Richmond Roundup

New traffic signals start operation
On Jan. 21, new traffic signals went into operation at the corners of Fourth Avenue and California Street and 34th Avenue and Geary Boulevard.

"We have worked with SF Department of Parking and Traffic (DPT) and the Pedestrian Safety Advisory Commission to create a safer environment in the Richmond," said SF Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, who was present to help flip the switch to activate the signals.  "The DPT has added several seconds on crosswalk signals to assist disabled and senior pedestrians and painted yellow warning lines to clearly distinguish crosswalks."

McGoldrick was also on-hand when another new traffic signal, this one located at Clement Street and Seventh Avenue, was activated a week later.

Russian Festival Celebrated in February
The 17th annual Russian Festival will be held at the Russian Center of San Francisco, 2460 Sutter St., on Friday, Feb. 11, from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 13, from 11 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

The celebration of Russian culture and community will feature food, dance, music, art and a raffle. Food will include homemade Russian delicacies made from traditional recipes as well as desserts, teas and a vodka tasting bar. Entertainment for the festival will be provided by Russia, a folk song and dance ensemble from Moscow, and a multitude of other singing and dancing talent. An art gallery featuring the works of Russian artists will also be on display. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and children aged 12 and younger are free. For more information or to volunteer at the event, call 921-7631 or visit the website at www.russiancentersf.com.

Conservatory Alum to Perform
Award-winning Brazilian classical guitarist Alieksey Vianna, who studied at the SF Conservatory of Music, will be in the City in February to promote the release of his new CD.

Vianna's repertoire includes classical, jazz and music from his native Brazil. His new CD features the guitar work of Latin Grammy winner Sergio Assad.

Vianna will perform at the Old First Presbyterian Church, located at 1751 Sacramento St., on Feb. 26. For more information, call (415) 474-1608.

Group Seeks Travelers' Assistance
Working Essentials, a program that provides basic job-readiness items to homeless individuals to help them obtain and retain employment, asks the community to participate in their collection and distribution efforts. These items, such as toiletries, laundry soap, combs, alarm clocks, appointment books, and more, cannot be purchased with food stamps or on extremely low incomes. Ways the community can help include organizing a collection drive, or collecting hotel soaps and shampoos when traveling and then donating them to Working Essentials. For more information, call 565-0201, ext. 27, or visit the website at www.workingessentials.org.

Balboa Theatre trying new tactics
The Balboa Theatre is now showing more premieres, restored classic films and revival festivals on one screen while continuing to show second-run films on the theater's second screen.

According to Gary Meyer, the proprietor at the Balboa, the move was made because of changing market forces.

"In response to the changing marketplace, where home video releases are only three months after theatrical on so many films, we have seen a reduction in our audiences that makes survival difficult without changing our booking policies," Meyer said.

On Feb. 27, starting at 5 p.m., the theater will host an "Oscar masquerade," with moviegoers encouraged to come dressed in the costumes of their favorite Oscar nominees.

The Balboa Theatre is located at 3630 Balboa St. For more information, call (415) 221-8184 or go to the website at   www.balboamovies.com.

Author bumped by Amber Frye
Amber Frye, the girlfriend of the infamous murderer Scott Peterson, recently bumped Craig Carrozzi, the Richmond District author of "The Curse of Chief Tenaya," from a long-planned event at the Barnes & Noble store in Fresno. His visit was rescheduled.

"You know you've really arrived on the American literary scene when you get bumped by a junk celebrity," Carrozzi said.

Driver's safety program for seniors
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has designed a Drivers Safety Program consisting of two half-day courses for drivers 50 years of age or older.

Classes will be held at the Stonestown YMCA, 333 Eucalyptus Dr., Tuesdays, Feb. 8 and Feb. 15. Registration is limited to 30 people and a $10 fee covers the cost of a workbook and DMV Certificate that entitles the driver to a discount on their automobile insurance premiums. For more information, call (650) 348-7931.

Former candidate gets nod
Richmond District resident and former District 1 supervisorial candidate Matt Tuchow will join the Democratic County Central Committee after the group confirmed his nomination with a unanimous vote.

Former San Francisco Supervisor Leslie Katz, the chair of the committee, supported Tuchow's nomination.

"I look forward to registering voters, getting them involved in the party and getting them out to vote on election day. I also hope to play a role in building bridges in our party," Tuchow said.

Art Commission seeks artists
The SF Arts Commission is looking for artists interested in public art opportunities in the City. Applicants must be practicing, professional artists residing in the United States. To be considered in the 2005 annual pool of qualified artists for public arts projects, for whom artwork budgets range from $20,000 to $100,000, visit www.sfartscommission/pubart for a prospectus by Tuesday, March 1, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: 2005 Annual Qualified Artist Pool, SF Arts Commission, 25 Van Ness Ave., Ste. 240, SF, CA 94102.

Road closures for park run
Some Richmond District roads will be closed for much of the day on Sunday, Feb. 7, for the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon.

The half marathon (13 miles) will start at the Fuchsia Garden on Arguello Boulevard at 8 a.m. The course runs through the park panhandle before doubling back on J.F.K. Drive to the Great Highway at the Pacific Ocean. The Great Highway will be closed to the West End Treatment Center near the SF Zoo.