Tag Archives: Supervisor David Campos

Monday Morning News Round Up

Posted on by
3

As is the case the Castro Biscuit often touches on stories or events over the course of a month (or more) and then conclusions, follow ups, or report backs aren’t always so easy to find. Heres this Monday’s offerings.

sfpd_logoIn a April post we reported SFPD was trying to skip around privacy laws by requiring new or established businesses applying for liquor licenses to install security cameras and record patrons entering or leaving establishments. To add insult to injury they also were saying that those videos be made available to them on demand and be kept for up to 30 days. Our Castro Supervisor, Scott Wiener, objected to these demands based on privacy concerns. He has now been joined in the debate of civil liberties vs. security by SF’s other out Supervisor, Dist. 9′s, David Campos.

SFPD’s idea of compromise: New language drafted still requires that new liquor licenses in high-crime areas install cameras. The difference would be that recordings would only need to be turned over when “requested as evidence in a criminal investigation” instead of “upon demand.” The rub there is SFPD has declared about over a third of the City ‘high-crime areas’. Supervisor Wiener has committed to keep at them looking for bigger concessions.

Supporters and Michael Petrelis (Center) and his lawyer, Dereck St, Pierre (Right) Photo: KTVU

Supporters and Michael Petrelis (Center) and his lawyer, Dereck St, Pierre (Right) Photo: KTVU

Last December we first posted about activist/blogger Micheal Petrelis being arrested for taking pictures of Sup. Wiener in a bathroom brushing his teeth at City Hall and then posting the image on his blog, The Petrelis Files. In the subsequent six months the case has been continued repeatedly in a large part at the request of Mr. Petrelis’ lawyer, Derek St. Pierre, due to his client’s ongoing health issues.

At the most recent court hearing in front of Superior Court Judge Samuel K. Feng over at the Hall of Justice Mr. St. Pierre pushed for a disposition of the charges. That means both sides are trying to work things out without going to trial. If that doesn’t happen it’ll be up to a jury to decide if Mr. Petrelis violated Mr. Wiener’s privacy or not. Mr. Petrelis has been much more demure of late on all things Wiener but he’s continued to blog and work on other issues while all this has gone on including helping organize the first, reinstate Bradley Manning as Hon. Grand Marshal protest at SF Pride’s office. Both sides will be back in court on June 7th. Until then the court order keeping Petrelis 150 feet away from Wiener at all times continues to be in effect.

BeBe Sweetbriar Photo: MySpace

BeBe Sweetbriar Photo: MySpace

Latest Development: SF Pride’s maelstrom of controversy around who is or isn’t an Hon. Grand Marshal has continued as we’ve posted repeatedly in the last several weeks. Since they kicked Manning to the curb they needed to replace him. On Friday the SF Pride Committee announced their replacement pick: San Francisco drag superstar BeBe Sweetbriar. She is being honored for her charity work on LGBT issues and HIV/AIDS organizations.

“Ms. Sweetbriar is a shining exemplar of how the power of local community talent can so positively impact the lives of so many near and far,” SF Pride CEO Earl Plante said in a statement.

We congratulate Ms. Sweetbriar. She has worked tirelessly on behalf of all the LGBT community and is well deserving of this honor. She will bring her usual level of class, grace and enthusiasm to her role as Hon. Grand Marshal as she does for any event she is a part of.

If SF Pride Committee thinks will stem the controversy or deflate the outcry around Manning’s invite, disinvite, meeting/no meeting/canceled meeting on the issue, we’ll talk about it all later after Pride, they’re in for a rude awakening come Parade day.

There have been a large number of events going on in the Castro in the past couple of weeks-in a post later today we’ll have more to report and show you so check back this afternoon.

 

Campos Compromises-Terminal Not SFO to be Renamed in Milk’s Memory

Posted on by
1
Harvey Milk stencil by SF artist Jeremy Novy

Harvey Milk stencil by SF artist Jeremy Novy

As the Biscuit has reported several times since January, Supervisor David Campos (District 9), introduced the idea of renaming SFO in honor of slain civil rights leader and Castro icon, Harvey Milk. Now it seems the powers that be have come up with a compromise solution-a terminal within the airport to bear his name instead of the entire facility.

There have been heated debates, rallies and an outpouring of community support for the idea alongside some very organized opposition to Campos’ plan.

