Povertybarn

Boycott Beijing

Please join me in boycotting the Beijing Olympics. I also plan on protesting China's treatment of Darfur when the Olympic torch comes to San Francisco on April 9. Please join in, if you can.

Ya Think?

There might be steroid and other illegal substances being used in the SF Giants locker room. Really? I, for one, am shocked.

Barroid Proves His Nickname

As the five of you who read this blog know, I do not like Barry Bonds although I am a life long Giants fan. Why is he lying and ruining his career and legacy? What he is teaching his children?

Classic.

Memoirs of A Crazy Geisha

Stormy Weather

In Northern California, we have been pounded by a storm. We had bridges and freeways closed for some periods of time. I was without power yesterday from 7:55 am until after 9 pm last night. Sure it was inconvenient and I lost some pricey groceries, but I got my power back unlike some people.

 
A Volvo parked on Dolores St. was damaged by a large tree. This happened about half a mile from my house.

Why is This News?

Apparently, our Mayor has become engaged. Why is this news? One article claims that he is the most eligible bachelor in our fair City of San Francisco. According to whom? If he is the best one we have, there better be a mass exodus of single women from town.

Some of his highlights:

• Gavin is 40
• Divorced
• Been to rehab for an alcohol problem
• Known for his temper
• Career in the toilet
• Had an affair with a married staffer

Got Flaxseed Oil?

Barry Bonds aka Barroid has been indicted today by a Federal Grand Jury on perjury and obstruction of justice charges.

He says he didn't.
Most people say that he did.

This isn't the point now. It is the issue of his lying that is in question with this decision.

The grand jury has had almost a year to bring about an indictment. Today, they handed down the decision. Is there new evidence? Nobody is saying.

Greg Anderson, Bonds' Trainer, was subsequently released from prison today. He has not, nor will he cooperate.

What do you think? Can he get a job, now? I am no fan of Barroid.

So Long San Francisco Treat

Vincent DeDomenico who is credited with inventing Rice-A-Roni has passed away. He was 92 and died in his sleep. After he sold, the Golden Grain Macaroni Company in the 1980s, he went on to start the controversial Napa Valley Wine Train.

Mayor McCheeseball Can't Get Endorsements

I may have mentioned once or twice that I do not care for San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. He has accomplished nothing except for dating and attending fake rehab. The Boy Blunder seems to get a free pass from most of the City and I don't get it.

He is running for re-election almost unopposed. This would make one think that he is racking up the endorsements, but this is not the case. Interesting, eh? This speaks volumes to at least me.

Oh, we a scandalized member of the Board of Supes who was suspended today by the Mayor. This makes sense, but Gav being Gav, appointed one of his people. Nepotism reigns supreme. Nice work.

1 Barry Down, 1 Barry To Go!

Oh! Happy Day! Barry Bonds will NOT be back in San Francisco next season. The other one is Barry Zito who is costing us about 2 million dollars per loss.
 

Happy National Park(ing) Day!

Today is a day to call attention to the need for more parks and open space.  The Trust for Public Land has the 411 including How-to information.

San Francisco has a few and I will try to check 'em out and report back.

Social Experiment

  Sunglasses Left Behind 
  Originally uploaded by Guinnessgrrl

These sunglasses have been hanging from this gate in my neighborhood in San Francisco since last Friday night. The gate is near two major bus stops, so I am assuming that a person waiting for a bus dropped them. How long will they be there before anyone claims them? Or just flat out takes them? This is an interesting social experiment and I will keep you posted.

UPDATE: The glasses lasted about a week, but I don't who took them.

Oh Damn

Apparently, yesterday was Barroid Bonds day in San Francisco. There was a celebration. I forgot to go, er blew it off. Wait -- I missed free food. Damn it!

Oh Happy Day!

I am extremely happy to report that the shitty-ass coffee place, Tully's has closed in my neighborhood! good riddance to your brown water coffee that is more like tea and tastes like ass.

While I should patronize this local chain, Martha & Brothers, I just can't bring myself to do so. Why? There are always some odd people who are always out front. So, what would make my day? PEET'S

SF Mayor Equals Asshat

"It's like 'Mission Impossible,' " said Mayor Gavin Newsom, demonstrating the program by getting his own iris scanned at an airport kiosk Wednesday. "Eat your heart out, everybody else waiting in line."

