Advice

Exposing PG&E’s other “cozy relationship,” with Mayor Ed Lee

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News outlets from Sacramento to Los Angeles are crowing about Pacific Gas & Electric Company’s alleged “cozy relationship” with the utlity that oversees it, the California Public Utilities Commission.

At least 41 emails obtained by the city of San Bruno reveal an intimate, friendly arrangement between the monopolistic power company and the regulators that are supposed to keep them in line. Where the public would expect a separation as hard and fast as church and state, the emails reveal a buddy-buddy relationship.

This is of no surprise to long-time Guardianistas, who may remember Rebecca Bowe’s cover story three years ago “The secret life of Michael Peevey, [5/11]” chronicling the CPUC president’s extravagant trips to Madrid, Spain and Germany with top energy officials, as well as other activities that may seem strange for an official who’s supposed to be a watchdog against PG&E malfeasance.

But if world-trekking trips to pricey hotels aren’t enough to raise eyebrows about the relationship between PG&E and its regulators, now we have suspicious emails to add to the pile.

As the San Jose Mercury News revealed:

In an April 2013 email, Carol Brown, chief of staff for Commissioner Peevey, wrote to PG&E executive [Laura] Doll and offered advice about how to handle one of the proceedings related to the San Bruno explosion. In the email, Brown said she had talked to one of the PUC administrative law judges about the matter.

“Send back a sweet note” to the PUC about the matter “and then wait for them to throw a fit” was part of Brown’s advice. Brown also said she was “happy to chat” about the matter with PG&E to help guide company officials through the PUC process.

Doll replied to Brown, “Love you. Thanks.”

Even Peevey himself emailed PG&E, offering them public relations advice. It’s like an umpire sneaking around between innings to coach a first-baseman — unseemly, and totally strange.

All of this should ring alarm bells in The City. The city of San Bruno obtained the emails through settlement of a lawsuit, which are now revealing potential corruption at top levels of the CPUC. But here in San Francisco, Mayor Ed Lee flouts public records laws and, as we revealed, drafted a policy allowing him to delete his own emails.

There’s no way we can check what Lee is saying to PG&E in emails, making exposing any alleged “cozy relationship” much more difficult than PG&E’s alleged romance with the CPUC.

And the consequences for The City are very real, as well as potentially fatal. As we’ve covered before, there are PG&E pipelines aplenty in San Francisco (including one right along Bernal Hill). When San Bruno’s pipeline exploded, eight lives were lost and many more homes destroyed.

As the San Francisco Chronicle reported last month (and as we’ve said for years), Lee already has suspiciously close ties with PG&E.

From the Chronicle:

However, multiple city officials say that Lee’s administration has consistently, and quietly, raised objections about legislation and policies that PG&E opposes. They also point to the utility’s charitable giving to the city and some of Lee’s pet projects as an example of how PG&E tries to exert its influence.

Critics of Lee’s relationship with PG&E extend from the political left to at least five current and former high-level city officials. In some cases, several of the sources said, that relationship appeared to be inappropriate. PG&E officials regularly went to the mayor’s office when they were unhappy with city staff members, said the sources, who requested anonymity because of their relationship with the mayor.

“They were in his office all the time, meeting with either the mayor or his staff, and seemed to directly intervene in city decisions,” said one official. “It isn’t normal for most businesses in the city to always have meetings with the mayor.”

Lee, in several interviews, dismissed the idea that he was doing PG&E’s bidding as “a little off base.”

“I look at PG&E like any other company in the city,” Lee said. “I don’t think I have any special relationship with them.”