While the late Supervisor Milk and his legacy are revered in some circles others felt he didn’t deserve such a magnanimous gesture of having the airport re-tagged in his honor. Campos’ had five votes sewn up from fellow Supervisors to move forward with his rebranding bid but the all important sixth deciding vote eluded him. That vote would have to be supplied by one of the freshmen Supervisors and none seemed convinced it was in their constituents (or perhaps theirs political) best interest.

Note Terminal 1 the unofficial selection to be renamed for Harvey Milk. Photo: FlySFO.

Note Terminal 1 the unofficial selection to be renamed for Harvey Milk. Photo: FlySFO.

Becoming convinced the job would be a raucous, uphill battle where the final decision for the name change would be placed before City voters in an off-year November ballot initiative Campos worked with Mayor Ed Lee to find a compromise-renaming one of SFO’s terminals in Harvey’s memory.

The plan now stands a committee composed of members hand-picked by the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor’s camps representing both of their interests would put together a proposal for how to make this all happen and come back with solid plans and goals within the next three months.

Supervisor Campos’ dream of having visitors to our City pass through Harvey Milk Airport has been whittled down, but, he believes his main goal-of teaching and honoring Harvey’s dream of equality and hope for all-can still be realized via the terminals prominence and position.

Which terminal is to be selected still remains to be seen. Currently Terminal One is amidst a remodeled and may be the easiest to transition in signage and other alterations to carry the late Supervisors moniker.

-Reminder the State of California’s official Harvey Milk holiday is May 22nd. Local celebrations are planned. Click the link to see what’s happening locally in the Castro.

The beautiful shrine to Harvey Milk assembled by members of the SF political club named in his honor-Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club

The beautiful shrine to Harvey Milk assembled by members of the SF Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club at the 2012 Milk/Moscone Anniversary March at Castro and Market. Photo: Waiyde Palmer

End of Week Updates: Nude Activists Convicted, Castro’s New Bulging Baskets (of Flowers) & More

Posted on by
4

This week has raced by and April is nearly at an end. Summer is looming as spring draws to a close and we find ourselves checking back in on a  number of posts to find out what their status is. In no particular order or level of import here goes:

Trey Allen at SF City Hall protesting the new nudity ban on 2/1. (Photo: Justin Sullivan)

Trey Allen at SF City Hall protesting the new nudity ban on 2/1. (Photo: Justin Sullivan)

Nude activists, Russell ‘Trey’ Allen, Oxane ‘Gypsy’ Taub and Dist. 8 Supervisor candidate, George Davis were arrested and cited for violating the brand new nudity ban when they showed the full monty at a rally outside City Hall on Feb. 1 that we posted on, the day the ordinance went into effect. On Tues. the 23rd all were found guilty. They now hold the double honor of first arrested and first convicted under the Wiener Nudity Ban. They were each ordered to pay a $100 fine and $92 in court fees. Their Defense attorney Christina DiEdoardo plans to appeal in 30 days. Miss Taub and Mr. Stevens will be facing the judge again following a second arrest for dancing nude at Jane Warner Plaza.

flowers-one-castroThe 3rd Annual Flowers on Castro Benefit sponsored by the Castro Community Business District (CBD) and Herth Realty on April 18th that we posted about was a smashing success according to all who attended and CBD Exec Director, Andrea Aiello raising 2,000 more than the previous year. The event held at Herth Realty’s office on Castro St.  brought in over 10,334 dollars toward their 15,000 dollar goal in donations and art sales that will be used to replace and maintain the neighborhoods hanging baskets of flora. On Tuesday ten new baskets were installed along the village’s main strip. Art is still available for purchase at Herth’s office and you can peruse it as you will or donations can be made directly here. Special thanks to all the artists whose work was used, restaurants  Pica Pica, Fable and Poesia for providing the food and Swirl who supplied wine for the event. Pix from the event here.

SF State Sen. Mark Leno

SF State Sen. Mark Leno

Early this week we posted Sen. Mark Leno had introduced a bill, SB 635, that would allow individual communities to decide to extend their bar and clubs last calls from the current California limit of 2 AM to 4 AM. Despite a large push for the bill from within the Entertainment and Nightlife Industry the bill was rejected in committee. This is the second time our Senator has introduced this legislation. It has the ability to be brought back again before committee but not this year. It will have to go back and start its upstream swim again through political shark infested waters.  Mr. Leno has made noise that he believes that with the growing number of constituents in favor of the bill the next time up will see a different result. Who knows-maybe three times the charm?

Rally at City Hall in favor of changing SFO to Harvey Milk International Airport. (Photo; SJ Mercury News)

Rally at City Hall in favor of changing SFO to Harvey Milk International Airport. (Photo; SJ Mercury News)

And finally, Dist. 9 Supervisor David Campos’ push to rename SFO for Harvey Milk continues to seek its last supporter from among the other members of the Board of Supervisors so it can move forward. We’ve been posting on this issue since it broke. So far he has five out of the six co-sponsors from his fellows to go forward. Where the elusive sixth nod will come from has proven difficult. The freshmen members of the BOS-Norman Yee, London Breed and recent Mayor Lee appointee for Dist 4 Katy Tang-have been reluctant to sign on. Citing a variety of concerns from cost of the name change to the City or constituent balking at the idea-many think other titans of SF politics and civic duty are equally deserving as Milk have been used by the new Supes to withhold sponsorship. Campos remains undeterred and believes that in the end he will be triumphant.

PHOTOS: Castro March 4 Equality Draws Massive Crowd-Now All Eyes on SCOTUS

Posted on by
Reply
Crowd gathering to March4Equality on March 25th at the corner of Castro and Market. Photo: Roy McKenzie

Crowd gathering to March4Equality on March 25th at the corner of Castro and Market. Photo: Roy McKenzie

Monday night nearly 2500 marriage and LGBT equality activists and their supporters gathered at Harvey Milk Plaza to demand Prop 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) be struck down by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) who hear oral arguments today and tomorrow in DC.

The SF/Castro March 4 Equality was organized by volunteers as part of a nationwide push to bring marriage and LGBT rights activists and supporters into the street at over 200 locations in all 50 states.

Organizers kept it simple-a traditional flat-bed truck, sound system, banners, posters, a coalition of support from clergy to politicians and crowd of enthusiastic and committed supporters to march along Market Street to SF City Hall where speeches and testimonies from different citizens directly effected by the impending SCOTUS decision.

The lively gathering at Market and Castro started small as the fog and wind rolled over Twin Peaks bearing down on the neighborhood with about 200 early protestors armed with flags and banners made a show of early support and entreating neighborhood participation.

Local activist, Trey Allen, armed with a bullhorn and a man dressed as Gay Boy Liberty, acted as town crier for the event as commuters arriving home off of MUNI made their way up the steps of Harvey Milk Plaza.

Being a predominately Gay March the event didn’t start on time as more and more participants made their way through rush hour to the gathering spot in the Castro. After a half hour delay the crowd stood near an estimated 1500 cutting along all gender, racial, age, economical and political SF lines.

Page Hodel, SF legendary DJ, kicked things off and blasted upbeat tunes as the crowd swelled along the traditional protest route down Market Street to City Hall. An estimated 2500 people filled Market Street and you could see the protestors numbers stretching far back from Van Ness to Laguna Street.

At City Hall chief march organizer, Gregg Cassin, acted as emcee. The highlight of all the speakers was young Daniel Martinez who’d appeared earlier Monday on MSNBC as part of their Marriage Equality coverage. The son of a Gay SF Sheriff and his partner, he read from a letter he wrote to SCOTUS Chief Justice, John Roberts about the love and quality of his family.

“My family is as good as any other family. We deserve the right to be happy and to be safe. I know that you may not agree with Gay people based on your religious beliefs, but, you should agree that we’re all Americans and deserve to be treated the same.” Daniel read.

Matty, one of the youngest March organizers at 20 who’s never even been to a Gay Pride Parade, read a prepared statement from the most well-known of the SF Equality March team, longtime LGBT activist now Union organizer, Cleve Jones, who’s in DC watching the SCOTUS proceedings.

“No matter what happens in the next two days-no matter how the Court rules-you should know we’ve always been equal!” Matty read from Jones as the crowd burst into a roar of approval.

As millions of Americans wait to see which way the Court will lean in the next two days vigils are planned in every state. In San Francisco activists plan to wear red to show support of full equality in all things under the law and gather at the Supreme Court at 350 McAllister.

Fingers crossed we’re all a step closer to truly having ‘equality for all’ by the end of the week.

Photos: Waiyde Palmer. Roy McKenzie unless otherwise noted.

