Richmond Roundup

Park Service to keep museum
The Musee Mecanique, the home for old-time arcade games located at the Cliff House, will get a new home at a planned visitor's center to be located on Merrie Way, just east of the Cliff House. A temporary home is being sought to accommodate the collection until construction is completed.

The National Park Service oversees the Cliff House and surrounding property, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Because the Cliff House is undergoing an historic renovation, the park service initially told the owner of the Musee Mecanique, Ed Zelinsky, that it would no longer be able to operate the arcade. That decision, however, was rescinded due to the massive outpouring of public support for the arcade of historic mechanical amusements.

Youth vision problems linked to computer use
Children who view computer screens for long periods of time are more likely to have blurred vision, tired and dry eyes, premature nearsightedness, headaches and difficulty concentrating, according to a recent study conducted by the University of California at Berkeley School of Optometry.

The symptoms are now part of the Computer Vision Syndrome. Additional problems include children drifting into trance-like states where they appear disoriented and neck and wrist tension caused by bad work stations.

According to Larry Jebrock, a corporate vision consultant and behavioral optometrist, children should practice preventive eye care when using a computer.

Some measures include using computer-specific eyeglasses to lessen strain, positioning the monitor 20 degrees below eye level, putting eye drops in dry eyes, taking frequent breaks and doing eye exercises.

Little League begins season
The San Francisco little league team the Angels rode in a parade April 6 celebrating the start of the Little League baseball season in San Francisco. The parade started in the Presidio, went down Arguello Boulevard and proceeded through the Pacific Heights and the Marina District before ending up at the Fort Funston field at the Presidio.

This is the first year the SF Little League has grown to stand on its own. A shortage of Little League fields stumped the development of the league in the City but the use of two fields, one at Treasure Island and one at the Presidio, have created an opportunity for the league to grow. Previously, teams played in the Marin County Little League.

On Lok Celebrates 30th Anniversary
On Lok's 30th Anniversary Gala celebrates a "Generation of Caring" and honors family caregivers and founding supporters of the organization. Speakers, including former San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos, are expected to share how On Lok has significantly impacted the lives of both its members and their families. The event, with KRON 4 anchor Emerald Yeh as the mistress of ceremonies, remembers On Lok's history and envisions its future.

On Lok is a not-for-profit health and community based care program that serves older adults who want to remain living in their own homes despite chronic illnesses. UC Berkeley named On Lok the 2002 "organization of the year" in its Public Health Heroes Program for its contribution to promoting the health of older adults.

Local high school students awarded scholarships
Through the San Francisco prep Hall of Fame, two academically and athletically talented San Francisco students were awarded with Elwood "China" Lang Memorial Scholarships of $1,500 each to be used towards their college educations.

The recipients are Frances Mabasa of George Washington High School and Michael Abou Jaoude of St. Ignatius College Preparatory.

Both students are outstanding members of their athletic teams, maintain excellent academic records, contribute to their schools and communities and plan to further their educations.

Frances Mabasa has received honors as a volleyball and softball player while participating in the school choir and maintaining a high grade point average. She is an intended marine biology major, and enjoys working on environment and marine science programs.

Michael Jaoude has been the captain of both the lacrosse and football teams. He balances his academic work with participation in the SI Block Club, California Scholarship Federation and a spiritual leadership group. He plans to pursue college studies in business and law.

New comedy troupe debuts
Richmond District resident John Cantu, a comedy producer at the old Holy City Zoo on Clement Street, is debuting a new improv troupe called "Too Many Larrys!"

Cantu worked at the Holy City Zoo in the '70s and '80s, working with various comedians, including Robin Williams, Dana Carvey and Will Durst.

"Too Many Larrys!" debuts at the SF Comedy Showcase at the Eureka Theater, located at 215 Jackson St., on Sunday, May 5. The SF Comedy College starts the show at 7 p.m. and "Too Many Larrys!" hits the stage at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10. For more information, call 820-3237.