CastroMerchants Blog

MUMC mid-May Update

Tue, 08 May 2012 18:22:00 GMT

IMPORTANT MUMC DATES in MAY

Here's information about several important MUMC events in May, including items announced at last Thursday's MUMC Members Meeting, AND SOME ADDED SINCE THEN.

N-E-W !! THIS THURSDAY, May 10. DEADLINE to participate in the next Concierges Cruise the Castro event on Tuesday, June 5. Contact Richard Shiu at Best in Show, 545 Castro Street (Info@BestInShowSF.com or 415/864-7387). Hotel Concierges drive large numbers of visitors to our area. This event is designed to welcome our Concierge friends, and to show them what The Castro has to offer. You can participate by providing merchandise for the popular "Castro Swag Bag" given to each Concierge guest - memorable merchandise from your stock, or a coupon, store gift card, discount, other freebie. Donors of food and drink refreshments also are needed. All donor/participant businesses get publicity on invitations, at the receptions, and on the "Cruise" map. There will be two "Concierge Cruises" on June 5: 10:30am at the HRC Store and 5:30pm at Mudpuppy's Carriage House. After welcoming receptions there, and an abbreviated Cruisin' the Castro Tour, Concierges are given their "Swag Bag" and a map showing the store location of all donors. They then visit each participating business to claim their gift - so you get a chance to interact and further promote your business with each Concierge individually. There's also a Grand Prize Gift Basket donated by Under One Roof. We'll get every Concierge's business card and share that information with participants. The cards also allow MUMC to follow up with supplies of the Castro Guide and other promotion reminders all year long. These are very popular events, well-attended by a key group of The Castro's supporters. Thanks to "Concierge Cruise" organizers Daniel Bergerac (Mudpuppy's), Beth Feingold (Under One Roof), Petyr Kane (Citizen/Body), Shane Martin (HRC Action Center & Store), and Richard Shiu (Best in Show)!

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK in SAN FRANCISCO - May 14 through 19 offers several events to network and enjoy, to learn, and to promote your business. For complete schedules and information, go to www.SFSmallBusinessWeek.com. Here's a summary:

MONDAY, May 14 5:30pm to 7:30pm in the Cityview Room at Metreon (downtown at 4th & Mission Streets), Flavors of San Francisco is a festival of FREE food nibbles and sips from about 40 purveyors from all over San Francisco, including six MUMC Members - Busy Bee Foods, Cafe Flore, The Dancing Pig, Ike's Place, Kasa Indian Eatery, and Urban Bread. PRE-REGISTRATION IS ADVISED, and you MUST pre-register for waiver of the $10 admission fee otherwise charged at the door. Contact MUMC by May 13 (MUMC-SF@earthlink.net or 415/431-2359) for your pre-registration fee-waiver admission code.

TUESDAY, May 15, 3:30pm at City Hall, Board of Supervisors Chambers - Small Business Awards ceremony

WEDNESDAY, May 16 - 8:00am to 5:00pm at SFSU Downtown Campus (Westfield Mall) - Small Business Conference featuring over 50 FREE Small Business Workshops. See website (above) for full listing.

THURSDAY, May 17, 6:00pm to 8:00pm at SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street (at Octavia Blvd.). MEGA Make-Contact Mixer co-sponsored by GGBA and MUMC. Another opportunity for business networking while enjoying complimentary wine, other beverages and hors d'oeuves.

N-E-W !! FRIDAY, May 18 (morning, time TBA) at HRC Action Center & Store, 575 Castro. The winning design for HRC's new T-shirt, designed by a student at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy (HMCRA), will be announced and unveiled while HMCRA students visit the store. Then, ongoing sales of the T-shirt will benefit HMCRA. After the announcement, you can get your new HRC/HMCRA T-shirt at the HRC Store or at www.HRC.org. For more information call the HRC Store at 415/431-2200.

SATURDAY, May 19, all day from 10:00am (or earlier) until 5:00pm (or later) MUMC's Annual Sidewalk Sale throughout The Castro. MUMC will decorate The Castro with Rainbow Color balloons along the sidewalks. Extend your business out on to your sidewalk for the day, make it festive, move your oldest and/or newest merchandise, demonstrate services, attract new customers, and welcome regulars. Required sidewalk permits have been arranged by the S.F. Office of Small Business (thank you!). Get hints and guidelines for your Sidewalk Sale by contacting MUMC at MUMC-SF@earthlink.net or call 415/431-2359.

ALSO on SATURDAY, May 19 at 1:00pm, the community celebrates California's Third Annual Harvey Milk Day at Harvey Milk Plaza (Castro at Market Streets) with the dedication of Harvey's re-installed Memorial Plaque, followed by a march down Castro Street led by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band to Harvey's former Camera Store (now the HRC Action Center & Store at 575 Castro), for remarks by City officials and friends of Harvey.

TUESDAY, May 22 (Harvey's actual birthday), the Castro Theatre will host a special showing of Gus Van Sant's Academy Award-winning "MILK" as a fundraiser for Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy in The Castro. There's a special VIP reception featuring Cleve Jones and Dustin Lance Black at 6:00pm, followed by the film showing at 7:30pm. For program details go to www.CastroTheatre.com and following links to "Special Events" and "May 22." Tickets at www.BrownPaperTickets.com.