Photo: Roy McKenzie
Photo: Roy McKenzie
Photo: Roy McKenzie
Supervisor Scott Wiener observing the crowd. Photo: Roy McKenzie
Your trusty (and grainy) bloggers at City Hall.
Kris Thomas and boyfriend Andy Clemets grab a quick smooch as the march prepares to start. Photo: Getty Images
Young lovers watch the Equality March go by.
Trey Allen, Equality Activists and volunteer in organizing the March 4 Equality reacts on the back of the truck to the large crowd.
Shaun Osburn of EQCA looks on as the crowd gathers at Market & Church
Rodrigo Carballo and his partner Toby Morris hoping SCOTUS rules in favor of marriage equality so their engagement can end at last.
Robert & Scott Doyle, sons of Brandon & Brian, show support enticing drivers to ‘honk for equality’ as they wait for the March to begin.
Judson Gregory & pal amongst the marchers.
Immigration 4 Equality Activists working to get bi-national Queer couples equal rights as same nation couples and stop the deportations that lead to family break ups and heartache.
David Campos, Supervisor for Dist. 9, speaking with a reporter from the B.A.R. “The time for full equality has come.”
Married couple local business owner of 360 Skin and RN, Brandon & Brian Doyle, with their two sons, Robert and Scotty.
Three SF Supes march for Equality: (L-R) Jane Kim, David Campos, Scott Wiener.

 

Huge Prop 8, DOMA Rallies set for Mon in the Castro. Tue and Wed at CA Supreme Court Bldg

Posted on by
Reply

We Want Equality!!Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday represent three historic days for marriage equality advocates throughout the United States. The US Supreme Court will be hearing oral arguments on the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

Wear red to the vigils and marches to symbolize your solidarity.

Wear red to the vigils and marches to symbolize your solidarity.

Nearly 200 vigils and marches in support of marriage equality are being held in all 50 states on the eve of these historic hearings. Buses from many major cities surrounding Washington, DC will be making runs to the US Supreme Court for people who don’t have a way to get there.

A vigil in the Castro will be held Monday, March 25th, at 6:30PM at Harvey Milk Plaza followed by a march to the steps of City Hall. Organizers of the March for Equality vigil, including Billy Bradford, Patrick Connors, and Cleve Jones, have lined up some DJ’s to help keep the crowd lively during the march to City Hall. Gay couples, some married and some not yet married, will be telling stories about their struggle for marriage equality on the steps of City Hall. Supervisors Scott Wiener and David Campos will also be speaking.

On March 26th and 27th, vigils are being held at the California Supreme Court building (350 McAllister) from 4-8PM. Organizers are asking folks to maintain the vigil late into the evening if possible and to also wear red as a symbol of solidarity.

Volunteers spreading the word for the March for Equality event on Monday

Volunteers at 18th and Castro spreading the word for the March for Equality event on Monday (credit: Joanie Juster)

Organizer Connors said, “This may be one of the last times that we, as a community, will be able to gather in support for marriage equality.” Volunteer Justin Taylor noted that many marriage equality advocates may have missed opportunities to speak out and do something in 2008 when Prop 8 was voted into law and that this is everyone’s chance to join in solidarity in support of marriage equality.

You can check out interviews from volunteers and advocates sharing their stories about why they’ll be attending the March for Equality on Daniel Aragay’s YouTube page.

A final decision from the Supreme Court is expected in June.

UPDATE: Renaming SFO for Harvey Milk Could Cost Less Than Projected

Posted on by
1

Harvey Milk Int'l AirportNew development in the Biscuit’s ongoing coverage of Dist. 9, Sup. David Campos quest to rename SFO in honor of slain civil rights leader and LGBT icon, Harvey Milk. SF Examiner has revealed a reports been released dispelling opponents worries that the name change would cost millions-instead-the estimated figure to accomplish the project is closer to 350K-500K.

Originally, based on what kind of bucks it cost other municipalities like Baltimore who renamed their airport for the late, groundbreaking, SCOTUS Justice, Thurgood Marshall.  the estimated figure of  $4.2 million dollars was bandied about by SFO officials who’ve made no secret they’re against the re-christening.

This new, lowered, cost report compiled by the SF Budget and Legislative Analysis Department states that while high costs could be a later factor, initially, changing the big kahuna of the SFO signage, the massive one splayed across the front of SFO would run about $355K.

Other signage-highway and freeway signs that direct traffic guiding drivers could, in theory, be allowed to remain labeled the generic variations for ‘SF International Airport’-keeping the budget from ballooning.

