Please come share your thoughts and concerns at this District 8 Town Hall I am co-hosting with Mayor Ed Lee. Also in attendance will be District Attorney George Gascon, Chief of Police Jeff Godown, General Manager of Recreation and Parks Phil Ginsburg, Director of Public Works Ed Reiskin, Director of the Municipal Transportation Authority Nathaniel Ford, and representatives from the Public utilities Commission and the San Francisco Unified School District. For more information, email adam.taylor@sfgov.org or call our office at 415-554-6968.
*Mission High School is wheelchair accessible. To request real-time captioning, a sign language interpreter or other accommodations for a disability, please contact Mabel Martinez at the Mayor’s Office on Disability, (415) 554-6789 or email MOD@sfgov.org.
Maitri Open House at Supervisor Wiener’s Office
April 21st, 5:00-7:00pm
San Francisco City Hall, Room 274
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Join me and the staff of Maitri for an open house at San Francisco City Hall. “Maitri,” pronounced “MY-tree,” is a Sanskrit word that means “compassionate friendship.” True to form, Maitri is an organization that provides compassionate residential care to men and women living with AIDS in need of hospice or 24-hour care. Our doors will be open to friends and supporters of Maitri to enjoy after-work drinks, live music, and fantastic artwork.
Community Meeting On Safeway And Recycling Center
April 11th, 7:15pm
Davies Medical Center, Level B
Duboce Avenue & Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
Next Monday I’m co-hosting a meeting with several neighborhood associations to discuss the Safeway property at Church and Market, including the recycling center. This area is a hub in the neighborhood and provides valuable services to the community. In addition, over the years, some have expressed concern about behavior issues in the area. This meeting will be a good opportunity to discuss all of these issues. We’ll have representatives from SFPD’s Northern Station, the Department of the Environment, Safeway, and Community Recyclers.
Join Supervisor Wiener’s Contingent in the Pride Parade
June 26th, morning
Location TBD
Please join me and your District 8 neighbors as we take to the streets and celebrate the Pride Parade’s 41st Anniversary. This year’s Pride theme is “In Pride We Trust,” and we’re looking for interested parade-goers to sign up and join our contingent. Friends, family, children and pets are all welcome to join and take part in the festivities.
To sign up for my contingent, please contact Adam Taylor at adam.taylor@sfgov.org or call our office at 415-554-6968. Please hurry, as spots are filling up quickly.
Coyote Pack in Glen Canyon/George Christopher Playground
Our office has received several reports from the Diamond Heights area about a pack of 4-6 coyotes in the Christopher Playground area. Animal Care & Control has provided information in the past about coexisting with local wildlife, and you may find door hangers at your home. Below are some tools/tips to ensure that we live peacefully alongside the non-human inhabitants of our district. Coyotes play an important role in a healthy ecosystem but they must remain wild. If you make them feel comfortable (for example, by feeding them), they may become aggressive to humans, causing confrontations that may result in their death.
If a coyote is acting aggressively or exhibiting strange behavior, please call Animal Care and Control at (415) 554-9400. Additionally, the Department of Recreation and Parks is hosting an educational community event:
“Living with Coyotes” Seminar with Gina Farr
May 12th, 6:30pm
Hall of Flowers
Golden Gate Park, County Fair Building
1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco
Discover behavior, biology, & the beneficial role coyotes play in our urban ecosystems, common causes of negative encounters & how to avoid them, and why lethal coyote control doesn’t work. Get your questions answered by an expert on our native coyotes, tips & tools for coexisting, and more.
Scott, Supervisor Cohen and Supervisor Farrell attend the
Nowruz Persian New Year Celebration
Policy Work & Hearings
Hearing: Off-Leash Dogs in Federal Parks and Regulation of Dog Walkers
April 11th, 1:00pm
San Francisco City Hall, Committee Room 263
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco CA 94102
Next Monday will be the hearing I called on the effect of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s draft off-leash policy and regulation of commercial dog walkers utilizing city parks. We need to examine whether GGNRA’s proposed restrictions on such areas as Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, and Crissy Field will lead to an increase in off-leash dogs in city-owned parks, and how this increase could affect park use and cause operating challenges. Representatives from the Department of Animal Care and Control, the Recreation and Parks Department, the SFSPCA, the GGNRA, and others will be present to deliver remarks. Please come to share your thoughts and comments.
Hearing: Historic Preservation
May 2nd, 1:00pm
San Francisco City Hall, Room 263
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco CA 94102
One of the first actions I took in office was to call for a hearing to discuss the balance between Historic Preservation polices and other public policy goals. The hearing will take place Monday May 2nd at 1 PM in City Hall Room 264. I strongly encourage anyone interested in this subject to attend.
My goal is to establish an understanding of what constitutes an appropriate balance between historic preservation and other policies, including housing, parks, libraries and pedestrian safety. In attendance will be representatives from City Planning, SFMTA, Recreation and Parks, the Public Library and the Mayor’s Office of Housing.
