CastroMerchants Blog

May 2 Members Meeting Notice and Agenda

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:30:00 GMT

NOTICE OF MUMC MEMBERS MEETING

Thursday, May 2, 2013 - 9:00am to 10:30am

Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC)

100 Collingwood Street, San Francisco CA

(between 18th and 19th Streets,

behind Mollie Stone's Castro Market)

Coffee and pastries provided by Starbucks on 18th Street

Thank you !

A G E N D A

* Introductions

* City Hall Update – Supervisor Scott Wiener

* Small Business Week in San Francisco (May 13-18) – S.F. Office of Small Business

* Harvey Milk Day Plans (May 19, 22)

* Pink Saturday (June 29) plans – Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

* Plans for 470 Castro Street – S.F. AIDS Foundation (Neil Giuliano) VOTE

* Plans for 400 Castro (formerly Diesel) – RR-SF, Inc. aka Raging Rooster

* SF PRIDE plans (throughout June; festival, parade June 29-30) – Earl Plante, SF PRIDE

* Frameline 37 plans (June 20-30) – Nick Friedman, Frameline

* Other Member Business

* Member Announcements

All current MUMC Members for 2013 are encouraged to attend our monthly Member meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considering MUMC Membership also are invited to attend one Meeting as a guest observer, to become more familiar with MUMC. Others must contact MUMC in advance regarding attendance at MUMC's private Meetings. If you have questions about MUMC Meetings, contact MUMC's President, Terry Asten Bennett, by email or call MUMC at 415/431-2359.

MUMC President's Letter for May 2013

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 20:28:00 GMT

MUMC President's Letter for May 2013

I don’t know about you, but my allergies are off the hook. I feel like the” before” picture from an allergy medicine commercial – itchy, watery eyes; stuffy nose; headache…..waaaa waaaa waaa! But I am determined to feel better; my birthday season is upon us after all! Yes, that is right, I said season, not day. Mother’s Day (don’t you dare forget your mom) and my birthday always fall in the same week, so clearly it entitles me to the whole month - and seriously, why not push it all the way to Father’s Day?!?!

As I look at my calendar for the next six weeks, I’m not actually sure if I have scheduled eating or sleeping into my days.

Small Business Week is May 13 through 18. The popular “Flavors of San Francisco” food and beverage event is on Monday, May 13 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the Metreon. This very popular event requires advance online pre-registration, capacity is limited, the event is expected to sellout early, and admission is $20, but MUMC Members get in free – watch your email for the comp code to use when you pre-register online. Tuesday, May 14 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm is the MUMC/GGBA Mega-Mixer at the The LGBT Community Center (1800 Market at Octavia). It's free, but advance RSVP is requested, go here. Wednesday, May 15 is a day of learning with the Small Business Conferences at S.F. State’s Downtown Center, 835 Market. And of course the week ends with MUMC’s ever-popular Sidewalk Sale throughout the Castro/Upper Market all day on Saturday, May 18. That is a great opportunity to bring your business out to the public. For up-to-date Small Business Week details and to register for events go here . For more information about how your business can participate in MUMC’s Sidewalk Sale on Saturday May 18, see the flyers we’ll have at MUMC’s May 2 Members Meeting, or email MUMC or call 415/431-2359 to request one.

The City’s planning and design team for the Castro Street Sidewalks Widening project will soon be hosting a Community Open House to share the project’s final conceptual design. It is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 14 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at a location TBD. The event will be an Open House format, so people are welcome to come anytime within the two hour window to look at the plans, speak with representatives from the project team, and provide important feedback on the design. MUMC will send a news e-blast when the date and location are confirmed. Meanwhile, please visit the project’s website for further updates. Or contact Nick Perry, project team leader at S.F. Planning Department by email or call him at 415/575-9066.

The B.A.R.'s “2013 Best of the Gays Readers' Choice Awards” were announced in the B.A.R.’s April 4-10 issue. See the full list here. Again this year, the Awards clearly proved - with 31 of the 63 category winners right here in our neighborhood - that The Castro is the best place to shop, eat, drink and stay! Congratulations to all of the winners.

As I mentioned at the April 4 Members Meeting, MUMC’s Board is working on some very exciting ideas for promoting the neighborhood this year. If you haven’t already liked us on Facebook, get liking already and invite your friends to like! It is a great way to increase your visibility and promote events happening at your business.

The rumor mill has been alive and well this month with lots of speculation about what will go into 400 Castro Street (formerly Diesel). For first hand information, I am encouraging you to come to our May 2Members Meeting (9am at EVRC), where RR-SF, Inc. a.k.a. Raging Rooster will make an information-only presentation about what they would like to put in there. If that doesn’t make you want to jump out of bed for a 9am meeting I don’t know what will. The much tamer rest of our agenda includes an update from City Hall from our own Supervisor Scott Wiener; a vote regarding 470 Castro for the SF AIDS Foundation; and plans for Small Business Week (May 13-18), Harvey Milk Day (May 22), Pink Saturday (June 29), SF PRIDE (festival, parade June 29-30), and Frameline 37 (June 20-30).

If you’re thinking about display window or in-store decorating for PRIDE month in June (or anytime), MUMC has a limited number of brand-new, heavy canvas Rainbow Banners (3’W x 6’L) like the ones that hang from local light poles, for sale at $25 each. You can buy one (or more) at the May 2 Members Meeting or email MUMC or call us at 415/431-2359.