N-E-W !! SUNDAY, May 27 (all day) and MONDAY, May 28 (morning) The City Parking Lot at 455 Castro Street (behind the Castro Theatre) will be CLOSED for a special event - the premiere of "Hemingway and Gellhorn," filmed in San Francisco by acclaimed local director, Philip Kaufman and starring Nicole Kidman, Clive Owen, and Joan Chen. The event is expected to draw attention and a large number of visitors to The Castro on that Sunday afternoon and evening. Please welcome them all! The film then debuts on HBO, Monday, May 28.

WATCH YOUR MAIL in the next few days for your 2012 MUMC Dues Renewal reminder, and information on how to participate in MUMC's Castro Guide visitors and information book - more than 20,000 copies distributed each year thru downtown S.F. visitor centers and thoughout The Castro - one of the BEST advertising investments you can make....and ALL 2012 MUMC Members joining by the May 31 deadline get a FREE listing in the Castro Guide and on MUMC's website at www.CastroMerchants.com.

Contact MUMC if you have questions about this information - MUMC-SF@earthlink.net or 415/431-2359.

Thank you to our MUMC Members ......

........ and to all who support MUMC and The Castro!

MUMC President's Letter - May 2012

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:09:00 GMT

MUMC President’s Letter for May 2012

Editor’s Note: Terry Asten Bennett of Cliff’s Variety was elected MUMC’s President for the year ahead, at MUMC’s April 5, 2012 Members Meeting. Steve Adams of Sterling Bank was elected Immediate Past President and continues on MUMC’s Board.

I want to thank you all for your warm reception and support. I feel lucky to be surrounded by so many people who care so passionately about the success of their neighborhood. Steve has done an amazing job over the last five years of representing and growing MUMC’s membership and presence at City Hall. I have some very big shoes to fill.

I would also like to thank last year’s Board for all the hard work they did to make sure that everyone will have a great time when they “Eat, Drink, Shop and Stay in The Castro”! I look forward to continuing this work with our newly-elected Board. I also want to thank our S.F. District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener for his dedication to our community. We are a rare merchants’ organization which is lucky to have its district supervisor so involved and responsive to our needs.

As many of you know, I was born and raised in The Castro. I attended San Francisco public schools at Douglas (now Harvey Milk), Hoover and Lowell, then studied Psychology at San Diego State University. After graduating in 1997 I moved back home and have been working in my family’s business, Cliff’s Variety, ever since. In 2002 I married my husband, Rich, who can be found at the store working side by side with my dad. I am quite sure they are up to no good. My step-daughter, Cecilia, will be graduating from high-school in June. We are very proud of her. My daughter Camille is a third grader at Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy in The Castro. Camille has plans to become President so she can tell people to quit smoking, get rid of Styrofoam and to not discriminate. I hold Camille personally responsible for my inability to retain people’s names, for which I will apologize upfront.

I look forward with a lot of excitement and a little bit of fear to serving as you as President this year. And without further ado, we have a lot of exciting things coming up in May. We will kick off the month with our ever-exciting information-rich MUMC Members Meeting at 9:00am on Thursday May 3, in the Multi-Purpose Room at EVRC. Please visit www.CastroMerchants.com for a preview of our meeting agenda.

May 14 thru 19 is Small Business Week in San Francisco. It is packed every day, all week with events, free small business conferences, classes and more. Visit www.SFSmallBusinessWeek.com for a full schedule of events.

Join MUMC and several Members from our local food community at the Cityview Room of Metreon (4^th & Mission Streets) on Monday May 14 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm for the annual celebration “Flavors of San Francisco,” where restaurants from around the city offer free samples from their menus. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to attend. MUMC Members may have their $10 admission fee waived by getting the Promotion Code at MUMC’s May 3 Members Meeting or by contacting us at MUMC-SF@earthlink.net. Then pre-register here.

Small Business Week continues on Thursday May 17from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at The LGBT Center (1800 Market Street) with the annual Small Business Week Mega Make Contact Mixer co-sponsored by GGBA and MUMC. This event is free to MUMC Members. Join small business owners and managers from throughout San Francisco for an evening of networking, fueled by complimentary wine, other beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

And last but never least!!! MUMC’s Annual Sidewalk Sale is all day on Saturday May 19 throughout The Castro. The S.F. Office of Small Business has generously arranged the required permits for you to set up tables, make it festive, move your oldest and newest merchandise, and attract new customers, by extending your store out on to your sidewalk for the day. Get full details of how to hold your Sidewalk Sale that day, at MUMC’s May 3 Members Meeting, or by contacting us at MUMC-SF@earthlink.net for an information sheet (please note - food services are subject to Dept. of Health rules!).

Also on Saturday May 19, The Castro will celebrate California’s Third Annual Harvey Milk Day at Harvey Milk Plaza (Castro at Market Streets). The ceremonies begin at 1:00pm with a rededication of Harvey’s re-installed memorial plaque, and remarks by local elected officials and friends of Harvey, followed by a march down Castro Street to the site of Harvey’s Camera Store (now the HRC Center and Store) at 575 Castro.

Finally, in celebration of Harvey Milk Day on Harvey’s birthday, May 22 (Tuesday) the Castro Theatre will host a special showing of the movie “MILK” as a fund-raiser for Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. There’s a special VIP Reception featuring Cleve Jones and Dustin Lance Black at 6:00pm; the showing is at 7:30pm. For program details go to www.CastroTheatre.com and see “May 22” under “Special Events;” or go to www.BrownPaperTickets.com to get your tickets.

All this activity in the neighborhood is made possible by your support as a MUMC member. Your 2012 MUMC dues reminder will be in the mail this week along with information on how to advertise in our always popular Castro Guide. If you can’t wait for the bill to arrive please feel free to pay your membership dues on-line at www.CastroMerchants.com.

