Approximately thirty local residents gathered in the Bayside Conference Room on Pier 1 on September 7th to hear a presentation on the proposed conversion of the south lawn at Justin Herman Plaza into two bocce ball courts. The presentation, by Lev Kushner of SF Recreation & Park Department and Anne Taupier of the Office of Economic & Workforce Development, explained that the project is to be funded by local businesses, with labor donated by Laborers' Union Local 261. Construction will involve replacing the existing grass with an oystershell bed with redwood trim, and will take about two days.

As with any public meeting in San Francisco, the audience reaction covered a wide spectrum. Several enthusiasts spoke supportively of the project and praised bocce ball as a family - friendly sport that will encourage socializing and picnicking in the area. A league of local businesses was envisaged, although a call for a show of hands revealed that no one in the room actually played the game.

There was strong opposition from some who felt that the space should be left as is and used a multi-purpose venue. They expressed a concern that, if the bocce activity was not popular, then the area would become a wasteland.

Among the most vociferous were those who were enraged at the "process" by which the project had sailed though all the approval steps without any public involvement. The point was made that neighborhood meetings on the topic were not held until after the issue was virtually settled.

The courts are expected to open in October.

Golden Gateway Tennis & Swim Club holds a social event for members on the first Friday of every month and September 3rd was no exception. An enthusiastic crowd gathered on the lawn by the pool as Broc Stephens and the barbecue crew served up a feast of tasty burgers and hot dogs, along with some fine macaroni salad. An eclectic selection of excellent wines was contributed by the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant and poured with charm by owner Debbie Zachareas. Adults of all ages chatted in groups as children ran between them; there wasn't an iPod or Blackberry in sight. The evening drew to a close as the sun slid down behind the Transamerica pyramid and the fingers of fog slipped silently between the Embarcadero Center buildings. What a great way to start the Labor Day weekend!

The Eureka Theatre, at 215 Jackson Street, is currently home to a stunning presentation of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Theatre Rhinoceros. Adapted from Oscar Wilde's novel by John Fisher, who also directs, the production tells the story of Dorian Gray's descent into depravity in turn-of-the-century London. Despite the minimalist set, a stellar cast holds the audience enthralled as the young man spirals lower, finally reaching his inevitable doom. Aaron Martinsen is perfectly cast as Dorian, John Fisher (again!) is a brilliant Lord Henry Wotton, and Maryssa Wanlass lights up the stage as Sybil Vane. Two caveats: the performance is approximately three hours long (including intermission), and there is some brief male full frontal nudity, however, it's no big thing. The play runs through September 19th. More at www.TheRhino.org .

San Francisco Waterfront Partners has a new plan to develop 8 Washington St. In San Francisco land use politics that could only mean one thing: a new controversy. And, of course, a new lawsuit.

The latest revised plan offers some changes to the scheme SFWP has been working on for four years. On Drumm and Washington streets, it means taller buildings. The tallest buildings would be 12 stories, rather than eight stories, though the heights would vary along the block.

For a listing of monthly events, please click on Read More (below). To list your event, please send information to editor@sfbcnews.com

CENTRAL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
If you don’t report the crime—
it never happened!

Captain’s Message
As the new Captain of Central Station, I am very excited to be here in this wonderful and diverse neighborhood. In my twenty-nine years of service to the San Francisco Police Department, I was fortunate to spend time in the early eighties here at Central Station. Captain Brown is on extended leave, but wants all to know she appreciated everyone’s help and input during her time here. Please feel free to contact me and I look forward to working with the fine Officers of Central Station as well as the Citizens in the Central Police District.

Two dozen Barbary Coast residents braved the evening breezes on the Embarcadero on August 30 to attend a presentation on the plans for Ferry Park, or Sue Bierman Park as two people call it. Project Manager Rick Thall showed drawings of the proposed changes, outlined the main features, and answered questions.

Good Looking Classic Leather Handbag
The new assortment of handbags designed by by Richard Lambertson & John Truex (formerly Lambertson Truex Label) is now "live" on the Tiffany website. There are a number of styles to choose from priced from $395 to $17,500.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute expands this Fall to the Main Campus of SFSU, OLLI’s debut on the west side of the city, offering 17 courses on a rich variety of arts and creativity-related subjects. In addition, 21 courses will be offered at the Downtown Campus. The first Fall session begins on September 13. Open previews of the courses at both campuses will take place as follows:

JUST LISTED: Spacious 1458-sq.-ft, two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo at Parc Telegraph. Two large terraces, upgrades and parking. OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, August 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm