Invest In Neighborhoods
October 2017 Newsletter
In Memoriam
Konstantinos “Gus” Vardakastanis, Neighborhood Grocer and Community Leader

Photo courtesy of Gus’s Market
The Invest In Neighborhoods team and City of San Francisco join the community in mourning and remembering Gus Vardakastanis. Gus was a dedicated small business owner, immigrant entrepreneur and community leader. He provided healthy and affordable produce to the neighborhoods he served and employed many residents at his three local markets. His welcoming and entrepreneurial spirit will be missed by the many people he touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gus’ family and friends during this time of sorrow. Gus will be missed, but his memory will live on through his lasting contributions to the City he loved. Gus, thank you and we will miss you.
News & Highlights
Japantown Celebrates its New Designation as a Community Benefit District
District 5 Supervisor London Breed, Mayor Ed Lee, and Invest In Neighborhoods in the Office of Economic and Workforce Development celebrated San Francisco’s newest Community Benefit District (CBD) in September. Supervisor Breed and Mayor Lee welcomed the Japantown CBD before a large crowd of community members and local business owners who gathered in the local Peace Plaza. “The Japantown Community Benefit District is an important milestone for the preservation and celebration of the Japanese American community in this city,” said Mayor Lee. Wednesday’s ceremony marks the 15th CBD established in San Francisco since 2005. Read more…
Do Not Miss the Season’s Wrap-up of The Commons on 3rd Thursday
This season’s wrap-up event of a successful series of The Commons on 3rd Thursday is on October 19th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is a free “block party” featuring live music on three stages, roller skating by the Church of 8 Wheels, food trucks, over-21 beverages, games, interactive installations and other activities for all ages in Civic Center Plaza, UN Plaza, and Fulton Street between the Asian Art Museum and the San Francisco Main Public Library. With Jimmy Buffet performing at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, a mini ‘Paradise Cove’ experience will be curated featuring Jimmy Buffett themed activities, art, beverages, and more in UN Plaza. Check out the video and join the festivities, www.civiccentercommons.org. #commonsthursdays
Rebuild My Block to Provide Home Repairs and Renovations to the Bayview

Photo courtesy of Rebuilding Together SF
On Saturday, October 21st, Rebuilding Together San Francisco is partnering with YCAT-C, Bayview Residents Improving Their Environment, the City’s Fix-It Team, Invest In Neighborhoods in the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, Friends of the Urban Forest, and the broader Bayview community for Rebuild My Block. This event will revitalize homes within a four block area between La Salle, McKinnon, and Newhall Lane and will include a Fix-It Fair with a number of vendors providing activities focused on how to maintain a safe and healthy home. Volunteers are welcome to sign up to assist in a variety of areas. Click here to volunteer and e-mail Brenna to participate in the resource fair.
Chinatown Crowds Revel in Festivities for Autumn Moon Festival
On September 30th, Chinatown burst with color and celebration for the opening day of the weekend’s Autumn Moon Festival. Thousands of festival goers crowded into the streets to take in the various booths, dancers, beauty queens and vendors on Grant Avenue. San Francisco’s Chinatown boasts one of the largest Chinese American populations in the country and hosts the annual Autumn Moon Festival which is a long-standing tradition in China to honor the celestial sphere that plays a vital role in Asian folklore. Read more and plan on attending the 2018 celebration.
Resilient Bayview Hosts its First Ever Neighborfest
The first Resilient Bayview Neighborfest held on October 7th was a huge success! The Bayview Community came out to have a good time, but they got a whole lot more. The Bayview Community benefitted from the collective efforts of vendors, community partners and sponsors, contributing to the Resource Fair, free lunch, activities and entertainment. Together Resilient Bayview fed over 300 people, promoted 28 health and resilience Resource Fair vendors, trained 45 people in CPR, raffled 30 disaster kits and recorded more than 90 Bayview resident contacts for the Resilient Bayview initiative. Neighbors built friendships, learned ways to access education and healthcare, learned how to prepare for stressful events and much, much more. Read more…
Community Events
Invest In Neighborhoods in the OEWD is pleased to promote the following events. Many activities are free and all events are open to the public.
Civic Center Commons Third Thursdays and Paradise Cove – Last Event of the Season!
FREE
October 19, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Civic Center Commons (UN Plaza, Civic Center Plaza, and Fulton Street between the Asian Art Museum and the Main Library)
This is the last event of the season–there is a great line-up and a Paradise Cove!
Civic Center Plaza Stage
Music by PEOPLE IN PLAZAS
Stompy Jones – 6:30-7:20pm, 7:40-8:30pm
Live DJ – 5:00-6:30pm, 7:20-7:40pm, 8:30-9:00pm
Plus:
- Swing Dancing All Night!