But in the case of the mayor, we may never know how close he is with the utility, as long as his off-kilter public record laws allow him to delete any paper trail. The CPUC is discovering what Lee long ago learned from former-Mayor Willie Brown: The “E” in e-mail stands for “evidence.”

tearing up emails

Psychic Dream Astrology: July 23 – 29, 2014

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July 23-29, 2014

ARIES

March 21-April 19

If you accept your passions you can work to bring them into fruition, Aries. You are ready to take a huge leap, and while it may be a leap of faith, it needn’t be uninformed. Explore your desires (even the hidden, murky ones) and hold them up to the landscape of your circumstances to make the best possible choices.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

Honor your feelings without getting swayed by your moods, Taurus. You need greater mastery over your emotions so you’re not stuck in a state of reaction, and instead get to enact more of what you want. Follow your truth, be damned the emotional intensities, this week. Make your life more wholly your own.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

You’ve got this, Gemini! Now is the time to stay present, as so many things are coming together for you. Leverage your opportunities wisely by choosing to act in balanced and well-considered ways. Remember your goals and values, so that those of the people around you don’t sweep you up and take you off course.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Don’t get tripped up by pridefulness. You may suffer disappointments or setbacks this week, but as much as it sucks they’re only temporary and can be dealt with. Try not to react too self protectively, Moonchild. Humility will help you win better than any defense strategy you come up with can.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

You are growing and changing, Leo, and there’s a big set of responsibilities on your shoulders now. Resist the urge to bring your old, familiar ways with you as you build new (and hopefully better!) foundations for yourself. Things don’t need to be settled quite yet; they only have to be positioned to help you move in the right direction.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Sometimes you’ve got to be firm with yourself, Virgo. Instead of wallowing in the complex and compelling realm of your mind, try having some restraint. If you don’t let yourself linger too long on the negative you will all of a sudden find yourself with all this space for contemplating the positive. Give it a try!

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

You are moving through some deep stuff and your attitude is 50% of what will carry you through this week. Don’t be scared of hoping for the best, even if you feel it’s prudent to prepare for the worst, at the same time. You are on your way to bigger and better things, Libra, so set the stage right.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

You’re able to see yourself and your world as they really are, so jump in and proactively deal with things. As cheesy as it sounds, every ending is opportunity for a new start, Scorpio; you only need to be brave enough to make things happen. Take risks that promise greater happiness this week.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Take it easy! This is not the week for running with knives, taking on new, nonurgent responsibilities, or generally pushing your luck. There’s nothing better than knowing yourself. Enjoy life without needing to keep on testing the limits of what you can handle. Pursue happiness, Sag.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

The trouble with building a house in earthquake country is that no matter how solidly it’s built it’s the land itself that will decide if it stays or goes when the big one comes. There’s a lot that’s in your control, but even more that’s not, Cap. Embrace the parts of your life that are secure and go with the flow everywhere else.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

If you don’t learn from your past, you’re nowhere. If you can’t step into your present, you’ll be unhinged. This is the time to dig into your own history and look for lessons that apply to where you’re at now. You have changed, but the core issues underlying your patterns have not, my friend. Go deep to live large.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

Practice saying YES, dear Pisces. If fear doesn’t factor into your thinking, what might you see and do differently? Take chances to make your life happier and fuller. There is so much creative potential humming through your week that the only thing that can hold you back is your own self.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

 

Last chapters?

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news@sfbg.com

The tale of the threatened independent bookstore, quivering under the might of Amazon, is nothing new.

It’s only been two months since Marcus Books was evicted from its Fillmore District location. Both Adobe and Forest bookstores fled the Mission’s 16thh Street last year. But ebook sales growth is shrinking, and sales for many of San Francisco bookstores are up.

Instead, the tale of the struggling indie bookstore has become less about Amazon and more about a different monster: gentrification. San Francisco’s rising rents, demand for commercial space by deep-pocketed chains, and lack of commercial rent control are putting the squeeze on the city’s remaining bookstores.

Take Bibliohead, for instance. Its owner has recently been forced to relocate in spite of her bookstore’s success. Bibliohead is an easily navigable, highly curated, and tiny book jungle — more like a carefully manicured garden, really. The whole store can be explored in minutes, and there’s a gumball machine that dispenses poetry out in front once the book-happy are satisfied.

Its size has served it well. Sales at Bibliohead — Hayes Valley’s only bookstore — have risen solidly 7 percent each year since the store opened 10 years ago.

“We’re small, but mighty,” Melissa Richmond, Bibliohead’s owner, told the Guardian. “Although recently we haven’t been feeling so mighty. I’m kind of a wreck.”