If you have not yet joined MUMC for 2013, and/or if you want to advertise in the 2013 edition of MUMC’s popular Castro Guide, there are only a very few days left for you to act! You can join online, or email MUMC or call 415/431-2359. For Castro Guide display advertising information, email Ron Willis at VIA MEDIA or call 415/552-8040.

I look forward to seeing you next Thursday, May 2 at 9am in the Auditorium at EVRC.

Always,

Terry

MUMC - April 4, 2013 Members Meeting Agenda

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 20:11:00 GMT

NOTICE OF MUMC MEMBERS MEETING

Thursday, April 4, 2013 - 9:00am to 10:30am

Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC)

100 Collingwood Street, San Francisco CA

(between 18th and 19th Streets,

behind Mollie Stone's Castro Market)

Coffee and pastries provided by Starbucks on 18th Street - THANK YOU !

A G E N D A

* Introductions

* MUMC 2013 Board and Officer Elections (see Nominees listed below)

* City Hall Update – Supervisor Scott Wiener

* Proposed Castro Street Sidewalks Widening Project – Update

* Introduction of new S.F. Police Officers Association President, Marty Halloran

* Proposed Beaux bar at 2344 Market Street (former Trigger space) – Tim Eicher VOTE

* Proposed Pica Pica restaurant at 3970- 17th Street - Tom Carlaccini, Manager VOTE

* MUMC 2013 Dues and Castro Guide Campaign

Terry Asten Bennett, MUMC; Ron Willis, Robert Sokol, VIA MEDIA

* Under One Roof Update – Maurice Kelly, Alison Madden, UoR Board Members

* Return of the “Healthy Penis” campaign – Joe Imbriani – S.F. Dept. of Public Health

* Other Member Business

* Member Announcements

MUMC Board Nominating Committee’s Recommended Slate of Board Members and Officers for 2013-2014. Elections to be held at the April 4, 2013 Members Meeting

Board Members and Officers

President - Terry Asten Bennett (Cliff’s Variety) – (incumbent)

Vice President - Daniel Bergerac (Mudpuppy’s) (incumbent)

Secretary - Dr. Alice Charap, Chiropractor (incumbent)

Treasurer - Cathy O’Shea (Bank of America) (incumbent)

Immediate Past President - Steve Adams (Sterling Bank) (incumbent)

Board Members at Large

Petyr Kane (Citizen, Body) incumbent

Brittney Beck (Beck’s Motor Lodge) incumbent

John Bellemore (Q Bar, Midnight Sun, Edge, proposed Beaux) new

Courtney Chalupa (Starbucks on 18^th Street) incumbent

Dan Glazier (Hot Cookie) incumbent

Miguel Lopez (Sui Generis Ille, Sui Generis Illa) incumbent

Mark McHale (Herth Realty, EVNA Board Member) new

Stefanie Medious (Recology) incumbent

Nick Mills (440 bar) incumbent

Scott Wazlowski (Bay Area Reporter – B.A.R.) incumbent

Jesse Woodward (Hi Tops bar) new

Sixteen (16) is the current maximum number of MUMC Board Members.

The Nominating Committee has recommended 16 nominees for 2013-14.

Additional nominations may be made by current Members prior to the April 4 election.

Please contact the President in advance to discuss eligibility criteria.

If additional nominations are received, Members will be asked to select the 16 new Board Members from among a larger list of candidates, and some nominees would not be elected

If a Board-nominated Officer is not elected to the Board (or to that Office),

Members will be asked to elect for that Office from among winning Board Members.

All current MUMC Members for 2012-13 are encouraged to attend our monthly Member Meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considering MUMC Membership also are invted to attend one Meeting as a guest observer, to become more familiar with MUMC. Others must contact MUMC in advance regarding attendance at MUMC's private Meetings. If you have questions about MUMC Meetings, contact MUMC's President, Terry Asten Bennett at Info@CastroMerchants.com or call MUMCat 415/431-2359.

MUMC President's Letter for April 2013

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:18:00 GMT

April is almost here and I am so happy to report that I don’t have to travel anywhere this month! But of course that doesn’t mean I have any extra time……..I wouldn’t know what to do with it anyway. So as it turned out, I didn’t have to bribe my way home from Las Vegas. Both Rich and Camille missed me so much they got bronchitis. Nothing says, “Welcome home Mom” like a feverish kid hanging on to you hacking her lungs up. On March 17th Rich and I observed (I would say celebrated, but he was still so sick and I was avoiding him so I wouldn’t get sick) our 11th wedding anniversary. I am a very lucky woman to be able to be married to my best friend who supports me in everything I do, even when I do crazy things like agree to be MUMC President for a second year. It is my deepest wish that everyone will have that same right very soon.

The annual Hotel Concierge Trade Show this past week was a huge success. I would like to thank Richard Shiu of Best in Show and Beth Feingold, our self-proclaimed “Castro Guide whore,” for staffing the table. I would also like to thank all of the MUMC Members that donated prizes, including Best in Show, Café Flore, Citizen and Body, Cliff’s Variety, La Mediterranee Restaurant, Mudpuppy’s, Sui Generis Illa and Ille, and Tan Bella. Concierges do an amazing job of sending visitors and new customers our way and it is important to keep The Castro fresh in their thoughts.

To those of you who have already paid your 2013 MUMC Dues, thank you! For those of you who just want to see me beg and are waiting for me to extend the deadline, here you go….The final Dues and Castro Guide display ad deadlines have been extended to 5:00pm on Tuesday, April 23. This really is your last chance to be listed in the Castro Guide. Watch your mail for a reminder this coming week. We need to go to press by the end of that month if we are going to have the 2013 edition Guides available for PRIDE. We will have them available for Pride! Don’t forget, if you want to bid on the back cover placement for the Castro Guide, send your bid to CastroGuide2013@gmail.com. This is an exciting year to be a MUMC Member, our Board is actively working on projects that will bring more attention and more foot-steps to The Castro.