- Cocktail Bar by Off the Grid Markets
- Bi-Rite Creamery Stand
- Play Bocce Ball with SF Social
- Cornhole and Giant Jenga FREE!
Fulton Street Stage
Music by ANOTHER PLANET ENTERTAINMENT
DJ Funklor – 5:00-6:16pm
No Vacation – 6:15-7:15pm
Bells Atlas – 7:45-8:45pm
Plus:
- Church of 8 Wheels – FREE Rollerskating
- Cocktail Bar & Food Trucks by Off the Grid Markets
UN Plaza Stage
Music by NOISE POP
DJ Chad Salty and Sarah Bethe Nelson – 5:00-8:00pm
Vinyl Williams – 8:00-9:00pm
Plus:
- “Paradise Cove” – Jimmy Buffet themed area complete with beachy drinks, food, a Blue Hawaii movie screening and more in honor of Jimmy’s performance at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium 8PM!
Check out the Art Installation:
“Knitting the Commons” – Yarn Tree Wrapping
FREE
On display every day
Visit Knitting the Commons for more details.
Whildewhere? in McLaren Park
FREE
Detailed Event Schedule
Last event of the season!
- Metal Music Festival – October 21, 12:00 p.m.
Undiscovered SF: Filipino Night Market Festival | SoMa
FREE
Every third Friday
Next Event: October 20, 6 p.m. to Midnight
Check out the video about the creative thinking behind this event series:
ALSO, watch the recap video of August’s event
Movies in McCoppin
A Movie Every Friday in October
At Taraval Street and 23rd Avenue
FREE
FREE Popcorn / FREE Movies / Family Fun
6:00PM: Kids Activities
7:30PM: Showtime!
Here is the movie season’s schedule:
- October 20, Zootopia
- October 27, Star Wars: Rogue One
Bayview Pumpkin Patch, a benefit for Project Wreckless
FREE
Through October 31, Monday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
4101 Third Street (enter on Hudson Ave.), San Francisco, CA 94124
Visit this family friendly Pumpkin Patch in the Bayview during the month of October.
100% of the proceeds from pumpkin sales will benefit Project Wreckless, helping at risk youth in the Bayview learn tools for life.
BayviewLIVE Festival
FREE: Get Tickets
October 21, Noon to 7:00 p.m.
Egbert Avenue
Imprint City presents the BayviewLIVE Festival seeking to address the digital divide by leveraging tech resources while also attracting an array of notable performers, muralists and tech tastemakers to the Bayview (Sprayview) neighborhood. Visit bayviewlive.com to get updates, performance line up and to secure your FREE ticket
Rebuild My Block: Neighbors Helping Neighbors in the Bayview
FREE
October 21, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Central Bayview Neighborhood (Mendell & McKinnon)
Join the Rebuild My Block event to revitalize homes in a four block area between La Salle, McKinnon, and Newhall Lane. Rebuilding Together SF and YCAT-C will work with seniors, homeowners, and para-transit services to support the development of the Bayview community. They are looking for volunteers with and without construction experience. Click here to volunteer.
Your organization or business can participate in the resource fair, focusing on safe and healthy homes. To participate click here to email Brenna at RTSF.
Everyone deserves a safe & healthy home and neighborhood. Contact Brenna Hull for questions brenna@rebuildingtogethersf.org, (415) 905-1611 x204.
West Portal Merchants Association
FREE
October 21, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Bayview Butchertown Jazz Festival
FREE
October 22, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lane Street between Underwood Avenue & Van Dyke Avenue
Passport 2017 at Middle Polk
October 22, Noon to 4:00 p.m.
2001 Polk Street
San Francisco’s favorite DIY art collecting event is back! Support your local artists and small businesses by making your own stamped passports. Custom designed stamps made by a plethora of artists will be available Sunday, October 22. Find a complete list of the participating artists, cost and more here.This event is presented in partnership by Office of Economic and Workforce Development with media sponsorship by SF Weekly.
Chinatown Halloween Neighborhood Festival
FREE
October 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Waverly Place, Chinatown YMCA, Willie Woo Woo Clubhouse, Playground
West Portal Annual Halloween Stroll
FREE
October 31, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
West Portal Avenue
Events in The Mission
Oda A La Muerte – A Printmaking Exhibition
FREE
October 21, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Juan R. Fuentes Gallery, 2958 24th Street
“Oda A La Muerte” is a group printmaking exhibition paying tribute to Dia de Los Muertos. Featuring work from more than 20 artists, the exhibition seeks to foster a creative dialogue between Mexico and the U.S., with each artist exploring the significance of death from their own cultural and personal perspective, through use of intaglio and relief printing techniques, from etching to linoleum and woodcuts.
Mission Bernal Whistle-Stop Tour
FREE
October 27 – October 29
Join the Mission Bernal Merchants Association for the Mission Bernal’s Whistle-Stop Tour weekend! This program is a series of events taking place during a 3-day stretch with family fun and engaging activities. Meet local musicians, artists, chefs, and brewers. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the Mission Bernal eco rain gardens and enjoy live entertainment in the Mission/Valencia plaza.
