ERIC MAR

DISTRICT 1 SUPERVISOR

April 2012

Dear Neighbors,
First of all I would like to welcome all our new District 1 residents. We have gained six blocks in the Inner Richmond, while the southeastern portion of Golden Gate Park is now in District 5, and a small portion of the Seacliff added to District 2. I also want to thank the Redistricting Task Force for all the hard work in completing this project. Public safety remains one of my top priorities. In the past two months I have continued to work closely with our residents, merchants, and members of the Richmond Police Station, SF SAFE, and the Entertainment Commission addressing increasing concerns with nightlife and entertainment in the district. We hosted a very successful Richmond District Community Forum in March and met with many residents and merchants from the Inner and Outer Richmond. I also want to invite you to our upcoming District 1 & 5 budget town hall meeting in joint with Mayor Lee and Supervisor Olague on April 25. Please take this opportunity to voice your opinions and concerns on funding for City services. Members of various City departments and agencies will also be present. Also, I will co-host the 8th Annual Richmond Community Health Festival on May 12 at the Richmond Recreation Center. We will have over 30 different exhibitors participating providing free services, such free bone density screening, raffles, and prize giveaways.

SUPERVISOR ERIC MAR.

IN THIS ISSUE:
Richmond Community Forum on Nightlife and Public Safety District 1 & 5 Budget Town Hall Meeting Supporting Neighborhood Voice and Small Businesses

-Eric

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Supervisor Eric Mar | San Francisco City Hall, Room 284, San Francisco, CA 94102 | phone 415.554.7410| fax 415.554.7415

ERIC MAR
DISTRICT 1 SUPERVISOR

April 2012

Richmond Community Forum on Nightlife and Public Safety

On Wednesday evening, March 28, I hosted a Richmond Community Forum on Nightlife and Public Safety at the Richmond Public Library. Representatives from the Citys Entertainment Commission, Office of Small Business, Richmond District Police Station, and SF SAFE joined me on the panel to address the growing number of concerns with nightlight and entertainment along the Geary and Clement corridors, especially with the multiple number of police calls at the Rockit Room. Members of the panel discussed the rash of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) related lawsuits targeting our small businesses, the role of the Entertainment Commission in managing the neighborhoods nightlife, the Richmond Police Stations plan for dealing with increasing nightlife activity, and how SF SAFE can help our residents improve the safety of our homes and neighborhood. More than 50 people attended the meeting, including residents from the Inner and Outer Richmond, leaders from our local merchant associations, and owners from several bars in the Richmond. The owners and management from the Rockit Room and Jack in the Box were also present to hear from community members how they could be more responsive to the neighborhood. It was a very successful night that created a strong framework for a safer community. Thanks to all of you that participated!

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: COMMISSIONER AUDREY JOSEPH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOCELYN KANE, OFFICER TOBIUS MOORE, SUPERVISOR ERIC MAR, LT. ESPINDA, IRINA CHATSOVA OF SF SAFE, AND JANE GONG FROM THE OFFICE OF SMALL BUSINESS

RESIDENTS OF THE RICHMOND DISTRICT LISTENING TO THE PROPOSALS PRESENTED AT THE COMMUNITY FORUM ON NIGHTLIFE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

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Supervisor Eric Mar | San Francisco City Hall, Room 284, San Francisco, CA 94102 | phone 415.554.7410 | fax 415.554.7415

ERIC MAR
District 1 Supervisor

APRIL 2012

Helping PTAs Raise Money

Many of our Richmond District Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) have utilized a novel fundraising strategy in recent years: opening their parking lots for use by the public during large events at Golden Gate Park. This allows our schools to creatively address funding shortfalls while also helping to alleviate one of the most aggravating problems that are generated by these events. Unfortunately, under the existing Business and Tax Regulations Code, these funds are subject to a city tax that significantly cuts into the revenue generated by these events. Last year I was approached by Richmond District parents and urge to develop a solution. In conjunction with Mayor Ed Lee and Treasurer Jose Cisneros , I am developing legislation, to be introduced in April, which will exempt PTAs from this tax and allow schools to retain the full benefit of their fundraising. I salute the tenacity of our Richmond District PTAs and those City wide in providing for the needs of our schools and their children and hope that this legislation will help bolster our efforts.