Recap of J-Church Hearing
On March 28, I conducted a hearing on the J Church line. Muni senior management presented information about the line, its challenges, and ways to improve it. Thank you to the members of the public, including students from Mission High School who rely on the line, who testified about the impacts of the J Church’s unreliability on their lives. I will be working with Muni on improving the line, including improved double parking enforcement, better spacing of vehicles, and possible structural changes to the line to make it run better.
Under current San Francisco law, the Board of Supervisors cannot alter an ordinance passed by the voters, no matter how old or out of date that ordinance is. This means that any time we need to make a minor tweak to an ordinance to make it more effective, it has to go back to the ballot box. This results in a slow and ineffective legislative process. Indeed, the inflexibility of our ballot measure system has caused significant problems in San Francisco and California generally.
To fix this, I recently introduced a charter amendment to give the Board of Supervisors limited power to alter these ordinances. This good government measure will allow the Board to be more adaptable and do its job more effectively. This is a good first step towards reducing the number of ballot measures at the ballot box every year.
Support for Safe Youth Entertainment Opportunities
I worked with the Youth Commission and Entertainment Commission to pass a resolution at the Board of Supervisors supporting safe entertainment and nightlife for young people. It’s important to ensure that young people have outlets and that we don’t eliminate their opportunities to enjoy themselves and grow as people. I commend both Commissions for working to ensure that San Francisco remain a vibrant and fun place for people of all ages.
Scott addresses the Youth Commission and Entertainment Commission
Community Spotlight
Debra Niemann
Noe Valley Neighborhood Leader
In March, the Board of Supervisors celebrated Women’s History Month. As part of that celebration, I had the honor of recognizing a great leader in our community: Debra Niemann. Debra is the Executive Director of the Noe Valley Association, a Community Benefits District, and has been a community activist in Noe Valley for years. Debra’s leadership and tenacity are exemplary – from leading the effort to renovate the Noe Valley Branch Public Library and public spaces of Noe Valley as a whole. In her own words, “I believe in the power of creating and transforming public space and in being a productive activist and not just an observer.”
Upcoming Events to Remember
Castro Country Club 28th Anniversary
April 9th, 11:00am-2:00pm
Castro Country Club
Join the Castro Country Club for their 28th Anniversary celebration! Festivities will begin with a Town Hall Meeting at 11:00am, featuring me, the President of the San Francisco Health Commission, Supervisor David Campos, and moderated by CCC Advisory Board Member Rebecca Prozan. A birthday bash and BBQ with DJ Robbie Martin will follow at noon.
Dolores Park at 19th Street to 24th and Bryant Streets
Come out to celebrate the Cesar Chavez Holiday Parade and Festival! The holiday draws a diverse crowd of Bay Area residents, families, school, religious groups, labor unions, and community organizations to celebrate Cesar’s legacy, making it the largest event honoring Cesar Chavez in Northern California. The Parade begins at 11:00am, and will be followed by the Street Festival at noon.
If you are looking for wonderful music in Noe Valley on a Sunday afternoon, the Noe Valley Chamber Music is pleased to present cellist Jennifer Culp and pianist Betty Woo. The afternoon concert will feature Chopin’s Cello Sonata in G Minor, works by Beethoven and a world premiere by NYC composer Daniel David Feinsmith. Pastries courtesy of La Boulange will be served, and free childcare will be provided. Tickets are $15-$18, children 12 & under free, and can be purchased online at by phone at 415-648-5236 or at the door.
Jewish Vocational Services 19th Annual Strictly Business Awards Luncheon
April 11th, 11:30-1:30pm
Marriot Marquis
55 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
This past year, more than 5,000 people were aided in finding a job through JVS. JVS helped them build the skills needed to succeed in today’s workplace and working with local employers, effectively getting these people back to work. I invite you to join me at the Strictly Business Awards luncheon not only to support the critical work of JVS, but to honor those who have beaten the odds.
Neighborhood Prosecutor & Community Courts Program Community Meeting
April 13th, 6:00-8:00pm
Centro Latino Community Center
1656 15th Street, San Francisco CA 94103
Come hear District Attorney George Gascón discuss the forthcoming Neighborhood Prosecutor and Community Courts program. DA Gascón is launching a new initiative to quickly resolve low level crimes through community leadership and restorative justice. Low level crimes will be immediately referred to the Community Court neighborhood panels for non-criminal resolutions that combine accountability with neighborhood improvement. I will join DA Gascón at this meeting, as will Supervisor David Campos and representatives from SFPD. Come learn about the new model, get a chance to interact with the DA, and find out how you can volunteer to serve as a community court adjudicator.
For more information about the meeting, please call Jackson Gee at 415-575-6328.
The Harvey Milk Photo Center, 2011 Instructor’s Exhibition Reception
April 15th, 6:30-9:00pm
50 Scott Street, San Francisco CA 94117
Come see this new exhibition by world traveled photographers and current instructors teaching classes at Harvey Milk Photo Center. Additionally, The Harvey Milk Photo Center invites photography enthusiasts to its newly-renovated facility located on top of Duboce Park in the heart of San Francisco. HMPC offers a wide-range of over 25 traditional and digital classes and workshops. Spring registration is now ongoing with prices at $50 to $100. They offer classes and memberships with rates for teens, adults, and seniors.