Día de los Muertos: Day of the Dead SF
FREE
November 2
Procession begins 7 p.m. at 22nd and Bryant
Public Altars in Garfield Park at 26th and Harrison, 4 to 11 p.m.
Mondays to Sundays at Balancoire
Diverse programming every day of the week: Art and Cocktail Monday, Tango Tuesday, Swing Wednesday, Salsa Thursday and don’t miss out on Drag Sunday Brunch. This and Much More!
Presented by Balancoire Restaurant and Club
Tuesdays, Live Cuban Band at Cha Cha Cha
Son Chévere plays Classic Cuban Music Tuesdays, July 11 & July 25, 8pm to 10pm- Plus Rueda Con Ritmo offers a son/cha cha cha dance class 7pm-7:50pm ($10 fee). Son Chévere features Jordan (Tres), Alexey (Percussion), Maria (Bass Keytar), and Ryan (Percussion)
Admission: Free, Dance Classes $10
Presented by Cha Cha Cha
Wednesdays, Cine Con Cultura
7:00pm: MCCLA Movie Club Cine Con Cultura- web * fb Showcasing Latin American films with English subtitles. Admission: $7
Presented by Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
Thursdays, Mission Community Market
4:oopm-8:00pm: Mission Community Market– web * fb Visit the Mission Community Market is an open-air marketplace every Thursday rain or shine (March-Nov). The market is made up of farmers, small local businesses, music and culture programming and after-school activities. The non-profit promotes family health and are creating a fun, beautiful public space for the Mission District.
Presented by Mission Community Market– 22nd Street and Bartlett
Saturdays and Sundays, Mural Tours
Presented by Precita Eyes Muralists, 2981 24th Street
Ongoing on Saturdays & Sundays at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets: $3 – $20
Sundays, Live Salsa
2nd and 4th Sundays
3:15 p.m. – FREE Dance Class
4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Live Band.
Admission: $8 before 4 p.m., $10 After
For Additional Events Visit…
Brava Theater –2781 24th Street
Calle 24 Latino Cultural District
Galería De La Raza – 2857 24th Street
The NEN Awards Return for the 10th and Biggest Year Ever!
FREE
Save the Date: January 26, 2018
CITY HALL’S ROTUNDA
The NEN Awards are San Francisco’s way of honoring and celebrating the work of residents and organizations who make our city an amazing place to live.
OUR NOMINATION PROCESS:
Please take the time to nominate your local heroes for this year’s award categories (see list below) and remember you can nominate your own group/organization. The nomination window closes at 5pm on Friday, December 1st. Make your nominations today.
SAVE THE DATE:
Also please save the date of the evening of January 26th, 2018. We’ll be opening the event reservation site in November so watch for updates.
Grants, Technical Assistance and Other Opportunities & Resources
Looking for a new job? OEWD Business Services has Resources for You
Sign up to receive e-mail information on job postings and upcoming hiring events by visiting http://oewd.org/email and select the “Workforce: Business Services” option. For more information, contact OEWD Business Services at (415) 701-4848 or business.services@sfgov.org.
Small Business Development Center: FREE Trainings & Workshops
The San Francisco Small Business Development Center (SBDC) conducts a wide variety of FREE business seminars for small businesses in San Francisco:
Financial Analysis for Small Businesses
Thursday, October 19, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
455 Market St., Suite #600, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94105
This workshop will cover different financial analysis methods, how to analyze your profit and loss report, as well as, how budgeting, statement of cash flows, and cash flow forecasting can be used to track and project future monthly cash needs. Individuals will learn how to use these reports to identify areas where they can increase their profits and business performance, and improve their cash flow management skills.
Target Marketing Strategies
Thursday, October 26, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
455 Market St., Suite #600, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94105
Learn the basic fundamentals of target marketing and how to identify your customer. Are you familiar with the terms; demographics, psychographics and do you know what your NAICS code is? If not, you could be missing out on creating customers daily. Learn how to use research information and materials to sustain your company year round. This workshop is for current and aspiring business owners.
Quickbooks Program
Wednesday, November 1, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
San Francisco Public Library, Main Library 100 Larkin Street , San Francisco CA 94102
MUST BE IN BUSINESS AND BUSINESS MUST BE LOCATED IN SAN FRANCISCO.
The QuickBooks Program is a no-cost workshop being offered to San Francisco based businesses looking to incorporate QuickBooks as their primary accounting tool. This program will cover basic QuickBooks instruction, including: setting up QuickBooks, entering sales, entering expenses, reporting, and other basic functions.