The next community meeting for the Castro Street Sidewalk Widening project is on Wednesday April 3 at 7:00pm in the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy auditorium, 4235-19th Street between Collingwood and Diamond. It is really important that we merchants are vocal about the proposed project. If you can’t make the meeting and have concerns that you would like addressed, you can drop a note for me at Cliffs, or email to Terry@CliffsVariety.com or give me a phone call at 415/431-5365 Ext 4. I have been diligently passing along all concerns and requests to the project team. This project has the potential to be great for the main drag of The Castro, but we have to do our part to communicate what is working and what isn’t working.

Small Business Week is May 13 through 18. Any restaurants wanting to get great PR exposure at “Flavors of San Francisco” on Monday May 13 at the Metreon are encouraged to contact MUMC’s Richard Magary at 415/431-2359 or email MUMC-SF@earthlink.net as soon as possible. Tuesday May 14 (my first 39th birthday) is the MUMC/GGBA MegaMixer at The LGBT Center. Wednesday May 15 is a day of learning with the Small Business Conference. And of course the week will end with the ever popular Sidewalk Sale on Saturday May 18. It is a great opportunity to bring your business out to the public. For up to date details visit www.SFSmallBusinessWeek.com and attend MUMC’s April and May Meetings if you are a Member.

Our next MUMC Meeting for Members and pre-invited guests only is Thursday April 4 at 9:00am in the EVRC auditorium. Our lineup for the morning includes the annual election of our Board & Officers; an update from Under One Roof; an introduction of the new president of the SF Police Officers Association, Marty Halloran; a request for a vote of support for a new bar, Beaux at 2344 Market (the former Trigger location); and as always an update from City Hall from our own Supervisor Scott Wiener. I look forward to seeing all current MUMC Members there.

Always,

Terry

MUMC - March 7, 2013 Members Meeting Agenda

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:31:00 GMT

NOTICE OF MUMC MEMBERS MEETING

Thursday, March 7. 2013 - 9:00am to 10:30am

Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC)

100 Collingwood Street, San Francisco CA

(between 18th and 19th Streets,

behind Mollie Stone's Castro Market

Coffee and pastries provided by Starbucks on 18th Street - THANK YOU !

A G E N D A

* Introductions

* City Hall Update – Supervisor Scott Wiener

* Proposed Warriors’ Arena at Piers 30-32 – information presentation

David Owen, Golden State Warriors;

Gloria Chan, S.F. Office of Economic & Workforce Development

* MUMC Board and Officer Nominations – Elections at April 4 Members Meeting

* MUMC 2013 Dues and Castro Guide Campaign

Terry Asten Bennett, MUMC; Ron Willis, Robert Sokol, VIA MEDIA

* S.F. Film Festival – Plans for 2013, “No Parking” spaces

Gyllian Christiansen, S.F. Film Society VOTE

* Recology – Proposed Rate Structure Change – Stefanie Medious, Recology

* San Francisco Travel – S.F. Neighborhood and Small Business Programs Update

Carol Perry, S.F. Travel

* International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (IAGSDC)

July 4 weekend 30^th Annual Convention

Steve Huggins, IAGSDC

* Proposed Castro Street Sidewalks Widening Project Update

Nick Perry, S.F. Planning Department

* Other Member Business

* Member Announcements

All current MUMC Members for 2012-13 are encouraged to attend our monthly Member Meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considering MUMC Membership also are invited to attend one Meeting as a guest observer, to become more familiar with MUMC. Others must contact MUMC in advance regarding attendance at MUMC's private Meetings. If you have questions about MUMC Meetings, contact MUMC's President, Terry Asten Bennett at Info@CastroMerchants.com or call MUMC at 415/431-2359.

MUMC President's Letter for March 2013

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:21:00 GMT

Can someone please slow this ride down? What do you mean March starts on Friday? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that this year has been pretty hectic so far. I just got back from my second buying trip of the year, this time it was New Orleans. And after I got done with the monotony of seeing the inside of the convention center, I did get to enjoy a little bit of a truly amazing city. And being the mom that I am, in spite of all good judgment, I brought Camille home a Beignet. Yes, it was a day old by the time she ate it but apparently 7 seconds in the microwave makes it good as new! So I was forgiven for being gone again. I don't know what I will do to bribe my way back home from Vegas in two weeks!

No one has given me any questions to get answered from the Planning Department Team about the Castro Sidewalks Widening project. However, I have diligently passed on all of the preferences and concerns that have been expressed to me to both the Planning Department team and to Supervisor Wiener. I spoke with Nick Perry from the Planning Department this week. He apologized that the second meeting date has not been set yet. They are running costs and want to make sure all of the plans are actually feasible before presenting a plan. He is hoping to have the next meeting by the end of March. I have been promised at least 3 weeks’ notice before the meeting, and MUMC will keep you informed. Someone from planning will be at our March 7 Members Meeting to answer questions and record your concerns about the project.

On March 26 MUMC will once again be representing The Castro at the annual Hotel Concierges Trade Show. If you have an item to donate for a Castro Raffle Basket, please let MUMC's Administrator Richard Magary know and we will arrange to pick it up (415/431-2359) – or bring it to MUMC’s March 7 meeting. Hotel concierges continue to be a great source for pushing footsteps to our doors.