In May, Richmond learned that she has until January 2015 to leave her store for four months while her building undergoes mandatory earthquake retrofitting. The landlord will double Richmond’s rent after the retrofitting, and has asked Richmond to pay for further renovations to the building when she returns.

“It’s off the table that I can stay here,” Richmond said. “I will not be offered a new lease. I don’t hate landlords, but I want a landlord who will contribute to the spirit and creativity of San Francisco.”

On June 22, Richmond launched an Indiegogo campaign to raise the $60,000 she’ll need to move and attract new customers. So far, with a little less than a month to go, she’s raised almost $3,000.

“What really breaks my heart is when a new customer walks in,” Richmond said. “They ask you how you’re doing after they’ve fallen in love with the place a little bit. Then you have to break their hearts by saying you don’t know what’s in store for your future right now.”

 

DISPLACEMENT TREND

Richmond is not the only bookseller in San Francisco forced to relocate. Last year, Adobe Books and Forest Books were forced out of 16th Street within three months of each other when their rents increased. Forest Books slipped quietly off to Japantown, and has since experienced an increase in sales. Adobe Books’ anticipated closure was met with an invigorating Kickstarter campaign that raised $60,000. It was enough to keep the store alive, but not on gentrifying 16th Street.

Nowadays, Adobe is re-branded as Adobe Books and Art Cooperative at its 24th Street location. The original Adobe’s charming, lackadaisical, and no- structured structure has been traded for alphabetized and carefully curated books. There are only two staff members, and its used books are selling far faster than in the old location, despite its shrunken size.

“It’s strange. A lot of the times I was not sure if it would work at all, and now here we are in this shop,” Brett Lockspeiser, a member of the Adobe Books and Art Cooperative, told us. “Things are running differently, but it’s still Adobe.”

Adobe will soon be celebrating its first anniversary in the new spot. The store might not be making any profits, according to Lockspeiser, but the cause for celebration is that it’s survived.

There has been discussion among the collective members about whether or not Adobe should try to sell eReading devices, like Green Apple Books has done without much success for almost two years with the Kobo eReader. Adobe’s collective voted against Kobo, preferring not to use the same weapons as its competitor.

“I’m pretty technology positive, but I think some people in the group thought it was an ‘us or them’ kind of thing,” said Lockspeiser. “Like either you’re a book reader or you’re a techie who reads on a Kindle.”

Besides, it seems that ebooks’ incredible growth rate has finally simmered down. According to the Association of American Publishers, ebooks accounted for 27 percent of all adult trade sales in 2013. While that was up from 23 percent in 2012, it marked the first year ebook growth was down to the single digits. In January, a Pew study reported that among adults who read at least one book in the past year, just 5 percent said they read only an ebook.

Hut Landon, executive director of the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association, reports that book sales throughout San Francisco bookstores have increased overall in the past two years. Green Apple Books, an expanding bookstore with an growing collection of books and records, is even poised to open another location in the Sunset below beloved video rental store Le Video on Aug. 1.

Pete Mulvihill, co-owner of Green Apple Books, said he recently got a call from Bibliohead’s owner asking for advice on potential neighborhoods and techniques for negotiating with landlords. But he can’t always explain his own store’s success.

“Some of it is just the economy. All that money floating around South of Market is maybe trickling over here,” he told us. “Or maybe the waiters are getting better tips. I don’t know what it is, but things have been better for us.”

The growth of bookstore sales, Landon said, is mainly because Barnes & Noble has been cast out of San Francisco. Last year, Barnes & Noble, the nation’s largest bookstore chain, reported that its revenue decreased by 8 percent in the final quarter. The company’s Nook division, meanwhile, slid down 32 percent.

Yet Joe Marchione, who owns Mission Street’s Valhalla Books, still places the blame for his diminishing foot traffic on Amazon, which has made his hard-to-find books pretty easy to locate online. In 1998, when his store opened, 90 percent of Valhalla’s business came from people browsing through his odd and unique assortment of rare and used books. Now, 95 percent of his business is online.