Mastering the Art of Presentation
Tuesday, November 7, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
San Francisco Public Library, Main Library 100 Larkin Street , San Francisco CA 94102
This workshop will cover the most important skill in business, which is the ability to communicate effectively. This session is designed for any businessperson who wants to differentiate themselves and achieve more consistent results in their formal and informal presentations. We will explore communication styles and how they enhance or take away from one’s effectiveness.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SBDC FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sign up for the SF SBDC Newsletter
Correction & Deadline Extended: Cultural Equity Initiatives Due November 1
Some Cultural Equity Inititaives (CEI) applicants may have seen a version of the guidelines that stated that there was a cap for the budget size of fiscal sponsors. This error has been corrected; there is no budget cap for fiscal sponsors; the applicant organization’s budget cap is a three-year average of $1.5 million.
The CEI grant program offers grants up to $100,000 to small and mid-sized arts organizations for capacity-building initiatives that ensure the artistic and cultural vitality and the sustainability of San Francisco’s arts organizations that are deeply rooted in historically marginalized communities.
New deadline is Wednesday, November 1 at 12 noon.
Deadline: Creative Space and Arts for Neighborhood Vitality Due October 25
The Creative Space (CRSP) grant program supports the enhancement of San Francisco cultural facilities through Planning and Facility Improvement Grants. Arts for Neighborhood Vitality (ANV) grants support small, neighborhood- centered, publicly accessible art walks and festivals where art and culture are main components.
Applications are due Wednesday, October 25, at 12 noon.
Deadline Extended: Treasure Island Phase 1 Public Art Opportunities Due October 20
Now accepting applications for the Treasure Island Arts Master Plan implementation of Phase 1, which includes projects for large-scale, site-specific art installations at Building 1 Plaza ($1 million), Waterfront Plaza ($2 million) and Yerba Buena Hilltop Park ($2 million).
This is a high profile and unparalleled opportunity for artists to create bold and imaginative large-scale sculpture for prominent locations on Treasure Island and the adjacent Yerba Buena Island concurrent with the island-wide redevelopment.
New deadline is Friday, October 20, 2017, 9:59 p.m. PDT/ 11:59 p.m. CT
2018 Grant Applications Due
Over $3 million is available in grant funds for small to mid-sized nonprofits and individual artists based in San Francisco. Applications are due on a rolling basis this month, so check out the grant categories for more information about applying! Applications are available through our online grant management system.
APPLY SOON! Artist in Residence with SF Planning
Application Deadline is October 19, 11:59 p.m. by email
Bay Area artists are invited to submit a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for our new Artist in Residence (AIR) initiative. The SFAC Galleries will place one artist in residence with our City partner, the SF Planning Department, for ten weeks (five hours a week) in early 2018. This pilot residency marks our commitment to leveraging our unique resources to provide artists with opportunities to participate in and activate around the advancement of civic dialogue.
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
REGISTER HERE
A WORKSHOP FOR NONPROFITS WITH CITY CONTRACTS: 2017 SAN FRANCISCO WAGE AND BENEFIT LAWS OVERVIEW
FREE
October 31, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
San Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium
Co-hosted by HSN and the S.F. Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE)
HSN and OSLE will host our second overview of San Francisco wage and benefit laws, particularly for nonprofits with city contracts. The target audience for this workshop is nonprofit executives and H.R. professionals. More info, including how to register, will be available soon.
The workshop will take place in Koret Auditorium from 9:00 to 12:00 noon. OLSE and other relevant City staff also will be available to provide individual technical assistance from 9:00 to 12:00 noon in the Main Library’s Latino Room.
Get more information and REGISTER at http://www.sfnonprofithr.brownpapertickets.com
Addition inquiries can be directed to debbilerman@sfhsn.org
Central Market Street and Tenderloin Area Payroll Expense Tax Exclusion
The 2017 application period for the Central Market Street and Tenderloin Area Payroll Expense Tax Exclusion is now open. To apply, please download the Central Market Street and Tenderloin Area Payroll Expense Tax Exclusion Application 2017 (found below in the Downloads section on this page) and follow the instructions provided.
The Central Market Street and Tenderloin Area Payroll Expense Tax Exclusion (the “Exclusion”) permits persons maintaining a fixed place of business within the Central Market Street and Tenderloin Area (the “Area”) and that meet the requirements of section 906.3 of the Business and Tax Regulations Code (the “Code”) to exclude a portion of their payroll expense from the payroll expense tax base for up to six years from the later of May 20, 2011, and the date the person commenced business in the Area. However, the Exclusion expires on May 20, 2019, and may not be taken after that date.
Reminders
SF Minimum Wage Increases to $14.00 Effective July 1, 2017
Paid Parental Leave Ordinance started on January 1, 2017; Employers with 35 or More Employees are
Required to Comply Beginning July 1, 2017.
Learn more: http://www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Taxes/E-file_and_E-pay_Mandate_for_Employers.htm
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