Each large freeway sign change is estimated to cost $20K to amend. Multiply that by the thirty-six signs CalTran would have to repurpose with the new Milk moniker and you see the cost of the rename skyrocketing.

Sup. David Campos (Photo: SF Democratic Party Website)

Sup. David Campos (Photo: SF Democratic Party Website)

Campos expressed confusion as to why SFO officials had floated out such inflated numbers regarding the name change beyond the obvious reasons of stirring up opposition from fiscally concerned members of the voting public.

He also remains confident he can drum up corporate and private donor funds to make the name change a reality so no money would have to be suctioned out of the San Francisco’s treasury.

Campos has secured five of the six votes needed from his fellow Supes-including Dist. 8 Scott Wiener-to bring the issue before the voters as a ballot measure in November. He feels confident he can secure the sixth co-sponsoring nod on the issue from either Malia Cohen, Dist. 10, or Dist. 5′s newly elected London Breed.

If the Milk name change reaches the ballot and is approved by SF voters our City would become the first in the world to name an internationally recognized airport in honor of one of its LGBT citizens.

Supervisor Campos as one of two out and proud Gay men on the board believe that this gesture can translate into an international message of ‘hope and equality’ that Harvey famously championed to everyone who pass through the airports doors.

 

 

 

 

The Latest Skinny on Past Posts of Neighborhood News

Posted on by
22

We’ve posted a great deal in the past month or so about a myriad of stories  in the Castro that have generated quite a bit of interest. This week the follow-up news has been a hot and heavy maelstrom resolving at least one issue that’s been festering since 2009.

Cafe Flore (credit: Eric Nielson)

Cafe Flore (credit: Eric Nielson)

Cafe Flore restaurant in jeopardy: As our Editor in Chief, Roy,  posted last week, Cafe Flore had run afoul of a organzied effort by members of the community and two neighborhood associations over their off site kitchen use.

Sup. Wiener had proposed a targeted code variance which would allow the venerable and much beloved icon of the Castro to continue using the off site, code compliant, food prep site its had functioning for the last two decades. Many of the opposition thought this was unfair and that all businesses should be held to the exact same standards no matter what.

We’re happy to report that the Oversight Committee in charge of the issue via Board of Supervisors approved the change this week and now Cafe Flore is free of threats to its continued operation. The off site kitchen will continue to be used keeping Flore up and running without hiccups.

fitness-sf-expansionSF Fitness seeks to expand and remodel building: In October the Biscuit posted that LA based Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was hoping to expand into the Castro with a new store opening in the old Vibrant Health Vitamin Center.

This new addition to the Castro was contingent on a couple of issues-the biggest-wether or not SF Fitness could get a zone variance to enlarge the building on the corner of Market and Noe St. Their goal since 2009 has been to add several floors which would include much-needed rental units as well as expanding the gym to accommodate an ever-growing clientel.

Working with the Board of Supes, under the guidance of Supervisor Wiener, the remodel has received the go ahead. Mr. Wiener piggybacked the zone change for SF Fitness onto the same multi-faceted legislation that included Cafe Flore’s off site kitchen issue.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf signed a lease with the owners of SF Fitness, the Jackovics family, following the approval. Coffee Bean will still have to get approval to open which may prove to be a daunting task considering how corporate chain stores are received and disliked in the neighborhood.

milk-sfo-rallyRally for renaming SFO for Harvey Milk: We’ve posted three times about the battle heating up to rename SFO.

Friday saw a huge coalition of supporters rally at City Hall in favor of changing the name of SFO to honor the late, Castro Supervisor and civil rights leader, Harvey Milk.

Led by chief proponents Sup. David Campos who introduced the resolution to the Board, and Stuart Milk, Harvey’s nephew and Milk Foundation head, about a hundred people took part from a wide swath of San Francisco political organizations and citizenry. Kicking off the rally with chants and speeches of support media from throughout the Bay Area was on hand to cover and help get out the word that the battle is on to make this idea a reality.

Friday Sup. Campos said 80 airports are named after people across the U.S. but there is no representation from the LGBT community.

“Why shouldn’t San Francisco be that City?” Campos asked those gathered at the rally.

Campos isn’t alone in this quest he’s enlisted the support of four other supervisors, including John Avalos, Scott Wiener, Jane Kim and Eric Mar. One more supervisor will be needed to get the issue on a City ballot.

Campos goal is to have this issue on the agenda by Fall of 2013.