“People forgot the joy of browsing,” Marchione told us.

As soon as his landlord makes him commit to a lease, he says he’s going to have to leave the business. “When we first opened, we were smug. We said there was no way trendy was ever going to come to Mission between 17th and 18th [streets]. Get real!” he said. “But trendy creeps in closer by the week. There’s no problem with that, except it’s forcing us out.”

 

“TRENDY CREEPS IN”

It’s even forcing successful booksellers, like Bibliohead’s owner, to worry. Her faith in the printed word remains strong. “I find that there’s a whole core of people who are relieved to feel something in their hands, to flip the pages of really cool, beautiful books and kind of remember with their bodies what reading is like,” Richmond said.

When Kate Rosenberger opened a fourth bookstore in 2011 — Alleycat Books on 24th Street — many questioned her sanity, the owner said. The store has only recently been able to pay its own bills, having been relying on Rosenberger’s other store, Dog Eared Books, for survival. But the rent at Dog Eared Books is set to increase, and that means trouble.

“You can talk about e-readers, and people being distracted. You can talk about people slipping out since the Gutenberg press was invented, and all that’s true, sure,” Rosenberger told us. “But when you get hit with a huge increase in your rent, how do you deal with that? When the lease is up, you can pretty much figure you’re gone.”

These days, you deal with it by setting up a crowdsourcing campaign, and crossing your fingers that people with money like you. Or maybe you transform into an art cooperative. Or you just go somewhere else. But Richmond doesn’t want to leave San Francisco.

“I would like to preserve the culture of the city,” Richmond said. “I still think there’s something really special here.”

Barnes & Noble might be gone, ebook sales might have stabilized, and the printed word might just still be alive — but for San Francisco’s booksellers, that no longer means anyone in the book business is safe.

Purr-suit of happiness: SF SPCA aims to save more lives with its new adoption center

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Last year, the SF SPCA assisted with 5,084 cat and dog adoptions. With its new adoption center near Bryant and 16th Streets, which opened June 13, it aims to increase capacity by 20 percent — saving 1,000 more furry lives in the process.

“When our old adoption center opened in 1998, it was the first shelter in the country to house animals in condominium-style rooms instead of cages,” SF SPCA co-president Jason Walthall said in a June press release. The upgraded shelter continues this tradition — and continues to offer dog training classes, volunteer programs for youth, and other community-service activities — but with even more enhancements for the animals. Each glassed-in enclosure features a touch screen pad that provides more information about the pet inside, with an emphasis on personality type (“social butterfly,” “busy bee,” “delicate flower”) over breed — a more efficient way of linking animals with potential new families. 

For dogs, there’s a small indoor park that’s used to make introductions (especially important if the potential new owner already owns a dog — gotta make sure the new pooch gets along with the pack), while the cats, housed in a separate section of the building, get to scamper across SF-themed cat condos. (So far, there’s a Golden Gate Bridge, a Transamerica Pyramid, a cable car, the Sutro Tower, and the SF Giants logo; a Castro Theatre design is in the works.) These improvements make the shelter life more comfortable for the animals — though most dogs only stay two weeks; cats, just slightly longer — but they also help entice visitors.

“We want to make it a fun, happy experience,” says SF SPCA media relations associate Krista Maloney, pointing out that the shelter — which was founded in 1868, has an attached vet hospital (providing free and sliding-scale spay-neuter procedures, among other services), and is a nonprofit funded by donations — competes with pet stores and breeders to place animals in homes. Earlier this year, it joined forces with fellow nonprofit Pets Unlimited, which is located in Pacific Heights, to further its mission: “to save and protect animals, provide care and treatment, advocate for their welfare and enhance the human-animal bond.”

