Although my dad was once the only photographer in town before I was born, it wasn’t until I get to the Harvey Milk photography center many many years later that I learned to develop films and print black and white photos. The Photo center is located inside of the Harvey Milk Center on 50 Scott St in Duboce park, and reopened in 2009 after a major renovation. I remember in the weeks and months I spent there, Peter, Clarence and other staffs there were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They created a sanctuary for film lovers. Photographers, experienced or new, loved to work, to learn, and hang out in that laid back darkroom community. Since Peter suddenly passed away a few years ago, Clarence Towers, the director of the photo center had to run the facility with even less staff and funding.

Unfortunately I just found out yesterday that due to the city’s budget crisis, a decision was made to eliminate the position of the Photography Center director. Everybody knows that the photo center would never be the same without Clarence, because there will be no one available to offer the proactive service, leadership and “hands on” attention that everybody have appreciated over the past 22 years. We wouldn’t be able to continue to enjoy the exhibitions, seminars, classes, the largest publicly funded darkroom in the country and, of course the new digital lab. It would be a tremendous loss if we cannot keep this most valuable resource that has served San Franciscans for over 53 years.

So, please, please, write to the superintendent of Citywide services, Ana Alvarez, (ana.alvarez@sfgov.org) and the general manager, Phil Ginsburg (phil.ginsburg@sfgov.org) to appeal their decision to exclude the Photography Centers’ director position from the 2010-2011 budget. We do not want to lose that nice photographer community!

Yawn. Alarm o’clock went off at 7:55am this morning. I’m determined to try my luck to call China at the busiest time of the year — 5 minutes before the arrival of the Year of the Tiger. There are hundreds and millions of people trying to do the same, and normally would take me more than an hour to get through.

Miraculously I got through immediately this time! Sudden blasts of fireworks from the other side of the phone almost blew me off the bed. Grandma shouted on top of her lung:”Can you hear the fireworks?! Can you hear them?!” “Yes yes” I talked so loud that the whole block could hear me, “I can hear nothing but fireworks, Grandma!”

Chinese New Year atmosphere is what I miss the most since I left China. Fireworks day after day, parties in the house and on the streets, smell of food in the air, music and dances everywhere… so much fun! Chinese New Year’s Eve is tonight for San Franciscans, so I am getting ready to make some dumplings at friend’s house. Wish everybody a very lucky year of the tiger — and check out my Chinese New Year tote bags, shirts and postcards here!

I wanted to kick myself everyday for the past year for not updating my website. Finally I hijacked myself from a pile of other works and got www.SFlocal.net updated. There are a lot more items to come, but my other works just hijacked me back. So I will try to update the site another time before Xmas (while my other works are at sleep :) Stay tuned!

If you live in CA 94117 area, I might deliver your order personally (pretending to be a USPS new-hire). Custom orders/designs available! There’s no better holiday gift than that:) email me at 415local(at)gmail(dot)com if you have questions.

$70 for a fastpass? No wonder no artist can afford to live in San Francisco anymore! I designed these shirts for myself, but looks like I am not the only one who wants them :-)

I think I am going to wear these starting December 5th. Available here.

the back of the card says:

Getting tired of choosing different cards every time new occasions come up? Announcing the arrival of the master card that does it all! Multiple choices for different occasions. $1 for the value of $15 or more! :-))

Check out: “What?” “Wow!”"Yes!”"Hey!”"Hi”"Doh” cards at my website SFlocal.net

Just in time for the holidays! I had these SF alphabet postcards right next to my popular SF Map postcards at the Cole Valley Fair, and they were well received. Let me know if you don’t see your ‘hood on the website, and I will keep you in mind when I create more categories in the future.

I was working on a collective noun project, and happen to came up with a new series of postcards. They are a bit “spicy” but here’s my famous quote: “Those who dare to laugh at themselves, have the courage to be themselves.”

They are available at www.SFlocal.net. Enjoy.

Avoid long lines and busy malls…this year Santa will be waiting for you and your family at our local Postal Chase (912 Cole Street) for that classic Santa photo!

When:
Sunday, December 6th
10 a.m. – 12 noon & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

These are high quality Santa photos right here in Cole Valley! Don’t stand in line; simply sign in and be given a number and approximate wait time. Shop, have a hot chocolate, or start tackling your Christmas gifts while you wait! Later, go online and order photos directly or purchase the photo file to suit all of your holiday greeting and gift needs.

Photo sitting fee is $20.00. Online orders start at just $1.00 per photo and $15 for the photo file. Santa on Cole is a fundraiser supporting the Cole Valley sidewalk cleaning program. All of our “elves” are part of the friendly Cole Valley neighborhood who look forward to helping you make your holiday memories truly special.

For full event and pricing details, please click here.

I was at the Booksmith on Haight street the other day, and saw one of the staffs Sean Chiki there. He was on a ladder, holding a liquid chalk pen ready to draw on the wall. Gee, I’ve known Sean for a little while, but I had no idea he was an artist — a wonderful illustrator! Go take a look at the beautiful drawings on the wall above the bookshelves in the Boothsmith!

Sean is on the ladder drawing whenever he doesn’t have to be at the cashier. He’s comic booklet Wunderkammer Volume One is available at the Booksmith, the Green Apple bookstore etc. His website says he’s getting married this month — congratulations!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake. The City is throwing a week long series of events called the Big Rumble. As part of that, the neighbors of Clayton and Carl Street are throwing a joint block party.

When: Oct. 17th 10am to 3pm.
Where: Carl Street between Clayton and Cole (Street will be closed for through traffic)
What: Community potluck, a wide range of earthquake preparedness games and activities for all ages to enjoy.
Who: Residents between Frederick and Parnassus (for Clayton Street) and Clayton and Cole (for Carl Street). But anyone is welcome to attend, please bring dish(es) with labels and utensils to share. Would be great if you can bring tables!!!

We will share stories “Where were you in ‘89” when the quake happened. There will be disaster preparedness materials, giveaways, activities and ice breakers including: Emergency preparedness Bingo, What’s in a Disaster Supply Kit, Home Hazard Hunt. There’s even going to be a bouncy house for the kids. Raffles include a Red Cross Disaster kit. Musicians: bring your acoustic instruments for a jam session.

RSVP to ColeValleyFriends(at)gmail(dot)com is not mandatory, but greatly appreciated for planning purposes! Email us how many people are coming, whether you will be able to provide tables, help with set up etc. It’s time for neighbors to meet each other face to face!