For the source and context, click here.

Once again he proves that he is an immature, elitist tool.

Newsom Goes Guiliani This AM

Gavin Newsom had his homeless SWAT team sweep into Golden Gate Park and a few other parks in Gav-friendly neighborhoods at 4:30 am this morning to drag take an inventory of the homeless, give them some chow and then shuffle them to shelters or what have you. Four of them were suckered given bus/train tickets out of town to their home towns. WTG, Mayor McCheeseball now they are the problem of the cities where you sent them. Brilliant!

This is most likely the first of several sweeps because this has become a hot topic around town. Don't get me wrong the park is a mess and needs some cleaning up, but this doesn't seem to be the solution. As these random bouts of helping people will end when the budget runs out which should be around the time of the election. It will only be a matter of time before most of them return to the park after their temporary shelter situations end.

Press stunt or actual help, you make the call!
SFist has a post as well.

RIP Bill Walsh

I just can't believe this sad news. Our Genius of San Francisco is gone. Thanks for the decade of victories in the 1980's. Thanks for giving us Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, Dwight Clark, and Eric Wright just to name a few.

I will always remember The Catch and you.

Okay, this is to upsetting to write more, so please see SFGate.

In 'Da Hood

If you have read this blog before, you know that I dwell in the City of San Francisco. Specifically, I live in a nice, non-touristy neighborhood called Noe Valley, errr, at times I affectionately refer to it as Nowhere Valley.

Our Board of Supes approved allowing three new restaurants to be opened in the nabe. Excellent, we could use some new blood! Sadly, none have opened to date. This could because of the oh-so-unique approach to zoning and permit approvals in my beloved city or people have run out of money/time.

It would seem that the author of In Praise of Sardines is one such of the people. His restaurant would be across the street for me and sounded delicious. I like to peek into the papered windows to see the progress, but nothing has happened in quite some time. Anyone have any insights?

Newsom Bans the Bottle

Our Mayor has decided and declared that no City employees shall have bottled water or consultants. He says it is for the environment, water supply and a cost savings. Seriously, we do have some damn good tap water in San Francisco. I think that he is following the sustainable water movement that began here in the Bay Area.

Or is he trying to deflect the cocaine rumors being flung about?

Rude or Aggressive

After I read Matt's post over at After School Snack, I had to click on over to the list of rude drivers. Imagine my surprise to learn that I have lived in three of the top ten cities.

Boston (It was the year 2000 and I didn't have a car.)
Sacramento
San Francisco

Well, a little in defense of San Francisco drivers. Depending upon where you may be in town, a lot of drivers are people from the burbs coming to shop or whatever. I see a lot of women in SUVs while on their cellphones. This is a bad combo. This leaves, we the residents, frustrated and makes us drive aggressively. Plus, we have the tourists who are slowing to look, utterly confused ones and some who are just lame.

Source: AP via Yahoo!

Muni: To Provide Comic Relief

If you live in SF and want a few chuckles, be sure to go to one of these "neighborhood meetings" on how Muni can improve.

The Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) will be holding for their Transit Effectiveness Project...an effort to improve Muni.  Anyone may attend.

The open house closest to our neighborhood will be :
Monday, Dec. 11
4:30-7:30 pm
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
99 Grove St.

There will also be one held in the Richmond District:
Saturday, Dec. 9
9:00 am - Noon
Self Help for the Elderly
5757 Geary (@22nd Ave.)

Hint: It will never improve because the boy mayor doesn't give a shit about people who need public transportation.

Kermit Said It

It isn't easy being green!

I have sold my car and am no longer one of the millions of Americans polluting. I am also purchasing several of the items highlighted here.

Luckily, here in San francisco, we have access to many a car-sharing services. Does anyone out there have any suggestions/feedback?

Civic-Minded Centennial

So this past week, I got up at 3:30 am to attend the Centennial of San Francisco's 1906 Earthquake. Was it worth it? Yes and no.

I got to see the Mayor Talk and Talk. Hearing the survivors was interesting. Some of them were quite lucid and had some fascinating recollections. The crowd favorite had to be Norma Norwood who was conceived in a tent in Golden Gate park where most of the City's population moved after the City was destroyed in a fire. She proceeded to hit on Mayor Newsom.