Join me as I guest-judge the fourth annual Dogfest competition in Duboce Park. Dogfest is a community dog show and family fun event that raises key funds for art, science, and literacy programs at McKinley Elementary. Show off your dog, register today!
Civic Center to Japantown (at Post and Fillmore Streets)
Support the Japanese-American community at the Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Parade. Contingents will include classical (Buyo) and folk dance (Minyo) groups, streams of colorful floats, and the world renowned San Francisco Taiko Dojo will keep the parade upbeat with the thundering sound of the taiko drum.
Get your ticket for the Spring Fling to Opehnouse’s 7th annual luncheon and silent auction. Openhouse provides crucial housing, services, and community programs to support the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults. Join me as we support Openhouse and their 2011 honorees: Senator Mark Leno and Rec. Dr. Jane Adams Spahr.
Earlybird Special: Join the Mayor for the 105th Anniversary of the 1906 Quake
Lotta’s Fountain, Junction of Geary, Kearny and Market Streets
April 18th, 5:12am
Join Mayor Lee to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake. 105 years ago on April 18th, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck at 5:12am in the morning and devastated our city. This April 18th, San Franciscans will gather at Lotta’s Fountain to remember the event and honor the remaining survivors. Hosted by the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management.
Join the San Francisco Police Academy
Begins April 19th, Tuesdays 6:30-9:30pm
San Francisco Police Academy
350 Amber Drive, San Francisco CA 94131
The Community Police Academy is a 10-week program that meets once a week and is designed to inform and teach interested participants various aspects of municipal policing, including patrol and investigations procedures, vehicle operations, arrest and control techniques, firearm procedures, and emergency communications. The Academy’s goals are to develop community awareness through education and to develop a clearer understanding and working relationship between the San Francisco Police Department and its communities. Members of the community are encouraged to join and learn about the San Francisco Police Department.
April 20th, 6:00-8:00pm & April 23rd, 10:00am-12:00pm
The Women’s Building/Edificio de Mujerers
3543 18th Street, San Francisco CA 94110
The Inner Mission North Survey was an assessment of more than 2,000 individual buildings and several historic districts (existing and proposed) that are located within the area between Duboce Avenue, Market Street, 20th Street, Folsom Street, and Dolores Street. The Inner Mission North Survey report is scheduled to be presented to the Historic Preservation Commission for adoption in May, 2011.
San Jose Avenue, between Randall Street and Monterey Avenue
Please join SFDPW, Friends of the Urban Forest, Janet Tarlov, Rick Mordesovich, and Glen Park neighbors in a community clean up and tree planting along San Jose Avenue. For more information and to volunteer, click on the link below.
High schoolers! Join Supervisor Carmen Chu and Congresswoman Jackie Speier for a day of free financial workshops, including tops on how to: apply for financial aid, prevent ID theft, avoid the debt trap, boost your credit score, and more. Also featured will be a welcome by Mayor Ed Lee, a keynote speech by Saundra Davis, a Lincoln High alum and expert on money matter, job opportunities, info on credit cards, college loans, and more! To register online for free, click on the link below.
Enjoy a BBQ lunch in Glen Canyon Park as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Glenridge Co-op Nursery School. Glenridge Cooperative Nursery School is dedicated to providing children with a unique child-centered learning program in one of the few natural environments left in San Francisco. There will be face-painting, juggling, and a JUMPY HOUSE for the kids, and live music, raffle prizes, and good times for the adults.
Join me for the 17th Annual Bike to Work Day on May 12th. San Franciscans love biking and one of the most fun and rewarding days to bike is the annual Bike to Work Day Celebration. We’ll be meeting at the 17th Street Plaza (Jane Warner Plaza) that morning to bike to work as a group. For those who can’t join our bike train, energizer stations will be set up in neighborhoods across the city to offer free coffee, snacks, and other goodies (and mechanics will even check out your bike for free at select locations).
May 13th, 14th and 15th for ZIP codes 94117, 94127, 94131, 94132
55 Music Concourse Drive
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco CA 94118
Residents of these District 8 ZIP codes can enjoy our world class Academy of Sciences for free! Each visiting adult is limited to six children for free entry. Each visiting adult must also show a valid photo ID with proof of residency. The following items or combinations are acceptable: a driver license of state ID card, photo ID plus postmarked envelope, postcard, or magazine label with name and date, or a photo ID plus utility bill (gas/electric/cable), bank statement, or letter from a government agency with name and home address (not a P.O. Box).
In response to last month’s tsunami alert, I would like to share a way for San Francisco citizens to get up-to-date information during an emergency. Alert SF is a free system that allows users to sign up to receive text and/or email alerts from the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) during an emergency in San Francisco. Topics include: major traffic disruptions, watches and warnings for tsunamis and flooding, post-disaster information, and other alerts. I strongly encourage you to promote Alert SF to your friends and neighbors.
Scott addresses the Youth Commission and Entertainment Commission