I look forward to seeing you on Thursday May 3 at our regularly scheduled Members Meeting. I wish you all a very happy May, and a terrific year ahead!

- Terry

MUMC May 2012 Meeting Agenda

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 18:54:00 GMT

The MAY MUMC MEMBERS MEETING is this Thursday, May 3, 2012 starting at 9:00am sharp in the Upstairs MultiPurpose Room at Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC), 100 Collingwood Street (between 18th and 19th Streets, and behind Mollie Stone's Castro Market) in San Francisco.

Agenda for the Meeting includes:

Coffee and pastries courtesy of Starbucks on 18th Street - THANK YOU !

** Introductions
** City Hall Update – Supervisor Scott Wiener
** Proposed CVS Pharmacy at 2278 Market – Holly Grzywacz,
CVS/Landmark VOTE
** Midnight Sun, 4067-18^th Street, proposed renovations–
- John Bellemore, Midnight Sun VOTE
- ** Small Business Week and Harvey Milk Day Events
** Castro Concierge Cruise, June 5 (10:30am and 5:30pm) – Beth Feingold, Under
One Roof; Richard Shiu, Best in Show; Petyr Kane, Citizen/Body
** Proposed 455 Castro City Parking Lot closure, Sunday May 27 -
SFPD Sgt. Chuck Limbert
** Recology services update – Stefanie Pavis Medious, Recology/Sunset
- Scavenger/Golden Gate Disposal
** Other Member business
** Member announcements

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

MUMC President's Letter for April 2012

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:38:00 GMT

My Last Letter as MUMC’s President

April 2012

I have mixed emotions of pride and nostalgia that this will be my last MUMC Presidents Letter, as we prepare for election of new Officers at our April 5 Members Meeting (details below). It has been an honor to serve as President of the Merchants of Upper Market and Castro for the last 5 years.

It has been a privilege to work with so many talented and dedicated merchants and individuals who care about our neighborhood. We as a Board and Membership have accomplished many great things for the neighborhood these last five years. They include the filming of the popular and historic movie “MILK;” business attraction collaboration with The LGBT Center, the City, and the Castro CBD; starting the wildly-popular and successful weekly Castro Farmers Market; the first and continuing Harvey Milk Day celebrations; annual Sidewalk Sales, and participation in other S.F. Small Business Week events that promote The Castro; the Castro Guide visitor and information booklet (20,000 copies of the 2011 issue distributed to visitors and locals); the new-and-better (and still-growing) MUMC website at www.CastroMerchants.com ; MUMC’s annual year-end Holiday Promotions and celebrations; helping get the GLBT Historical Society’s Museum into the neighborhood; and our ongoing collaboration with Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy.

MUMC’s Board also has worked closely with local groups such as the Castro Street Fair; Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (for Pink Saturday, Easter and other fun events); Folsom Events; various leather groups including the Bears of San Francisco (for IBR and Bear Weekends) – all of these collaborations have brought events and visitors to the neighborhood to “Shop, Eat, Drink, and Stay in The Castro.”

    I would like to thank MUMC Board Members, past and present, who have been with and supported me during these last 5 years.
    I would like to thank San Francisco Police Department’s Mission Station, especially Sergeants Chuck Limbert and Lisa Frazer; Officer Kate Joshua; Captains Goldberg, Tacchini, Corrales & Moser for their involvement and support.
    I would like to thank former Supervisor Bevan Dufty and current Supervisor Scott Wiener who participate in our monthly Membership Meetings and listen to our concerns, good and bad, and act upon them.
   I would like to thank Cindy Shamban, ISCOTT Coordinator at SFMTA who works with us to make sure street closures and events provide the least disruption to and positive impacts on our businesses.
   I would like to thank Donna Sachet who helps promote this organization and businesses in The Castro
   I would like to thank Richard Magary, MUMC’s Administrator who has been my right hand man, who makes sure everything runs smoothly and keeps us all in line.
    And I would like to thank you, MUMC’s Membership. Your participation in this organization has made us the "hallmark" of San Francisco merchant groups. I am amazed every month by the turnout and participation at our Membership Meetings and other MUMC and merchant events.
    As I move on to be MUMC’s Immediate Past President, I will still be active on the Board and in the organization.
    I fully support Terry Asten Bennett from Cliff's Variety as MUMC’s new President for 2012.   We all should support her as she takes on this role. I have tremendous respect for Terry, who was raised in the neighborhood, whose family business has given back in so many ways, and who is one who cares about this community.
    Thank You, all, for everything!!!

- Steve

MUMC Members and invited guests are urged to join us at MUMC’s April Members Meeting on Thursday morning, April 5, 2012 starting at 9:00am in the upstairs Multi-Purpose Room at Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC), 100 Collingwood Street (between 18^th and 19^th Streets and behind Mollie Stone’s Castro Market). See the Meeting Agenda posted at www.CastroMerchants.com.

MUMC Members Meeting, Board & Officer Elections this Thursday 4/5/2012

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:52:00 GMT

The APRIL MUMC MEMBERS MEETING, including Annual Board and Officer Elections is this Thursday, April 5, 2012 starting at 9:00am sharp in the Upstairs MultiPurpose Room at Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC), 100 Collingwood Street (between 18th and 19th Streets, behind Mollie Stone's Castro Market) in San Francisco.

The Agenda for the Meeting includes:

Coffee and Pastries courtest of Starbucks on 18th Street - THANK YOU !