San Francisco Small Business Week is scheduled for May 13 through 18. The week will be kicked off with “Flavors of San Francisco” at the Metreon on Monday May 13. Any restaurant or other food-related business in The Castro that’s interested in participating please contact us. Wednesday May 15 is a day of learning with the Small Business Conference. There are quality helpful seminars to benefit small business owners all day long. And of course the week ends with MUMC's ever-popular Sidewalk Sale all day on Saturday May 18. It is a great opportunity to bring your business out to the public. For up to date details visit www.sfsmallbusinessweek.com, and stay tuned for more details on The Castro’s plans from MUMC.

Mark your calendar now for the opening of this season’s Castro Farmers’ Market on Wednesday March 13. The Opening Ceremony is at 6pm; Market hours are every Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm through December 18 We’ll have window posters and hand-out reminder postcards at our March 7 Members Meeting.

If you’d like to really start St. Patrick’s Day off right, to get protein-fueled up for that afternoon’s Parade, and benefit one of our community’s greatest organizations all at the same time – come to the All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast supporting the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Freedom Band, on Sunday, March 17 from 8:00am until 1:00pm at Sweet Inspiration, 2239 Market Street (between 16^th and Sanchez Streets). Proceeds help the Band keep playing all year round.

We’ll announce the MUMC Board’s nominations for 2013 Board Members and Officers, at the March 7 Members Meeting. Then, additional nominations will be open until the election at our April 4 Meeting. If you are a Member interested in serving on MUMC’s Board, please contact us in advance at MUMC-SF@earthlink.net.

Look for your 2013 MUMC Dues and Castro Guide mailer in the snail mail by Monday. If you don't get one, we will have extras at the March 7 Members Meeting. Our Agenda then includes a presentation on the Warriors’ proposed new arena at Piers 30-32; an update on partnership opportunities with SF Travel; Recology and Gay Square Dancers; a presentation and vote of support for SF Film Festival’s plans; and of course a City Hall update from our own Supervisor Scott Wiener. As I mentioned above, someone from Planning will be on hand to answer questions and hear your concerns on the Castro Sidewalks Widening project. I look forward to seeing you next Thursday, March 7 at 9am in the EVRC Auditorium.

Always,

Terry

MUMC Update February 11, 2013

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Here are some news updates and reminders

from MUMC - Merchants of Upper Market & Castro

* NO PARKING- TOWAWAY near Castro-19th Streets

* Submit your Castro Street Sidewalks Widening comments now!

* Please complete the City's Business Permits Survey

* Details of many new local development projects now available

>> NO PARKING - TOWAWAY spaces are posted at all points around the intersection of Castro-19th Streets, with extended coverage today and tomorrow (24 hours on Monday 2/11 and Tuesday 2/12). The S.F. Water Department is completing tie-in connections to new water lines for many customers in that area overnight Monday pm to Tuesday am. Other underground utilities work continues on 19th Street east and west of Castro, with "No Parking" posted during the day.

>> If you have not yet seen a presentation of information about the CASTRO STREET SIDEWALKS WIDENING project, please get informed and register your comments NOW. The project covers the 400 and 500 blocks of Castro (between Market and 19th Streets), and parts of 18th Street from Hartford to Collingwood. Proposed project elements include wider, beautified sidewalks and pedestrian paths; narrowed vehicle traffic lanes; bulbouts and other pedestrian assists at intersections; changes in on-street parking and MUNI stop locations; and more. Get informed NOW by reviewing the project presentation, then complete and submit your survey comments ASAP, all at http://www.sf-planning.org/index.aspx?page=3343 The February 11 survey deadline has been extended a few days, to receive your comments NOW. MUMC also will help publicize a second community information update meeting planned for March.

>> Those attending MUMC's February 7 Members Meeting heard an update on the City's work to streamline and unify the often-complex-and-sometimes-mystifying processes for permits, licenses, registrations, certificates, regulations, and business programs currently spread over many separate City departments. Survey comments and responses about your experience and wishes for easier permitting and regulatory oversight are needed ASAP. For more information and a survey go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEtEaUxtMXRpTGFPT3lBTHF6QWM4REE6MQ#gid=0

>> MUMC Member Emery Bushong of Herth Real Estate has compiled and posted online an informative list of major new development projects now underway in The Castro. Most include new ground floor retail-commercial space (totalling over 60,000 s.f.), as well as hundreds of new residential units - both condos and rentals. Click on most map listings, for a link to each project's site and further details. It's a valuable resource for anyone interested in The Castro's future. Thank you, Emery and staff! Check it out at http://sfcitydevelopments.com

MUMC President's Letter for February 2013

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 04:59:00 GMT

January came and is almost gone. I have been working non-stop since sometime in early October and I’m sure a break must be in my future somewhere. Normally I get to take a breath in early January and recoup from the hustle and bustle of Christmas, but this year we decided to get on an airplane and fly to Atlanta for the Atlanta Gift Show. For years our reps have been telling us that this is really the place to go buy Christmas, and for years we have poo-poo’d it, not wanting to face Christmas or Atlanta in early January. But as many of the West Coast showrooms have closed over the last couple of years, we realized we didn’t have much choice. So on January 8 my mom and I flew to Atlanta to spend four days buying Christmas. I am happy to report that it was worth the mental anguish. After four days, except for a few odds and ends we have ordered Christmas for 2013, Camille survived homework with her father and I got to eat fried green tomatoes (some things are meant to be fried)!

