Well, that didn't go well.
Community meeting was held last night at the SF County Fair Building to hear the San Francisco Rec and Park discuss their proposed new entrance fees for the Botanical Gardens. The room was jammed packed with residents to hear Strybing Director Brent Dennis and Deputy Director of Partnerships Rich Hillis discuss their proposal.
The meeting started off with hisses - but they were "little hisses" like a cat warning you that they don't like what was coming. So it didn't start out smoothly because the crowd was told they wanted "professional courtesy".
Proposed changes:
Adults: residents, $5. non-residents $7
Seniors: residents, $3. non-residents $4
Youths, ages 17-20 residents $3; non-residents $4
Children ages 5-11 residents $1.50, non-residents $2
Children, under age 4 free
Annual family pass for the garden, the Japanese Tea Garden and Conservatory of Flower $75.
The power point presentation made the argument that they needed the fees to improve, maintain and enhance the Botanical Gardens. But listening to the audience you realized that this area is not just a world class garden but where people have been going for 30, 40 years, bringing their children, their grandchildren - it's their back yard.
People questioned the cost of the fee versus the income versus the decline in attendance. As someone said the fees would turn the garden into a tourist attraction - "keep it free". "Don't privatize anymore"
Suggestions from the audience were given including a smaller fee - 50 cents or $1. or a concert to raise the money needed. This is going to be a tough sell.
Handouts were given from community activists asking the public to contact local officials and demand no fee - keep it free!:
- SF Board of Supervisors: sfgov.org
- Mayor Gavin Newsom: gavin.newsom@sfgov.org
- Park Commission 415-831-2750
- Strybing Arboretum 415-753-7090
- SF Botanical Garden Society - Michael McKechnie, Executive Director 415-661-1616 ext 415
- Jared Blumenfeld, Park & Rec Department Manager jaredblumenfeld@sfgov.org
Information: parks.sfgov.org
April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
Attorney General Jerry Brown's birthday
Board of Supervisors - (time change)
When: April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
10 a.m.
Where: City Hall, San Francisco
What: San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting moved to 10 a.m. because of opening day for the San Francisco Giants Items off agenda:
- Repeal Defense of Marriage Act
- Employee Free Choice Act
SPUR - Future of the Presidio's Main Post
When: April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
12:30
Where: 312 Sutter Street, Fifth Floor, San Francisco
What: The Presidio Trust has identified a "preferred alternative" for revitalizing the Presidio's Main Post. Executive Director of the Presidio Trust, Craig Middleton, will present the Trust's vision for the Main Post. The Contemporary Art Museum at the Presidio (CAMP) is one of the key projects in the preferred alternative. Sam Nunes and Bryan Shiles, partners in the San Francisco architectural firm WRNS Studio, will discuss the design concept for the building that is being proposed for CAMP. $5. non-members
Information and Source: spur.org
SFMTA - Possible declaration of Fiscal Emergency
When: April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
2 p.m.
Where: City Hall, Room 400, San Francisco
What: SFMTA Board of Directors will include a public hearing on a possible declaration of a "fiscal emergency" which would allow service reductions or changes to fares, fees, fines, rates and charges that support transit service.
Information and Source: streetsblog.org californiabeat.wordpress.com
2009 Housing Element: 2Gether Community Workshop
When: April 7 2009 - Tuesday
5 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Community Room at the International Hotel, 868 Kearny Street
What: The Housing Element is the component of the City's General Plan that provides a five year plan for housing. It will provide the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors and our City's decision makers with the broad policy framework for meeting our City's housing needs.
Information: housingelement2009.sfplanning.org abigail.kiefer@sfgov.org
Source: sfgov.org/calendar
*Sunset Farmer's Market Update Meeting
When: April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
6 to 7 p.m.
Where: Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center, 3925 Noriega Street, San Francisco
What: Meeting explores the possibility of starting a Farmer's Market for the Sunset.
Information: darrow@snbc.org
Source: San Francisco Sunset District Events sunsetdistrict.org
A Conversation on Reentry
When: April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
6 to 8 p.m.