Introductions

City Hall Update – Supervisor Scott Wiener

Introduction of Capt. John Feeney, SFPD Park Station
SF Dept. of Emergency Management “Emergency Supply Initiative” - Jim Turner, SFDEM

Proposed Castro Veterans Memorial – SF Veterans Affairs Commissioner, John Caldera

MUMC Board and Officer Elections for 2012

The current MUMC Board acting as the Nominating Committee has proposed the following Candidates. Additional Nominations may be made at the Meeting, but please first contact MUMC President Steve Adams in advance

OFFICERS: President: Terry Asten Bennett (Cliff’s Variety), Vice President: Petyr Kane

Citizen/Body), Secretary: Dr. Alice Charap, Chiropractor, Treasurer: Herb Cohn, CPA;

Steve Adams (Sterling Bank) Immediate Past President;

Additional Board Members: Brittney Beck (Beck’s Motor Lodge), Courtney Chalupa

(Starbucks Coffee), Jerry Cooper (Swirl), Dan Glazer (Hot Cookie), Miguel Lopez (Sui

Generis), Stefanie Pavis Medious (Recology), Nicholas Mills (440 bar), Catherine O’Shea

(Bank of America), Scott Wazlowski (Bay Area Reporter), Sharon Woo (Walgreens)

VOTES

Proposal for Change of Use at 4058-18^th Street (Castro Country Club, ground floor)

- Jorge Maurer, Owner

VOTE

2012 Castro Guide and Dues Campaign – Robert Sokol, Ron Willis, VIA MEDIA
Other Member Business
Member Announcements

All 2011 MUMC Members are encouraged to attend our monthly Members Meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considering MUMC Membership also are invited to attend one Meeting as our guest, to observe and to become more familiar with MUMC. Others, please contact MUMC in advance regarding Meeting attaendance. If you have questions about this Meeting, contact MUMC's President Steve Adams in advance at Info@CastroMerchants.com or call 415/431-2359

MUMC President's Letter for March 2012

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:57:00 GMT

Spring is Almost Here !!

The days are getting longer and Daylight Savings Time begins March 11. In The Castro, those mean that it’s time for the Castro Farmer’s Market!!! The Market will once again happen every Wednesday afternoon from 4:00pm unit 8:00pm beginning Wednesday, March 14 (and until Christmas), on Noe Street between Market and Beaver. Once again, the Market will be run by MUMC Member, the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA). MUMC has had a great relationship with PCFMA, and our Wednesday afternoon Markets not only are good for surrounding businesses but The Castro’s Market is considered one of the top afternoon neighborhood markets in San Francisco.

Congratulations to Sergeant Chuck Limbert, from S.F. Police Department’s Mission Station, who recently was honored at the February Meeting of the San Francisco Small Business Commission. The Commission honored Sgt. Chuck for his hard work and community involvement not only in The Castro, but also in Noe Valley and the Mission. It is police officers like Chuck who make this and every neighborhood a better place.

I also want to publicly say THANK YOU to Supervisor Scott Wiener for his leadership on the recent “housekeeping” legislation for both Harvey Milk and Jane Warner Plazas. Just to bring basic rules and clarity regarding the Plazas, Supervisor Wiener stood up for what is right for merchants and the neighborhood. Mayor Lee has signed the legislation into law.

Speaking of Jane Warner Plaza, the plaque dedicating that popular public space to the late, beloved Officer Jane Warner was unveiled and dedicated on Saturday, February 4. The plaque was a community effort between MUMC, Castro Street Fair, Inc., Castro Community on Patrol, the Castro/Upper Market CBD, and San Francisco Patrol Special Police. It was wonderful to see so many people on hand for the dedication, including Supervisor Wiener, former Supervisor Bevan Dufty (who helped make the Plaza happen), SFPD Mission Station Captain Robert Moser, and SF Chief of Police Greg Suhr, and with a blessing from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Be sure to join us for MUMC’s monthly Members Meeting this Thursday March 1 at 9:00am at EVRC. The Agenda (online now at www.CastroMerchants.com) includes several important and informative items, including the MUMC Board’s Nominations for Officer and Board Members for the coming year. Additional Nominations can be made in advance prior to Elections at the April 5 Members Meeting – please contact me in advance. The Board’s Nominations include:

OFFICERS: President: Terry Asten Bennett (Cliff’s Variety), Vice President: Petyr Kane Citizen/Body), Secretary: Dr. Alice Charap, Chiropractor; and Treasurer: Herb Cohn, CPA;

Additional Board Members: Steve Adams – Immediate Past President (Sterling Bank), Brittney Beck (Beck’s Motor Lodge), Courtney Chalupa (Starbucks Coffee, 18^th Street), Jerry Cooper (Swirl), Dan Glazer (Hot Cookie), Miguel Lopez (Sui Generis), Stefanie Medious (Recology), Nicholas Mills (440 bar), Catherine O’Shea (Bank of America), and Richard Shiu (Best in Show)

At Thursday’s Meeting, we’ll also have a preview of MUMC’s popular Castro Guide for 2012, and details of the 2012 Membership Dues campaign.

Thanks for supporting MUMC ! - Steve

MUMC Members Meeting Agenda for this Thursday March 1. 2012

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:13:00 GMT

The MARCH MUMC MEMBERS MEETING is this Thursday, March 1, 2012 starting at 9:00am sharp in the Upstairs MultiPurpose Room at Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC), 100 Collingwood Street (between 18th and 19th Streets, behind Mollie Stone's Castro Market) in San Francisco.

