San Francisco Sentinel

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones Announces Good News for California Drivers

Phil — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:59:58 +0000

Beginning mid-May, insurance premiums for Low Cost Auto Insurance program decrease up to 9% across California - biggest changes seen since 2009.

PR Newswire

SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones today announced important changes to the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. Beginning May 15, the cost of an annual premium for the program has decreased up to nine percent across California’s 58 counties and the income eligibility caps for qualifying for the program have increased, allowing more of California’s uninsured drivers to qualify for state-sponsored Low Cost Automobile Insurance.

As a result of the premium reductions, the statewide average cost of an annual Low Cost Automobile Insurance policy in California is now $257.69 a year and the premiums for all California counties are now less than $350 annually. The greatest changes in premiums are in the following counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara,Stanislaus and Sutter.

“More than 4 million cars, or 15 percent of the cars on California roads, don’t have insurance,” Commissioner Jones said. “If financial limitations have kept consumers from purchasing car insurance, these changes make Low Cost Auto Insurance a more viable option for uninsured drivers.”

Established by the legislature in 1999, the CLCA program provides liability-only insurance for less than$350 a year, and the amount could be much less, depending on the county where the consumer lives.

Drivers may qualify if they:

have a good driving record
are at least 19 years old
have been continuously licensed to drive for three years
own a vehicle valued at $20,000 or less
meet the income eligibility requirements ($27,925 for one person, $37,825 for two people, up to$57,625 for a family of four)

California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program was established to provide income eligible persons with liability insurance protection at affordable rates as a way to meet California’s financial responsibility laws. To learn more about the program, consumers can call 1-866-602-8861, visithttp://www.mylowcostauto.com or text “low cost” to 65374. For a full list of the new annual insurance premiums for each of the 58 counties visit the website.

And to assist more California drivers, the Low Cost Web site is now offered in Spanish. The website address is: http://www.mylowcostauto.com/index-spanish.php

Please visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP. Out-of-state callers, please dial 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.

SOURCE California Department of Insurance

SAN FRANCISOCO’S LARGEST BALLROOM DANCE STUDIO OPENS IN THE DOGPATCH NEIGHBORHOOD

Phil — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:23:49 +0000

A 5,300 square foot warehouse in Dogpatch has been turned into one of the largest ballroom dance studios in San Francisco. Vima Dance Studio relocated to the new space on 26th Street at Third on April 1, 2012, quadrupling its dance space.

The studio plans to host a grand opening party on Saturday, June 14th at 8:00 p.m.

“There has been a huge upswing in interest in ballroom dance since shows like Dancing with the Stars began,” according to Vima owner Photis Pishiaras. “Over the past several years there has been an obvious need for more space to accommodate the growing Bay Area dance community.”

Pishiaras spent two months renovating the warehouse space, adding new flooring, mirrors and a new sound system. The new space includes a competition-size dance floor as well as several smaller dance floor areas. He envisions that the space will be able to nearly triple the numbers of Vima students as well accommodate larger dance showcases, social dances and competitive events.

Vima offers both social and competitive dance instruction. Classes include Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Salsa, Rumba, Cha-Cha, East Coast Swing,

West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Nightclub Two-Step, Bolero, Samba, Mambo, Merengue, Hustle, Country Western and Argentine Tango. The studio offers private and semi-private lesson, group classes and wedding dance instruction.

The studio also hosts a weekly social dance every Thursday at 9:00 p.m.

For additional information, contact Vima at 415.977.0203 or visit the website at www.vimadance.com.

Mayor Lee Announces Plan to Support Local Manufacturing Industry

Phil — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:13:16 +0000

Five-Point Local Manufacturing Plan Proposes: Manufacturing One Stop; Coordinated Marketing Effort for

San Francisco Made Products & Continued Investment to Support Local Manufacturers

As part of the Mayor’s Fiscal Year 2012-13 budget proposal, Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced a five-point plan to support San Francisco’s local manufacturing industry during SFMade Week. According to SFMade, a local nonprofit that assists and supports the vibrant manufacturing sector in San Francisco, the City is home to more than 325 manufacturing firms employing 3,000 people.

“San Francisco is becoming a national model for innovative local urban manufacturing,” said Mayor Lee. “We are working with SFMade to provide a focused effort and demonstrate our commitment to manufacturers in San Francisco who continue to thrive and produce not only great products, but also great jobs for San Franciscans.”

“San Francisco – a City that melds the cultures of design, making, and technology – is a natural home for the next chapter of US urban manufacturing,” said SFMade Executive Director Kate Sofis. “The Mayor’s manufacturing plan will help ensure a vibrant manufacturing sector, sustain jobs for a diverse cross-section of residents, fuel economic diversity, and helps ensure that San Francisco will remain at the forefront of innovation.”

Mayor Lee’s local manufacturing plan would:
• Create a manufacturing desk in the City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. The City’s manufacturing desk would serve as a single point of contact for manufacturing businesses assisting with everything from accessing incentive programs to navigating the City’s permit process;
• Focus on key sectors where San Francisco is well positioned to compete and succeed. The manufacturing plan builds on the lessons of FashionSF—the City’s initiative focused on supporting the retention and growth of apparel manufacturers and fashion designers—and would focus on sector such as food and beverage, consumer products, and rapid prototyping;
• Continue to invest in local manufacturers to support job retention and creation through continued support of groups such as SFMade. In 2011, support from the City and other partners allowed SFMade to serve 75 manufacturers, supporting more than 500 blue collar jobs;
• Work to ensure San Franciscans get connected to local manufacturing jobs, which provide employment opportunities for people of all education levels, particularly those without a four year college degree;
• Work with local manufacturers to launch a coordinated marketing campaign to promote San Francisco made products around the world by capitalizing on the City’s 70 foreign consulates, 20 trade offices, 18 Sister City programs, hundreds of international firms and millions of annual visitors.

San Francisco’s Economy Is Growing

Phil — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:53:44 +0000

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement on the City Controller’s Office Report on FY 2011-12 Nine-Month Budget Status Report, providing the most recent expenditure and revenue information and projections for the Fiscal Year End and an ending available General Fund balance of $172.4 million, representing a $43.3 million increase from the Six-Month Report projection:

“The Controller’s Report released today reaffirms that San Francisco’s economy is moving in the right direction, and our City’s economic policies are working.

San Franciscans are getting back to work and the City’s economy is growing and improving. However, the report also shows that even with a recovering economy, the City continues to face budget deficits in the years ahead.

Over the next month, we will face difficult decisions as we present a balanced budget. We will take action to ensure that as we protect vital City services, we also protect our continued economic recovery.”

On Scene with Bill Wilson: Mysteries Solved

Phil — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:19:42 +0000

The Prince

In Room VII of the Museo Nazionale Romano/Palazzo Massimo Alle Terme there are two bronze statues, The Prince and The Boxer. I confess that I am not expert enough to know that the small head of The Prince, in proportion to the rest of the body means that it comes from the Pergamene tradition and that it shows Lysippus’ influence. I am amazed that there are experts that can tell the meaning of every detail. They have spent lifetimes studying written records, comparing known sculptures with pieces of recovered sculptures and proposing answers to the questions of who did it and when?

The Boxer

The gloves The Boxer wears help date it because they are of a type worn during the Imperial era. According to the guidebook, “The figure is based on the contrast between the relaxation expressed by the folded arms, the slight spreading of the legs and the hunching of the back and the sudden turn of the head to the right to look at something that eludes us.” Fortunately I was there at the right moment so that what he was looking at did not elude me.

The Boxer posing for another photograph.

Clearly The Boxer is annoyed by constantly being photographed by the paparazzi! Do you have any idea how bothersome it can be having to sit still for thousands of years?

Flags of the European Union and Italy fly from Bologna’s City Hall.

Pigeon toed is a medical term that is defined as a condition which causes the toes to point inward when walking. When visiting Bologna, Italy and the statue of Neptune in their town square I noticed that Neptune had what I would call a pigeon finger. If you look closely at the picture you will notice a bump on his hand left hand that looks like it might be the stub of an amputated fifth finger.

Neptune tops a fountain in Bologna.

However from a slightly different angle and a closer look you can see that it is in fact a pigeon who has found a lofty perch.

Ready for its close up.

Nixon In China’ – Opens SF Opera Summer 2012 Season, June 8–July 8

Phil — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:17:45 +0000

Sean Martinfield Arts Contributor

San Francisco Opera’s Summer 2012 Season will feature three productions never before seen in San Francisco, opening on Friday, June 8 with the long-awaited Bay Area premiere of Nixon In China by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams and librettist Alice Goodman. These performances mark the 25th anniversary of this work, originally co-commissioned by David Gockley. The season continues with the San Francisco debut of a new co-production of Verdi’s Attila, opening June 12, which premiered at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala in June 2011. The production features legendary Italian bass Ferruccio Furlantto in the title role and Lucrecia Garcia in her Company debut as “Odabella”. Completing the Summer Season is Mozart’s The Magic Flute, beginning June 13, presented in a new production designed by visual artist Jun Kaneko and bringing together a strong ensemble cast including Heidi Stober, Alek Shrader, Nathan Gunn, Kristinn Sigmundsson and Albina Shagimuratova.