But wait! You’re a San Francisco renter! The words “NO PETS ALLOWED” haunt your nightmares! How can visiting an animal shelter be anything but depressing? SF SPCA’s website has an entire section offering advice for landlords and tenants (one tip: create a “pet resume” to include with your rental application) on the subject of pet-friendly housing. And if the landlord won’t consent to a dog, the SF SPCA just might be able to help out anyway. Coming soon to the new facility: adoptable small mammals, including rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

Psychic Dream Astrology: July 16 – 22, 2014

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July 16-22, 2014

ARIES

March 21-April 19

It’s time to free yourself from the crap that you’ve been doing to hold yourself back, Aries. Notice your habit of either being open or taking charge and try to find the middle ground on both counts. You need to be free, so start with your compulsions and go from there.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

You are smart and people like you, Taurus. You can slowly but surely succeed at your goals, so try not to get in your own way, my friend. Your negativity is like a self-fulfilling prophesy, and you need to put your energies elsewhere. If you can’t be nice to yourself, find someone else who can.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

This week is like a game of Chutes and Ladders, but it won’t stay this way for long. You’re not standing on solid ground, but since you wont be here for long, it’s all right, Gem. Just be true to yourself and the life you’re trying to build, and watch the world reach out to greet you.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Sometimes the best antidote to obsession is distraction. This week if you let your worries compel you it’ll be awful. Do what you can to get your thoughts on a new track, and if it can’t be a positive one, at least have it be benign. You can totally change what you’re focusing on, even if it’s really hard, Cancer.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

Screw your head on tight! You could move forward this week but it’s not exactly the time yet. The wisest moves for you to make are all internal, Leo. Let the dust settle in your life, gather up your strength, and make sure your plans will serve you. What you do now will stick, so make it count.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

You’re able to see things as they really are, so the absolute worst thing you could do this week would be nothing. Whether you’re ready to start something new or to put an old dynamic to rest, it’s time to trust your instincts, Virgo. Think about the big picture so that the little things don’t trip you up.

LIBRA

Being at peace does not mean that you need to be passive about what’s not working for you, or that you should act calm when you’re really upset. Accept your present, wherever it’s at, Libra. By accepting the realness of your situation you can work with it and make real change.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

You don’t need to know how things are going to turn out in order to be optimistic. In fact, training your thoughts in an encouraging direction can help create a feel-good trickle down effect into your heart. As cheesy as it sounds, if you believe in yourself you will be one step closer to having a self worth believing in.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

The best way for the Universe to teach you how to have healthy boundaries is to plop you dead center of a poop heap where the only way out is to have them. Figure out where you stand and what you need this week, and don’t wait for others to guess it for you. Be as forthright as you can, Sag.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Open up, Capricorn. It’s time to lay off of your projections and to put your self out there. You need to trust that you can be strong and gentle at the same time; both kind and protected all at once. Avoid black and white thinking and show compassion to your struggles as you cope with them.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

You’ve got to take control, no matter how upset you’re feeling. Your sadness is meant to direct you to the parts of your life that need the most of your light. Deal with your feelings in the warm company of people that you adore; this is not the time for isolating or distancing yourself from your feelings.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

You are freaking awesome, Pisces! You’re a creative and courageous person and it’s time you owned that. Slow down long enough to feel really excellent about how far you’ve come and what you’ve got going for you. It’s just as egotistical thinking that you’re the worst as it is to think you’re the best, pal.

 

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

Psychic Dream Astrology, July 9-15, 2014

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ARIES
March 21-April 19
You’ve gotta take a chance, Aries. There’s no ‘safe’ route this week; no matter what you do, there’ll be consequences. I trust you to make the best decisions possible, but do you trust yourself? Managing anxiety is your real work right now, so make sure you are kind and patient with on your way.
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TAURUS
April 20-May 20
You’re a willful one, and you can get things done when you need to. The lesson before you is to do things in a way that is not only effective, but considers your emotional state. If you burn yourself out at the start of things how’re you going to stay the course? Keep on moving, but keep it steady, pal.

GEMINI
May 21-June 21
You’re strong and creative, but which concoction of your talents is right for you this week? Slow down and catch up with what you’re doing, so you can make some much-needed adjustments. Don’t squander the awesomeness in your life by having a shaky vision for what you are going for, Gem.

CANCER
June 22-July 22
All you can do is act with honor, Moonchild. You don’t get to control the outcome of how things will play out, how other people will feel or behave, and you don’t get to know the future. You must act on faith, so why not believe in yourself? Be true to your instincts and let the rest unfold in its time.