I hope that you all had a successful holiday season and that the mild weather this January has kept your sales up.

I would like to welcome Captain Greg McEachern to SFPD’s Northern Station. Northern Station covers MUMC Members on the north side of Market Street from Sanchez to Octavia. We have invited Capt. McEachern to join us at a monthly Members Meeting when his schedule allows.

I am happy to report that the 2nd Annual “Paint the Castro Red” for World AIDS Day (December 1, 2012) was an overwhelming success, raising over $35,000. If you didn’t participate in 2012 and would like to in 2013 please contact Leigh Illion at Positive Resource Center 415-972-0878.

On January 23 the S.F. Planning Department had their first public workshop to get feedback and ideas for the Castro Street Sidewalks Widening Project. I was impressed by the turnout and the thoughtful conversations that merchants, neighbors and city officials had around the Project. An overview of the Project is at the following link:

http://www.sf-planning.org/index.aspx?page=3343

It is important that every Castro-area business and resident complete the Survey Form which is part of that site. Much of MUMC’s February 7 Members’ Meeting will be dedicated to discussing the Project. If you haven’t done so already, please take a look at the plans. Now is the time to tell the planners what you like, what you don’t like and what your concerns are about the process. There will be a second community meeting in late February. We will send you out a “save the date” notice as soon as we have that information.

Current MUMC Members are urged to join us next Thursday, February 7 at 9:00am for our regularly scheduled monthly MUMC Members’ Meeting in the Auditorium at the Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC). Our lineup for this month includes presentations from the EVRC Staff, The SF AIDS Foundation, The Imperial Court of San Francisco, the Planning Department’s Sidewalks Widening Project team and of course our very own District 8 Supervisor, Scott Wiener. See the full Agenda now posted right here on MUMC’s Home Page Blog.

I hope 2013 is treating you well so far.

Always,

Terry

MUMC February 7, 2013 Members Meeting Agenda

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:54:00 GMT

NOTICE OF MUMC MEMBERS MEETING

Thursday, February 7, 2013 - 9:00am to 10:30am

Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC)

100 Collingwood Street, San Francisco CA

(between 18th and 19th Streets,

behind Mollie Stone's Castro Market)

Coffee and pastries provided by Starbucks on 18th Street - THANK YOU !

A G E N D A

* Introductions

* City Hall Update – Supervisor Scott Wiener

* Proposed Castro Street Sidewalks Widening Project

Nick Perry, S.F. Planning Department; John Dennis, S.F. Department of Public Works

* S.F. AIDS Foundation – Proposed plans for 470 Castro Street – Neil Giuliano for SFAF

* S.F. Mayor’s and Small Business Offices – S.F. Business Owner Permit Survey

Erick Orantes, S.F. Office of Economic and Workforce Development

* Imperial Council of San Francisco – 2013 Elections Patty McGroin, Imperial Council

* Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC) – Proposed “Family Date Night Out”

Don Franklin, EVRC

* MUMC 2013 Dues and Castro Guide Campaign begins in late February

Terry Asten Bennett, MUMC; Ron Willis, Robert Sokol, VIA MEDIA

* Other Member Business

* Member Announcements

All current MUMC Members for 2012-13 are encouraged to attend our monthly Member Meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considering MUMC Membership also are invited to attend one Meeting as a guest observer, to become more familiar with MUMC. Others must contact MUMC in advance regarding attendance at MUMC's private Meetings. If you have questions about MUMC Meetings, contact MUMC's President Terry Asten Bennett at Info@CastroMerchants.com or call 415/431-2359.

MUMC News Update - January 2013

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 21:25:00 GMT

MUMC NEWS UPDATE - mid-January 2013

* Castro Sidewalks Widening Community Meeting, THIS WEDNESDAY

* "Public Safety in The Castro" Community Meeting, January 28

* Street Tree Planting in The Castro - signup deadline THIS WEDNESDAY

* Next MUMC Members Meeting - Thursday morning, February 7, 9:00am at EVRC

* Sunday Parking Meter Enforcement and Fines begin next Sunday, January 27

CASTRO SIDEWALKS WIDENING COMMUNITY MEETING, this Wednesday, January 23, 6:00-8:00pm at Eureka Valley Recreation Center-EVRC (100 Collingwood between 18th-19th Streets). A reminder that the first Community Meeting on this important project - to widen the sidewalks in the 400 and 500 blocks of Castro Street - is THIS WEDNESDAY. This is your chance to hear, and to offer your comments on, initial plans for this City-funded project, projected to begin during 2013. For more information, attend this Meeting, or contact S.F. Planning Department's project manager, Nick Perry at Nicholas.Perry@SFGov.org or 415/575-9066.

COMMUNITY MEETING ON PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE CASTRO, Monday, January 28, 6:00-7:00pm at Eureka Valley Recreation Center-EVRC (100 Collingwood between 18th-19th Streets). In response to a recent uptick in crime in our area, Supervisor Wiener, representatives from S.F.P.D. Mission, Park and Northern Stations, and co-sponsors the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Castro Community on Patrol, S.F. SAFE, the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District, Castro/Eureka Valley and Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Associations and MUMC will participate in presentations and Q&A with all attending, to discuss this important topic of concern to all. Attend the meeting for more information, or contact Adam Taylor in Sup. Wiener's office at AdamTaylor@SFGov.org or 415/554-6968.

