean was there to speak about his new book "Broken Government, How Republican Rule Destroyed the Legislative and Judicial Branches" (My memory of Watergate is running downstairs at least twice each afternoon to get the latest edition of the San Francisco Examiner - most of the time the articles had the byline from the Washington Post with articles from Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein).

John Dean started out by saying that the book he had written "Worse than Watergate" should have been titled "Much Worse than Watergate".

Republicans were good at staying on message and Democrats could not stay on message. Speaker Nancy Pelosi has done a remarkable job of establishing regular order . Nancy Pelosi has brought civility, rules to both sides of the house.

John Dean spoke about Dick Cheney running the Presidency not George Bush.

The 2008 election is about the Supreme Court, there is the possibility of three new Supreme Court Judges openings coming up in the next term.

It is obvious that John Dean is very scholarly and has the access with people from all phases of public life. He wanted to take the time to try and write a book explaining what is going on in government and the consequences. John Dean cannot wait for George Bush to be out of office.

P.S. Carl Bernstein will be at Stacey's on October 18th at 12:30 p.m. Information: http://www.staceys.com/

Board of Supervisor Meeting: Very tame meeting. Geraldo Sandoval's resolution condemning Michael Savage's defamatory language passed.

More importantly under Roll Call Geraldo Sandoval asked questions about procedures regarding the removal of Ed Jew from the Board of Supervisors. Questions included:

What evidence are they to look at? Are they to review documents?

Does the Board of Supervisors call witnesses? Does the Board of Supervisors have the power of subpoena? This procedure question is very important to the Supervisor and he warned if the procedures were not set up correctly and there was not an open discussion with all the supervisors he would not take part in the process.

This will all take time. The City Attorney has asked that the City find outside counsel to deal with the removable of Ed Jew.

Public Comment: I am not a big fan of public comment because certain individuals take advantage of the process and speak every week, many expressing the same view over and over. However, yesterday, an individual (I am sorry I didn't get his name) got up to speak and asked that the Board of Supervisor's show some leadership in helping resolve the possible Sutter Hospital strike coming up on October 10th and 11th. This individual had to take his wife into the hospital for the delivery of their baby, and the baby is now in intensive care. Of course he does not want the strike to happen. He spoke highly of Sutter Hospital and their staff. You have to give him credit for and admire him for taking the time to try and help resolve this issue. I hope everyone will help him and everything goes well.

October Calendar - San Francisco

October 1, 2007 - Monday

Port of San Francisco, Pier 1, Embarcadero at Washington Street , Bayside Conference Room - 5 to 7:30 p.m. Discussion regarding parking lot behind AT&T Park. Information: Kanya.dorland@sfport.com

Wise Talk with Women - 8 p.m. Jewish Community Center, 3200 California Street, S.F. Mimi Silbert, Belva Davis

and Glady Thatcher talk about being over 60. $10. Information: 415-292-1233

October 2nd - Tuesday

John Dean - at Stacey's 12:30 to discuss his book "Broken Government", 581 Market Street. Information: http://www.stacey

Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit Project - 1500 Van Ness at Pine at Holiday Inn, Golden Gateway Crystal Room 6 to 8 p.m. Information: www.sfcta.org/vanness

Joe Alioto Veronese State Senate 2008, Enrico's, 504 Broadway, 6 to 8 p.m. RSVP:

ben@joeforcalifornia.com

Kamala Harris, District Attorney - Potrero Hill Democratic Club - 7 p.m. Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro Street, San Francisco, Ca. Information: http://www.phdemclub.org/

October 3rd - Wednesday

Tom Ammiano for Assembly District 13 - Fundrasier at Asia SF, 201 9th Street at Howard 5:30 to 8 p.m. Harvey Milk Democratic Club $25 to $500. RSVP 415-255-2742 http://www.asiasf.com/

October 4th - Thursday

30th Anniversary Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth, Fort Mason Conference Center, Landmark Building A, 5 to 8 p.m. Speaker: Dolores Huerta. $75. Information: 415-239-0161 x 24, http://www.colemanadvocates.org/

Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit Project, 100 Van Ness at Fell Street, SFCTA, 26th Floor 6 to 8 p.m. Information: http://www.sfcta.org/

October 5,6,7 - Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass No. 7 - Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park, performers include Ricks Skaggs, Bruce Hornsby, Steve Earle, Los Lobos, Gillian Welch, Boz Scaggs, David Grisman, Earl Scruggs, Emmylou Harris, Doc Watson, Del McCoury Band. Information: http://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com/

October 6th through 13th - Saturday through Saturday

Litquake - San Francisco Literary Festival. 22 events - Information: litquake.org

October 6, 7 - Saturday, Sunday

Fleet Week Air Show

October 7th - Sunday

Beach Impeach - Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley, Ca. 11 a.m. to 12:30, Information:

http://www.beachimpeach.org/

Frankie Valli - Italian Heritage Parade, Information: North Beach Chamber of Commerce

Castro Street Fair - 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Information: http://www.castrostreetfair.org/

October 9th - Tuesday

League of Women Voters, San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, 6 p.m.

Discussion regarding District Attorney and She riff. Belva Davis is moderator.

Information: lwvsf@lwysf.org

Lawrence Ferlinghetti -Beat Poet, Booksmith, 1644 Haight Street 7 p.m. Information: http://www.booksmith.com/ 415-863-8688

October 10th - Wednesday

15th Annual Celebrity Pool Toss - Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Fundraiser - 6 to 9 p.m.

October 11th - Thursday

League of Women Voters, San Francisco Main Library, Mayor's Race 6 to 8 p.m.

Moderator: Scott Shafer Information: lwvsf@lwysf.org

Barbara Boxer honoring Al Gore, Westin St Francis Hotel, 333 Powell Street, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt Information: 2010Re-ElectionBarbara Boxer.com

October 13, 2007 - Saturday

Potrero Hill Festival - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fundraiser for Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, Information: 415-826-8080

October 17, 2007 - Wednesday

SPUR - Fred Blackwell new head of San Francisco Redevelopment . 5:45 p.m.

312 Sutter Street, 5th Floor. Information: 415-781-8726

Association of Bay Area Government, Public Workshop 5:30 to 8 p.m., Milton Marks Conference Center, State Building, Golden Gate Avenue. Information: http://www.sfmobility/

October 20th - Saturday

Pedestrian Safety & Advocacy - Third Annual Peak to Peak Walk, 12 mile Challenge, Mt. Davidson to Coit Tower - 15 peaks. 8:30 a.m. West Portal Tunnel

Registration by Oct. 17th - $65. Information: http://www.walksf.org/ 415-421-walk

"Lights Out San Francisco" No lights from 7 to 8 p.m.

October 21 - Sunday

Fiesta on the Hill - Bernal Heights Street Fair- Cortland Avenue 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sila and the Afrofunk Experience, pony rides, petting zoo, celebrity dunking tank. Information: bhnc.org and click Fiesta

October 27th - Saturday

End the War Protest 11 a.m. "Wear some flowers in your Hair". Information: http://www.oct27sf.org/

Information:

San Francisco Effectiveness Review: http://www.sfpolicereview.org/. Complete survey for the Police Department regarding foot patrols and Police Station boundaries. (Easy to complete and there is room at the end of the survey to put your own comments - this is an easy way for the Police Department to know we care).

Ron Dudum for Supervisor - ron@electdudum.com