LEO
July 23-Aug. 22
It’s important to learn from your past, Leo. Strive to make good on the promises you’ve made to yourself over the past couple of years. You are in a deeply fertile place but nothing’s going to bloom if you don’t plant your seeds carefully and diligently care for what grows.

VIRGO
Aug. 23-Sept. 22
The conservative route is not your best bet this week. Your fears are not keeping you safe; they’re fogging up your lenses so you can’t see things quite right. Take a leap of faith and try to give yourself what you really want, not only what you think you can get. You’ll never know if you don’t try.

LIBRA
Sept. 23-Oct. 22
With Mars still in your sign and Pluto and Uranus shaking sticks at you it’s not an easy time to be a Libra. Confront your fears with as much grace as you can, my friend. If you’re willing to change this can be a period where you lighten your load and drop the crap that’s been holding you back, so get to it.

SCORPIO
Oct. 23-Nov. 21
No matter how deep a hole you dig yourself you’ve still got to maintain your relationships, pal. This week you may find yourself overwhelmed and underpaid but this is not the time to give up on life! Connect to the people that fill you up and use that emotional support to carry you through.

SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Being smart has its advantages, but if you get too fixated on understanding things with your head, it’s easy to ignore the wisdom of your heart. Analyzing how you got where you’re at will be more interesting than helpful this week. Make peace with your present so can you take the steps to improve it.

CAPRICORN
Dec. 22-Jan. 19
It’s easy to do the right thing when everything is going your way. It’s when shit gets real that our egos come into play and defensive or avoidant behavior is most likely to rear it’s head. Rise up in the spirit of your values and be the change you want to see in your life, Cap.

AQUARIUS
Jan. 20-Feb. 18
The source of your pain is also meant to be your greatest inspiration, Aquarius. Life isn’t perfect, and neither are you, but you can do your best with what you’ve got. Heartache and troubles are not meant as a punishment, they are simply pointing you to where you need courage. Open your heart, Water Bearer.

PISCES
Feb. 19-March 20
Be honest about where you’re at so that you can make choices that nurture your soul, Pisces. You are being called to take greater ownership for your life, so drop the martyr act and say what needs to be said, do what needs to get done, and be the person you are meant to be, living a life you feel good about.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

Fighting right

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joe@sfbg.com

CULTURE The veteran Muay Thai master placed the braided circlet, the Mong Kong, on the head of his young pupil. The two stood together in the grass at the Contra Costa Fairgrounds in Antioch, in the qualifying round for the Battle of the Pacific, a day of martial arts battles featuring fighters both amateur and experienced.

May 17 was a bright, sunny day to enjoy a kick to the head; families, couples, and loved ones gathered on the grass around the red, white, and blue ring to cheer at flying legs and fists. Earlier in the night, two six-year-olds entered the ring for a round of Muay Thai in miniature headgear and leg shields. They smiled as they finished their adorable fight.

Others had more serious intentions. As Muay Thai struggles to find a foothold in the United States as a spectator martial art, every match matters. The Inner Sunset’s World Team USA already has one star in Ky Hollenbeck, who fought a nationally televised fight at Madison Square Garden last year.

But World Team’s newest up-and-comer is a San Francisco underdog at the beginning of his career, and that night he had much to prove.

The sun lowered at the fairgrounds, bringing a cool shade. Hands still outstretched, Kru Ajarn Sam Phimsoutham (Kru Sam for short) bowed his head with 22-year-old Robby Squyres, Jr., as both said a silent prayer before his championship fight.

The moment of prayer had a purpose. Squyres calls this his “switch.” Before a match, he closes his eyes and remembers his most feared memory, bringing himself to a point of aggression which he immediately must conquer to gain enough mental control to fight.

mongkong

Kru Sam, before placing the Mong Kong on Robby Squyres Jr.’s head. Photo by Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez

Four years ago, Squyres was not a walking weapon. Four years ago, he had a brush with death.

Squyres first walked off the path while attending Raoul Wallenberg High School. The San Francisco native wasn’t necessarily a proud student.