NIXON IN CHINA. Vancouver Opera, Photo, Tim Matheson

NIXON IN CHINA (June 8–July 3)
Music by JOHN ADAMS. Libretto by ALICE GOODMAN

John Adams’ rhythmically rich recreation of Richard Nixon’s 1972 presidential trip to Beijing has established itself as one of the most important American operas of the 20th century. Twenty-five years after premiering at Houston Grand Opera under the leadership of David Gockley and marking the 40th anniversary of Nixon’s historic trip, this presentation of Adams’ seminal work marks its Bay Area stage premiere. The cast features Brian Mulligan, who thrilled audiences in San Francisco Opera’s Faust (2010) and Werther (2010), making his role debut as Richard Nixon. The cast also includes Maria Kanyova (Pat Nixon), Simon O’Neill (Mao Tse-tung), Hye Jung Lee (Madame Mao Tse-tung), Chen-Ye Yuan (Chou En-lai) and Patrick Carfizzi (Henry Kissinger). Lawrence Renes, whose conducting of Adams’ Doctor Atomic won praise from London critics, will lead the orchestra in an acclaimed Vancouver Opera production directed by Michael Cavanagh. Also making their debuts are Hye Jung Lee (Madame Mao Tse-tung) and Patrick Carfizzi (Henry Kissinger).
Click here to purchase tickets on-line: NIXON IN CHINA

ATTILA. Teatro alla Scala Photo, Brescia-Armisano

ATTILA (June 12–July 1)

Music by GIUSEPPE VERDI. Libretto by TEMISTOCLE SOLERA

In the popular imagination Attila the Hun is a ruthless barbarian. But to Giuseppe Verdi he is a far more complex and compelling figure: a brave, ambitious warrior tormented by fierce internal doubts. This new co-production with Teatro alla Scala was first performed in Italy in June 2011. It was led by Maestro Luisotti who was also making conducting debut at the legendary opera house. The production is staged by Gabriele Lavia with sets by Alessandro Camera and costumes by Andrea Viotti – the same creative team from the fall production of Don Giovanni. This grand, large-scale production celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Italian unification with a bold re-imagining, placing each Act into a separate period of time in Italian history. The character of “Atilla” begins in the ruins of a Roman-era amphitheater. Then he is the Austrian general in a destroyed 19th-century Italian opera house and, finally, he is Attila the politician in a contemporary movie theater.

The distinguished cast features legendary bass Ferruccio Furlanetto in the title role. Making her debut with the Company is Venezuelan soprano Lucrecia Garcia as “Odabella”, a role she has recently performed at La Scala and Seattle Opera. Also featured are Hawaiian baritone Quinn Kelsey (Ezio) and renowned bass Samuel Ramey (Pope Leo I). Mexican tenor Diego Torre, who was originally scheduled to sing Foresto in two performances, will now replace Fabio Sartori in all performances of Attila.
Click here to purchase tickets on-line: ATTILA

NATHAN GUNN – as "Papageno" Photo, Kevin Berne

THE MAGIC FLUTE (June 13–July
Music by WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART. Libretto by EMANUEL SCHIKANEDER

Mozart’s final opera is a profound yet lighthearted tale of romantic love, spiritual transcendence and the beguiling art of bird catching. In this production premiere, the internationally acclaimed ensemble cast is led by dynamic young conductor Rory Macdonald and includes lyric tenor and former Adler Fellow Alek Shrader as Tamino, a role he will share with Nathaniel Peake for two performances. Soprano Heidi Stober is Pamina, acclaimed baritone Nathan Gunn is Papageno, and bass Kristinn Sigmundsson is Sarastro. In the opera’s most virtuoso role, Russian soprano Albina Shagimuratova performs the Queen of the Night. Sung in English, this new San Francisco Opera co-production is created by renowned Japanese-American visual artist Jun Kaneko and directed by Harry Silverstein. Kaneko, who is known for his large-scale ceramics and permanent installations, has created a bold, colorful production which integrates whimsical costumes and conceptual, graphic projections. Using new state of the art Autodesk Inventor 3D software, the production team and San Francisco Opera production and props departments have created a one of a kind new production at the cutting edge of theatrical technology—the first all-digital production in San Francisco Opera history.
Click here to purchase tickets on-line: THE MAGIC FLUTE

In conjunction with this production of The Magic Flute, the San Francisco Opera Education Department will present four interactive, multi-generational workshops based on the themes, story, characters and music of Mozart’s opera. Exploration Workshop: Inside The Magic Flute! is recommended for children ages 8 and up and their families and will take place on Saturday, June 16 at 4–5 pm and 5:30–6:30 pm and Sunday, June 24 at 11 am–12 p.m. and 12:30–1:30 pm at Chorissima Hall in the San Francisco Girls Chorus Building, 44 Page Street. Tickets: $5.
Click here to purchase tickets on-line: WORKSHOPS

IN CONCERT: Sunday, June 3, at 3:00 pm

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA ORCHESTRA

Nicola Luisotti, Conductor

Works by Prokofiev, Haydn, and Cherubini

San Francisco Opera and Cal Performances present Music Director Nicola Luisotti and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra in concert at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall on Sunday, June 3 at 3 p.m. Nicola Luisotti will lead the San Francisco Opera Orchestra in Prokofiev’s “Classical” Symphony, Cherubini’s Symphony in D Major and Haydn’s Cello Concerto in C Major featuring cellist Amit Peled. The Israeli cellist has toured the United States and Europe extensively in recent years garnering rave reviews for his dramatic and moving interpretations of traditional cello repertoire as well as serving as an ambassador for contemporary Jewish music. He has previously performed as soloist at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall, New York; Salle Gaveau, Paris; Wigmore Hall, London; Konzerthaus, Berlin; and Tel Aviv’s Mann Auditorium.
Click here to purchase tickets on-line: SFOpera Orchestra

San Francisco Opera Guild will present an Insight Panel Discussion on May 29 at 6 p.m. in the Herbst Theatre at the War Memorial Veterans Building (401 Van Ness Avenue). This informative discussion will feature members of the cast and production team from Nixon in China. Insight panels are free for Opera members and $5 for the general public; tickets can be purchased at the door 30 minutes prior to the discussion.

FAIRMONT HOTEL – Oaktree Capital Management and Woodridge Capital Partners Purchases Historic Hotel for Nearly $200 Million

Phil — Wed, 09 May 2012 06:57:07 +0000

The world renowned Fairmont San Francisco Hotel atop Nob Hill was sold today for close to $200 million to a consortium led by an affiliate of Oaktree Capital Management LP and real estate investor Michael Rosenfeld and his Woodridge Capital Partners LLC. The hotel was purchased from Maritz, Wolff & Co., which acquired its investment in the hotel in 1998 in partnership with Kingdom Holding, which is retaining its interest. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, based in Toronto, Canada, will continue to manage the storied hotel.

The Fairmont San Francisco opened in 1907. The Beaux Arts-style building was designed by New York architectural firm McKim, Mead & White and Julia Morgan, also well known for her design of Hearst Castle. Over its 105-year history, it has been home to many “firsts” from the drafting of the United Nations Charter to Tony Bennett’s premier of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”. The Fairmont was home to America’s first concierge, and since its opening, has served as the San Francisco residence for U.S. presidents, world leaders and entertainment stars.

THE FAIRMONT
John Brady, head of global real estate for Oaktree Capital Management, said, “We look forward to joining Oaktree’s significant real estate experience and an investor base that includes prominent public and corporate pension funds together with longstanding relationships with Woodridge, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Kingdom Holding and our new partners – the hotel’s outstanding employees and the City of San Francisco, one of the truly great cities of the world.”

With 591 guest rooms and suites and over 55,000 square feet of conference and function space, the hotel is renowned for its three restaurants and lounges including the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar with its thunderstorms and floating stage. Its location at 950 Mason Street atop Nob Hill offers spectacular views of the city and the Bay, and is the only spot in San Francisco where each of the city’s cable car lines meet.

Michael Rosenfeld stated: “The Fairmont San Francisco hotel’s rich history, elegance and beauty make it a one-of-a-kind property that cannot be replicated today. We are excited to be in such a distinguished partnership with a property that symbolizes the great City of San Francisco.”

ABOUT OAKTREE
Oaktree is a leading global investment management firm focused on alternative markets, with $77.9 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2012. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented and risk-controlled approach to investments in distressed debt, corporate debt (including high yield debt and senior loans), control investing, convertible securities, real estate and listed equities. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the firm has over 650 employees and offices in 13 cities worldwide. For more information visit: OaktreeCapital

ABOUT WOODRIDGE CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC
Woodridge Capital Partners, headed by its CEO Michael Rosenfeld, is a Los Angeles based real estate investment and development company with hotel, residential and commercial assets throughout the United States. Woodridge and Rosenfeld have been active in the real estate industry for more than 25 years. Rosenfeld also has other hotel interests with Oaktree, including the iconic Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, and the recently acquired Fairmont Orchid Resort on the famed Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Make it a Memorable Memorial Day Weekend with Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary

Phil — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:57:56 +0000

“I was there.”

