Supervisor Eric Mar: Two hearings coming up
Outside Lands and other large concerts in Golden Gate Park
At the SF Board of Supervisors' meeting on Sept. 13, I introduced a request for a hearing on issues related to the use of Golden Gate Park as a venue for large concerts, such as Outside Lands and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. This request was made in response to the concerns raised by residents of District 1. While the concert was a big success from various perspectives, there are lingering concerns regarding sound levels and other issues that impact the surrounding neighborhoods.
San Francisco State University is conducting a study on the economic impact of the Outside Lands Festival and we would like to be able to share the findings with the community at the hearing. For this reason, we are waiting to set the hearing date until the study comes out in the next couple of weeks. We will follow up with notification to you as soon as the hearing date is confirmed.
Hearing on issues affecting seniors and the disabled living in residential hotels
On Tuesday, Sept. 27, I requested a hearing before the Board of Supervisors on issues affecting some of our most vulnerable residents, seniors and people with disabilities living in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels. I hope that from this hearing there will emerge new strategies for meeting the needs of residents who are aging in place within housing situations that may be inadequate, unhealthy or unsafe for them. Please call my office at (415) 554-7410 if you would like to know when the hearing is, or if you are interested in participating.
ADA lawsuits against small businesses
I have heard from a few small businesses in the Richmond District about ADA lawsuits. The law is complex in these cases, but the best thing to do is to get ahead of the issue and learn how to protect your business from a lawsuit. My office is happy to connect you with the appropriate resources.
The Office of Small Business, located at City Hall, can help you understand the complex rules and regulations surrounding ADA requirements, ways to bring your business into compliance and mitigate possible law suits, and resources that can help you along the way. They have staff who speak English, Spanish, Russian and Chinese. Please see www.sfgov.org/sbc for more information.
Internship opportunity
My office is looking for college interns. Richmond District residents are encouraged to apply. For more information, please go to www.sfbos.org/mar and click "internship."
Healthier Living Workshops
I want to highlight a series of Healthier Living Workshops. It is a series of six free workshops, starting Oct. 4, from 1 - 3:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center of SF (3200 California St.)
I attended a workshop during the last session and learned helpful information about chronic health problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems and arthritis. The workshops also talk about how to manage stress, be more fit, and work more effectively with your doctor and healthcare professionals to make positive changes in your life.
September coffee hours
My next coffee hour is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Bazaar Cafe, 5927 California St., between 21st and 22nd avenues, from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. If you need my attention before then, please feel free to contact my office at (415) 554-7410 or e-mail me at eric.l.mar@sfgov.org.
Bike to work day
Please join me and a merry group of bike commuters on Wednesday, Oct. 19, to bike to work together. We will leave from the Velo Rouge Cafe, 798 Arguello Blvd., at 8 a.m. Rain cancels this event.
Eric Mar represents District 1.