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Good Neighbors

Introducing… Andrew Gabel, our newest EVNA Board Member!

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Hello everyone! Thank you for voting for me as your newest Board member. There's a fun little gift of thanks at the end of this article. I couldn't help it.

I'd like to briefly introduce myself to you again here in the newsletter for those that couldn't make the last meeting.

I feel both honored and challenged to be able to contribute to my local neighborhood. Born and raised in Pinole, (10m North of Berkeley-no traffic) I've lived in Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin and now San Francisco counties. As a member of the EVNA Board, being able to honor a couple of my core values, contribution and service, in such a diverse and much needed area is both challenging and fulfilling. There is so much to learn. Neighborhoods require passion, drive and gusto to create lasting change. There are a myriad of challenges ahead of us to dream in to. I'm ready, willing and able to roll up my sleeves and serve.

By day I work at the Co-Active Training Institute www.coactive.com in San Rafael, CA where I've been employed for over 25 years. I have the privilege of working alongside a global community creating Co-Active Leaders who want to have an impact in their world. Lucky me! A lover of the arts, I grew up in a musical home that also contributed to local bay area community theaters for decades.

Below is my modest gift to you because every newsletter needs a recipe. Here is one I discovered online. I was looking for something special and different on an old family favorite for the holidays. All I can say is that both my family and co-workers loved it! This is from Bon Appetit. I added the onion powder. It's so delicious it just might make you cry. Really.

Caramelized Shallot Dip (gf)

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 large shallots, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 cups low-fat plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon sliced chives, plus more for serving

Chips or crackers or veggie chips(!) or fresh veggies (for serving) - firm crisps works best

Recipe Preparation

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium. Add shallots and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat if needed, until shallots are golden brown and tender, 15-18 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Mix shallots and vinegar and onion powder into yogurt in medium bowl; season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir 1 Tbsp. into yogurt. If entertaining, divide into bowls and top with more chives.

Do ahead: Yogurt (without chives) can be made 3 days ahead; cover and chill.

*My personal notes: Make this at least one day in advance and remove from refrigeration at least one hour prior to serving. The low-fat yogurt is much more firm than the standard sour cream versions. I cooked my shallots a bit longer than the 18m. It's all about the color and your intuition.

Again, Thank you for voting me into this position. See you at the meetings!

History

The Red Mailbox on Thorp Lane

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By Bonnie McGregor

Shortly after Harvey Milk's election as San Francisco Supervisor in November of 1977, where he won by 30% against 16 other candidates, he quickly identified the problem of dog excrement. In a city that has always had more dogs than children, the health hazard of dog excrement had become endemic.

Savvy politician Milk selected to work on an a political piece of legislation anointed the “pooper scooper law;" who couldn’t get behind a dog poop law? It is commonly understood that City Supervisor Dan White voted against the proposed law.

Everyone knows about the strategically placed poop in Duboce Park where Milk cleverly staged his “step” for the awaiting TV cameras, Milk always at the ready to maximize news coverage with dramatic edge.

What many may not know is the little red mail box on Thorp Lane, up the down & dirty stairs on beautiful Caselli Avenue is the first doggie bag receptacle in all of San Francisco.

Contributed by San Francisco City Guides, who do Castro Tours 3x weekly and 60 weekly tours throughout San Francisco. Tours are free with a contribution gladly accepted.
Meetings

Meeting Tonight (9/25)

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A quick reminder...  our BiMonthly EVNA Neighborhood Meeting is Tonight, 7 pm, Eureka Valley Rec Center.

Brief Agenda:

  • Welcome and Introductions
  • Supervisor Mandelman update
  • CBD Renewal, Andrea Aeillo
  • Jessica Closson, Community Liaison, D8, Community Engagement
  • Proposed Changes to the ByLaws for members ratification
  • Announcements

The proposed amendment to the ByLaws includes discussion regarding a code of conduct (still in draft) by members and a process to rescind membership under certain extreme situations. You can view the proposed language here on our website.

Then don't forget....

It's Movie Night Again!

Our 2nd annual Neighborhood Movie Night- Saturday 9/28, 6:35pm - 10:00pm, Rikki Streicher Baseball Field at the Eureka Valley Rec Center (corner of Diamond and 19th Streets). We're showing E.T! a sci-fi classic that will warm your heart as you enjoy a flashback from your childhood. Bring the kids! Admission is free. Bring blankets, warm clothes, and lawn chairs. Concessions are available.

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Proposed ByLaw Revision

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At the September 10 EVNA Board meeting, the directors voted unanimously to approve a revision to Article III, Section 2 of the EVNA ByLaws.  Per the ByLaws, this proposed change will be presented to the Members at  our next public meeting on September 25th in the upstairs meeting room at the EV Rec Center.

