Noe Valley Voice September 2000
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Supe Candidates Seek Endorsement from Demos

Four candidates for supervisor from District 8 -- which includes Noe Valley, the Castro, Glen Park, and Diamond Heights -- will make their pitch to the Noe Valley Democratic Club at a special Candidates and Issues Night on Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez St. The meeting, which is open to the public, starts at 7 p.m.

Thus far, the candidates for supervisor who have accepted invitations to address the club are Eileen Hansen, Mark Leno, Shawn O'Hearn, and Gary Virginia. Club members will also hear from candidates for San Francisco school board and community college board.

In addition, the club will hear pro and con speakers on a number of ballot initiatives, including two hotly contested slow-growth measures, Propositions K and L. Prop. K, supported by Mayor Willie Brown, was put on the ballot in response to Prop. L, a citizens' initiative that will place strict limits on office (particularly dot-com) development in the Mission and other neighborhoods.

Other initiatives to be discussed include Prop. A (library bonds), Prop. F (Saturday closure of JFK Drive), Prop. H (pass-through of capital improvements to tenants), and Prop. R (policy declaration on development at Pier 45).

"It's going to be a busy night," says Dave Monks, president of the club. "A representative from the Gore-Lieberman campaign will also be there, for people who want to get involved with the presidential election." If you have questions, give Monks a call at 821-4087.

Be a Friend to a Foster Kid

Who speaks for the abused, neglected, and abandoned kids who are working their way through the foster care system in San Francisco? Could it be you?

In San Francisco, there are more than 3,400 children seeking foster care. Often they are thrust into an overburdened court system where a judge is forced to make a hasty decision about their future. They usually have no adult in their lives looking out for them on a regular basis.

The San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (SFCASA) gives these kids a voice in court through finding, training, and supervising community volunteers. The volunteers act as advocates and mentors for the children as they make their way through the maze of the San Francisco Juvenile Dependency Courts (foster care). Men and people of color are especially needed.

Training for volunteer advocates will begin Oct. 3 and run for eight evenings and one Saturday -- 40 hours in total. For an appplication or to find out more about SFCASA, call 398-8001, ext. 104, or visit the web site www.sfcasa.com.

Learn How to Do a Scottish Strathspey

September means back to school -- Scottish Country Dancing School, that is. And this September starts the San Francisco Scottish Country Dancers' 15th year at the Noe Valley Ministry. You don't need a partner to come and learn how to do the lively jigs and reels, or the slower, more elegant strathspeys. The dancing is energetic social dancing in groups, done to fiddle and piano or band music.

Two classes are held simultaneously every Thursday at 8 p.m., one for beginners and one for experienced dancers. At the end of the evening, the two classes join together for more dancing and refreshments. Parties are held monthly, and formal balls are held three times a year.

There'll be an introductory party on Thursday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m. for $2. Then you can sign up for the first class on Thursday, Sept. 21, for $6, or for the whole eight-class series for $40.

The Noe Valley Ministry is located at 1021 Sanchez St. For more information, call 333-9372 or 841-9456, or check out www.rscds-sf.org. (By the way, all teachers are certified by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in Scotland.)

Low-Income Seniors Get On-the-Job Training

For some of us, no matter how hot the economy is, it's still hard to find a job. Older people in particular often need to learn new skills or upgrade current skills to re-enter or remain in the work force. The Workforce Development Program of the National Council on the Aging, a San Francisco ­ based group, is trying to correct that situation. Its mission is to develop job opportunities for low-income residents age 55 and above.

Clients join with counselors to create their own employment strategy, which involves taking a part-time training assignment at one of 150 local nonprofit community service agencies. This assignment lasts for six months, while the client is actively looking for a permanent job. Clients also get pre-employment counseling, resume help, and other guidance from the program's counselors.

To take advantage of the program, stop in and visit the council's office any weekday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. (no appointment necessary), or call 982-7007. The Council on the Aging is located at 870 Market St. (near Powell), Suite 785.

Hospice Training Starts in September

MidPeninsula and Pathways Hospice Services is looking for caring volunteers to help patients and their families successfully manage end-of-life care in their own homes. Companionship, practical help, and emotional support are the things you can provide to one or more families in your own community, maybe even Noe Valley.

Training in San Francisco is coming up in mid-September, and consists of three Monday evenings and one Saturday.

For more information and an application, call 650-947-4271, or call the toll-free number 888-755-7855.