March Newsletter

Community Updates 

District 8 Town Hall Meeting With Mayor Ed Lee

April 14th, 6:30-8:30pm

Mission High School, Auditorium 

3750 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

I will be hosting a District 8 Town Hall 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 the Department of Public Works Ed Reiskin, and representatives from MUNI, the Public Utilities Commission and the San Francisco Unified School District.  Please come to this meeting to share your thoughts and concerns about the district.

Trader Joe's Ends Negotiations in the Castro

Trader Joe's has decided not to pursue a new location at Noe and Market Streets (the old Tower Records site). After two years of on-again-off-again consideration of the site, Trader Joe's determined that the location was not going to work for its business model, one that is fairly reliant on automobile visits.  More information here.  I will be working closely with the property owner to find another tenant.

Mollie Stone's Open for Business

I'm happy to announce that Mollie Stone's has opened its doors to business at the former Delano's site in the Castro.  The grand opening took place this morning, so please stop by to welcome this popular and high-quality supermarket to the neighborhood.

Scott with Donna Sachet at the grand opening of Mollie Stone's

Community Meeting On Safeway And Recycling Center

April 11th, 7:15pm

Davies Medical Center, Level B 

Duboce Avenue & Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

I'll be co-hosting a meeting with Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association and Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association to discuss the state of 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.

Glen Park Community Plan Feedback Survey 

Provide Feedback For the Glen Canyon Improvement Plan -- Deadline is March 10th.  Glen Canyon is about to have some much needed upgrades.  Let the City know what you think by clicking the link below.  The deadline is tomorrow! 

Click here to submit your feedback 

Policy Work & Hearings

Hearing: Off Leash Dogs in Federal Parks

April 11th, 1:00pm

San Francisco City Hall, Committee Room 263

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco CA 94114

In response to a recent draft proposal by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to restrict off-leash dog access in certain federal properties like Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, and Crissy Field, I called for a hearing to explore the impact of these restrictions.  We need to examine whether GGNRA's proposed restrictions 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.

At the same hearing, I've asked for information on the feasibility of requiring commercial dog walkers who walk more than a certain number of dogs at one time to obtain a permit to bring their dogs into City-owned parks.  Regulation of commercial dog-walking could improve dog behavior in parks, to the benefit of other dog owners and non-dog owners.

Hearing: J Church

March 28th, 4:00pm

San Francisco City Hall, Committee Room 250 

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco CA 94114

I called for a hearing on the J Church, to discuss the inadequacies of the Line and what can be done to make it run better.  Please attend to speak out about your opinions on this issue.

Improving Taxi Service

Our current level of taxi service, which is a critical part of the City's transportation system, is insufficient for a world-class city.  I introduced a resolution supporting a proposal by the Municipal Transportation Agency to increase the number of taxis during peak hours, and on March 8, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed it.  The MTA proposal would issue additional permits to be used for a limited number of hours per week when peak demand overwhelms the number of taxis on the streets, like on Friday and Saturday nights.

Taxis are a critical part of the city's economic and transit infrastructure.  They bring shoppers to businesses, carry workers to and from offices, and offer city visitors a reliable mode of transportation.  Taxis also provide a vital transportation option for seniors and disabled persons, who may be unable to use other forms of public transportation.  By increasing the number of taxis on San Francisco's streets, people will incorporate this mode of public transportation into their routines, which will increase the demand for taxi service, and reduce personal automobile use.

Gold's Gym Zoning Change

Gold's Gym, at Noe and Market, is moving forward with a project that will greatly improve the gym as well as add much-needed rental housing above the gym.  To allow this project to happen, I introduced legislation increasing the allowable height of the property from 50 feet to 65 feet.  I look forward to working with the owners and the neighborhood to move forward with a strong design.

Good Samaritan Rental Law

In response to the Castro arsons and given the near-certainty of a major earthquake in coming years - which could displace thousands of tenants - I introduced legislation to give tenants access to temporary below-market rentals while their apartments are being repaired.  Landlords offering these temporary rentals will be required to rent to the tenant at or near the rent the tenant was paying for the damaged unit.  The temporary rental can last for up to a year, or two years if the parties agree.  At that point, the tenancy will end.

This law will give landlords a greater incentive to rent to displaced tenants at reduced rents, by guaranteeing that the rental will be short-term, and will also provide tenants with greater access to affordable housing after they are displaced.  I worked with tenant advocacy organizations, including the San Francisco Tenants Union and Tenderloin Housing Clinic, as well as property owner groups, including the San Francisco Apartment Association and Small Property Owners of San Francisco, to formulate the legislation.  Click here for news coverage.

Community Spotlight

Annie Shynebaugh

Diamond Heights Neighborhood Leader

Last month the Board of Supervisors celebrated Black History Month, and as part of that celebration, I had the honor of recognizing a great leader in our community: Annie Shynebaugh.  Mrs. Shynebaugh is the Manager of Diamond View Apartments, and has continuously taken strong stands to make the streets of her neighborhood safer, whether through crime prevention, traffic safety or disaster preparedness.  She is the best kind of neighbor to have-- one who puts the needs of her community first.  Diamond Heights and District 8 are lucky to have her.   

Scott presents Annie with her certificate of honor

Debra Niemann

Noe Valley Neighborhood Leader

At our March 15th meeting, the Board of Supervisors will celebrate Women's History Month, and I will honor Debra Niemann as my District 8 Woman of the Year.  Deb is a force of nature in Noe Valley.  She serves as Executive Director of the Noe Valley Association and has played a big role in beautifying 24th Street.  Deb previously served as president of Friends of Noe Valley.  Deb has been involved over the years in so many of the issues confronting the neighborhood, and she truly deserves this recognition. 