“I was trying, but I was barely skimming by,” he said, alluding to unsavory extracurricular activities. “That life all caught up to me.”

One summer night, the then-teenager was walking up Powell Street with his friends when they came across a group of nine guys who “had beef” with two of Squyres’ friends. The newcomers were spoiling for a fight.

Squyres thinks he was the primary target because he was the biggest; if the attackers’ philosophy was “take out the biggest guy first,” it’s easy to see why it would be him. He was quickly knocked to the concrete with a sucker punch.

As soon as his head hit pavement, they pounced. Boots hammered his head and body as the savage teenagers ensured he couldn’t get up. When a friend tried to jump in to help, he was snared in the melee too. By the end, Squyres’ face was bloodied and he suffered multiple injuries, including a concussion.

A security guard found him laid out on the sidewalk and pulled him to a nearby store. Through hazy memories, Squyres remembers a friend holding his hand during the ambulance ride to the hospital. His hospital release papers came with advice for treating head injuries, but those were the least of his troubles.

“It went downhill from there,” Squyres remembered. He found he had trouble coping with the fear, which plagued his waking moments as well as his sleeping ones. He quit school and spent nights looking over his shoulder. Eventually he sought peace of mind.

“I asked this gentleman in the San Francisco Police Department, a good friend, for a gun. I was stupid,” he said. “My friend said ‘No. I’m going to help you defend yourself.’ He called his friend in the Philippines. He said ‘I don’t know your story that well, but I’m going to give you an opportunity.'”

That opportunity was World Team USA, where he works in exchange for lessons — scrubbing mats, leading workouts, and opening up the school in the morning. He likens finding Muay Thai to a spiritual awakening.

Though many Muay Thai schools advertise danger and action, World Team USA’s logo is surrounded by three words: courage, honor, and respect. Squyres even teaches anti-bullying classes at Wallenberg, hoping to reach teenagers like those who attacked him.

“My school helped me become a better man and walk my faith,” Squyres, a born-again Christian, said. “To show what my life was, and what it is.”

What it is now is laser-focused passion.

In the month leading up to his fight he lost nearly 40 pounds, dropping from the super heavyweight category to the heavyweight category. The week before the match Kru Sam allowed him to eat nothing but one avocado per day.

“Every day I dreamed of Jamba Juice mixed with pizza,” he said. “It was probably worse than a pregnant woman’s cravings.”

As the sun faded at the fairgrounds, Kru Sam told us the fight “is a testing ground for him, to see his potential for the future. But no matter the outcome, I’ll be proud of him.”

All of this flashed in Squyres’ mind before his match. His trigger struck: the brush with death bringing his rage, the peace he learned from Kru Sam bringing him calm.

The announcer called Squyres to the ring in a booming baritone. His opponent, Steven Grigsby of Stockton, couldn’t have been more physically different. Squyres’ body is broad and naturally thick, while Grigsby is hard and lean, with wiry muscle. Torches surrounded the ring, and the flames whipped in the wind. Squyre’s mom, Winki, sat in the crowd, biting on her knuckles.

“Ding!” The bell sounded, and the two circled.

Grigsby scored the first shot, a foot connecting with Squyres’ side. The heavy-set San Franciscan returned with a flurry of fists to Grigsby’s head, snapping him back. The two met legs in mid-section kicks.

The match ended without a decisive lead, but that soon would change.

Muay Thai is known as the “art of eight limbs.” The following rounds made that more than clear. Grigsby’s fists flurried at Squyres, with elbows and legs soon twisted around each. Squyres took it again and again, falling back.

“SWEEP, BOBBY, SWEEP!” Kru Sam shouted from the side. Something snapped in Squyres. As Grigsby swooped in for the attack, he flipped his body around in a twist, the momentum swinging his fist like a sledgehammer hard into the side of Grigsby’s head.

The crowd cheered.

When the match was over, Squyres was declared the winner by unanimous decision. Tears streaked his face as he walked from the ring to the fellow fighters from his dojo, to Kru Sam, and to his mother.

