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Earthquake readiness tips for 2010

It’s the resolution season: the time of year for gym promotions, salon coupons and the general swearing off of holiday excess. But while you look to help yourself start over in the New Year, don’t forget about your home – which could need more of a makeover than meets the eye. » Read more

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Bay Area green firms band together to lobby Washington

Green and socially responsible business are flexing their collective lobbying muscles to have their concerns heard in Washington, with firms from the Bay Area leading the way.
The move preceded the departure of several prominent companies from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has historically skewed to the political right and been dominated by large corporations. » Read more

Kwanzaa celebration focuses on youth

As part of a seven-venue celebration of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, the Village Project and various community
organizations are holding a celebration and ceremony at the African American Art and Culture Complex on Wednesday, Dec. 30.

The celebration will center on Nia, or “purpose,” the fifth of Kwanzaa’s sevens principles, or Nguzo Saba. » Read more

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Three quick, cheap kids’ holiday hits

For better or worse, the holidays are a time to spend with the family. Here are three activities to take the edge off.
12/31: Randall Museum Winter Workshop Class
Atop Corona Heights Playground, the Randall Museum is a setting where adults and children interact creatively On Dec. » Read more

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Citywide vaccine clinic plans began years ago

The planning for Tuesday’s large citywide vaccine clinic at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium — in which thousands of San Franciscans received free swine flu shots — had been in the works long before this particular disease outbreak swept across the globe, according to the city Department of Public Health. » Read more

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Hughes’ ‘Black Nativity’ is uplifting holiday musical

The gospel-inspired holiday musical “Black Nativity” has a worthy history.
 
It was written by Langston Hughes and was one of the first performances by an African American to play on Broadway.  Given such a pedigree and historical significance, it might be difficult to present “Black Nativity” as an under-the-radar event. » Read more

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Underground farmers market finds home in Mission District

Sweet potato bourbons, lemon meyer meringues and upside-down caramelized pear tarts. These are the three varieties of organic pies Jessica Stinnett is selling on a recent Thursday evening in the back room of a Mission District Victorian. The pear tarts are almost sold out so it’s a good night for her budding business venture, the Golden Crust. » Read more

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Police chief aims to fix record-keeping, ease overtime

Police Chief George Gascón made headlines in October, when he was thrown into a controversy around immigrant youth suspects — a battle he might not have otherwise taken up. But now, four months into his term, he’s beginning to take steps that reflect his priorities for the office. Just weeks after he was hired in August, Gascón sided with Mayor Gavin Newsom in refusing to shelter undocumented immigrant youths accused but not yet convicted of a crime. Newsom’s decision — to ignore a veto-proof vote by the Board of Supervisors mandating that the youths not be turned over to federal authorities — was the most controversial move that Gascón has made in the four months that he has been chief. He did so even though he had supported a so-called sanctuary-city policy when he was police chief in Mesa, Ariz. In the past week, however, Gascón seems to have begun following his own initiative.

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Holiday season, under the radar

Dear readers,
During the next few weeks, we would like to write up a short series on holiday-related events and activities — but not the typical homogenized corporate fare. We’re looking for authentic and uniquely local cultural activities that bubble up from San Francisco’s underground. Suggestions and ideas are very welcome as part of a collective brainstorm. We’re looking to examine San Francisco-specific events, as far off the Hallmark-holiday-beaten path as possible. We are looking for that rare, well-wrapped present that flies in under the radar.

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Toy donations tumble in down economy

As money becomes more scarce throughout the Bay Area donors are pulling back from holiday philanthropic gift-giving. Toy drive organizers in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area say this is the worst year for donations since the drives began decades ago. The San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program has received only 40 percent of the amount of donations as last year, and the Oakland Mayor’s Community Toy Drive is at half of last year’s donations, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The firefighters’ program began 60 years ago, and Mayor Ron Dellums says Oakland’s program has been going for 30 years. The decrease is even more painful since there is an increase in families in need — almost 20 percent more in San Francisco.