A decade from now, that’s what visitors to San Francisco over Memorial Day weekend 2012 will be able to say. It promises to be one for the memory books because a world-famous icon will be celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Yes, the Golden Gate Bridge opened on May 27, 1937 and on May 27, 2012 she will be celebrated in grand fashion with a day-long Golden Gate Festival spanning four miles along the San Francisco waterfront.

San Francisco will also be the setting for traditional Memorial Day commemorative ceremonies over the weekend. For a complete calendar of events, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel.

Public transit is the best option to reach many of these events and highly recommended for the Golden Gate Festival events; complete details will be posted on www.goldengatebridge75.org. Officials are encouraging spectators to walk or bike to the events; there will be ample free bike parking. For additional transit information call 511 (within the nine Bay Area counties) or 510-893-8729 or visit www.511.org.

A number of local sailing charter and scheduled cruise companies have also announced special cruises. Among those offering cruises during the day as well as a few scheduled for fireworks viewing are Adventure Cat; Blue & Gold Fleet; SS Jeremiah O’Brien and Red and White Fleet. For more details visit Fisherman’s Wharf.

NEW SOCIAL INTRODUCTION SERVICE FOCUSES ON SINGLES OVER 40

Phil — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:50:25 +0000

Oakland, CA – – A unique social introduction service begins this week to offer the 51 million singles over the age of 40 in the United States opportunities to give back to their communities while meeting one another in a natural, non-threatening environment.Matches that Matter introduces small, compatible groups of 6 men and 6 women with similar interests to work together on projects at local nonprofit organizations. The group meets together in a series of three meetings (called a Flight), the initial awkwardness goes away and relationships more easily bloom.

“Our three years of research that lead to the model for Matches that Matter showed us that the needs of the over-40 single are very different from younger singles,” according to Odette Pollar, company Founder. “Traditional ways this group met dating partners when they were in their 20s and 30s are less available today or carry a negative or superficial image, like bars or online profile sites.

Pollar worked diligently over a three-year period on an ongoing research project to reveal the needs of single people over 40 as they approach dating and finding a meaningful relationship. She ran dozens of gender split focus groups to discuss dating experiences, dating services, and expectations of the over-40 single person. Further interviews with therapists, sociologists, matchmakers and relationship coaches helped to refine the model for understanding how couples create and sustain healthy relationships. She came away from this research with a “rules of the road” for successful dating in the 21st century and founded Matches that Matter.

All Matches That Matter participants have been professionally interviewed and undergone a background check as part of the enrollment and membership process. Everyone in the group has the time, energy and desire to meet like-minded singles. Plus, the nonprofit partner benefits from over 100 hours of volunteer activity with each Flight group sent to work on a project.

For additional information, contact Matches that Matter, 510/496-0040 or 888/813-7779. www.matchesthatmatter.com

Mayor Lee and SFMTA announce 4-month Sunday Streets Mission Route Pilot

Phil — Sat, 05 May 2012 06:34:17 +0000

First of four consecutive monthly Sunday Streets Events along popular Mission route begins this Sunday as Pilot Program

Mayor Edwin M. Lee and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) today announced that this weekend’s Sunday Streets event will kick off a four-month pilot on the popular Mission route. Over the next four consecutive first Sundays of the month, residents can enjoy the 2.2-mile route along Valencia Street between Duboce Avenue and 24th Street and 24thStreet between Valencia and Hampshire Streets. The pilot will explore the feasibility of holding more frequent Sunday Streets events on this and other established routes.

“Sunday Streets showcases our City’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, and has also proven a cost-effective way to improve the health of San Franciscans,” said Mayor Lee. “We are committed to ensuring the program’s continued growth and success in 2012 and beyond.”

“San Francisco residents, merchants and visitors have enthusiastically embraced Sunday Streets and are consistently asking us for more of these kinds of programs,” said SFMTA Director of Transportation Edward D. Reiskin. “We are proud to introduce a new element to Sunday Streets by testing a regular car-free route through one of San Francisco’s most populated and diverse neighborhoods. During this pilot, we will be looking closely at how we can help create open spaces in communities like the Mission where park space is limited and support the many small businesses along the way.”

Sunday Streets Map, May 6th

As the hosts of this popular event, business leaders, residents and community organizations play a significant role in presenting diverse and engaging programs that embrace the area’s diverse cultural heritage. The Lower 24th Street Merchant and Neighbors Association and the Mission Merchant Association will host local performers, artists and community programs along 24th Street. Valencia merchants invite participants to explore the many unique shops, art galleries, eateries and community organizations located on this corridor.

Brava Theater, Casa Sanchez and businesses along the eastern portion of Lower 24th Street will enliven their area with performances and activities to encourage participants to travel the length of the route. Participants are invited to stop by Harrison Street between 24th and 25th streets to check out local cultural programming presented by LatinZone Productions and the Lower 24th Merchants.

Program highlights include:
• Live music and activities between Valencia Street at Duboce Avenue and Brava Theater on 24th and York streets
• Circus Center miniature circus show
• Free bike rentals by Parkwide LLC at Valencia and 15th streets, tune ups from Sports Basement’s Lube Fairies at 24th and Harrison streets and the SF Bicycle Coalition’s popular ‘Freedom from Training Wheels’ course at Valencia and 24th streets
• Programs for pets presented by Happy Hounds Massage at Valencia and 22ndstreets
• Dance, music and performances by Mission Cultural Center at 24th Street BART Plaza at 24th and Mission streets
• Capoera classes, DIY screenprinting and City Circus Acrobatics on Valencia Street between 14th and 15th streets
• Young Performers International, Stern Grove KidStage and other activities for kids in front of the Mission Public Library at 24th and Bartlett streets
• Classic Pedal Bike show and Bboy/Bgirl Hip Hop performances and lessons at 24thStreet and Treat Avenue
• Lowrider vehicle expo, featuring custom bicycles and cultural performances at Harrison and 24th streets.

Sunday Streets Neighbors
Although not on the car-free route, this year the McCoppin/Valencia Neighborhood Watch group will join their neighbors to the south by working with Off the Grid and the merchants along Valencia Street between Market Street and Duboce Avenue to offer fun and healthy programming and activities. Off the Grid will set up food trucks at the “McCoppin Hub” (on McCoppin Street, just west of Valencia Street), and Valencia merchants will feature live music, sales and special deals to participants.

While this area is not formally part of the Sunday Streets route—there will be vehicle traffic on these blocks of Valencia—Sunday Streets encourages participants traveling to the Mission via Market Street to check out additional programs at this end of the route.

Sunday Streets is presented by the SFMTA and Livable City, Sunday Streets’ nonprofit fiscal partner in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, San Francisco Police Department, Department of Public Works and the Recreation and Parks Department. The 2012 season is co-presented by Bank of America.

Sunday Streets Program Partners include the YMCA of SF, whose local branches help organize youth activities along each route; the California Outdoor Rollersports Association, founded and led by legendary D. Miles a.k.a. “The Godfather of Skate;” and free bike programs and services provided by Parkwide LLC, Mikes Bikes, REI and Sports Basement.

The following community organizations and businesses join Sunday Streets 2012 Presenting Sponsor Bank of America to provide financial support to Sunday Streets: AT&T, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Bi-Rite Markets, Blue Shield of California, The California Endowment, California Pacific Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Recology, Shape Up SF and United Healthcare Workers West. Major in-kind support is provided by The American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter, which provides emergency medical support, City CarShare and Parkwide LLC. The San Francisco Examiner and Clear Channel Radio are media sponsors. The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition runs Sunday Streets’ volunteer program.

Sunday Streets 2012 Season Schedule
May 6: Mission
June 3: Mission
July 1: Mission
July 22: Bayview
August 5: Mission
August 26: Chinatown
September 9: Western Addition/N. Panhandle Alamo Square
October 21: Outer Mission/Excelsior

Click here for more information: SundayStreetsSF

On the Scene with Bill Wilson: May Day in Italy

Phil — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:59:33 +0000

Text and photos by Bill Wilson

San Giuseppe Artigiano, Rome, Italy

May Day is a federal holiday in Italy. There are official events involving the President of Italy and politicians from various parties making the most of it. Over 500,000 people listened to a concert in the Plaza of St. John in Lateran. In the working class neighborhood in the eastern part of Rome near the Tiburtina station where my husband’s family lives it is the local church, San Giuseppe Artigiano, that takes full advantage of the festival day of the saint the church was named for, Saint Joseph the Carpenter (or artisan).

An indication of the density of the neighborhood can be seen in this photo of the band playing as people look from the surrounding buildings.