Upcoming Events to Remember 

Quality Middle School Project Community Forums

SFUSD, Parents for Public Schools and the Parent Advisory Council are hosting a series of Quality Middle School Project Community Forums for interested parents and community members to learn more about the elementary to middle school feeder patterns and to provide feedback about the proposal.  Refreshments and interpretation provided (in Spanish and Cantonese).  Free childwatch for kids over 3

Click here for more information

Urban Watershed Grant Application Workshop 

March 15th, 5:30-6:30pm

San Francisco City Hall, Room 370 

1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102

The SFPUC's Urban Watershed Management Program has partnered with the City's Community Challenge Grant Program to offer grants for community-based projects which help manage the city's stormwater using green infrastructure. The grants are based on the idea that small actions by San Francisco community members can add up to large benefits for San Francisco's watersheds and sewer infrastructure.

The grants support the planning, construction and maintenance of low impact design (LID) based stormwater management facilities. Projects harvest rainwater, remove impervious surfaces, or implement other green infrastructure like bioswales and rain gardens. In addition to managing stormwater, projects beautify neighborhoods, provide recreational opportunities, and educate residents about the city's water and wastewater systems.

Click here for more information 

Castro Farmers Market Opening 

March 16th, 4:00-8:00pm (program at 5:15pm)

Noe Street between Market and Beaver Streets

Join me for the first Castro Farmers Market of the season.  The market will take place every Wednesday through November.  And, of course, every Saturday morning, Noe Valley has its great farmers market on 24th Street near Sanchez.

Click here for more information 

IMBIBE Library Party 

March 18th, 6:30-8:30pm

Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library 

1 Jose Sarria Court San Francisco, CA 94114 

Eat, drink and be literary at IMBIBE, an after-hours, library cocktail party at the Eureka Valley Branch Library on Friday March 18th from 6:30 PM-9 PM.  Enjoy an evening of good music, tasty bites and beer and cocktails  compliments of Ike's Place, New Belgium Brewing and Blue Angel Vodka.  Free to Friends Members with Membership Cards.  Please RSVP to imbibe@friendsspl.org.  Join Friends of the San Francisco Public Library today to attend.

Click here for more information 

March 21st, 5:30pm

San Francisco City Hall, Northern Light Court  

1 Dr. Carlton Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102  

The Municipal Fiscal Advisory Committee (MFAC) is hosting the 31st annual Good Government Awards on March 21, 2011. This event has evolved over the last three decades, but its purpose remains the same: to recognize and acknowledge exemplary job performance and leadership by San Francisco City employees.

Event chair Michael Walker, President of U.S. Bank of Northern California, City department heads and the Mayor of San Francisco will present a select number of outstanding City employees with the distinguished Public Managerial Excellence Award. The event will include a hosted reception, and present sponsors with the opportunity to meet with City department heads, members of the Board of Supervisors, other elected officials and business and community leaders in an informal atmosphere. In addition, all former San Francisco mayors are being invited to join the Mayor Lee that evening. 

Click here for more information 

LGBT Community Center Soiree Gala

March 26th, 8:00-11:00pm

San Francisco Design Center Galleria

101 Henry Adams St., San Francisco CA 94103 

The SF LGBT Community Center is throwing its 9th anniversary gala - Soiree 9: La Dolce Vita!  This year's theme is 'La Dolce Vita' - come prepared to experience the elegance and romance of Italy in the 60s - from the silent auction featuring travel packages and weekend getaways, to open bars serving top shelf drinks, to a showcase of the best Bay Area entertainment and DJs .  Ticket sales for this event directly benefit the Center's programs and services. 

Click here for more information   

Register Your School for San Francisco Bike to School Day

April 7th, all day

No matter if you're already riding with your children to school, or you're just ready to get started, be sure to join families across the city by participating in the super fun San Francisco Bike to School Day on Thursday, April 7th, 2011. Approximately 3,000 students, from daycare through high school in both public and private schools are expected to participate this year.  Biking is a great way to spend quality time with your family. Click the link below to register your school for Bike to School Day. 

Click here for more information 

Join the San Francisco Community 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 closer 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.  We encourage high school students 15 and over to attend.

Click here for more information   

Bike to Work Day

May 12th, all day

Jane Warner Plaza

17th Street and Castro, San Francisco CA 94114 

Join me for the 17th Annual Bike to Work Day on May 12, 2011. We'll be meeting at the 17th Street Plaza (Jane Warner Plaza) that morning to bike to work as a group. More details to follow.

Click here for more information 

AlertSF Notification System

AlertSF is a free system where you can create an account to receive text and/or email alerts sent out by the City's Department of Emergency Management/Division of Emergency Services. You get alerted to water/gas line issues, civil disturbance, major accidents, HazMat incidents, shelter-in-place orders, Tsunamis and other city-wide occurrences.  One receives alerts based on ZIP code so you can set up alerts for any number of zip codes including those of your home, child's school, family, office/work or any other location you or your family members are in on a regular basis.

Click here for more information  

Scott out and about in the district

Upcoming Office Hours

My upcoming office hours are listed below: 

(*please check with my office before attending office hours, since they occasionally need to be rescheduled)

Friday, April 1st

9:00-11:00am  

San Francisco City Hall, Room 274 

1 Dr. Carlton Goodlett Place

San Francisco, CA 94102

Saturday, April 2nd

10:00am-12:00pm 

Cafe Bello 

2885 Diamond Street

San Francisco, CA 94131   

Friday, May 6th 

10:00am-12:00pm 

San Francisco City Hall, Room 274 

1 Dr. Carlton Goodlett Place

San Francisco, CA 94102

Saturday, May 7th 

10:00am-12:00pm