The Agenda for the Meeting includes:

Coffee and pastries courtesy of Starbucks on 18th Street. THANK YOU !

* Introductions
* City Hall Update - Supervisor Scott Wiener
* MUMC Board and Officer Nominations for 2012. The current MUMC Board acting as the Nominating Committee has proposed the following Candidates. Additional Nominations may be made by contacting current MUMC President Steve Adams in advance of the Election which will be held at the April 5 Members Meeting.

OFFICERS: President: Terry Asten Bennett (Cliff's Variety); Vice President: Petyr Kane (Citizen/Body); Secretary: Dr. Alice Charap, Chiropractor; Treasurer: Herb Cohn, CPA.

ADDITIONAL BOARD MEMBERS: Steve Adams - Immediate Past President (Sterling Bank); Brittney Beck (Beck's Motor Lodge); Courtney Chalupa (Starbucks, 18th Street); Jerry Cooper (Swirl); Dan Glazer (Hot Cookie); Miguel Lopez (Sui Generis); Stefanie Medious (Recology); Nicholas Mills (440 bar); Catherine O'Shea (Bank of America); Richard Shiu (Best in Show).

* San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF) Request for Two (2) Parking Meter Spaces in late April/early May near Castro Theatre - Jay Wertzler - SFIFF VOTE
* The Pop Nation Food Cart proposal at the Castro Street Chevron Station 2399 Market Street - Sarah Stewart, Timothy Stewart, The Pop Nation VOTE
* Damron Travel Guides Presentation - Gina Gatta, Damron Guides
* Pedicabs in The Castro Proposal - Andrew Watters, Cabio Taxi San Francisco
* 2012 MUMC Castro Guide Preview - Robert Sokol, Ron Willis, VIA MEDIA
* S.F. SAFE Business Watch Program - Greg Carey, Castro Community on Patrol (CCOP)
* Other Member Business
* Member Announcements

All 2011 MUMC Members are encouraged to attend our monthly Members Meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considering MUMC Membership also are invited to attend one Meeting as our guest, to observe and to become more familiar with MUMC. Others, please contact MUMC in advance regarding Meeting attendance. If you have questions about this Meeting, contact MUMC's President Steve Adams at Info@CastroMerchants.com or call 415/431-2359.

MUMC Meeting Agenda for Februay 2, 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:51:00 GMT

MUMC Members MEETING

Thursday, February 2, 2012 - 9:00am to 10:30am

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

Coffee and Pastries this morning provided by

Starbucks on 18^th Street - THANK YOU !!!

A G E N D A

Introductions

City Hall Update – Supervisor Scott Wiener

Proposed Mate Veza Restaurant and Organic Brewery at 3801-18^th Street (at Church) – Jim Woods
VOTE

Proposed Parklet at 544 Castro Street (formerly Nirvana; proposed Dancing Pig Restaurant)

– Larry Metzger VOTE

Proposed CVS Pharmacy at 2278 Market Street (formerly Tower Records)

- Holly Grzywacz, LandMark Retail Group VOTE

Plans for AIDS Memorial Quilt Display in The Castro, February 12-20, 2012

– Beth Feingold, Petyr Kane

Introduce new CastroCBD Cleaning Contractor, First Building Maintenance – Andrea Aiello

Other Member Business

Member Announcements

All 2011 MUMC Members are encouraged to attend our monthly Members Meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considerig MUMC Membership also are invited to attend one Meeting as our guest, to observe and to become more familiar with MUMC. Others, please contact MUMC in advance regarding attendance. If you have questions about this Meeting, contact MUMC's President, Steve Adams, at Info@CastroMerchants.com or call 415/431-2359.

MUMC President's Letter for February 2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 21:44:00 GMT

Happy New Year!!!

MUMC’s back after our “Holiday Hiatus.” I hope each and every one of you had a prosperous 2011 and that we all will have an even better 2012!!

I want to start by saying THANK YOU!! to everyone who contributed to and participated in MUMC’s annual 2011 Year-end Holiday Promotion throughout The Castro. Our Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration was the biggest and some would say "best ever." More senior public officials than ever before joined us for the Ceremony, including Mayor Lee, District Attorney Gascon, Treasurer Cisneros, Police Chief Suhr, and District 8 Supervisor Wiener joining our own fabulous emcee Donna Sachet for a festive evening. A special THANK YOU to Santa (Fred Booth, aka "Fred the Plumber") and his Elf, (Seth Morrison, from MUMC Member, Whole Foods Markets), and to all the community music groups which joined us for a memorable evening. A big special THANK YOU goes out to SFPD’s Castro Liaison, Sgt. Chuck Limbert, who, on his day off, took care of crowd control which was estimated at over 500 persons.

As part of periodic routine leadership re-assignments by the Chief, the New Year brings us a new commander at San Francisco Police Department’s Mission Station which serves much of The Castro. MUMC joins the community in welcoming our new Captain Robert (Bob) Moser, and giving our profound thanks to departing Capt. Greg Corrales for his friendship and many years of leadership at Mission Station.

We’re starting out the year, already with many goings on in the neighborhood:

On Saturday, February 4 at 2:00 at Jane Warner Plaza (Castro-Market at 17^th Streets), community leaders will dedicate the plaque naming the Plaza and commemorating all the great work Officer Jane did for our community. We’re proud that MUMC’s share of last fall’s Castro Street Fair proceeds helped fund the plaque, along with generous support from many others in the community.