Where: UC Hastings Alumni Reception Center (2nd Floor), 200 McAllister St. San Francisco
What: Making rehabilitation an essential part of public safety policy. What are we doing to reduce the rate of recidivism? What are the costs of mass imprisonment to our society and to the communities? What are we doing for people when they are in prison/jail and when they are released? What are some of the innovative approaches to reentry and rehabilitation that are being currently implemented? Speakers:
- Keynote: San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris
- Jakada Imani, Executive Director, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
- Jessica Flintoft, Program Coordinator, Safe Communities Reentry Council
- Lateefah Simon, Executive Director, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights
- Moderator: Steve Ngo, San Francisco Community College Board Trustee
Reception: Soluna Cafe 8 to 9:30 p.m. Join the hosts and panelists for a mixer after the event.
Hosted by Citizen Hope Black Law Students Association, La Raza Law Students Association, Philipino Law Students Association, Race and Proverty Law Journal, SALSA, LEOP
Information: citizenhopesf@gmail.com citizenhope.org
Source: facebook/com/home.php
Rincon Hill Neighborhood Association Meeting - Carl Nolte
When: April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
6 p.m.
Where: One Rincon Hill (Hospitality Room), 425 First Street, San Francisco
What: Hear Carl Nolte, author, reporter and columnist for San Francisco Chronicle who will tell stories of the history of Rincon Hill. He will sign copies of his book "The San Francisco Century".
Free: RSVP visit RinconHillNeighbors.org or email info@rinconhillneighbors.org
Source: rinconhillsf.org
Presido Trust Public Board of Director Meeting
When: April 7, 2009 - 6:30 p.m.
Where: Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, 3301 Lyon Street, San Francisco
What: Presentation of the Main Post plans and museum proposal to the Presidio Trust's Board of Directors.
Source: presidio.gov/trust/projects/mp/meetings.htm sfgate.com
Recreational and Park Community meeting on Proposed Fee Increases
When: April 7 , 2009 - Tuesday
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Bernal Heights Rec Center, 500 Moultrie, San Francisco
What: Meeting on citywide Activity Fee increases.
Information and source: sfnpc.org/April09RPDmtgs
Potrero Hill Democratic Club - May 19th Election
When: April 7, 2009 - Tuesday
7 p.m.
Where: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro Street, San Francisco
What: Discussion of May 19th Election with Supervisor Sophie Maxwell talking about what the proposed initiatives would mean to San Francisco. Paul Hogarth, Managing Editor of Beyond Chron will pesent his opinions of the propositions, as well as representative from the California Teachers Association. There will also be a brief update on development plans in Bayview/Hunters Point by Daniel Palay of Lennar Corp.
Resident members in good standing may vote.
Information and Source: phdemclub.org
April 8, 2009 - Wednesday
*Community Justice Center Community workshop
When: April 8, 2009 - Wednesday
10:30 to Noon
Where: Glide Church in the Freedom Hall located at 330 Ellis Street, San Francisco
What: Join the Community Justice Center in a community workshop.
Information and Source: sfcollaborativejustice.blogspot.com (Public Defender Jeff Adachi's new blog): Moving Justice Forward
*City and County of San Francisco Budget and Finance Committee
When: April 8, 2009 - Wednesday
1:30 p.m.
Where: City Hall, Room 250, San Francisco
What: Off the agenda:
- San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) work orders
- Impacts of cuts to Department of Building Inspection, Housing Inspection Division
- Board of Supervisors Budget Analyst Procurement Process
Information and source: sfgov.org/site/bdsupvrs
San Francisco Young Democrats Meeting - Endorsement Meeting
When: April 8, 2009 - Wednesday
7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Julies Supper Club, 1123 Folsom Street, San Francisco
What: May 19th special election endorsements and Assessor Phil Ting will discuss the budgetary crisis, Prop 13 and the next steps we can take to get our City, State and County back on track.
SFYD will be voting on May 19th Elections and CYD Executive Board.