They start the night before with a procession of the icon of St. Joseph through the neighborhood. Eight men balance the icon on their shoulders. They stop at various prearranged locations for a brief reading before marching to the next location. The route is a little shorter than the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

The leader of the Brass band performing during the march through the neighborhood

Activities on May 1 include a race around the neighborhood, a puppet show for children, a performance of African dance, a mass led by Bishop Monsignor Giuseppe Marciante, a brass band concert, a concert by “I Fratelli Della Costa” and the rather busy day is capped by a fireworks display.

Children dancing through the band.

The program of events lists the arrival of the band. Where does the band arrive from? Their march through the neighborhood, of course.

The band playing in the courtyard of the church.

A CONVERSATION WITH GENNADI NEDVIGIN – Principal Dancer, San Francisco Ballet

Phil — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:28:49 +0000

For Gennadi Nedvigin, a Principal Dancer with San Francisco Ballet, the 2012 season has been rich with opportunity. He delivered a stunning performance as “Lensky” in the Opening Night production of John Cranko’s Onegin. In Program 2 he was featured in the world premiere of Mark Morris’ all-male ballet, Beaux, and Christopher Wheeldon’s Number Nine. In Program 3 he appeared in Helgi Tomasson’s Trio which was set to music by Tchaikovsky. Even in the largest of ensembles Nedvigin’s electric energy is easily spotted and in an intimate pas de deux with such partners as Maria Kochetkova – he radiates crystalline strength and transcendent joy. When those qualities are channeled into the popular story ballets, he has mastered an array of determinate Royals – “Albrecht” in Swan Lake, “Desiré” in Sleeping Beauty, the “Nutcracker Prince” – and shines as the boy-next-door, “Franz” in Coppélia. In March he delivered a captivating interpretation of “Mercutio” in Romeo and Juliet. The role is notorious in the canon of Shakespeare’s plays, requiring first an actor of unconventional vitality followed by a long list of endowments that run from attractive to zany, all of which spin about in a character who has the soul of a poet, the endurance of a ladies’ man, the tenacity of a best friend, and a solid reputation for being the village inebriate. Tomasson’s choreography captures these attributes and Gennadi Nedvigin conveyed them with ease. This week, in the final production of Don Quixote, he is scheduled to dance the leading role of “Basilio” on Friday, May 4th, and the closing performance on Sunday afternoon, May 6th. Click here to purchase tickets on-line: DON QUIXOTE

GENNADI NEDVIGIN and MARIA KOCHETKOVA. Tomasson’s “Trio”. Photo, Erik Tomasson

The City’s golden gates were opened for ballet star Gennadi Nedvigin in March 1997 when Helgi Tomasson, Artistic Director of San Francisco Ballet, handed him the opportunity of a lifetime – the kind served-up on the proverbial silver platter. From the time he was ten years old the young Russian-born dancer had trained at the Bolshoi Ballet School. Now he was on tour with Le Jeune Ballet de France and San Francisco was in its sights. The company would stay about two weeks, take classes with San Francisco Ballet, and collaborate on a number of pieces to be performed at the Palace of Fine Arts. After that, who knew? Gennadi needed a job and the curtain was coming down on this gig with the French company. A few years later, it completely folded.

“They always had young dancers,” he said, “not more than 20 years old. With Jeune Ballet de France you usually stayed for a year and then moved on. It was like a transitional company that helped young dancers get some practice, become stronger, learn new things and then head into a bigger company. Right after our last performance, Helgi was standing in the wings and asked if he could have a word with me. He said, “I have a contract to offer you – as a Soloist. Give it some thought and get back to me within two weeks.” I didn’t have to wait two weeks. I had never been in America before and the City was so beautiful. The weather was great, we were performing at the Palace of Fine Arts which is so romantic, and everything that surrounded me at the time was so enjoyable. So, I changed and went back to the reception. A lot of dancers from San Francisco Ballet were there, a lot of students – I didn’t realize everyone was watching me. I signed the contract right there and all of a sudden the champagne bottles started popping.”

GENNADI NEDVIGIN. Act 3, "Coppelia". Photo, Erik Tomasson

Three years later Gennadi was promoted to Principal Dancer. Since then, his continued openness to all things new and commitment to excellence has turned him into the consummate artist/dancer. But it was in this season’s opening production of John Cranko’s “Onegin” that Gennadi’s dramatic abilities took on a new dimension. Based on the classic novel by Alexander Pushkin and set to a collection of various works by Tchaikovsky, Gennadi portrayed “Lensky”, friend to the dashing and arrogant “Eugene Onegin” danced by Vitor Luiz. The second Act involves a party scene where the dazzling Onegin decides to alleviate his boredom by inviting Lensky’s fiancée Olga to dance. Onegin’s deeper motivation is to provoke Lensky by aggressively flirting with her. Olga is naïve and unaccustomed to such overt sexual energy, especially coming from someone who is obviously way out of her league. As they continue to dance, it is apparent to everyone that she is foolishly responding to Onegin and creating an atmosphere that has gone beyond inappropriate. Lensky fails to stop their dance and responds by challenging Onegin to a duel. By this point, not only had the dramatic tension risen to its highest point but so had the hot-blooded magnetism of the very-appealing Mr. Nedvigin. Like never before.

GENNADI NEDVIGIN and CLARA BLANCO in John Cranko's "Onegin". Photo, Erik Tomasson

“Lensky has purer feelings,” he said. “He is sincere and genuinely mad. It’s basically a black and white situation, with Olga in-between them as “red” – the kind of woman that goes with one man and then with another. Audiences always have better feelings towards Lensky. I re-read the story before we started rehearsing. It is so dear to me. The hardest part for me was to find Lensky’s fragility and innocence and to actually bring those emotions to the stage. You don’t want to fake it or overplay it and then look ridiculous, because Lensky is a sincere soul. There are not many characters like this in ballet.”

“Sincerity must be the food of love then,” I responded, “because I’m sitting out there glaring at Olga (Clara Blanco) and thinking, “Fool! Why would you be throwing yourself at Onegin when you’ve got a lover like Lensky?”

Gennadi laughed. “Well, you know, as my girl says – ‘Girls always like the bad boys.’”

SARAH VAN PATTEN and GENNADI NEDVIGIN in Mark Morris’ "Joyride". Photo, Erik Tomasson

San Francisco Ballet has an international roster of world class dancers with varying gifts who can step-in for each other at a moment’s notice. Compared to European companies which may favor taller dancers in lead romantic roles, at San Francisco Ballet the look is about balance and perspective. It is not unusual within a course of nine performances of certain programs for there to be as many as five casting combinations. All of them are “star-studded”, each ensemble delivering an artistically remarkable product. Gennadi acknowledged my observation that artists here have the opportunity to flourish.

“In Europe, it’s usually the taller people who do principal parts,” he said. “I know if I were in Europe, I probably wouldn’t have been as fortunate to have danced as many of the leading roles in Classical ballets as I have here. It’s true. Here we are given the chance to do it. And I am so grateful.”

“With that leeway in mind,” I asked, “that everything is possible for you – what leading Classical role do you still dream about doing?”

“I would like to do a production of Sheherezade. Something like that. Not what our Company has ever done or maybe thought of doing. These ballets are very different – very different style, different color, and ethnicity. The roles are very different. It has a more Eastern style and approach. The character of the “Golden Slave” is not a prince, but more like the pirate in Le Corsaire. That’s what interests me – the opportunity to explore different types of characters. That’s why I enjoy the roles of Albrecht, Franz, and Lensky. They are all different. A Prince is a Prince. You’re doing different steps, but your character is pretty much the same everywhere.”

GENNADI NEDVIGIN. Act 3, "Swan Lake". Photo, Erik Tomasson

Along the way, I have missed seeing Gennadi as “Prince Albrecht” in Giselle. He recounted his adventure with a last-minute call to replace Joan Boada who’d had an injury and could not finish the rehearsal of Act II. Gennadi had not been scheduled into the role that season. Like riding a bike, does the choreography just stay in your body?

“I wasn’t upset. I’ve done the role. There were lots of casts. But I had to jump in because of his injury. We would be doing this Giselle in two days. I danced with Masha (Maria Kochetkova). I had been rehearsing something else at the time. They called me and said, “Can you come on stage, please?” It was during their first run-through. They were in the first Act and Joan was already starting to hurt, but they weren’t sure. I did the second Act – with only my memory of the performances from about three years before. It went pretty smooth. We had another rehearsal the following day and the day after that we did the performance. It was one of those really good performances! Sometimes when you just jump in, without a lot of planning, you have a kind-of freedom. You think, ‘OK, if I do something wrong, well, I’m sorry. I really didn’t have that much time to prepare.’ You don’t feel the same kind of pressure as when you’ve been rehearsing for a month and then go on stage and do something wrong. Then you feel really horrible! But when you jump in like this, you have to work within that limited time frame. Whatever happens, happens. Yes, it was running through my head for two days. But you go on stage with more freedom. And sometimes it turns out that it’s one of the best performances you’ve done. Actually, when I was in school, Albrecht was one of those roles I did dream about doing.”