Starting Sunday, February 12 and running through Monday, February 20, the AIDS Memorial Quilt will have a special showing in the neighborhood, to mark the Quilt’s 25^th Anniversary and just in time for Valentine’s Day. This is the Quilt’s first major display in San Francisco since 1999. It will include a major display at the former Tower Records space at 2278 Market Street, as well as at four other business spaces in The Castro. All are invited to an Opening Ceremony on Sunday, February 12 at noon at 2278 Market. Then, the 40+ panel display there will be open (free of charge, but donations welcome) from noon to 8:00pm daily until February 20. This powerful event would not have happened without MUMC members Beth Feingold from Under One Roof, Petyr Kane from Citizen and Body, and Mike Smith from AIDS Emergency Fund working together with the NAMES Project Foundation.

February 17 - 20 is the new "Bear Weekend" event in the Castro!! Even though International Bear Rendezvous (IBR) is no longer, leadership and members of the San Francisco Bear community (and MUMC Board Member Dave Barker from 440 Castro) are keeping the tradition alive. This year’s effort will draw many visitors to the neighborhood, not only from SF and the Bay Area, but from across the country to enjoy the city and "Bear Fun & Hospitality."

That same weekend, the International Gay Bowling Organization hosts its San Francisco Golden Gate Invitational Classic National Tournament from February 17-19 at Serra Bowl in Daly City. MUMC Board Member Brittney Beck’s Beck's Motor Lodge is the host hotel for this event, so when not rolling the lanes, bowlers will abound in The Castro. Great job, Brittney, for making Beck's the S.F. home for the bowlers!!

Let's welcome all locals and visitors alike to The Castro for these special events

– and ALWAYS!

MUMC is preparing for our 2012 Member Dues Campaign and the 2012 edition of our wildly-popular Castro Guide visitor and information book. Watch your mail later in February for renewal and advertising opportunities.

Current MUMC Members should be sure to join us for our first Members Meeting of 2012, this coming Thursday, February 2 starting at 9:00am at the Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC). Members will be asked then to VOTE on three important proposed projects in The Castro – a new Parklet in the 500 block of Castro, a new restaurant/brewery on 18^th Street near Dolores Park, and a CVS Pharmacy proposed for the former Tower Records space on Market Street. We’ll also meet the CastroCBD’s new contractor for 2012, for the popular sidewalk cleaning program. Your MUMC Member Meeting also is THE PLACE to get all the latest news from City Hall, thanks to Supervisor Scott Wiener, who will join us.

Thanks for supporting MUMC! - Steve

December 2011 MUMC President's Letter

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:03:00 GMT

HAPPY Holidays, Everyone !!

I first want to wish everyone a happy and prosperous Holiday Season!!

MUMC’s year-end 2011 Holiday Promotions are all set, thanks especially to our generous Holiday Donors and to the support of all current-year MUMC Members. MUMC’s 28-foot Holiday Tree is up in the Bank of America Plaza at 18^th & Castro, our bright red bows greet everyone driving and walking along Upper Market Street - on the median palm trees between Octavia Blvd. and Castro Street - and the Imperial Court plans gift wrapping and caroling in the neighborhood as a fundraiser on Monday, November 28 from 4-9:00pm, and on Sunday, December 18 from 1-7:00pm, both at Jane Warner Plaza (at Castro-Market-17th Streets). Also, check out MUMC’s big “Thank You, Holiday Donors” Banner that goes up on the side of Bank of America Saturday the 26^th. Then join the crowds for the official kickoff at MUMC’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony this Monday evening, November 28 at 6:00pm in front of the Tree at BofA Plaza, 18^th & Castro. Donna Sachet will emcee a brief, fun-packed program featuring carols and music of the Season, greetings from City Hall dignitaries, a blessing of the Tree by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and the exciting arrival of Santa and his Elf, just in time to officially light the Tree. We’ll urge the crowd to “Shop, Eat, Drink and Stay in The Castro” Monday evening and throughout the Holiday Season. We hope all MUMC Members and other merchants will stay open late and offer specials that evening, and extend a special, friendly WELCOME to everyone who makes The Castro their “Home for the Holidays” this Season.

Several of the music groups that will be at our Tree Lighting have special concerts and events during the Holidays, to help you keep the cheer flowing. Check out programs by the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band at www.SFLGFB.org, the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco at www.LGCSF.org, the S.F. Gay Men’s Chorus at www.SFGMC.org and music and other events at the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) at www.MCCSF.org.

Join our community on Thursday, December 1 when we pause to commemorate World AIDS Day. In addition to special gatherings at several locations, “30AIDS,” a coalition of 16 leading HIV/AIDS organizations in San Francisco, is coordinating “Paint the Castro RED” - see more information at www.30AIDS.org. MUMC will note the day by flying a special red ribbon atop the Rainbow Flag at Harvey Milk Plaza.

As 2011 comes to a close, we have had a very active year in the neighborhood. MUMC – over 250 current Members strong! - continues as one of San Francisco’s largest, most-respected, and most-influential neighborhood business groups. Negotiations or actual construction are moving several area storefronts closer to new occupants. We welcomed many new businesses this year, which have added breadth and depth to our food, fashion and overall shopping offerings, including A & M Merch, Alex Fitness, Canela, Criolla Kitchen, Fiat Lux, The Good Feet Store, MAAS & Stacks, Mollie Stone’s Castro Market, Soup Freaks, and Sui Generis Illa. As we move into 2012, I am confident that this trend will continue.

