Planning Association for the Richmond, SF

Ken Burns' Next Film, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" Preview on Earth Day, April 22

PARKS FOR ALL Conference

Earth Day, April 22, 2009

Please join filmmaker Ken Burns and writer/co-producer Dayton Duncan, along with leading park advocates, community leaders and officials, for a discussion about community engagement and our national parks. You must have a reservation for this event.

America's national parks were created to be shared by all of us. But are they?

"The National Parks: America's Best Idea," Burns' next film, will air on PBS in September 2009. Highlights from the film will be shown at the event and the "Untold Stories" project, a national campaign to improve our understanding of how parks relate to all Americans, will be unveiled.

8:30 AM Light Breakfast

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Press Conference and Panel Discussion

Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center

Laguna at Bay Streets, San Francisco

RSVP to rtse@parksconservancy.org or call (415) 561-3039.

Hosted by the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and KQED and made possible with support from WETA and the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund.

For more information, contact

Christine Powell

Public Affairs Specialist

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

National Park Service

(o)(415) 561-4732

(f) (415) 561-4353

(c) (415) 559-8596

Geary BRT Meeting this Thursday, April 2

What:    Meeting #5 of Geary BRT Citizens Advisory Committee for the environmental analysis

When:    Thursday, April 2 at 6pm.

Where: The meeting will be held at the Authority offices located at 100 Van Ness Avenue, 26th Floor.

The meeting agenda and materials can be downloaded at http://www.GearyBRT.org

At its February 2009 meeting, the GCAC unanimously approved the alternatives screening framework, which will be used to narrow the full set of alternatives proposed during the scoping period to a limited set of alternatives to be analyzed in the EIR/EIS. In order to assess each alternative's performance in addressing the purpose of and need for the project, the framework applies several screening criteria—including consideration of bicycle access, per the GCAC's February action. Authority staff will present the draft results of the screening assessment at the April 2 meeting.

In addition, the meeting will address complex intersections on Geary Blvd. The Authority seeks to determine the most feasible designs for BRT at the complex intersections—Fillmore and Masonic—and plans to seek public input regarding the conceptual designs. The first opportunity will be at an April 25 community workshop in Japantown, which will be hosted by the Planning Department's Better Neighborhood Planning team.

Public Health Services Hospital Community Meeting on May 11

A community update meeting for the Public Health Service Hospital District (PHSH) projects will be held on Monday, May 11, at 6:30 pm, in the Cypress Room at the Golden Gate Club, 135 Fisher Loop.  More information is available on the Presidio PHSH website.

Proposed Increase in SF Water and Wastewater Rates

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) propose to increase water and wastewater rates for all SF residential customers. The SFPUC proposed up to 5 years of water and wastewater service rate increases, beginning July 1, 2009 and continuing through 2013.

You have the right to comment on proposed rate hikes. Rate hikes will not increase if protests are received by a majority of property owners and customers. You must submit comments in writing. Comments must be received by the end of day, Tuesday, May 5.

Mail comments/protests to

SFPUC Commission Secretary

1155 Market Street, 11^th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94103

RE: 2009-2013 Rates Proposal

A public hearing will be held at the SF Public Utilities commission meeting:

Date:    Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Time:    10am

Place:    San Francisco City Hall, Room 416

Wildflower Hike at Lands End April 19th

Destination: Lands End

Wildflower Wandering

Sunday, April 19th, 1-3pm

It's spring and the wildflowers are beckoning! Join Alex Hooker, Lands End Stewardship Coordinator, for a walk along the Coastal Trail to see native plants in bloom. Learn about the plants' roles in the coastal dune ecosystem, as well as their historic use by indigenous peoples. This will be a gentle stroll for all ages and abilities. Wear layered clothing and be prepared for possibly windy conditions.

Reservations are requested by calling (415) 385-3065 or emailing cchristman@parksconservancy.org by Friday, April 17th