GENNADI NEDVIGIN. Act 4, "Swan Lake" Photo, Erik Tomasson

I asked Gennadi how he comes down from a role such as Albrecht – one that is so physically demanding and, emotionally speaking, so high-strung. The plot and dramatic style of Giselle sits on a very high plane. After all, not every Prince gets to have one last dance with the ghost of his sweetheart. “Do you still feel the choreography running through your body? How do you end the day, go home and turn off?”

“I’m still looking for an answer,” he replied. “It’s pretty much impossible. Your mind is running, somehow your body is still running. I may not be able to fall asleep until two or three o’clock in the morning. I may wake-up at five or six and not be able to fall asleep again. It’s horrible. I can be sitting still and thinking of how I did it or will do it the next time and all of a sudden my leg gets very tight or the whole body becomes very tense because I’m going through the steps again. And then I think, “OK! Just relax, just relax.” It’s really challenging, just to be able to relax afterwards. I don’t think anyone has the answer. It just takes time.”

Casts are subject to change. Click here to purchase tickets on-line: DON QUIXOTE

Mayor Lee Announces Major Expansion of Sharing Economy Leader Airbnb

Phil — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:27:33 +0000

Company Signs 169,000 Square Foot Lease in

Showplace Square with Capacity for more than 1,000 New Jobs

Today Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky announced that Airbnb has signed a 169,000 square foot lease at 888 Brannan Street in Showplace Square. Airbnb’s lease will allow their company to grow from their current 125 employees to more than 1,000 staff. The ten year lease will quadruple Airbnb’s square footage and allow for an eight fold increase in jobs as they continue to grow in San Francisco.

“San Francisco is at the forefront of the sharing economy and companies like Airbnb are creating real jobs for San Franciscans,” said Mayor Lee. “The sharing economy was born here, and I am committed to ensuring that San Francisco supports this emerging sector’s growth and success. Congratulations to Airbnb on their new Showplace Square home joining the growing innovation hub in the neighborhood.”

“The entrepreneurial spirit of San Francisco is what inspired us to create Airbnb, and the Mayor’s commitment to the sharing economy made us decide to strengthen our roots here,” said Airbnb CEO and Co-Founder Brian Chesky. “This lease not only signifies a 10-year commitment to San Francisco, but also to this neighborhood, where we want to be a great neighbor to the local community. We hope to create an inspirational space that brings people together and promotes the sharing of ideas.”

In April 2012, Mayor Lee formed the nations first Sharing Economy Working Group, bringing together City departments, neighborhood and community stake holders and sharing economy companies. The first working group discussions will focus on how to better support parking and car sharing while discussions between policy makers on the appropriate level of taxation and regulation of both short term vacation rentals and year round rentals are ongoing.

Today’s announcement solidifies Showplace Square as a hub for technology companies. Airbnb will join technology leaders including Adobe Systems, Advent Software, Dolby, Eventbrite, Flixter, Jawbone, Sega and Zynga in the neighborhood.

About Airbnb

Founded in 2008 and based in San Francisco, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world – online or from a mobile phone. Whether an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 19,000 cities and 192 countries. And with world-class customer service and a growing community of users, Airbnb is the easiest way for people to monetize their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions.

KILLING MY LOBSTER – A One-Night-Only Appearance at A.C.T., 5/24

Phil — Thu, 03 May 2012 01:28:21 +0000

American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) announced two special events associated with their upcoming production of Samuel Beckett’s Endgame and Play, opening May 9th at the American Conservatory Theater. San Francisco’s premiere sketch comedy troupe – Killing My Lobster – will perform Beckett-inspired sketches during a one-night-only appearance at the American Conservatory Theater on Thursday, May 24th following the 8:00 performance of Endgame and Play. A.C.T. also invites all graphic artists, illustrators, and comic enthusiasts to submit their Beckett-inspired original art to a special Beckett Design Contest. All entrants will receive discounts to the production, and selected submissions will be displayed online and as part of a special gallery in the theater during the run of Endgame and Play, where they will be eligible for audience voting and additional prizes.

Using the unique style and characters of Samuel Beckett as their inspiration for a wholly original evening of sketches, Killing My Lobster will perform in Fred’s Columbia Room, the lower-level lounge at the American Conservatory Theater. Says Killing My Lobster producer Andy Alabran: “We were thrilled to be invited by A.C.T. to perform in the American Conservatory Theater. The Killing My Lobster writers are working to create a hilarious evening of sketch comedy using Beckett’s more well-known plays such as Endgame, Happy Days, and Waiting for Godot as fodder for parody. Possible sketches include ‘Hunger End Games,’ a cooking show called ‘Cooking with Clov,’ and a speed-dating sketch featuring Beckett characters. This will be a one-night-only Killing My Lobster event not to be missed!” Admission is free, but seating is limited. Click here for ticket information: BECKETT

BILL IRWIN and SAMUEL BECKETT

A.C.T. also invites all illustrators, graphic designers, and comic fans to submit a comic or drawing inspired by master playwright Samuel Beckett to a special Beckett Design Contest. Comics should illustrate one of three provided topics: 1) Single-Frame Comic: a one-panel comic inspired by Samuel Beckett (e.g., Beckett history, the themes of his plays/prose, etc); 2) Multi-Frame Comic: a depiction of one of two Beckett scenes from Endgame or Play as a page from a graphic novel; or 3) A Portrait of Samuel Beckett. Widely regarded as one of the great writers of the 20th century, and a master of absurdist fiction, Samuel Beckett has had an influence on many visual artists through the years, inspiring illustrations of his plays and portraits (or caricatures) of his distinctive visage. His plays are full of comic routines (slapstick behavior, clown-like characters, and ridiculous conversations), even as they employ dark humor, post-apocalyptic settings, and vivid imagery to explore heavy themes of despair and existential uncertainty.

Comics will be viewed and judged by members of A.C.T.’s artistic and graphic design staff. All appropriate pieces will be featured in a gallery at the American Conservatory Theater during the run of Endgame and Play, as well as on a special page of A.C.T.’s website. Audience members will be given the chance to vote for their favorite. A grand prize will be awarded and will include four VIP tickets to an upcoming A.C.T. production, a private backstage tour of the historic American Conservatory Theater, and a signed cast poster from Endgame and Play. Other winners, including an audience favorite, will win a pair of tickets to an A.C.T. production of their choice. Winners will be notified by Friday, May 25. All entrants will receive discounted tickets to Beckett’s Endgame and Play. Deadline for entry is May 18, 2012. Submissions can be sent via email or post. All submissions must include a completed copy of the submission form. Print copies must be postmarked by May 14, 2012. Click here for full details: DESIGN CONTEST

Mayor Lee presents proposed May 1st balanced budget

Phil — Wed, 02 May 2012 01:37:30 +0000

Two-Year Budget Proposal for Seven Enterprise Departments Creates

More Than 8,700 Jobs & Infuses $1.3 Billion into Local Economy Through Capital Projects

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today presented his proposed two-year balanced budget for seven City departments totaling $5.2 billion. The May 1st budget focuses on enterprise departments or agencies within City government that generate revenue.

“This May 1st budget focuses on putting San Franciscans back to work, investing in our City’s infrastructure and keeping San Francisco safe, solvent and successful,” said Mayor Lee. “By creating thousands of jobs, seismically strengthening our water system, improving our Airport terminals and runways, investing in Muni maintenance and upgrading our piers, we are ensuring that San Francisco will have a secure economic future. This budget proposal, and this year’s budget process, reflects my commitment to innovate to solve our City’s challenges, involve the public, and invest in our capital assets and workforce.”

The City departments included in this May 1st proposed budget are critical to the short-term and long-term economic health of the City. These enterprise departments include:

• Airport

• Board of Appeals

• Environment

• Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA)

• Port

• Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

• Rent Arbitration Board

This May 1st proposal is an important step toward crafting a balanced citywide budget for the upcoming years. By June 1st, the Mayor must propose a citywide budget that closes the $170 million General Fund budget shortfall in Fiscal Year (FY) 2012-13, and a $312 million General Fund shortfall in FY 2013-14. This budget reflects the City’s third year of two-year budgeting for our largest enterprise departments, and the first year that Airport, PUC, Port and MTA will all move forward with a fixed two-year budget.

Innovation. Cities like San Francisco thrive because of their ability to cultivate innovative ideas. This is why Mayor Lee has reached out across the City’s departments and communities to find innovative ways to bring costs down while allowing the City to continue providing the essential services that keep neighborhoods and diverse communities moving in the right direction.

Involvement. Mayor Lee recognizes that achievements as a City are founded in commitment to hear directly from residents, communities and neighborhood organizations about what matters most to them. This is why Mayor Lee co-hosted six district-based budget town halls with all of the members of the Board of Supervisors, met with numerous stakeholders and will continue to work for greater transparency around the budget process.

Investment. By choosing to live, work, and play in San Francisco, we are all investing in the City. The May 1st proposed budget reflects our City’s significant capital investments over the coming years. Over the next two years, for example, the PUC proposes spending $71.5 million to maintain and improve the water, wastewater and power resources for the City. In addition, the budget includes implementation of the San Francisco International Airport’s 10-year $206 million investment in the development of the Runway Safety Area Plan. The Port of San Francisco will continue to invest in our waterfront piers and facilities, including the Cruise Terminal project at Pier 27. These investments will provide much-needed jobs for San Francisco residents as the City works to emerge from the economic downturn. Over the next two years, these departments will support more than 8,700 jobs in San Francisco by infusing $1.3 billion into the local economy through capital projects.

