Richmond Rounup

Congregation gets OK to build new temple
A split SF Planning Commission approved a plan to rebuild Congregation Beth Sholom's temple at 14th Avenue and Clement Street, despite objections from some neighbors, who felt the new temple would distort the small-scale environment of the Richmond District.

To get approval, temple officials cited concerns over security and earthquake safety at the peach-colored stucco structure as well as wanting to create what they called a more "uplifting" environment for the congregation's 600 families.

Planning Commissioner Christine Olague, while praising the design of nationally recognized architect Stanley Saitowitz, criticized the project as being out of character with the neighborhood. Congregation officials want to tear down the existing building, which was built in the '30s, and begin construction on the new one next year.

The new building will have space for a preschool, religious school, offices and an area for meditation. The main sanctuary will seat about 750 people.

Well's gives to local schools
Wells Fargo Bank has has awarded $1,000 grants, raised through its Adopt a School Program, to 40 SF schools facing financial shortfalls due to the on-going budget crisis. Among the schools to receive the grants are Argonne, Cabrillo and Claire Lilienthal elementary schools and George Washington High School.

Among the schools to receive the grants are: AP Giannini Middle School, Argonne Elementary School, Cabrillo Elementary School, Claire Lilienthal Elementary School, Commodore Sloat Elementary School and George Washington High School.

Argonne playground gets grant
Argonne Playground, located on 18th Avenue near Geary Boulevard, will receive $664,428 from the California parks department for renovation, which will include bringing its equipment up to safety and disabled-access codes. One of the oldest parks in the city, Argonne's tennis courts, volleyball court and children's play area will be reconfigured to allocate more room for each of them. As well, new grass landscaping will be installed.

Youth to write original plays
The San Francisco Young Playwrights Foundation presents its first annual San Francisco Young Playwrights Festival, a citywide contest that encourages youth to write and submit original plays.

The contest is open to all high school students living in the City. Only original scripts will be accepted; no translations or adaptations. The subject and style is up to the writer and students may submit as many plays as they wish. Collaborations and group plays will be accepted, provided that all co-writers meet the eligibility requirements and co-writers share any awards. Winners will receive a $300 award and have their plays performed by professional actors.

To enter a submission, include on the title page of each play the writer's name, address, phone number, e-mail address, date of birth, school name and the name of the teacher or organization that encouraged entry into the festival, if applicable. Mail the play(s) to SF Young Playwrights Foundation, P.O. Box 210336, SF, CA 94121 or e-mail the play(s) as a word.doc or pdf to literary@sfyoungplaywrights.org. Plays must be less than 30 minutes in length with scripts typed or clearly written in a standard play format. All pages must be numbered (scripts will not be returned, so do not send originals). Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 16 and winners will be notified in January 2006. For more information, visit www.sfyoungplaywrights.org or e-mail info@sfyoungplaywrights.org.

Richmond focus of new book
Arcadia Publishing has just released "San Francisco's Richmond District," by Lorri Ungaretti. The book, which costs, $19.99, is 128 pages and covers the history of the Richmond District in vintage photographs. The book contains many previously unpublished black and white photographs and includes histories of the district's five cemeteries, early playgrounds, hotels, swimming pools, roadhouses and areas that were, at one time, considered uninhabitable. The book can be ordered online at www.arcadiapublishing.com.