Supervisor Carmen Chu: City Hall

Library Re-opens, No Pot

Parkside Branch Library Re-opens
Dozens of community members joined the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) for the grand re-opening of the Parkside Branch Library on Nov. 6.

The branch underwent renovations to bring it up to date in terms of seismic safety, energy conservation, accessibility to all users, and library service. It is the first public library renovated to meet silver standards in Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED).

The improved library includes an additional 1,000 square feet of floor space, new accessible restrooms and entry ramps, large new teen area, updated children's section, a refreshed books and materials collection, and a beautifully landscaped outdoor patio. We are excited to welcome Parkside Library back into operation.

The Parkside Branch Library is open Mondays, from 1 - 6 p.m.; Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Wednesdays, from 1 - 9 p.m.; Thursdays, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Fridays, from 1 - 6 p.m.; and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.

Congratulations to the Taraval Parkside Merchants
Each year, the Neighborhood Empowerment Network (NEN) honors neighborhood organizations and individuals for their outstanding contributions in the community. The network is a collaboration of community and non-profit organizations, city agencies and academic institutions, which work to empower neighborhoods to become cleaner, greener and a better place to live.

On Nov. 17, the Taraval Parkside Merchants Association (TPMA) received a NEN award for "Best Merchant Association" of the year.

The TPMA has been working for years to improve the Taraval corridor with regular clean-up activities, events such as "Tastes of Taraval" to support local businesses, and, with the Taraval Police Station, to keep our neighborhood safe.

The organization also recently hosted the fourth annual Taraval Street Fair on Oct. 30, where hundreds of families came out to enjoy music and food from local merchants. If you are interested in joining the TPMA or need more information, please contact our office at (415) 554-7460 or chustaff@sfgov.org.

Update on Proposed Medical Cannabis Dispensary
After the SF Planning Commission approved a permit for a medical cannabis dispensary (MCD) proposed for 2139 Taraval St. in May, several community organizations filed appeals with the city's Board of Permit Appeals in opposition to the cannabis dispensary's opening.

The appeal hearing took place on Nov. 17 at City Hall, where the Board of Permit Appeals voted 4 - 0 to overturn the MCD's permit. The unanimous vote came after two hours of testimony from Sunset District residents, representatives of the SF Unified School District, Edgewood Center for Children and Families, Taraval Parkside Merchants Association, neighborhood associations, tutoring centers, churches and other nearby facilities. Based on the decision by the Board of Permit Appeals, the MCD is not allowed to operate at this time, but there is an opportunity for the project sponsor to request a re-hearing. Please contact our office at (415) 554-7460 for more information.

Upcoming changes for school transportation services
Beginning with the 2011-12 school year, the SF Unified School District (SFUSD) will be implementing changes to its transportation services. Routes for yellow bus services for general education students attending elementary and middle schools will change and services will be reduced.

If you would like more information about SFUSD transportation services, members of the public can attend the Board of Education meeting on Dec.14, at 6 p.m., at 555 Franklin St. (board room), to provide feedback. You can also visit the website at www.sfusd.edu/enroll (enrollment resources tab).

81st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
The public is invited to join the SF Recreation and Park Department for an evening of holiday cheer at the 81st annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m., at McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park. The ceremony will feature live entertainment, activities for kids, refreshments and train rides.

We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

San Francisco Supervisor Carmen Chu represents District 4 and can be reached at (415) 554-7460.