We have two big things happening on Wednesday this week: the Haight-Ashbury Improvement Association will have their monthly meeting at 6:30 PM at Urban School, and the candidates running for Assembly and Judge in District 5 will be at Martin Macks for a meet and greet, also at 6:30pm.
HAIA's meeting will feature London Breed, who will be talking about this year's 4/20 event. As you may recall, her office came out with a crowd-management plan that involved more port-a-potties, parking restrictions, more law enforcement, and a general attitude of "go forth, but be safe." Then, after our article ran, and less than 48 hours before 4/20, her office decided to also close Haight Street to allow law enforcement a channel to get back and forth across the neighborhood.
She'll be at the HAIA meeting to talk about what worked and what didn't work, as well as what may be done in future years to manage the chaos. And in case you forgot what 4/20 was like, perhaps yesterday's Bay to Breakers bacchanal will help you remember.
Also on the agenda: an update on the Public Realm Plan. In a post on NextDoor, Ted Loewenberg (the President of HAIA) asks "Is this the right time to alter the landscape of Haight St.?" Loewenberg has been an outspoken critic of the Public Realm Plan, and wants further studies before action is taken. Lastly, there'll be a presentation about The Village, which is a professional service that helps seniors and disabled people conduct their daily affairs.
The meeting is open, but if you want to join HAIA, it's $25 per year and you can join that night. Come on by and share your feedback.
As for the meet and greet at Martin Macks, look out for Fiona Ma, David Campos, David Chiu and other candidates, who will be glad-handing with locals as well as discussing the pros and cons of various ballot measures. The event was organized by the District 5 Democratic Club.
Choose wisely!