Click here to view: Mayor’s proposed May 1st Balanced Budget

DINE ABOUT TOWN RETURNS IN JUNE

Phil — Tue, 01 May 2012 16:34:43 +0000

The “second helping” of Dine About Town San Francisco returns on June 1-15, 2012. The program, now in its eleventh year, is a hit with both visitors and locals as it provides an opportunity to experience San Francisco’s finest restaurants at a fraction of the regular prices. Diners may select from more than 100 participating restaurants offering a two-course lunch menu for $17.95 and/or a three-course dinner menu for $34.95. This pricing can represent up to a 25 percent savings off regularly priced a la carte items.

American Express® is the preferred method of payment for Dine About Town, and Cardmembers will earn $15 back when they dine three or more times during Dine About Town at any participating restaurants and pay with their American Express® Card. Cardmembers must register their cards to participate. More information can be found on the SF Travel website www.dineabouttown.com.

The complete restaurant list of restaurants participating in Dine About Town San Francisco will be available after May 15 on San Francisco’s official visitor website, www.dineabouttown.com.

Dates and times of participation vary by restaurant. A la carte menus will also be available. Reservations are encouraged and may be made online through a partnership with OpenTable.com. Information is also available by calling 415-391-2000.

Dine About Town San Francisco sponsors include American Express, BART, the San Francisco Chronicle, SF Weekly, 7 x7 and Westfield San Francisco Centre.

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, packages, activities and more, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel or call 415-391-2000. The Visitor Information Center is located at 900 Market St. in Hallidie Plaza, lower level, near the Powell Street cable car turnaround.

Join more than 400,000 people who follow SF Travel on Facebook at www.facebook.com/onlyinsf. Follow “OnlyinSF” on Twitter at http://twitter.com/onlyinsf.

American Express® is the official credit card partner for the San Francisco Travel Association.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 31 international points and over 69 non-stop cities in the U.S. For up-to-the-minute information on the Bay Area’s largest airport, visit www.flysfo.com

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On the Scene with Bill Wilson: Palazzo Altemps

Phil — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:34:16 +0000

Text and photos by Bill Wilson

Courtyard of the Palazzo Altemps with sculptures positioned as originally placed by Cardinal Altemps.

It is fitting that the ancient art section of the Museo Nazionale Romano should find its home in the Palazzo Altemps, which was built by the Riario family in the late 15th century. Acquired in 1568 by Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps, whose uncle was Pope Pius IV, the building was renovated and afforded the Cardinal a setting to display his collection of sculptures, vases and manuscripts.

A side view of the Ludovisi Ares in the Salla della Piattaia.

Two of the more famous pieces in the Ludovisi collection are contained in the Sala della Piattaia (Room of the Plate Rack). The Ares can be seen with Eros playing at his feet.

A front view of the Ludovisi Ares gives a better view of Eros playing at his feet.

The second famous piece on display in the same room is the group of Orestes and Electra at the grave of their father Agamemnon.

Front view of Orestes and Electra

View from behind.

There are several rooms in the palace devoted to the Public and Private Cults which include items brought from Egypt to Rome in ancient times.

Rooms of Public and Private Cults. The bust at the far end is of Pharaoh Amenemhet III

The bust of the Pharaoh Amenemhet III is the oldest surviving example of art from the Middle Kingdom to be brought to Rome during the imperial era.

This is a statue of the bull-diety, Apis, who was originally worshipped in Memphis, the ancient capitol of Egypt. In Roman times it was associated with the cult if Isis.

It is easy to get so caught up with the magnificent pieces of sculptures and other objects that you miss some of the finer points of decoration in the rooms of the Palazzo. That is the reason I didn’t get a picture of the plate rack fresco in the Room of the Plate Rack, however I did get picture of the obelisk in the Room of the Obelisks.

he obelisks painted as part of the window frame give the room its name.

The Room of the Painted Perspectives might have originally been a chapel based on some of the decoration, but was turned into the main hall.

The Room of the Painted Perspectives

The frescoed walls provide a perfect backdrop for the sculptures that seem to come to life in another world.

A relaxed Hercules

A playful Satyr

“PEOPLE LIKE US” – DreamWorks Pictures and Sprinkles Cupcakes

Phil — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 07:20:35 +0000

Sean Martinfield Arts Contributor

DreamWorks Pictures has announced they are teaming up with Sprinkles Cupcakes to promote their film “People Like Us” with events at the ten Sprinkles Cupcakes stores around the country. The promotion will run from May 2-June 29, 2012, and is centered around five family-themed holidays: Brothers and Sisters Day (May 2), Mother’s Day (May13), Visit Your Relatives Day (May 18), Father’s day (June 17) and National Forgiveness Day (June 26).

“People Like Us” is a drama/comedy about family, inspired by true events, starring Chris Pine (“Star Trek”) as Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, whose latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father’s estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father’s last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down: He has a 30-year-old sister Frankie whom he never knew about (Elizabeth Banks). As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about this family—and re-examine his own life choices in the process. The film also stars Olivia Wilde, Michael Hall D’Addario, Philip Baker Hall, Mark Duplass and Michelle Pfeiffer.

CHRIS PINE and MICHELLE PFEIFFER

On the designated “People Like Us” holidays, Sprinkles Cupcakes in all ten locations will give out a free cupcake to each customer who comes in between the hours of 12 noon and 2 p.m. and says, “People Like Us.” Any customer can vote online for the official “People Like Us” flavor and the winning cupcake will be announced the week of the film’s opening. Customers can also pick up punch cards in Sprinkles Cupcakes stores, redeemable on the selected ‘People Like Us” holidays for a free cupcake. Follow the movie on: Facebook.PeopleLikeUs. Visitors can take the Brothers and Sisters quiz and enter the “Celebrate Family” sweeps to win a trip to visit their family.

SPRINKLES CUPCAKES IS LOCATED AT THE STANFORD SHOPPING CENTER IN PALO ALTO, AND WILL BE GIVING OUT FREE CUPCAKES ON MAY 2 FROM NOON-2:00 PM IN HONOR OF “BROTHERS AND SISTERS DAY”

The film is directed by Alex Kurtzman, produced by Roberto Orci, Bobby Cohen and Clayton Townsend, and written by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & Jody Lambert. The film releases in U.S. theaters on June 29, 2012, and is rated PG-13.

A Choco Loco and Grad Box Photo, Andrea Lenardin

ABOUT SPRINKLES CUPCAKES

Sprinkles Cupcakes opened “the world’s first cupcake bakery” in Beverly Hills, as reported by the Food Network, and is credited by the Los Angeles Times as “the progenitor of the haute cupcake craze.” Founded by Candace Nelson, judge on Food Network’s hit show “Cupcake Wars,” and husband Charles, Sprinkles has inspired long lines of devoted Hollywood stars and serious epicureans alike. Baked fresh in small batches throughout the day, Sprinkles Cupcakes are handcrafted from the finest ingredients and contain no preservatives, trans fats or artificial flavors. Sprinkles has 10 locations nationwide, a traveling Sprinklesmobile - the world’s first cupcake truck, and sells its cupcake mixes at over 250 Williams-Sonoma stores throughout the US and Canada. In 2012, Sprinkles debuted the world’s first Cupcake ATM and continued its foray into classic American desserts with the launch of Sprinkles Ice Cream. Click here for more information: Sprinkles

San Francisco Welcomes America’s Cup Fever Construction at Pier 27 for Spectator Village Begins with Mayoral Welcome, Crowds, Digital Sailing Competition

Phil — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:20:40 +0000

The first blush of San Francisco’s excitement for the 2013 America’s Cup was made evident today as hundreds of fans and dignitaries joined in celebrating the ceremonial signing of the agreement for the City to host the America’s Cup in 2013, complete with popping champagne corks, the America’s Cup itself and a digital competition between Mayor Ed Lee and four time America’s Cup winner Sir Russell Coutts.

The event celebrated the start of construction on Pier 27, which will serve as the heart of the spectator village for the America’s Cup as well as the start and finish line for the Louis Vuitton Cup race from July 4 to Sept. 1, 2013, and the America’s Cup Match Finals from Sept. 7 to 22, 2013.

“The America’s Cup will bring new life, new amenities and new excitement to San Francisco’s waterfront,” said Mayor Lee. “This great race, this grand tradition, this remarkable 161-year-old competition is part of the revitalization and refurbishment of this pier and our City’s waterfront.”

Mayor Lee signed the agreement for San Francisco to host the America’s Cup in front of hundreds of people gathered together to celebrate the momentous occasion that makes way for this world-renowned competitive sailing event to be held in the natural sailing amphitheater of the San Francisco Bay and be broadcast worldwide by NBC Sports and a host of international television networks.