The proposed revision is in RED:

Section 2. General Membership

General Membership shall be open to persons who live, work at or own a business, or own real property within the boundaries of the Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association as described in Article II, Section 1 of these Bylaws. General Members shall be the only voting members of the Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association. There shall be two subclasses of General Members: Individual Members and Household Members. Individual Members shall have one vote if that member is present at the meeting. Household Members shall have two votes, but only if both members are present to vote. Under no circumstance will one person have two votes. Proxy votes are not permitted, including between the two members of a Household membership.

All members must abide by the Code of Conduct of members. The Code of Conduct is a separate document hereby incorporated in full by reference. Any member who seriously or repeatedly breaches the Code of Conduct is subject to cancellation of his or her membership, without prorated refund of membership dues. Such a member who breaches the Code of Conduct shall be notified in writing by the President of the Board of Directors, citing specific breaches of the Code of Conduct and any proposed action.

Members who were previously classified as “Business Members” as of the ratification date of these amended Bylaws shall continue their membership through the end of the one-year membership period as Individual Members. After the business membership expires, the membership eligibility requirements in this section apply to those members. They may remain members in their individual or household capacity if they otherwise qualify.

 

Elections, Planning, Quality of Life

The Proposed Mission Dolores GBD

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Many of our EVNA members who live on the East side of Castro street but not within  the boundaries of the Castro/Upper market Community  Benefit District (Castro CBD) will have an opportunity to participate in the process for the formation of a new proposed Mission Dolores Green Benefit District (MDGBD).  

Conan McHugh and Tom Shaub of the MDGBD formation committee briefed the EVNA Board of Directors about proposed GBD and the general concepts involved in making the GBD a reality.  The Board concurred with the GBD  Formation Committee on the process of engaging neighbors to evaluate the needs and benefits a GBD could bring to the neighborhood. The EVNA Board has taken no position on the property owner election to establish the GBD and is eager to provide a forum for our members to engage in meaningful discussion on the pros and cons of a GBD as proposed.

For more information about the proposed GBD, you can visit the MDGBD website at http://www.doloresgbd.org

EVNA Members are invited to join a meaningful discussion below.  You must be a member in good standing (i.e., dues up to date) to participate.  Being a subscriber to our newsletter is not membership.  If you live within the boundaries of the ENVA, please join us to join the conversation.

Elections, Meetings

November Public Meeting Was a Hit Despite the Rain

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The public meeting was held this past Wednesday evening at Harvey Milk Academy. The meeting also serves as the annual business meeting when eligible board members and officers are elected.

First on the agenda after introductions was Assemblyman David Chiu. Assemblyman Chiu thanked the EVNA members for our work, and he shared highlights of what’s new in the state legislature, including some of the intense fights with Washington over sanctuary policies, immigrants rights, and even the new federal tax deduction limitations . Other priorities for Mr. Chiu include housing, transit oriented development, and clearing the back log of unprocessed rape kits .  A Q&A session followed and included questions regarding conservatorship law changes, modifications to Costa-Hawkins, global warming, and state level programs to assist cities with the growing challenges dealing with the mentally ill and homeless.

David’s presentation was followed by District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. Supv. Mandelman talked about his work to date in City Hall.  About 1/3 of the issues brought to him involve citizens dealing with people living on our streets.

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman with his City Hall Update

Rafael let attendees know the palm trees were trimmed on Market Street, and additional news about street trees- his goal is to expand our city's green canopy. He has been working to help small businesses located in buildings that need seismic retrofitting, and possible zoning changes to make it easier for small businesses and restaurants to open in the Upper Market neighborhood commercial district. The Q&A that followed included questions about vacancy taxes, more about the perplexing challenges of empty retail space, and the proposed micro-hotel on 18th street.

Next up was Jody Schwartz, executive director of Lyric, Jodi shared Lyric’s mission, programs, and accomplishments.

EVNA secretary Leila Decker then announced the results of the annual election.  A quorum for the election was met per the EVNA bylaws.  All of those running for a board or officer position were elected. Congratulations to our new Vice President, Alex Lemberg, and treasurer Kevin Cureton and welcome aboard to new board members.  The newly elected board members and officers take over their duties on January 1, 2019 for two year terms.

EVNA President Mark McHale concluded the meeting by encouraging the members to use the 311 App, and ended with an open forum for attendees to bring up issues important to them.

The next general meeting is on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 at 7pm, also at the Harvey Milk Academy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elections, Meetings, President's Update, Quality of Life

9/26 Membership Meeting

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President's Update:

Our September general meeting focused on Quality of Life issues. Though we had some last minute changes to the presenters list, we managed to put on a very informative meeting.

Thanks to Vietnam Nguyen from the George Gascon's DA's office (who I hear is NOT going to be running for re-election!). Vietnam discussed attempts by his office to reach out to communities across the city to improve communications, crime reporting, and statistics.

The Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza crew provided us with an update on the project with new renderings and a video fly-through of the space allowing us to "see and feel" what was in mind for the site. Members got very excited when Ray Connolly spoke about their efforts to create a world-class memorial to Harvey Milk and give tribute to his impact on so many people across generations and continents. Mr. Connolly has joined in the fundraising efforts about to launch.

