Assuming a bit of rain won't slow you down, we've got a healthy list of events on tap this weekend. But first, fuel for small talk:
On Wednesday, more than 100 San Franciscans armed with picket signs protested the construction of a new, $240 million SoMa jail. The passionate discontent, including a few activists who chained themselves to each other and had to be cut apart. But in the end, the committee voted unanimously to move the project forward to the full Board of Supervisors in two weeks' time.
With his reelection in the books, Mayor Ed Lee announced a new government agency dedicated to homelessness. He committed moving 8,000 individuals into homes over the next four years; the city's homeless population has held steady in the 6,500 range for the past decade, despite more than 19,000 people being housed.
Have you noticed more syringes littering the streets lately in your part of town? Pointing to new stats, the Chronicle reports that dumping of used needles on the streets has been on the rise in recent years.
Are you a photographer looking for work? Central City Extra—the neighborhood's long-standing newspaper by the Study Center—is looking for a new freelancer. Email executive director Geoff Link at geoff at studycenter dot org.
On a much lighter note, a few good reasons to mark your calendars:
For those eager to see and share feedback on the latest redesign proposal for Gene Friend Recreation Center, the next community meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 15th at the center (270 6th St.)
The Planning Department is hosting a community open house from 6-9pm Dec. 9th, to share and solicit preliminary strategies for allocating the $900 million in public benefit funds that will be generated by the Central SoMa Plan.
To help you give local—and raise some extra funds—arts nonprofit Root Division's fifth annual Misfit Toy Factory returns Dec. 12th. The highlight: live gift-making by a diverse roster of local artists.
Tickets are still available for Mortified's 10th anniversary shows tonight at DNA Lounge. If you were still hopped up on tryptophan last Saturday, you may have missed our behind-the-scenes look at how these live shows have helped hundreds reclaim their teenage shame.
Now, on to the events. Stay dry out there!
