Sunset Spotlight

Grant to Decrease Rain Runoff at Paved-Over Front Yards
The Surfrider Foundation was awarded a Community Challenge Grant to complete its Plant Don't Pave project in the Outer Sunset.

In addition to $18,500 provided by the City, the San Francisco Chapter is investing $5,000 of its own funds plus many hours of volunteer time to make the project happen.

Plant Don't Pave is a program that involves removing concrete from the front of homes to help reduce runoff into storm drains. With less concrete and a more permeable surface area, more water will be able to seep into the ground. The goal is to help reduce the occasional overflows that occur at the Oceanside Wastewater Treatment Plant, which has two outfall pipes at Vicente Street and Lincoln Way, and to recharge the local fresh water table.

In addition, native plants will be planted to help beautify the neighborhood and clean the air. The project area's focus is between Lincoln Way and Quintara Street, and 41st Avenue and the Great Highway, but others in the Outer Sunset can apply.

Plant Don't Pave provides a simple way for individuals to contribute to a greener neighborhood and cleaner water. It is an easy process: 1) Review sidewalk landscaping guidelines; 2) Decide what you can do in front of your house that follows the guidelines and select plants; 3) Complete a sidewalk landscaping permit; 4) Give your permit to the Surfrider Foundation, which will pay for the permit and manage the DPW review process, handle concrete cutting and removal, and provide some native plants; 5) Be available for a neighborhood planting day and celebration; 6) Maintain your space so it looks nice and adds to the neighborhood.

For more information, contact Sean Gibson by e-mail at seanmgibson@gmail.com or go to the Web site of the SF Chapter of Surfrider Foundation at www.sfsurfrider.org.

Sunset Locals Achieve Academic Recognition
Two former Sunset District residents were recently honored for their academic achievements.

Jessica R. Ohlssen, who is pursuing a psychology major at DePaul University in Chicago, was named to the Dean's List for the 2007 spring term. To receive Dean's List commendation, Ohlssen earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

Frances Delaney, a junior at Lewis & Clark College and graduate of Lick-Wilmerding High School, won a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship that will cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board for one year. Delaney, who is majoring in chemistry and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in organic chemistry after graduation, was selected from among 1,110 candidates from colleges and universities nationwide.

PG&E Begins Gas Pipeline Replacement
PG&E began its Gas Pipeline Replacement Program on June 4, which is part of a $600 million upgrade to the city's power/utility infrastructure.

The blocks affected by construction are 1300-1400 23rd Avenue, 1300-1400 22nd Avenue, 1300-1400 21st Avenue, 1200-1400 20th Avenue, the 1900 block of Irving and the 1400-1700 blocks of Judah.

"Because we know that gas pipeline replacement work can have an impact on neighborhoods, we wanted to let people know what they could expect. Customers in those areas were sent letters describing the work that would be done in April," said Melissa Mooney, spokesperson for PG&E.

"The Kirkham 3 Gas Pipeline Replacement is set to remove existing gas pipes and replace them with new piping that is more resistant to corrosion and earthquakes. This project is just one more way PG&E is working throughout San Francisco to make our system safer and more reliable," said Mooney.

For information or concerns about the Gas Pipeline Replacement Program, call PG&E at: 415-695-3277.

Sunset Teen Council Serves Needs of Teens
The Sunset Teen Advisory Council (STAC) was established in 2003 with the intention of getting teens involved in the library by participating in the selection process of materials and programs suited and of interest to them.

The council has been instrumental in maintaining the relevancy of teen programs and the teen collection by assisting the SF Public Library with collection development and consulting with the library about programming that might assist and enrich the academic and social experience of all teens. More than that, the council also suggests ways in which the public library might provide a more entertaining and appealing experience for all of its younger users.

"The Sunset Teen Advisory Council has been a creative outlet for my peers and me. We gather around for pizza once a month, discuss what we want to see in the library, and try to make the teen center a place where all teens have a place to reserve the latest released CDs," said Carolyn, a STAC member.

Over the past four years, the Sunset Teen Advisory Council has assisted in organizing such programs as manga drawing and jewelry making workshops, film screenings, scavenger hunts, chocolate dipping parties, outreach of library services to neighborhood organizations, businesses and schools, as well as volunteering time at special library openings, celebrations and other events.

Council members meet once a month over pizza to discuss successes and failures of programs. The experience has been one of learning for all participants; learning about follow-through, commitment, team building and marketing, as well as social and political issues involving city-wide policy, funding and youth representation. Participants learn leadership and project management skills.

For more information about the Teen Advisory Council, visit the Web site at http://sfpl.org/sfplonline/teen/teens.

Mt. Sutro Tour Honors Vols.
Members of the community are invited to take part in the first ever Mt. Sutro Stewards volunteer appreciation celebration, featuring a hike to Twin Peaks with Josiah Clark, founder of Habitat Potential.

Hiking the "Historic Trail" to the Summit Garden, and then down the newly realigned "East Ridge Trail" will enable participants to see what the volunteer effort has accomplished at the Mt. Sutro Open Space Reserve over the past 10 months. Along the way, there will be special notes about local native species and the past and present habitat of the San Miguel Mountain Range.

Participants are required to RSVP in advance by calling (415) 665-1077 or by e-mailing mediacraig@mindspring.com with your name and list of people in the group. Come prepared by bringing water, wearing long pants, long sleeves and shoes with good tread. Meet at the Woods Building parking lot, located at 100 Medical Center Way (halfway up the hill from Parnassus Avenue). Lunch will be provided by UCSF after the hike.