STREET TREE PLANTING IN THE CASTRO - signup deadline this Wednesday, January 23.
Friends of the Urban Forest sponsors this opportunity to get a street tree in front of your property in our neighborhood (residential or business-except 400, 500 blocks of Castro). The subsidized $135 fee includes your tree, permit, site preparation (including concrete removal), potluck lunch on planting day, two post-planting professional tree care visits, and one-year FUF membership. Plantings will be on February 23, but you must sign up by THIS WEDNESDAY, January 23. To sign up, go to http://www.fuf.net/programs-services/planting/neighborhood-tree-planting. For more information, contact Doug Lybeck of FUF at DougLybeck@FUF.net or 415/268-0773.

THE NEXT MUMC MEMBERS MEETING is on Thursday morning, February 7, 9:00-10:30am at Eureka Valley Recreation Center-EVRC (100 Collingwood between 18th-19th Streets). After our January post-Holidays hiatus, we'll have a full Agenda including Sup. Wiener's always-info-packed update from City Hall, details on S.F. AIDS Foundation's plan for 470 Castro Street, a preview of plans for the 2013-14 Castro Guide, details about a generous "partnership" offer from S.F. Travel (the City's official convention and visitor development organization), an Emperor/Empress voting update visit from the Imperial Court, and much more. MUMC Member Meetings are private and open only to current MUMC Members and invited guests. For more information, see the Meeting Agenda to be published here next week or contact MUMC at MUMC-SF@earthlink.net or 415/431-2359.

SUNDAY PARKING METER ENFORCEMENT & FINES begin this next Sunday, January 27, according to SFMTA. The new "Sunday Meters" program began on January 6, but Meter Minders issued only warnings for the first three Sundays. Enforcement (AND FINES!) begin this coming weekend. Please inform and warn your customers and employees!! For more details, information posters, etc. go to http://www.sfmta.com/cms/pmeter/sundaymeters.htm.

MUMC Members Meeting Agenda - Thursday, December 6, 2012

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:52:00 GMT

NOTICE OF MUMC MEMBERS MEETING

Thursday, December 6, 2012 - 9:00am to 10:30am

Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC)

100 Collingwood Street, San Francisco CA

(between 18th and 19th Streets,

behind Mollie Stone's Castro Market)

Coffee and pastries provided by Starbucks - THANK YOU !

A G E N D A

* Introductions

* City Hall Update – Supervisor Scott Wiener

* Discussion of current Quality of Life Issues in The Castro - Bevan Dufty, Director of S.F. Office of Housing, Opportunity, Partnerships & Engagement (HOPE): SF Homeless Outreach Team; SFPD Mission Station Capt. Bob Moser

* Proposed Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at 2301 Market Street, Information Presentation – Jason Munyon

* Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District (CastroCBD) Update – Andrea Aiello

* Castro Community On Patrol (CCOP) “Castro Business Watch” Program – Greg Carey

* International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs Convention in SF, July 2013 - Steve Huggins

* Other Member Business

* Member Announcements

All current MUMC Members for 2012-13 are encouraged to attend our monthly Member Meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considering MUMC Membership also are invited to attend one Meeting as a guest observer, to become more familiar with MUMC. Others must contact MUMC in advance regarding attendance at MUMC's private Members Meetings. If you have questions about MUMC Meetings, contact MUMC's President Terry Asten Bennett at Info@CastroMerchants.com or call 415/431-2359.

MUMC President's Letter for December 2012

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 19:49:00 GMT

Where has the year gone? I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and were able to take a minute to breathe and be thankful for the people and things in your lives that make it worth it to get up every day and do what needs to be done. I spent a relaxing morning at home with Rich and Camille. Then Camille helped me to make a green bean casserole, peach cobbler and banana bread to take over to my in-laws’ house in the East Bay for Thanksgiving dinner. We had a lovely evening, but I have to tell you, I was not thrilled with the “Big Boxes” and their crazy Black Friday shenanigans starting on Thursday evening, because the freeway was packed with cars! So much for our easy holiday driving….

Cliff’s Variety had a successful weekend with our fifth annual “Save Money Save the School” Sale. We were able to raise $2,115 for Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy.

I would like to thank everyone who supported MUMC’s annual Holiday Promotion this year. Lots of residents and elected officials came out for the Tree Lighting Ceremony last Monday night. It was a festive event hosted by the always-lovely and witty Donna Sachet. We were treated to holiday music from members of the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, and the Metropolitan Community Church Choir. And of course no tree lighting is complete without a blessing from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and a visit from Santa and his Elf. I would like to thank Capt. Moser, Sgt. Limbert and all of SFPD Mission Station for facilitating safety measures to keep us from being run over by cars and Muni buses. All in all, I would say it was a grand success.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Herb Cohn, CPA for all of his years of service to our community and to MUMC. Herb has made tremendous contributions to MUMC and to promoting the importance of supporting small businesses in San Francisco. Herb joined MUMC in 2000. In 2001 he was voted on to the Board, and quickly took over the role of Treasurer. Herb presided as MUMC President in 2003 & 2004, and then resumed his role as Treasurer until his resignation in November of this year. Herb has sold his practice and is relocating out of the City. I wish him well on his new adventures. Some of Herb’s many contributions include the development of MUMC’s first website, one of the first neighborhood merchant websites in San Francisco, and playing a key role in the founding and development of the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District, where Herb served as the founding President and long term Board Member and Treasurer. Herb’s experience and wisdom will be missed. Cathy O’Shea from Bank of America and a long time MUMC Board Member has agreed to step up and take over the role of our Treasurer.