The old horse-drawn fire trucks were a great sight to see, hearing the fire bells sound  at 5:12 am at the time the quake hit did get even the crusty San Francisco crowd a little misty. I haven't seen Lotta's Fountain looking that good in quite some time. It was the main meeting site for hours and days after the fire.

I Heart San Francisco

Why else would I get up at 3:30 a.m. today? It is the 100th Anniversary of 1906 Earthquake and I am up to drag myself down to the celebration.

i will post about it after breakfast and coffee!

LOL

I have been reading this blog on the downlow and it is too funny.

Dear Dippity Doo

It is letters addressed to our Mayor Gavin Newsom. Will he ever respond? Hmm.

Michelin Sees Stars for SF

Get excited! Get your fork and knife at the ready, the Michelin Red Guide is coming to San Francisco and the wine country. Excellent!  I can't wait to find out who will get stars! Although, we will have to wait until October to find out. Will Le Zinc or Garcon get stars? Gary Danko, Town Hall and Boulevard? What are your thoughts? This is great news for foodies, the foodie industry and tourism for San Francisco.

This is exciting to me as I live by my Michelin guides whenever and where ever I travel.

Who would you nominate from your neighborhood?

In My New Work Hood

As most of you know, I am a self-confessed coffee whore -- who doesn't adore a morning latte? Or a late afternoon double espresso or an iced latte? Luckily, one of my favorite liquid crack dealers has more than 70 locations within a five mile radius of the new office.

I am also near two of my favorite local food chain outlets as well. Soup is good food. Not to mention that I like a good Specialty (you can order online, too).

Not to fear -- I will explore other than safe food lunch spots next week --- just needed a period of adjustment.

Far From bacar

As Sain't Christopher noted the other day that it is time for Dine About Town. This is something that I look forward to all year.

So, this year, a group of us decided to try three of the great places on the list. The first of which was this past Friday night. I planned and organized a group of fun people.  We were all looking forward to our dinner at bacar.

Well, we didn't have our dinner. Here is the story:

Friday, 4 p.m.

Me: Hello I say into my mobile

Dumb hostess: Yea, this is whoever from bacar

Me: Oh, great. You're calling to confirm the reservation

DH: No, actually, I am calling to tell you that we are so booked tonight that we cannot honor the Dine About Town reservations.

Me: Seriously? We have a large party, while I realize that we are ordering from a pre-fixe menu that does not mean that we won't have a large bar tab (which we did)

DH: Well, we can't honor the reservation. click!

So, I quickly made a few calls and landed us a reservation at Zingari. The food was great and so was the service. Needless to say, I am still really irked by our treatment by bacar. I urge you all to boycott this place. Talk about unacceptable!

Update:

As of late yesterday, bacar has changed their website to say that they have times available for anything other than Friday nights. Whatever.

I Ordered a NON-FAT LATTE!!!!!

Okay, so I can admit that I go to Starbuck's every morning on my way to work. There is no local join near my office that makes decent lattes, so get over it.

I go to a Starbuck's at the corner of Van Ness and Bush. Well, it is good thing that I didn't go get an after lunch shot of espresso. Why, you ask?

Apparently, somebody who is pissed for one reason or another planted a pipe-bomb in the Starbuck's bathroom and then phoned in a bomb threat. Holy caffeine fix, Batman! What is amazing to me is that this person had to ask for a key to the restroom to plant the device. Talk about gutsy and serious anger.

Happily, I can report that nobody was hurt -- thank goodness! let's see what I learn from my favorite "drug" pushers tomorrow morning.

Meet SFPD's Finest

We are so proud! Our very own San Francisco Police Department likes to make videos. They are homophobic, anti-woman and discriminatory towards several ethnic groups. At least 20 officers have been suspended without pay. Mayor Gel Boy and Chief Heather Fong are outraged as is most of the City. You should read fellow San Franciscan Daily Pepper's Thoughts.

The officer who has filmed the videos believes that they boost morale. Seriously? Let's take a survey. Here is what he has to say about it:

"My mistake was deciding a lot of cops wanted to see funny video clips," he said. "I put a few clips on there and boom."