MUMC’s Members Meeting this coming Thursday, December 1 at 9:00am at EVRC will be our last Meeting of the year. Remember that we then take a January hiatus, so the next Members Meeting after this week will be on February 2. At the December 1 Meeting, we’ll hear from two businesses planning changes or a new location on Upper Market. It’s also your chance to get the new yellow MPC-25 “No Trespassing” posters which are required starting January 1 for the first half of 2012. MPC-25’s also will be available at AutoErotica (4077-A 18^th Street near Castro), Sterling Bank (2122 Market near Church), P O Plus (584 Castro near 19^th Street), and S.F.P.D.’s Mission Station at 17^th and Valencia Streets. See the full Agenda for the December 1 Meeting in the Blog Post on MUMC’s website at www.CastroMerchants.com.

In closing for this year, I want again wish everyone a happy and prosperous Holiday Season and best wishes for a successful 2012!!

THANK YOU for supporting MUMC! - Steve

MUMC Tree Lighting and December Meeting Agenda

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 21:57:00 GMT

Here's information about two important MUMC events in the week ahead - the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting next Monday evening, November 28, and the Agenda for MUMC's monthly Members Meeting on December 1.

All are welcome at MUMC's big Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony next Monday, November 28 at 6:00pm at the Tree in front of Bank of America at 18th and Castro Streets. Donna Sachet will emcee the brief program which will include music and carols of the Season from the Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the S.F. Gay Men's Chorus, the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of S.F. and the Metropolitcan Community Church Choir; greetings from City Hall dignitaries; a blessing by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; and the official arrival of Santa and his Elf, just in time to light the Tree for the Season.

Then, the DECEMBER MUMC MEMBERS MEETING is Thursday, December 1, 2011 starting at 9:00am in the Upstairs MultiPurpose Meeting Room at Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC), 100 Collingwood Street (between 18th and 19th Streets, and just behind Mollie Stone's Castro Market) in San Francisco.

The Agenda for the Meeting includes:

Coffee and pastries courtesy of Starbucks on 18th Street - THANK YOU!

** Introductions

** City Hall Update - Supervisor Scott Wiener

** Criolla Kitchen - Request for MUMC Support of Applications for Extended Hours and Sidewalk Tables - Michael Patterson

** Starbucks - Information-only presentation about a proposed new location at 2201 Market Street (SW corner of Sanchez). - Kim Winston, Starbucks

** MUMC 2011 Holiday Promotion Update

** Initial Distribution of MPC-25 "No Trespassing" signs for use beginning January 1, 2012.

A reminder that, after this December 1 Meeting, there is no January MUMC Members Meeting. The next Meeting after December 1 will be on February 2, 2012.

All 2011 MUMC Members are encouraged to attend our monthly Members Meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considering MUMC Membership are invited to attend one Meeting as our guest, to observe and to become more familiar with MUMC. Others, please contact MUMC in advance regarding attendance. If you have questions about this Meeing, contact MUMC's President, Steve Adams at Info@CastroMerchants.com or call 415/431-2359.

MUMC November President's Letter

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:57:00 GMT

Greetings for November

Halloween 2011 has passed with good fun, and without significant problems. We all owe thanks to S.F. Police Department Capt. Greg Corrales, Castro Liaison Sgt. Chuck Limbert and all the officers at Mission Station, and to the S.F. Dept. of Public Works and other City agencies for helping assure that this once-difficult holiday is again an orderly and fun event.

Thanksgiving’s now approaching, to mark the official beginning of The Castro’s year-end Holiday shopping and celebrating Season. MUMC’s Holiday Promotion festivities begin on Monday night November 28 at 6:00pm with our Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of Bank of America at 18^th & Castro. The fabulous Donna Sachet again will emcee, along with Santa and his Elf, City dignitaries, music, and other holiday treats. In addition to the traditional Holiday Tree, we’ll also have red ribbons adorning the palm trees along Market Street to welcome all visitors. The Imperial Council this year will sponsor Gift Wrapping services and caroling in The Castro on several dates during the shopping season – get details at MUMC’s November 3 Members Meeting (see below). We are encouraging all merchants to light up and decorate your business, to collectively help make The Castro a place to “Shop, Eat, Drink and Stay” during the Holiday Season. Thanks to many MUMC Members who already have signed up as sponsors of our Holiday Promotion – reminders are in the mail this week for the rest of you. The deadline for YOUR listing on the Donor Banner is 5:00pm on Thursday, November 17 – so mail your check NOW!

Thursday December 1, is World AIDS Day. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the epidemic and of The Castro as “ground zero” in the early days. Many commemorative events will take place in our neighborhood and elsewhere in the City. Sixteen local San Francisco HIV/AIDS service organizations are coming together under the banner “30AIDS” to remember those who went before us, those who still need help, and those who need to be educated on the subject, and to help with awareness and raise funds. They will be contacting MUMC members for participation - we want to help drive as many people as possible to the neighborhood for World AIDS Day, many who have not been here in a few years. MUMC is working with 30AIDS to help commemorate the day – come to our November 3 Members Meeting for more information. MUMC also will add a red ribbon atop the Rainbow Flag Pole at Market and Castro on December 1, to honor all AIDS heroes and their supporters. We also urge all merchants to display a red ribbon (with lights or not) in your window.

Our November 3 Members Meeting also will include Supervisor Wiener’s usual informative “Update from City Hall,” preliminary details of a major new commercial/residential project planned for Upper Market Street, and an exciting and informative preview of opportunities for small business and The Castro as the huge America’s Cup international racing events come to the City. If you didn’t get the email, see the Meeting Agenda on the Home Page at www.CastroMerchants.com, and then join us for the Meeting this Thursday, November 3, 9:00am sharp at EVRC.