There are a lot of events going on around the neighborhood this month, but there are two that I would like to especially remind you about. This Saturday, December 1 is World AIDS Day. I would like to encourage you all to hang a red ribbon on your doors and windows. Paint the Castro Red is raising funds for eight AIDS organizations that night. So please shop, eat, drink and give generously. The second event is the Toy Drive for Mama’s Family. Mama does amazing work every year collecting toys for kids in need living with or suffering from HIV/AIDS. Toys can be dropped off at Café Flore from 9:30pm until 1am on Friday, December 7 or at The Edge on Sunday, December 16 from 4pm to 7pm. A little bit from each of us goes a long way.

Don't forget that the semi-annual renewal of your MPC-25 "No Trespassing" sign is due January 1, for first half of 2013. New YELLOW signs must be properly completed, signed and dated January 1, 2013 or later to be enforceable. Get yours at the December 6 MUMC Members Meeting, or at PO Plus, Sterling Bank, AutoErotica, or SFPD Mission Station starting in early December.

MUMC’s last Members Meeting of this year is next Thursday, December 6 at 9am in the Auditorium at the Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC). Our agenda includes informational presentations from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and a big international Gay Square Dancer’s convention coming to town next summer. As requested at last month’s Meeting, Captain Moser, S.F. HOPE’s Director Bevan Dufty, and a HOT Team representative will discuss many of the quality of life issues our neighborhood is facing. In addition, we will have updates from the Castro CBD and a presentation on CCOP’s “Castro Business Watch” program. And of course, updates from City Hall from our own Supervisor Scott Wiener.

I wish you all a safe, happy and prosperous Holiday Season.

Always,

Terry

MUMC President's Letter for November 2012

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 19:15:00 GMT

MUMC President’s Letter for November 2012

This has been a very hard month for MUMC and for me. I agreed to be your President this year because I felt like I owed it to the community for all the years of support that you have shown my business and my family. But, I was in no way emotionally prepared to have my name, reputation or face splashed all over the Internet and dragged through the mud as part of public dialogue regarding MUMC’s stewardship of the Rainbow Flag at Harvey Milk Plaza. For those of you who took the time to ask questions before jumping to conclusions based on untruths and half truths, I appreciate it. It was these little kindnesses that made it possible for me to breathe, think and problem solve.

As we head into Thanksgiving, I want to take a moment to thank a few people who have made my life a little brighter. I would like to thank our Administrator, Richard Magary, who not only keeps the piles of paperwork organized, but is an amazing and supportive friend. Without Richard, I would not be able to do this job. I would like to thank MUMC’s Board Members, who thoughtfully work through difficult questions and always put the best interests of the neighborhood before their own needs. I would like to thank MUMC’s Immediate Past President, Steve Adams, who did this job for 5 years and is still here to mentor and support me. Thanks also to all our nearly 250 current MUMC Members, even when individual opinions on important topics vary, for being involved, caring and supportive of our community. And last but never least, I would like to thank my family for keeping me laughing, smiling, breathing and always moving forward no matter what. I wish each and every one of you a very happy Thanksgiving and a prosperous Holiday Season.

And now down to the nitty gritty…..

After consultation with Theresa Sparks, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission (HRC), and Supervisor Scott Wiener regarding the future of the Rainbow Flag, MUMC’s Board has decided that the community would be best served by revisiting our current Rainbow Flag policy as soon as possible - at the November 1 Members Meeting instead of waiting until January, as indicated earlier. We have been counseled that there are only two acceptable, nondiscriminatory polices from which we can choose for MUMC’s continued stewardship of the Flag:

Option 1 – Only the Rainbow Flag flies at full mast every day, no substitutions,

no adornments at any time

Option 2 – Any group that can provide a flag made to the specifications of the flag pole may fly their flag at full mast.

We feel that, given the recent controversy, it is important that MUMC’s current Members make this decision, not the Board. The Board does not feel that MUMC has sufficient infrastructure to manage the flag, nor is it in our best interest to try, if the Membership chooses the second option. Therefore, the choice you will be asked to make on November 1 is between:

Choice 1 – Only the Rainbow Flag flies at full mast every day, no substitutions, no adornments. MUMC maintains stewardship of the flag.

Choice 2 – Any group that can provide a flag made to the specifications of the flag pole may fly their flag at full mast. In this case, MUMC returns stewardship of the Flag and pole to the City.

Either choice will become effective as of January 1, 2013. The decision will not affect our existing agreements, to fly the Transgender Flag on November 20, 2012, and to commemorate World AIDS Day with a red banner atop the Flag on December 1, 2012.

On Wednesday November 7, 2012 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce will host a “District 8 Neighborhood Business Summit” with Supervisor Scott Wiener at the SF LGBT Community Center (1800 Market Street @ Octavia Blvd.) This is an excellent opportunity to meet with elected and other City officials, network with other merchants from all parts of District 8, and strengthen neighborhood business ties. There is no fee to attend and complimentary refreshments will be provided. For more information contact Lydia Hernried of the Chamber at LHernried@SFChamber.com or call 415/352-8841.

On Monday, November 19, 2012 the Transgender community, friends and supporters will gather at Civic Center around 5:30pm and march to Harvey Milk Plaza where the Transgender Flag will be raised between 6 and 7pm. The flag will fly all day on November 20, 2012 for Transgender Day of Remembrance. I would encourage all of you to consider putting a Transgender Flag in your windows that day as a sign of welcome and support.