In order to be eligible to vote you must:
Attended two nightime meetings in the past calendar (the voting meeting counts as a second meeting). Have dues fully paid. 60% endorsement threshold.
After the presentation they will adjourn to Julies' Front room for drinks, mingling and Julies supper clubs' famous karaoke.
Information: president@sfyd.org
Source: facebook.com
2009 Housing Element: 2Gether Community Workshop
When: April 8, 2009 - Wednesday
7 to 8 p.m.
Where: Glen Park Recreation Center, 70 Elk Street, San Francisco
What: The Housing Element is the component of the City's General Plan that provides a five year plan for housing. It will provide the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors and our City's decision makers with the broad policy framework for meeting our City's housing needs.
Information: housingelement2009.sfplanning.org abigail.kiefer@sfgov.org
Source: sfgov.org/calendar
Lisa Lutz - "Revenge of the Spellmans"
When: April 8, 2009 - Wednesday
7:30 p.m.
Where: Booksmith, 1644 Haight, San Francisco
What: Meet Lisa Lutz, author of the wonderful Spellman books. Her latest book is "Revenge of the Spellmans". A wacky private investigator family living in San Francisco. So funny!
Information and Source: booksmith.com
Lecture: Anti-War Then and Now
When: April 8, 2009 - Wednesday
7:30 p.m.
Where: CounterPULSE, 1310 Mission Street, San Francisco
What: Look back at military resistance to the Vietnam War, including the mutiny of sailors on the Coral Sea, infantry refusal to follow orders on the battlefield etc., and hear from Iraq vets about the state of anti-war activities in the current conflicts.
Information: counterpulse.org/calendar
Source: funcheapsf.com
Mayor Gavin Newsom presents Cities and Time
When: April 8, 2009 - Wednesday
7:30
Where: Ft. Mason Center, Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center
What: Seminar about Long-term Thinking with Mayor Gavin Newsom who will discuss his ideas and plans for shaping the growth of cities during these turbulent times. Mayor Newsom is a strong advocate for sustainable urban planning and green business practices. There will be a reception at the Long Now Museum and store following the seminar.
Advance tickets recommended - brownpapertickets.com/event/59893 $10.
Source: events.sgate.com/san-francisco-ca/events
April 9, 2009 - Thursday
*Hayes Valley Two Way Conversion Public Workshop
When: April 9, 2009 - Thursday
6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Where: 100 Van Ness Ave at Hayes Street, (26th Foor) San Francisco.
What: Planning Dept. and SFMTA invite you to a community meeting to discuss a proposal to convert Hayes Street between Gough and Van Ness to a two way street.
Source: San Francisco Neighborhood Parks Council sfnpc.org
Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council
When: April 9, 2009 - Thursday
7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Park Branch Library, Community Room, 1833 Page, San Francisco
What: Earthquake preparedness/NERT Training Program.
Information and Source: hanc-sf.org newsletter
April 10, 2009 - Friday
Bike to Work with Supervisor Eric Mar
When: April 10, 2009 - Friday
8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Where: Velo Rouge Cafe, 798 Arguello, San Francisco
What: Mini bike to work day with Richmond District residents and friends of Supervisor Eric Mar. Will be leaving at 8 a.m.
Information and Source: facebook.com
Rumba for a Cause!
When: April 10, 2009 - Friday
9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Minna Gallery, 111 Minna, San Francisco
What: Citizen Hope, Latinos a Morir, and the Friends of Boys & Girls Club have joined forces to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia Park in the Mission District. Cocktail hour from 9 to 10:30 p.m. Dancing fiesta will start at 10 p.m. with DJ Rael and DJ C-Bass . The Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco is dedicated to helping our youth by providing a broad range of programs and activities including gang-prevention and intervention, access to health services, training in technology and leadership skills, and tutoring among others.
Buy in advance: rumbaforacause.eventbrite.com
Information: citizenhopesf@gmail.com
Source: facebook.com
April 11, 2009 - Saturday
*District 11 Council Meeting
When: April 11, 2009 - Saturday
10 a.m. to Noon
Where: Ingleside Police Station Community Room, 1 Sgt. John V. Young Lane/San Jose Ave., S.F.