“Never in the history of the sport has there been such an extraordinary opportunity to bring competitive sailing to the people,” said Sir Russell, head of ORACLE TEAM USA. “This venue will be transformed into the starting and finish line, an amphitheater and a racing village highlighting the excitement of the America’s Cup. This is where the action and magic of the America’s Cup will come alive.”

Construction at Pier 27 is now under way and will be completed in February 2013. The Racing Village will feature an amphitheater for 10,000 fans, entertainment including live music and dance, exhibitions of past America’s Cup winners, and other exciting celebrations of the America’s Cup festival.

In addition, Pier 30/32 will provide a real “pit row” experience for fans to see the sailors, boats and international teams up close and personal.

After signing the agreement, Mayor Lee and Sir Russell competed in a friendly ‘digital sail-off’ on “The America’s Cup: Speed Trials” app available free on iPhones and iPads via the Apple App Store.

“I might have a hard time keeping up with Russell in a real race, but with this game I feel like I have a chance,” joked Mayor Lee. “But he’s still pretty good and I think I need some more practice.”

Also featured at the celebration was the America’s Cup itself, which is the oldest trophy in international sport, and is affectionately known as the “Auld Mug.” It was on display for public viewing after the event, one of a number of stops throughout the world leading up to the America’s Cup in 2013.

San Francisco will begin to experience America’s Cup racing later this year as part of the 2012-2013 America’s Cup World Series. The World Series brings the best sailors in the fastest boats to cities around the world. The next event will take place next month in Venice, Italy, May 15 to 20 before moving to Newport, R.I. in June and then coming to San Francisco in the Fall.

About the America’s Cup

One of the most fiercely competitive and sought after trophies in all of sport, the America’s Cup was first raced in 1851, 45 years before the modern Olympics. The U.S. yacht America won, giving the international sailing competition its name.

The next Louis Vuitton Cup (July-August 2013) and America’s Cup Match (September 2013) will be held for the first time in San Francisco Bay, a natural sailing arena where more than one million spectators are expected. The entry deadline is June 1, 2012.

Sponsors and partners of the America’s Cup include Louis Vuitton, Puma, YouTube, Hanson Bridgett Law Firm, Garmin, Moet, Althelia, PWC, Napa Valley visitors authority, SPG.

Company C Contemporary Ballet – Spring program opens tonight at the Cowell Theater

Phil — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:01:06 +0000

Sean Martinfield Arts Contributor

Continuing its exciting 10th Anniversary season, Company C Contemporary Ballet presents a Spring Program full of fun, energy and romance. Performances run from April 27—May 27 in San Francisco and Walnut Creek. The Company will also return to New York to share its exciting choreography. Works by Gregory Dawson, Peter Anastos – founder of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo and frequent collaborator with Mikhail Baryshnikov—and Company C’s own Artistic Director Charles Anderson, take center stage in nine performances: Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 29, at 2 p.m. at the Fort Mason Center’s Cowell Theater in San Francisco; Friday, May 18, and Saturday, May 19, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 20, at 2 p.m. at Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at New York University in New York; and Friday, May 25, and Saturday, May 26, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 27, at 3 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.

Gregory Dawson’s Which Light in the Sky Is Us? Photo, Rosalie O’Connor

Founder and Artistic Director Charles Anderson says: “I am so proud to present the Company C Contemporary Ballet’s 2012 Season – a synthesis of all that the Company has accomplished over the past ten years and a window onto the future yet to come. It is a season, ten years in the making, full of extraordinary choreography and joyous, uninhibited dancing.”

THE PROGRAM

IN THE MOMENT – Documentary film excerpt
THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME (suite) – Choreography by Charles Anderson; Bluegrass arrangements of music from Led Zeppelin
KEY TO SONGS – Choreography by Charles Anderson; music by Morton Subotnik.
LATE – Choreography by James Sewel; music by Paul Schoenfield,
FOOTAGE – Choreography by Peter Anastos; music by Jack Hylton and His Orchestra
WHICH LIGHT IN THE SKY IS US? – Choreography by Gregory Dawson; music by Ben Juodvalkis and Moses Sedler

Click here to purchase tickets on-line: Company C

About Company C Contemporary Ballet

Beauty, passion, wit, and drama converge in the stunning performances of California’s Company C Contemporary Ballet. Dynamic, adventurous, contemporary choreography is the hallmark of the Company led by founder and Artistic Director Charles Anderson, a former member of the New York City Ballet. The twelve-member ensemble of classically trained dancers from across the country performs a diverse repertoire of moving, provocative, sensual, and entertaining contemporary choreography. This repertoire includes master works by some of the most accomplished contemporary choreographers of today, including Twyla Tharp, Paul Taylor, Antony Tudor, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, David Parsons, Michael Smuin, and Val Caniparoli. The Company commissions original works each year from talented choreographers such as former New York City Ballet Soloist Alexandre Proia, former Paul Taylor Dancer Patrick Corbin, and Gregory Dawson, formerly of Alonzo King LINES Ballet.

In 2008, the Company premiered Twyla Tharp’s Armenia at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and in 2010 was the first company given the honor of performing Ms. Tharp’s Surfer at the River Styx. In the fall of 2009, the Company collaborated with the Diablo Theater Company and appeared in their production of On the Town. For the 2010 season, the Company commissioned a new ballet from emerging Bay Area choreographer Amy Seiwert and performed Lar Lubovitch’s seminal work, Cavalcade and Charles Moulton’s engaging Nine Person Precision Ball Passing.

Since its inception in late 2002, the Company has performed regularly throughout Northern California and made its New York City debut in 2006. In addition to its regular season throughout the Bay Area, the Company has toured to Temecula, California, Mendocino, California and Akron, Ohio, where they were the featured performers in the multi-week Heinz Poll Dance Festival.

DROPBOX – Opens new headquarters in SOMA, estimated space for more than 500 new jobs

Phil — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:54:18 +0000

Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Dropbox CEO Drew Houston have officially opened the new office of Dropbox, a tech company that provides a sharing service for users to store photos, documents, and videos. The company’s new headquarters is located at 185 Berry Street, occupies 87,000 square feet and provides space for future growth. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) estimates this new office can accommodate approximately 550 employees, a five-fold increase over current employment.

“From cloud to mobile to social to gaming, San Francisco is ground zero for innovative companies like Dropbox,” said Mayor Lee. “Dropbox’s decision to locate their headquarters in San Francisco demonstrates what we already know – that San Francisco is the ‘Innovation Capital of the World.’ The tech ecosystem we are nurturing now has the best local talent, is helping us create jobs and reinvigorate our local economy. I am thrilled to officially welcome them to their new home in SoMa.”

“We’re proud to call San Francisco our home; there’s no better place in the world for creative thinkers and builders,” said Dropbox CEO and Co-Founder Drew Houston. “We’d like to thank the Mayor for joining us today and for the City’s support.”

The new Dropbox location in the China Basin Landing Building provides the company with an opportunity to create their own office space, is located next to convenient transit, is adjacent to AT&T Park, and enjoys access to the best talent and creativity of the San Francisco workforce.\

About Dropbox

Dropbox simplifies millions of people’s lives by letting them bring their docs, photos, and videos anywhere and share them easily. The service has more than 50 million users in over 175 countries. Dropbox was founded in San Francisco in 2007 by Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi.

Click here for more information: Dropbox.com

On the Scene with Bill Wilson at the Church of Sant’Ancieto

Phil — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:02:32 +0000

Text and photo by Bill Wilson

Church of Sant’Ancieto is on the second level of the Palazzo Altemps

If one has the wealth and clout to have a church, not the usual chapel, but a full church with relics of a saint and everything, installed in your own palace then I guess a chance to spin a little history doesn’t much matter.

General view of the Church of Sant’Ancieto

The church was built by Giovanni Angelo Altemps starting in 1603 and was completed by 1618. Sant’Ancieto was one of the early popes from 154-167 AD. And he is seen on the north wall pleading with authorities for his life. Except it is not really believed that the Pope died that way. So why would he be portrayed that way? Therein lies a tale of love, family pride, and devotion to duty.

Frescoes by Pomarancio showing Christ on the way to Calvary, the martyrdom of Sant’Ancieto and a woman gathering innocent blood that has fallen on Roman soil.

Giovanni’s father was Roberto Altemps the illegitimate son of Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps. When Sixtus V became Pope in 1585 he tried to clean up the corruption and graft. He became known as the law and order Pope. Roberto was accused of adultery, a crime that in those days was a capitol offense. Ordinary the punishment would have been to require Roberto to marry the woman, but in this case that was not possible since Roberto had just been married to a member of the Orsini family. Unfortunately this was the same Orsini family that Pope Sixtus V held responsible for the death of his nephew.

Close up of Pope Sant’Ancieto

Roberto Altemps was punished by beheading in 1586. Did Roberto get a fair hearing? Was he the victim of the Pope’s reluctance to show favor to any one? It depends on what history you read, but clearly the Altemps family felt him innocent and his son chose to honor Sant’Ancieto in a way that would remind people of that innocence.