Please join us Monday, November 26, 2012 at 6:00pm for MUMC’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. It promises to be a festive event, with Holiday music and carols; Santa and his elves; Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor Scott Wiener, and other City officials; the traditional glittery blessings from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; and more. We urge you to stay open late that evening to greet the crowd (about 300 last year), and to offer Holiday specials then. If you haven't yet sent in your sponsorship for MUMC’s 2012 Year-end Holiday Promotion, watch for a reminder in the mail this week, then send in your sponsorship right away! The final deadline has been extended only to 5:00pm on Tuesday, November 13 for your business to be listed on the big Holiday Banner that will hang from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day at 18^th and Castro. If you have questions please contact Richard Magary at 415/431-2359.

Our next monthly Members Meeting is this Thursday, November 1 at 9:00am in the Auditorium at Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC). See the Agenda posted at www.CastroMerchants.com. It is loaded with important topics this month: The Board will be asking you to vote on the new Rainbow Flag policy; Supervisor Scott Wiener is asking for a vote of support for his public nudity legislation; Chipolte is asking for a vote of support for its proposed project at 2100 Market Street (formerly Home Restaurant); and there will be a presentation for Small Businesses Saturday (November 26).

I'm not promising a quick Meeting this month, but I hope you will join us for these important discussions and decisions.

Congratulations to our own San Francisco Giants, World Series Champions! I'm beaming orange with pride!

- Terry

MUMC Members Meeting Agenda - Thursday, November 1, 2012

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 18:14:00 GMT

MUMC Members MEETING

Thursday, November 1, 2012 - 9:00am to 10:30am

Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC) Auditorium – 100 Collingwood Street, San Francisco CA

Coffee and Pastries provided by Starbucks on 18^th Street - THANK YOU !!!

A G E N D A

** Introductions

** City Hall Update – Supervisor Scott Wiener

** MUMC Support for Sup. Wiener’s Proposed Legislation re Public Nudity VOTE

** MUMC Policy Change for Rainbow Flag at Harvey Milk Plaza VOTE

** MUMC Support for Proposed Chipotle Restaurant at 2100 Market – Lisa Burbey, Chipotle VOTE

** MUMC’s 2012 Holiday Promotion Plans

** Small Business Saturday – Lynn Bunim

** Other Member Business

** Member Announcements

MUMC is a private membership organization for businesses located in and/or serving The Castro. All current MUMC Members for 2012-13 are encouraged to attend our monthly Member Meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considering MUMC Membership also are invited to attend one Meeting as a guest observer, to become more familiar with MUMC. Others, please contact MUMC in advance regarding attendance at MUMC's private Member Meetings. Decisions by MUMC's President are final regarding attendance at and conduct of Meetings. If you have questions about MUMC Meetings, contact MUMC's President Terry Asten Bennett at Info@CastroMerchants.com or call 415/431-2359.

MUMC Statement re Transgender Day of Remembrance

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:36:00 GMT

The Board of the Merchants of Upper Market and Castro has thoughtfully and thoroughly considered the desire of the Transgender Community to have the Transgender Flag flown on November 20, 2012 in recognition of the Transgender Day of Remembrance. The request we originally received was to fly the Transgender Flag in a lowered position. Due to real and serious safety concerns, the request was denied on the basis of the lowered position request. Although, as of today we have not received a revised request, we continued the conversation to consider flying the Transgender Flag at full height. This has been a difficult conversation and emotions run very high in both directions on the issue.

Gilbert Baker, the originator of the Rainbow Flag, created the flag pole with the intent of an oversized 20ft by 30ft Rainbow Flag that would be flown 365 days a year at full mast as a sign of unity and hope for the entire LGBT community. At some point after this, a decision was made to fly the Leather Flag in the week leading up to Folsom Street Fair. In 2001, the originator of the rainbow flag was no longer able to care for the flag, and our beautiful symbol of hope and unity was flying torn and tattered on the flag pole. It was at this time that MUMC stepped forward and offered to be stewards of the flag. The city with Gilbert Baker’s blessing granted MUMC the stewardship. The leaders of MUMC over the last 11 years have worked diligently to make sure we have a beautiful, bright, vibrant flag flying over our community. MUMC has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over this period of time, to insure and maintain the flag pole. In order to keep a bright, colorful flag flying, the flag must be changed out approximately every two months. We have worked to create a partnership with the Castro Street Faire organizers who use some of the gate donations every year to buy 3 to 4 replacement flags. A couple of years ago, when the Bear community was looking at celebrating their last Bear Rendezvous weekend a decision was made to fly the Bear Flag as a way of marking the end of an era. As it turned out the Bear Community revived the Bear Rendezvous in an abbreviated capacity, and as things go you do it once it becomes tradition, it has flown President’s Day weekend the last couple of years. Over the last two years the MUMC Board has been overwhelmed with requests to alter or change the flag. These requests have regularly been accompanied by a great deal of personal attacks, blatant bullying and harassment. Due to these attacks it has made it very difficult to consider any requests. After the first of the year, MUMC will organize a committee to reassess our policy.

During this process of consideration I have consulted with and looked for guidance from several people in the community. I would personally like to thank Supervisor Scott Wiener, Daniel Redman and Don Romesburg for their respectful, heartfelt and open dialogs with me. These respectful dialogs have made it possible for the MUMC Board to make the decision to fly the Transgender Flag on November 20th in recognition of Transgender Day of Remembrance. It will be the responsibility of the Transgender community to provide a 20ft by 30ft Transgender Flag that will fly at full mast on Tuesday, November 20, 2012. We would ask that the community coordinate the flying of the flag with a commemoration that can bring the much needed focus, recognition and pride to the transgender community.

Respectfully Yours,

Terry Asten Bennett – MUMC President