What: Guest Speakers:
- Sarah Dennis - Planning Department, The Housing Element
- Jo Mestelle-Rec Connect, A Partnership with DCYF & RPD
- Martha Arnard NMTIA - Community Garden Project @ Geneva Mini Strip
Source: Google Feed
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
When: April 11, 2009 - Saturday
10 a.m.
Where: Japantown, San Francisco - Post and Fillmore to Post and Buchanan.
What: 42nd year of the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco. Free.
Source: yelp.com
2009 Housing Element: 2Gether Community Workshop
When: April 11 2009 - Saturday
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Ingleside Police Station, 1 John V. Young Lane, San Francisco
What: The Housing Element is the component of the City's General Plan that provides a five year plan for housing. It will provide the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors and our City's decision makers with the broad policy framework for meeting our City's housing needs.
Information: housingelement2009.sfplanning.org abigail.kiefer@sfgov.org
Source: sfgov.org/calendar
International Lao New Year Festival (ILNYF)
When: April 11, 2009 - Saturday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: City Hall's Civic Center, San Francisco
What: Pil May Lao "Lao New Year". Celebrate, collaborate, educate and advocate 30 years in the United States.
Information: laonewyear.com
Source: facebook.com
Mission's Secret History Bike Tour
When: April 11, 2009 - Saturday
11 a.m.
Where: Corner of 18th Street and Dolores, San Francisco
What: Where was the city's first amusement park located? What street did the railroad run down? Which park sits upon a disinterred Jewish Cemetery? These questions and more will be answered. Free for San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and $5 for non-members.
Information: bbaunach@yahoo.com
Source: sfbike.org
Lecture: The Sculptures of Ruth Asawa
When: April 11, 2009 - Saturday
1 to 2 p.m.
Where: de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
What: Lecture on sculptures of Ruth Asawa by Docent Lecturer: Doris Chun. No reservations. Museum admission is required.
Source: Google feed
A Celebration of Life John Behanna
When: April 11, 2009 - Saturday
4 to 8 p.m.
Where: UCSF Facility Alumni House, 745 Parnassus (at 5th Avenue) San Francisco.
What: Celebrate John Behanna, 1933 to 2009 on his birthday.
RSVP by April 7, 2009 - Eileen 415-681-2078 Patty 415-861-2378
April 12, 2009 - Sunday
The 18th Annual Union Street Spring Celebration & Easter Parade
When: April 12, 2009 - Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Union Street (Gough to Fillmore)
What: 18th Annual Union Street Spring Celebration. Free.
Information: sresproductions.com
Source: funcheapsf.com
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence - 30th Anniversary Celebration
When: April 12, 2009 - Sunday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Dolores Park, 18th Street and Dolores Street, San Francisco
What: Celebrate Easter with Children's Easter, the Bonnet Contest and the Hunky Jesus Contest. 150 Sisters from around the world. Easter parade to Noe and Market at 4 p.m.
Source: yelp.com
BYOBW: Bring Your Own Big Wheel
When: April 12, 2009 - Sunday
4 p.m.
Where: Vermont Street and 20th Street, San Francisco
What: Grown men and women of all ages careen, scream, cry, laugh, skid, slide, drift, tailspin, bump and fall down a windy downhill in SF on a big wheel. Only the cheap plastic tires qualify.
Source: yelp.com
April 13, 2009 - Monday
2009 Housing Element: 2Gether Community Workshop
When: April 13 2009 - Monday
4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Planning Department Offices, 1650 Mission Street, San Francisco
What: The Housing Element is the component of the City's General Plan that provides a five year plan for housing. It will provide the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors and our City's decision makers with the broad policy framework for meeting our City's housing needs.
Information: housingelement2009.sfplanning.org abigail.kiefer@sfgov.org
Source: sfgov.org/calendar
San Francisco Women's Political Committee - Endorsements
When: April 13, 2009 - Monday
6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Soluna Lounge, 272 McAllister, San Francisco
What: April Happy Hour and General Membership Vote for May Election Endorsements. on Event is open to the public but only paid-in-full members can vote.
