Hayes Valley Playground Fundraising

You can recycle and help raise needed funds for one of the neighborhood’s great resources, the Hayes Valley Playground. Bring empty ink-jet cartridges (in a zip-lock bag) and old cell phones to the playground, and staff will ensure they go to the right place. If the playground is closed, or you need some groceries, there is a drop off box at the Hayes Market right across the street from the playground.

Benefits to the playground include prompt payment for donated items. Benefits to the community include supporting this great resource, reducing pollution and saving energy. For more information, contact JaNet Morris at 415.554 9526.

Pet Peeves

We’re all getting a little cranky as the weather switches back and forth from sun to rain, and that applies to our pets, too. After being cooped up indoors, they are eager to run through the neighborhood. As we let them enjoy the great outdoors, please be sure to see that they are not ruining other’s enjoyment.

Most of the neighborhood has little space for plantings, and each of our parks is a true oasis. As responsible pet owners we need to be sure that our dogs’ enjoyment is not at the expense of neighborhood children. Please be sure that your dogs are within your control at all times and that you clean up after them.

Many of our neighbors have street trees, and some have landscaped the small area in which they grow. One exuberant dog can destroy months of toil. Pay attention to areas where your neighbors have been gardening, and keep your pets from ranging too close. That way all of us can enjoy the outdoors!

Be a NERT!

San Francisco NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Team) is holding sessions throughout San Francisco, and the training is FREE! The goal of the program is to help citizens be self sufficient in a major disaster situation by developing multi-functional teams cross-trained in basic emergency skills.

Our area will be hosting its sessions on April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2 and 9th at Ella Hill Hutch from 5pm-8pm. To enroll, please leave a message to reserve space at 415-970-2024 or email sffdnert@sfgov.org. Please provide name, phone number, location and start date of the class. More information will be available at the HVNA meeting in March.

Give Till It Hurts

Actually, it doesn’t hurt at all, but it can help many people. We’re speaking of the Blood Drive sponsored by Volunteer Match. On Thursday, April 6th, there will be a donor van in front of their offices at 385 Grove Street from 9am-Noon. Schedule a time by visiting www.bloodheroes.org and entering Sponsorcode “VolunteerMatch”.

Third Fridays Art Reception

Once a month, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi hosts an art reception in his office. These events take place on the third Friday of each month from 5pm to 8pm at San Francisco City Hall, 1 Carlton B Goodlett Place, Room 282.

The March 17th reception features artist Shiva Pakdel and honors International Women’s Day and the Nourouz (Persian New Year.) Shiva Pakdel grew up in Abadan, Iran and combines East and West history, art and culture in her art. For those of you who missed this event, her works can be viewed at www.shivapakdel.com.

The next art reception will be on April 21st and the public is invited to attend.

Afrocentric Parenting Classes

Classes are FREE & Meet the DHS Requirements for Family Reunification

The sessions will take place on Tuesdays, May 2-June 20, 2006 from 1-3 pm at Bethel AME Church. For registration information call 415.776 4439.