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With the holidays just around the corner, it's been quite the busy week. Here's what you may have missed before we jump into the fun to be had this weekend.
First and foremost, there was some big development news: the massive 5M Project—one of the most contentious projects in the neighborhood's pipeline—received approval from the Board of Supervisors this week. After hours of testimony from neighborhood residents and workers who feared displacement of the existing community, the board voted 8-3 in favor of the four-acre development.
The Board of Supervisors also cleared the way for a luxury condo and mixed-use development to rise at 75 Howard, voting unanimously to reject an appeal of the project's environmental review. But opponents say their fight to keep the project from being built may not be over.
Back on the ground, the Controller's office recommended six key new locations for staffed public restrooms through the city's Pit Stop program—and five of them are in SoMa. Although no decisions have been made on where to bring the program next, it's widely supported by residents citywide, and will likely receive the funds to staff additional restrooms next year.
In crime and safety news, a car burst into flames Monday evening at the corner of Sixth and Howard. The driver escaped without harm, and the fire department quickly extinguished the flames.
A couple of blocks away at Seventh and Folsom, the Chronicle stopped by Deli Board to discuss not sandwiches, but ongoing safety concerns in the neighborhood. Owner Adam Mesnick said he and his employees have faced threats; he also spoke out about deteriorating conditions at Victoria Manalo Draves Park.
During Southern Station's monthly police-community meeting last night, it was noted that the annual Safe Shopper program kicks off Friday, Nov. 20th. Expect to see an increase in police officers in the vicinity of the Westfield Mall, with the goal of deterring robberies targeting holiday shoppers.
In food news, private-events venue The Village (969 Market St.) previewed its new streetside cafe this week. You can catch it next Monday-Wednesday from 8am-2pm, with permanent hours coming after Thanksgiving.
El Capitan (1123 Folsom St.), which recently launched a full bar and cocktail program, has added another option to its lineup: lunch. The Latin/Caribbean fare will be served 11am-4pm Monday through Friday.
Finally, don't forget that tonight is Yerba Buena Third Thursday, with many of the museums and galleries around the neighborhood opening their doors at free or discounted rates. You'll also find artist talks at the Museum of the African Diaspora and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, a brand new exhibition at the Contemporary Jewish Museum and more.
Thursday, November 19th