Information and Source : sfwpc.org/endorsements
Town Hall Meeting on Marriage
When: April 13, 2009 - Monday
7 to 9 p.m.
Where: San Francisco LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market Street, San Francisco
What: As the California Supreme Court considers legal arguments for overturning Prop 8, LGBT community centers, in partnership with Equality California and allied organizations throughout the state, are joining together to host a series of Town Hall meetings in early April. The meetings will include updates from Prop 8 legal experts and open discussion on the future of the movement.
Information and Source: eqca.org/townhall
2009 Housing Element: 2Gether Community Workshop
When: April 13 2009 - Monday
7 to 8:30
Where: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro Street, San Francisco
What: The Housing Element is the component of the City's General Plan that provides a five year plan for housing. It will provide the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors and our City's decision makers with the broad policy framework for meeting our City's housing needs.
Information: housingelement2009.sfplanning.org abigail.kiefer@sfgov.org
Source: sfgov.org/calendar
April 14, 2009 - Tuesday
*San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency - Declaration of Fiscal Emergency- Public Comment
When: April 14, 2009 - Tuesday
9 a.m.
Where: SFMTA Board of Directors Policy and Governance Committee, One South Van Ness Avenue, 2nd Floor Atrium Conference Room, San Francisco
Information: sfmtabudget@sfmta.com
Source: Google Feed
*Access SF: Amy Goodman - Book Signing
When: April 14, 2009 - Tuesday
Noon to 1 p.m.
Where: San Francisco LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market Street, San Francisco
What: Listen to Amy Goodman co-host of Democracy Now! will discuss her book "Standing Up to the Madness" which tells the stories of everyday citizens who have challenged the government and prevailed. Proceeds from tickets sales benefit Access SF, San Francisco's public access media center. Tickets $20. up.
Tickets: brownpapertickets.com/event/60951
Source: facebook.com/event
*Young Urbanists - Blogging in the City - Special Evening Event
When: April 14, 2009 - Tuesday
5:45 p.m.
Where: SPUR, 312 Sutter Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco
What: What propels people to blog about the City they call home? Blogging has become an active medium for involvement in the political and social structures that make up San Francisco. Come hear bloggers including from Mission Loca@l, Whatl'mSeeing.com and Streetsblogs (three great blogs) to learn more about how bloggers can augment local policy making and community outreach efforts.
$20. for non-members. Includes panel discussion, mingling, a drink on SPUR and light food.
RSVP events@spur.org
Source: spur.org/calendar
*Marriage Equality Freedom Seder
When: April 14, 2009 - Tuesday
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Jewish Community Center of San Francisco ,3200 California Street, San Francisco
What: The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Taube Center for Jewish Life will carry on the tradition of a multi-cultural Passover Seder for the 13th year.
Honorary Committee Members include: Senator Mark Leno, Laura Spanjian, Treasurer Jose Cisneros, James Williamson, Geoff Kors, Bevan Dufty, Rafael Mandelman, Reverend Mark Stanger, Pastor Christian Jennert, Pastor Susan Strouse, Pastor Robert Goldstein, Rabbi Camille Angel, Rabbi Yoel Kahn and Rabbi Dorthy Richman.
Presented in partnership with: Equality California, Kol Tzedek (LGBT Alliance of the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties; Congregation Sha'ar Zahav, Jewish Mosaic; Progressive Jewish Alliance), Congregation Emanu-El, Central Pacific Anti-Defamation League, California Faith for Equality, Marriage Equality USA, Pacific School of Religion's LGBT Center's Bay Area Coalition of Welcoming Congregations, LGBT Community Center of San Francisco, Jewish Labor Committee, B'chol Lashon, Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation at Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion, and Baynard Rustin LGBT Coalition
Tickets: tickets.jccsf.org $35. for members $40 for non-members.
Source: Facebook.com/events
*New or changed items.
Information:
Please email any items or comments to: mission2894@gmail.com
Items change - please check before attending event for any changes
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