Cohen said he had carte blanche with police chiefs going back to Fred Lau to make videos for the department. "In fact, this is the fourth humorous one I've done and I've never had any flak," he said. "I've never been in trouble before in my life. This is not me."

It sounds more like Cohen is outraged that the Department is no longer a boys club.

The Joys of Public Transportation

Yes, this morning was another adventure in just merely trying to get to work on-time. Not only did Muni stop for about 10 minutes just prior to reaching my stop, then I had to wait for 15 minutes for a bus that takes me down Van Ness Avenue to work. Sadly, this is a fairly regular occurrence. It is especially true since they raised fares and cut service all in one swoop back in September.

So, to make matters worse, there was a man in a wheelchair who needed to board my bus. He was not the problem. Here goes:

WG: Excuse, me please, I need to board.

Old Lady: Huffs and ignores him, looks at me and rolls her eyes

Me: Can you please let this man on the bus, it will take him a moment or two to lock himself in place?

Guy Behind Me: He has wheels, lady. He can wheel himself to his destination

Me: You have feet, you could walk, right?

WG: Smiles and says thanks

Bus driver: Hey, let this man on. I need to get moving.

Whoa, since when is it okay to harass a handi-capped person who is just trying to get to work like the rest of you? Or harass them at all? What is wrong with people?

It's Snowing in San Francisco

Okay, not really. This picture is worth a 1000 words. This also explains  to how I spent my lunch hour today. It was sweet.

You should definitely check out the other pics that accompany the article. It was a spectacular site standing at the top of the hill on Fillmore Street as I did with one of my fave co-workers this afternoon.

Did I mention that it was just about 80 degrees at noon when this event started? Now, this is just another example of why it rocks to live in San Francisco.

I am certain that there will be highlights galore tonight. It was sponsored by Icer for Jonny Moseley.

SF Toiletries Drive Gains Momentum

Dear Kind Readers:

Thank you for your generosity to date! We still need more of the following:

• Soap
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Combs
• Brushes
• New, underwear in all sizes
• New, socks in all sizes
• Disposable razors
• Deodorant
• Antibacterial hand gel or towelettes
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes

Please bring them to:

The Marchese Company
1388 Sutter Street Suite 805
SF CA 94109

Questions? Please send an email here. Also, drop us a note if you want to help with money for postage or to help us buy more supplies. Travel-sized item are preferred when possible.

Friends who have fled New Orleans suggested this list. We are sending the items to Houston to be distributed, but we we are also looking for a place in Mississippi, too.

Check out the rock star efforts at BlondeSense and The Green Night is keeping a list of efforts.

Muni Fare Hike Equals Fare Strike

San Francisco Muni is planning to raise fares starting on September 1. While the monthly pass fee does not increase, the one time use fees do increase. This is unfair to the poor, elderly and disbled who rely on public transportation the most.

So, there is a group who si trying to organize a fare strike on September 1. They are asking people not to pay the fare on that day to show their civil disobedience.

The best part about our public transportation system is that it already sucks. Plus, they plan to cut service along with this fare hike.

An Addict Needs Her Fix

This combines two things, er, three that I love. My City (San Francisco), coffee and walking the streets around town. I can't wait to try out this tour and report back to you. The smell, sights and history that make this town are fabulous! Take a Javawalk!

Kids are Fleeing the City

The child population in San Francisco is dwindling. It is not because people here do not love children, but mostly the cost of housing is out of control.

Another reason San Francisco's children are disappearing: Family housing in the city is especially scarce and expensive. A two-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot starter home is considered a bargain at $760,000.

A recent survey by the city controller found 40 percent of parents said they were considering pulling up stakes within the next year.

Determined to change things, Mayor Gavin Newsom has put the kid crisis near the top of his agenda, appointing a 27-member policy council to develop plans for keeping families in the city.

"It goes to the heart and soul of what I think a city is about — it's about generations, it's about renewal and it's about aspirations," said Newsom, 37. "To me, that's what children represent and that's what families represent and we just can't sit back idly and let it go away."

Newsom has expanded health insurance for the poor to cover more people under 25, and created a tax credit for working families. And voters have approved measures to patch up San Francisco's public schools, which have seen enrollment drop from about 62,000 to 59,000 since 2000. This is from AP.