A special thanks to our very own Supervisor Rafael Mandelman for making time to join us. Rafael is making good progress with his own comprehensive study and taking steps to unravel the puzzle behind the increase in the extreme conditions we're experiencing on our streets in the Castro. Since his election in June, he's brought together the people involved, spearheaded key legislation, and working closely with police and service providers to get solutions in place (both temporary and long term). Be sure to follow him here on his FB feed..

We had a great turnout  with over 65 people in attendance. For the past several  meetings, more Eureka Valley residents are showing up and taking part. It's been really fun to see so many members and so many new faces in the seats. I did have some good feedback from a long-standing member who felt that the Q&A time (which I kept to 4 minutes after each speaker), was too short and he didn't get to ask his questions- As a result, I think it best to slim down the agenda (it's been pretty packed), allowing more time for attendees to interact, take questions and make comments. Appreciate the advice!

Please mark your calendars for the next Board of Directors meetings: October 9 and then November 13th, 2018 at 7:00pm in the community room at the Chance Bank on Sanchez/15th and Market Streets. You're welcome to attend, observe, and make comments.

Candidates wishing to stand for election to the Board must have their names submitted by October 31st. You must have a paid EVNA membership, live within the boundaries laid out in the newly adopted Bylaws (under the "About" tab), and be confirmed by the Board before elections at our General Meeting on 11/28. Email me with your questions. Open positions include: Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and up to 5 Board Members at Large.

Our next General Meeting meeting is Nov 28th, 2018 in the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy cafeteria from 7-8:30 (doors open at 6:40ish). We'll have EVNA elections at this meeting, and then focused our attention on our theme: "Good Neighbor."  We'll take a well deserved look at those among us who volunteer for service and give of themselves and their resources to make our neighborhood closer and more caring. There's a LONG list to consider!

See you around the neighborhood!

 

 

 

Meetings, Planning, Quality of Life

President’s Update

Mark D McHale
2018 February

Have you ever walked down your street, strolled through the Castro, or taken a hike over to Tank Hill and caught yourself falling in love again with where you live? Simple sights like a spray of spring cherry blossoms, the coffee clutch gathered in front of Spikes Coffee every morning, or the sun coming up near the Mission High School tower- how wonderful a surprise. A smile comes over my face, recalling how lucky I am to live here, in this wonderful neighborhood we call home.

That’s why I’m excited to serve as president of the EVNA; it’s all about bringing people together and making a stronger community. The board members and committee heads are spinning up their own plans to bring our mission to life. I am so proud to tell you that we know have 6 fully staffed committees: Quality of Life, Social, Newsletter, Training and Education, Membership and Planning), and we’re floating the idea of a new one: Transit- this committee will engage with other stakeholders to engage and educate us on topics ranging from bike lanes, pedestrian safety, infrastructure updates, and more. If you are interested in transit planning, raise your hand and volunteer!

Since our last public meeting, we have about a dozen new members who’ve joined. We’ve also had 5 volunteers join a committee. We’re growing fast!

The board is working on some exciting projects that I can’t wait to share with you. The big event this spring is the Mayoral Debate scheduled for March 19th at the Castro Theater. We’re working with the sponsors to provide EVNA volunteers to help with ushering and crowd control- no better way to experience the event first hand- what an event to see all those candidates in one place: Alioto, Breed, Bravo, Greenberg, Kim, Leno, Weiss, and Zhou.

We’re also leading the conversation on vacancies in the Castro. In the spotlight is Veritas, the company that bought the buildings at 2099 and 2103 Market Street. You may have noticed many of the businesses have closed or moved over the last year, and we’re in contact with Veritas to keep the sidewalks out front clean and safe and get viable businesses in those spaces quickly.

Staying on the subject of politics, at our next public meeting, Rafael Mendelman, candidate for District 8 Supervisor, will present his positions on issues that affect our neighborhood. He’s got some interesting ideas to address serious homelessness and chronic addiction on our streets, the high rate of vacancies, and on other important issues. Come see him at our next public meeting on March 28th, at 7pm at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy.

Behind the scenes, the board is working on our own infrastructures and systems. We’re reviewing our governance documents, migrating our records to G-Suite for archiving and document sharing, and working on getting the website pages updated with the new leadership photos and bios. Never a wasted moment for this gang. So fortunate to work with such passionate people.

See you at the next EVNA meeting;

Wednesday, March 28th
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (come early, stay late)
Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy Cafeteria
19th Street at Collingwood

Transportation

Upper Market Street Safety Project Open House – 28 February

As part of the San Francisco MTA's ongoing community dialogue and phased implementation approach, the SFMTA and San Francisco Public Works are hosting a community open house on February 28, 2018 from 5-8pm at Sanchez Elementary School to gather feedback on the tentative circulation proposal as well as public realm/landscaping opportunities. Food and refreshments will be provided.

For more information, please visit sfmta.com/uppermarket or contact Casey Hildreth at casey.hildreth@sfmta.com