Richmond Roundup

Voters to rank choices
According to the SF Department of Elections, early voting begins on Tuesday, Oct. 10, on the ground floor of City Hall.

The last day to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 23, and the last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 31.

On Nov. 7, San Francisco voters will have the opportunity to vote on 13 statewide propositions, 11 local ballot measures, and multiple federal, state and local contests for elected office. Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank up to three candidates for the same office. This will be used to elect the assessor-recorder, public defender, and members of the SF Board of Supervisors in supervisorial districts 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10.

Voters with sight or mobility impairments will be able to use "autoMARK," a new ballot-marking machine. New poll workers are being recruited to help on election day, and can receive up to $165. To apply, call 554-4395.

For more information about the election, call 554-4375.

Library has new language collection
In an effort to provide ongoing services while library branches are closed for renovation, the San Francisco Public Library will offer a new International Languages Collection on Oct. 3 on the lower level of the Presidio Branch Library, located at 3150 Sacramento St.

The temporary collection will initially consist of Japanese language materials from the recently closed Western Addition Branch. Chinese and Russian language materials from the Richmond Branch will be added to the collection after that branch closes for renovation. The collection currently consists of Japanese language materials, including popular fiction for adults, periodicals, picture stories for children and audiovisual materials for all ages. Japanese-speaking library staff will be available to assist patrons.

The creation of the International Languages Collection is part of the temporary services provided during branch renovations taking place throughout the City. Funded by a $106 million bond measure passed in November 2000, the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) aims to provide the public with seismically safe, accessible, and technologically updated city-owned branch libraries in every neighborhood.

The program includes renovation of 19 branch libraries, and construction of five new libraries - four of which will replace rented facilities and a new branch library in Mission Bay, which opened July 8. The Presidio Branch Library is open: Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (415) 355-2859.

New director takes helm at YMCA
Denise Albano, a resident of San Francisco, was recently named the new executive director of the Richmond District YMCA. She joins the branch just in time for its Strong Communities Campaign, which raises funds to help pay for the Y's community programs.

Among the YMCA programs and services that will benefit from the campaign are health screenings, food distribution programs for low-income families, classes, such as dance, karate, Aikido, yoga and skate boarding, and affordable exercise opportunities for every age group, from babies to seniors.

The Richmond District Branch YMCA is located on 18th Avenue, between Clement Street and Geary Boulevard. For more information about the YMCA, including its Strong Communities Campaign, programs or membership details, call 666-YMCA or visit the Web site at www.ymcasf.org/richmond.

New Ocean Beach book out
In his new book "On the Beach," San Francisco photographer John W. Wall tries to capture nature in an urban setting. Wall shoots scenes from the beach that viewers often overlook, and his photos document the complexities and tensions between people and wildlife that share the same habitat. The book is available online at www.lulu.com/jwallphoto.

Washington to hold class reunion
In the spirit of friendship, and the hopes of reconnecting with both those who knew each other well or as mere acquaintances, all classes are invited to the 30-year reunion of George Washington High School's 1976 graduation class.

The event at Rassela's Jazz Club, located at 1534 Fillmore St., will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The event will feature live music, hors d'oeuvres, raffle prizes and more.

For more information, including ticket prices and purchase details, visit the Web site at www.home.earthlink.net/~cathyy, call (415) 987-9727 or e-mail legalmgr@pacbell.net.