So, we are not opposed to children. City life is just not for those who want to drive every place and lug tons of crap for their kids. In fact, more children should be exposed to the City and what it has to offer.

The Streets do Have a Name

Since it is currently raining, my dog and I have decided to search for random things on the Internet. So far this is one of our favorites, Street Names of San Francisco. Sadly, our street is not listed.

Supervisor Daly Joins the Blogging World

Outspoken Supervisor Chris Daly has taken upon himself to have a blog. He asked the City's legal minds for guidelines, but apparently there are none thus far. Rumor has it that he has been advised not to talk elections or things of that nature since San Francisco is footing the bill as reported by SFGate.

You can check out Supervisor Daly's blog at Chris Daly. Hopefully, he will work on his presentation and overall blog. Only time will tell what happens.

St. Patrick's Day is Around the Corner

Well now, it may not be around the corner literally, but the San Francisco parade might be. it is usually a good time. When you look at the link above you, will find all sorts of activites that surround St. Patrick's Day in San Francisco. The best way to get to the parade? Muni, of course.

If you don't live in San Francisco, take a look at St.Patrick'sDayParade.com and you can find your city or at least one close by.

Mayor Gel Boy and Potty Mouth Call it Quits

It is finally offical. Mayor Newsom and his wife filed for a divorce today. I could tell you that I am shocked, but that would be a lie.

Is it because he is difficult? She works and lives in new yorK? We will never know the real reason, but perhaps Mayor Gel Boy can go back to keeping his campaign processes? Let's hope that this is the best decision for both of them. The story is from SFGate.

SF Proposes Gun Ban

San Francisco Board of Supervisors hope to pass gun ban next year. the news was announced today. There are many positives and I am willing to bet that the gun nuts will come out in force. How many of them are there in SF? How liberal is SF?

We shall find out! You can read the story from AP.

It was a Grand Parade

Yesterday, as I made way to City Hall to watch the San Francisco St. Patrick's Day parade, I realized that I was one of thousands. Due to the beautiful weather, there was a crowd of over 100 thousand lining Market Street to watch the parade.

Once off of Muni, I made the short trek to City Hall. I was just about half a block away when you could smell the sunscreen. It was a sure sign that the Irish population would be out in full force. We may be the largest purchaser of sunscreen with our fair skin, okay, pastey white.

As the over three hundred plus participants streamed by, it struck me as impressive that not only was the school after school of Irish dancers, but also a Chinese school, two groups of Japanese dancers and an all African American school marching band. It was a diverse and interesting parade. It made so many of the onlookers realize that we have been a contributor to the great melting pot that is San Francisco. Don't get me wrong, it made me happy to see the group who protest the English occupation of Northern Ireland, the hundred plus little girls dancing and the bagpipe bands. It just gave me a renewed sense of Irish and San Francisco pride.

Gay Marriage Makes Fi$cal Cent$

First, let's just say that this is matter that should NOT be legislated. The idea of an Amendment to ban gay marriage is discrimantory. Here we go with another fight for civil rights.

If we stop to think of another, smaller argument to appeal to the conservatives, stop to think about the fiscal benefits to cities. Here in California, we are hurting for money in just about ever city. let's do some number crunching, just for fun!

A marriage license in the City of San Francisco costs $82.00. A ceremony costs $62.00

There have been over 3,000 marriages performed.

3000 x 144.00 = $432,000.00

And counting. Cha Ching!

Yes, this a petty argument in favor of gay marriages. But it it appeals to the homophobes in any way, then we should take it.

Obviously, people are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. it is embarassing that we have such a narrow minded leader.

Is there anyone who has a logical, rational reason for this segeragation?

Build a Fort, um visit one

So it is Sunday and you're bored. Why not take a walk? Why not see some art, change your perspective. After all there is an element of art in everything. Afterall, beauty is in the eye of the beholder -- and so is the definition.

One good way to challenge your thoughts on art is to take a trip down to Fort Mason. There are numerous loft spaces that hold all types of art. Textiles, photograpy, painting, jewlery and children's art.

While not everyone can see the value of a textile or an art installation, why not gain a new appreciation of art? It might be a good change from the same old same old.

Gavin is a man of action

The new mayor is a man of action. There will be no Gray Davis comparisons here. His newest plan was outlined in the SF Chronicle's online SF GATE.