View from the church window of the Painted Loggia which contains the Gallery of the Twelve Caesars.

KEITH HARING – “Three Dancing Figures”, sculpture removed from Moscone Center for restoration

Phil — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:46:16 +0000

San Francisco Arts Commission has temporarily removed the colorful, three-figure sculpture by famed pop artist Keith Haring located on the corner of 3rd and Howard streets at Moscone Center. The sculpture was removed for a comprehensive restoration that will include: cleaning, removing vandalism such as tagging, addressing any corrosion issues, and a complete repainting. In addition to the conservation work, the sculpture’s pedestal will be updated with new light fixtures to illuminate the artwork at night. The restoration project is being generously funded with a $65,000 grant from the Keith Haring Foundation along with approximately $10,000 in private donations to ArtCare, the city’s fund dedicated to the care and maintenance of the Civic Art Collection. The sculpture will be re-installed in the summer of 2012.

KEITH HARING. Three Dancing Figures. 1989

“We are so grateful to the Keith Haring Foundation and to our ArtCare donors for making this restoration possible,” said Director of Cultural Affairs Ton DeCaigny. “San Francisco is home to one of the most prestigious public art collections in the country. However, in recent years, we’ve had to find creative ways to raise the funds we need to provide a high level of care to a collection that is aging and vulnerable to the elements. I hope this recent success inspires people to share the responsibility of caring for this collection so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.”

Keith Haring’s “Three Dancing Figures”, 1989 was purchased and installed by the city in 2001 with art enrichment funds generated by the expansion of the Moscone Convention Center. The purchase came on the heels of a wildly successful temporary exhibition of the artist’s sculptural works throughout the city.

Click here to learn more about this amazing artist: Keith Haring

About ArtCare

San Francisco is home to a world-renowned Civic Art Collection consisting of some 4,000 artworks valued in excess of $90 million. This collection helps distinguish San Francisco as an important cultural destination. Unfortunately, due to limitations set upon the funding sources used to commission new artwork and the city’s budget crises, the Arts Commission has received inadequate funding to restore many of the works in the collection. Established in 2010 in partnership with the San Francisco Art Dealers Association, ArtCare is a fund dedicated to the conservation and maintenance of the Civic Art Collection. ArtCare provides a vehicle for the private sector to become involved with preserving the city’s public monuments and artworks so that future generations can enjoy these works for many years to come.

Saturday Beer Fest in SF Raises Suds and Money for Telegraph Hill Cooperative Nursery School

Phil — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:16:48 +0000

It started out in 1984 with about five beers. Pabst, Molson and Labatt’s Blue ranked among the highlights. Let’s just say there wasn’t much competition. The food was chips and hot dogs. When those ran out, someone ran to Safeway.

But the whole thing was just crazy enough to work.

Almost 30 years later, more than 100 international and local craft brewers will showcase their handiwork alongside some of San Francisco’s most intriguing eats at the 29^th Annual San Francisco International Beer Festival – a homegrown celebration of beer–and the food that tastes good with it.

All proceeds from the event at Fort Mason Center benefit the nonprofit Telegraph Hill Cooperative Nursery School, the oldest co-op preschool in San Francisco.

Let’s face it, it can be tough raising kids in the city, and the festival keeps preschool affordable for families from across San Francisco who attend the school in North Beach. Beer Fest is the single biggest revenue source for the preschool education of about 24 kids, ages 2 to 5 years old, covering 80 percent of the school’s operating expenses.

The festival has grown from an event that drew 150 people the first year to become a staple on the regional beer festival scene. It attracts a diverse crowd reflective of the Bay Area – from dreadlocked revelers to silver-haired sophisticates – all with a common bond: a love of sharing a fine brew for a good cause. The 3,500 tickets bought last year sold out in 45 minutes, with revelers lining up as early as 8 a.m. for a 7 p.m. start time. All told, about 4,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival when factoring in volunteers, restaurant and brewery representatives.

The beers now range from Bay Area standards like Anchor and Lagunitas to international gems like the Czech Republic’s Krusovice. There’s everything from small-batch wonders to crisp ciders. The festival often features new, reserve or adventurous releases, like black IPAs or MateVeza’s organic, naturally caffeinated beer brewed with yerba mate.

“Beer heaven doesn’t describe the selection, nor do it justice,” wrote Sara J. of Danville on Yelp, “the amount of vendors here was AWESOME. so many beers I’d never heard of before, and found so many new fav’s at this event.”

And don’t forget the food. This is artisan fare that runs the gamut from natural to imaginative pairings. Among them: Pizza Orgasmica (the big-hearted masterminds behind the “Girl From Ipanema” pie), Jasper’s Corner Tap (home of the J Burger), Chubby Noodle (yeah, their fried chicken is that good), Rosamunde Sausage Grill (props for chicken cherry sausage), The Pub at Ghirardelli Square (sages of buffalo blue mac & cheese), and El Porteno (hands-down the best empanadas in the city). Scream Sorbet is there to sooth the tongue.

This is also about responsible fun across the board. Last year, the event’s resource recovery/landfill diversion rate was 92.6%. That’s right, out of 9,127 pounds of waste generated from the event, 8,452 pounds were recycled or composted. We think it’s pretty clear: the San Francisco International Beer Festival is one of those feel-good stories with a kick.

General information: www.sfbeerfest.com

Mayor Lee and Supervisor Olague announce seven new businesses and increased investment in Fillmore

Phil — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:20:30 +0000

Mayor Edwin M. Lee and District 5 Supervisor Christina Olague today celebrated the arrival of seven new businesses in the Fillmore, announced a dramatic 21 percent decrease in the vacancy rate from 35 percent to 14 percent in the Fillmore and highlighted several City programs aimed at continuing the momentum in the Fillmore.

Standing at the historic African-American bookstore Marcus Books, Mayor Lee and Supervisor Olague announced that the City is also partnering with merchants and property owners to improve the storefronts of 23 businesses from McAllister to Post Streets and is initiating a neighborhood marketing and events program aimed at celebrating the Fillmore’s culture and history and driving additional foot traffic to the area.

“With new businesses, storefront improvements, events programming and the leadership of business owners and the community, today there is renewed energy and optimism in the Fillmore, one of our City’s great historic neighborhoods,” said Mayor Lee. “We still have much work to do, but the dramatic drop in commercial vacancies and the progress we are seeing in the Fillmore demonstrates the promise of our Invest in Neighborhoods strategy to transform our neighborhood commercial corridors through targeted City and community resources, assistance and leadership. I want to thank Supervisor Olague for her tireless efforts since taking office to champion the needs of the Fillmore and bring new resources and focused attention to the neighborhood.”

“As we gear up for Small Business Month in May, we have a great opportunity to highlight The Fillmore’s thriving business community,” said Supervisor Olague. “I am thrilled to support the diverse merchants in the Jazz District, many of whom have been here for decades, as well as newcomers who see the limitless potential in this growing corridor.”

Three new businesses – State Bird Provisions, The Social Study café and wine bar, and 1307 Gallery, a multi-media space in the Fillmore Center owned by two local Fillmore residents – opened in late 2011 and early 2012. State Bird Provisions has already made the San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 100 Restaurants. Hapa Ramen and Prime Dip will open in the end of May, and Progress and City Grange restaurants, will open in Fall 2012.

Progress will be the second project of the owners of State Bird and will be located two doors down. City Grange will be a second project of the owners of Phat Angel, also in the Fillmore. Hapa Ramen is a food truck that will make its first permanent home on Fillmore. Prime Dip is expanding from its first location on Larkin Street to the Fillmore. The City has been working with property owners since 2010 to diversity the business mix in the area and fill vacancies, and has provided financial and technical assistance to many of the new entrepreneurs.

The City’s investment in the Fillmore builds on efforts by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency to restore the area as a cultural center for African Americans and for music and entertainment in the aftermath of Urban Renewal. The Redevelopment Agency’s investments led to new development and anchor businesses such as Yoshi’s, 1300 on Fillmore, Sheba Lounge and Rassela’s. The City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) has continued to build on these investments by implementing initiatives aimed at supporting long-time Fillmore businesses; providing resources for area residents who wish to start their own businesses; bringing in new neighborhood-serving businesses; and activating the street with festivals and other events that showcase the culture of the district. OEWD’s Fillmore work started in early 2010 and has shown a decrease from 35 percent vacancy rate to 14 percent, showing a declining change of 21 percent.

Monday’s Fillmore merchant walk coincides with the recent kick-off of the Mayor Lee’s new Invest in Neighborhoods initiative, which will coordinate the City’s many programs and neighborhood resources to make targeted improvements in key neighborhood commercial districts.

In each participating commercial district, City services—including business retention and attraction programs, community planning activities, cleaning, greening and beautification services, public safety programs, and neighborhood art projects—will be deployed in a focused, customized manner that responds to the corridor’s unique challenges and opportunities. Invest in Neighborhoods will create infrastructure to leverage programs like the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund, which Mayor Lee recently recapitalized with $1 million with unanimous support from the Board of Supervisors.