You are cordially invited to the

District 1 & 5 Budget Town Hall Meeting

April 25, 2012 Wednesday evening, 6:00 to 7:30 PM Doors open at 5:30 PM
San Francisco County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers) Golden Gate Park, 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way Accessible by Muni lines 28, 29, and 71. For more information on public transit, please call 311

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Supervisor Eric Mar | San Francisco City Hall, Room 284, San Francisco, CA 94102 | phone 415.554.7410| fax 415.554.7415

ERIC MAR
District 1 Supervisor

April 2012

Supporting Neighborhood Voice and Small Businesses Curbing the Spread of Big Banks
Over the past few years we have seen an explosion in the number of big national bank branch offices throughout San Francisco. Though they are overrepresented in certain neighborhoods, and compete with local businesses for commercial spaces, neighborhoods are powerless to object to their proliferation because the Planning Code allows these businesses to come in without any kind of hearing. In February I introduced legislation to address this problem. My ordinance amends the Planning Code to include "financial services" within the categories of uses that are subject to the formula retail controls and require a conditional use permit. The ordinance is straightforward and simply brings financial services under the same requirements that voters approved in 2007 when they passed Proposition G. At this time, banks and other financial institutions do not fall within the definition of "formula retail." It brings financial services within the definition, making banks, credit unions and savings and loans that have 11 or more branches subject to the conditional use requirement. It is not a ban and gives formula retail financial service institutions a chance to move into areas where there is community support for their presence. By the same token, if an area, such as Hayes Valley, has an already existing ban on formula retail uses, then financial services would also be captured by that ban. Neighborhoods will have a greater say in the way their commercial corridors are developed and it provides an additional measure of protection to small businesses that feel threatened by the proliferation of formula retailers. It also allows the Planning Commission to assess whether a proposed bank, savings and loan or credit union is necessary or desirable in the community, and, in particular, whether there is an overconcentration of banks within that community. In March the Citys Small Business Commission approved it unanimously, in April it was recommended by the Planning Commission. The legislation is forwarded to the Land Use and Economic Development Committee review after which it will be heard by the Full Board of Supervisors.

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Supervisor Eric Mar | San Francisco City Hall, Room 284, San Francisco, CA 94102 | phone 415.554.7410 | fax 415.554.7415

ERIC MAR
District 1 Supervisor

April 2012

ERIC MAR
District 1 Supervisor
SUPPORTING HEALTHY & ACCESSIBLE FOODS FOR RICHMOND FAMILES On March 1, I visited the Richmond District Food Pantry with SF Food Bank staff at the Richmond District Neighborhood Center. I passed out food to residents with volunteers and Washington High students. The food pantry provides free groceries to residents in need on a weekly basis to residents with needs. I want to thank the SF Food Bank, Richmond District Food Pantry, RDNC, and to all the volunteers for keeping this vital program running.

DECLARING MARCH 2, 2012 GRACE LEE BOGGS DAY

On March 3, Supervisors Kim, Campos, Olague, Avalos, Chiu, Wiener, and I honored 95 year old Detroit civil rights activist Grace Lee Boggs. The event Building the Next American Revolution: A Celebration and Tribute to Grace Lee Boggs was co-hosted by the Chinese Progressive Association at the Chinese Culture Center.

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Supervisor Eric Mar | San Francisco City Hall, Room 284, San Francisco, CA 94102 | phone 415.554.7410| fax 415.554.7415

ERIC MAR
District 1 Supervisor

April 2012

BIKE TO SCHOOL DAY On April 11, 2012, I participated in Bike to School Day and rode along with members of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, parents, and students from Mountain Lake Park to George Peabody Elementary School. Biking to school is a great way to spend family time together and keep you and your children healthy and alert.