Thanks for supporting MUMC! -Steve

PG&E Outage Alert

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:45:00 GMT

PG&E has asked MUMC to help alert and to remind our Members and others on our contact lists, about planned ELECTRIC SERVICE OUTAGES which will affect PG&E customers near 18th and Castro Streets in San Francisco on:

Wednesday, November 2, 2011 from 8:00am until 10:00am

and again on

Thursday, November 3, 2011 from 8:00am until 10:00am.

The outages are required as PG&E installs a new Transformer in the area.

PG&E says that it has mailed notification letters to affected customers, and also has gone door-to-door to talk with affected businesses. Each outage originally had been planned for up to five (5) hours, but has been reduced to planned two (2) hour outages in each case.

If you have questions about this PG&E ELECTRIC SERVICE OUTAGE, please contact Rene Dubon, PG&E's Customer & Community Relationship Manager for our area by email at R2DG@PGE.com or phone 415/973-1071.

MUMC - November Members Meeting

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:29:00 GMT

The NOVEMBER MUMC MEMBERS MEETING is this coming Thursday, November 3, 2011 starting at 9:00am in the Upstairs MultiPurpose Room at Eureka Valley Recreation Center (EVRC), 100 Collingwood Street (between 18th and 19th Streets, and behind Mollie Stone's Castro Market) in San Francisco.

The Agenda for the Meeting includes:

Coffee and pastries courtesy of Starbucks on 18th Street - THANK YOU!

A G E N D A

Introductions
City Hall Update €Supervisor Scottt Wiener
World AIDS Day Commemorations in The Castro (12/1/2011) - Representatives from 30AIDS and International RED Initiative/Belvedere
America’s Cup € Smalll Business Opportunities € David Perry
Proposed Mixed Use Development at 2175 Market Street (at 15^th Street) - Informational Presentation by Representatives from The Strada Group and Forest City Development
Update and Reminders for MUMC 2011 Year-end Holiday Promotion Plans, including Holiday Gift Wrapping Project by The Imperial Council of San Francisco
Other Member Business
Member Announcements

All 2011 MUMC Members are encouraged to attend our monthly Members Meetings. Business owners and managers in The Castro who are considering MUMC Membership are invited to attend one Meeting as our guest, to observe and to become more familiar with MUMC. Others, please contact MUMC in advance regarding attendance. If you have questions about this Meeting, contact MUMC's President, Steve Adams, at info@CastroMerchants.com or call 415/431-2359.

MUMC October President's Letter

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:41:00 GMT

Happy October!!!

Fall is here in The Castro, marked by our first significant rain this week. Let’s hope that there still are a few clear, sunny “San Francisco summer” days ahead. After a busy September with the successful Folsom and Castro Street Fairs, we now look forward to Fall and the year-end Holidays.

Halloween is fast approaching – that’s always a busy time in The Castro. Many City Departments, led by the S.F. Police Department and its Mission Station will continue the theme "Home for Halloween" as they have done for the past few years. This recently has worked very well for The Castro, allowing us to celebrate our Halloween traditions with a balance of locals and visitors alike having a good time, without the unfortunate problems from a few years ago. I want to thank Mission Station Captain Greg Corrales, Sergeant Chuck Limbert and everyone at SFPD and many other City Departments for the excellent job they do with this and all events in The Castro. Sgt. Limbert will be at MUMC’s Members Meeting this Thursday, October 6 at 9:00am at EVRC, to outline plans for this year’s Halloween, and to answer your questions.

MUMC’s also getting ready for the big year-end Holiday Season!! Current 2011 MUMC Members received a mailing this week with details, including how YOUR business can be a full participant. We hope many Members will respond promptly, as you do every year – thank you!

Starting around Thanksgiving, The Castro once again will be in a full festive mood to entice locals and visitors alike to come out to Shop, Eat, Drink and Stay in The Castro. MUMC again this year will anchor the Holiday theme with our big 24’ Holiday Tree in front of Bank of America, bright red bows on the Market Street Median Palm Trees, and the big colorful Donor Banner hanging at 18^th & Castro. The Tree this year will again follow the traditional decorating theme of large balls in various colors, accented with gold decorations, and topped by the 4’ lighted star. It all will officially kick off with our Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, November 28 at 6:00pm at the Tree, with music and song, Santa and his elf, a blessing by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, City dignitaries, festively emceed by the incomparable Donna Sachet. Everyone’s invited – mark your calendar NOW!

To continue the Holiday theme throughout The Castro, we encourage merchants to decorate storefronts and show windows with multi-color lights to help make The Castro festive!!!

You’ll receive a separate message later today with details of the San Francisco Council of District Merchant Associations (SFCDMA) Annual Dinner on October 27 at Patio Espanol Restaurant. As The City’s largest neighborhood merchant group, MUMC is a key SFCDMA member. We should have a strong presence at the Dinner, to show support for this Citywide coalition which helps support small and neighborhood businesses in San Francisco. Please consider joining us – it would be great to have one or more “MUMC Tables” of 8 Members. See today’s separate email for more information and how to get tickets.

Please join us for MUMC’s next monthly Members Meeting, this Thursday, October 6 starting at 9:00am sharp at EVRC – for details, see the Meeting Notice and Agenda emailed to you yesterday, and posted on the Home Page at MUMC’s website, www.CastroMerchants.com.

Thanks for supporting MUMC !

- Steve