HONORING PRESIDIO MIDDLE SCOOL PRINCIPAL PAMELA CLISHAM FOR WOMENS HISTORY MONTH This year I recognized Presidio Middle Schools Principal Pamela Clisham as the District 1 honoree for this years Womens History Month at the Board of Supervisors on March 6. She will be retiring in June after decades of dedication and leadership to our students, teachers, and parents of Presidio Middle School.

YOUTH ADVOCACY DAY During Youth Advocacy Day on March 12, I had the pleasure of meeting with students from Washington and Lincoln High Schools and hosting a discussion on civic engagement and community service. Some students expressed interest in pursuing a future career in the public and non-profit sectors.

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Supervisor Eric Mar | San Francisco City Hall, Room 284, San Francisco, CA 94102 | phone 415.554.7410| fax 415.554.7415

ERIC MAR
District 1 Supervisor

APRIL 2012

Lands End Visitor Center Opening After years of planning and community input, the new and spacious Lands End Visitor Center will open on Saturday, April 28. Please join me at the ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am. The ribbon cutting will happen at 11 am. Come check out the open house and guide tours.

Save the Date for the May 12 Richmond District Health Festival!

This years event will be held at the Richmond Recreation Center (251 18 th Avenue), on Saturday, May 12, from 10am to 2pm. Attendees can benefit from a variety of health screenings, medication review, and access to various community-based organizations. There will also be activities for the entire family, including live entertainment, fun activities for the kids, free healthy foods, free prizes and more. I hope to see you all there! 7
Supervisor Eric Mar | San Francisco City Hall, Room 284, San Francisco, CA 94102 | phone 415.554.7410| fax 415.554.7415

April 2012 Newsletter

Events Calendar
Seniors Moving to Better Health When: Mondays: 10-11:00 am & Wednesdays: 9:30-10:30am Drop-ins welcome Where: St James Community Learning Center 4620 California Street @ 8th Avenue Details: Join Always Active FREE exercise program for seniors. Fall Prevention, Strength and flexibility training. Free Wellness Plan. For more information call 415 752-0139. Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Farmers Market When: every Wednesday, year round 10am 2pm Where: Geary at St. Joseph 's Street, San Francisco Details: The Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Certified Farmers' Market is your best source for fresh-from-the-farm, seasonal fruits, vegetables, greens and nuts. Make a visit to the market a part of your weekly routine! The farmers at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Farmers' Market bring you the freshest locally-grown fruits and vegetables. For more information, please visit: http://www.pcfma.com/marketdetail.php?market_id=10. Harvest Food Pantry When: every Saturday, 7:15 - 9:30 a.m. Where: St. John's Presbyterian Church, @ Arguello & Lake Details: Networking with the San Francisco Food Bank, we distribute supplemental groceries to 150 needy families & individuals at the church. Since Oct. 2000, weve distributed over 250,000 pounds of food. Would you like to volunteer? We are always seeking help from willing individuals including children, seniors and students. Many students use our program to fulfill their learning service requirement. If you would like to join us, please contact Dale Walker at DaleWalker@aol.com for more information or simply show up! Multi Cultural Childrens Art Workshops MCAP (Multi Cultural Childrens Arts Program) When: Saturday mornings, 10-12pm Where: Richmond District Neighborhood Center , 741 30th Avenue , (between Balboa and Cabrillo) Cost: Refundable fee, $5/class/child Details: Spring Arts Workshops are for children ages 6-12. There is a different workshop each Saturday. You can sign up two workshops per child. Please call Jane at 751-6600 for class availabilities and information or visit www.rdnc.org.

I would like to thank my office for helping me editing this issue and their continual support on the constituent cases Staff: Nickolas Pagoulatos & Victor Wai Ho Lim 8 Interns: Heather Brown, Keenith Chan, Kei Chim, Austin Fong, Lisa Hsin, Joytika Jit, Pavel Kniha & Shanti Prasad Please contact us: San Francisco City Hall, Room 284, San Francisco, CA 94102 | phone 415.554.7410| fax 415.554.7415