“I’m so thankful,” he said. Through the tears he unwrapped the bandages from his fists. 

Robby Squyres, Jr.’s next fight is tentatively July 19 at the Battle of the Pacific in San Jose; check out www.ikfkickboxing.com for details.

hit

Bobby Squyres, Jr., connects a first with Steven Grigsby of Stockton at the Battle of the Pacific, at the Contra Costa Fairgrounds. Photo by Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez.

Psychic Dream Astrology: July 2 – 8, 2014

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July 2-8, 2014

Mercury is direct. Huzzah!

ARIES

March 21-April 19

You need to get yourself organized so that you can feel in better control of what you’re going through, so think about the steps you need to take. Not forever and ever, of course, but over the next four weeks. Carefully laid plans will build the sturdiest results for you, my friend.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

There’s no rush, Taurus. This is the time to collect information about what’s possible in your current situations, so you can weigh it out against your desires, and then against your willingness to participate. Allow things to percolate so that when you strike forward, it’s a confident and clearheaded move.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

Sometimes you need to distract yourself, because, as luck would have it, when you get fixated on your worries you can be very single-minded, Twin Star. Get in touch with your emotional needs and stop tripping on whether or not you can meet them. Cultivate bravery in the face of your fears.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Peacefulness is not a static state. To achieve it you’ve gotta make subtle adjustments as the world around (or within) you changes. You’re on call to find that elusive inner balance, and to stay unattached to it. The ground you’re standing on is kind of like a boat in choppy waters, so be ready to sway.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

The most effective way to be a powerful person that isn’t overpowering is to let others be themselves, Leo. You get to make your own choices, so please let others make theirs. Do what you feel is right for you, but not while you’re peddling what you think is right for others. Lead with your actions, not your words this week.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Think about transitions, Virgo. Don’t get so bogged down in the details of whatever you’ve got going on, but do investigate how you can gracefully traverse change. Consider your feelings as you make, because how you rise to the occasion is almost more important than what you do this week.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

If you get entangled in other people’s crap you’ll end up having a hard time getting free, Libra. It doesn’t matter how strong you are, this is not the time to try to fix, save, or otherwise meddle in your loved ones’ affairs. You have no way of predicting where people are really going in their process, so give ’em some space and let things play out.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

You deserve a break, Scorpio, and you’re finally gonna get it! Enjoy your life this week as things are coming together for you, my friend. Your only job is to make sure you are checked-in with your heart and to honoring it. You are in a creative place; set the wheels in motion for great things to happen.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Clear the cobwebs from your mind so that you can get to work making sense of your feelings, and making choices that support them, Sag. You don’t have to have all the answers, or even to feel fabulous, but it would behoove you so greatly if you could clear the decks and reconnect with that inner voice that guides you.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Your old worries and insecurities are trying to have a comeback tour and it isn’t pretty. You’re at the end of a deep emotional cycle and the universe wants to know if you have really changed. Interact with old fears in new ways, Cap. It won’t be easy, but it’s easier than staying in an internal rut.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

This is the time to battle the internal demons you’re struggling with. You need to be patient with yourself as you figure out where your top priorities lie, because you can’t deal with everything at once. Set some goals and even a timeline for how to take care of you, and I promise it’ll help ease your pains.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

It might not seem this way, but so much of what you’re going through is about your perspective. You’ll feel better if you focus on what you’ve got instead of everything you don’t. When you feel better you’ll be able to identify what choices you need to make to have a more secure and happy life.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

Award-winning writer Michelle Tea and intuitive counselor Jessica Lanyadoo have been fraternizing with fate together for the past six years. Call Lanyadoo for an astrology or tarot reading at (415) 336-8354. Write to Double Team at lovedoubleteam@hotmail.com.

 

Psychic Dream Astrology: June 25 – July 1, 2014

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June 25-27, 2014

Mercury is Retrograde all week but fear not! It goes direct Aug. 2.

ARIES

March 21-April 19

You are right where you need to be, Aries. This is an excellent time for beginnings and laying the foundation for exactly what you want. The key is not to require it come in any special packaging. Being on the right road does not ensure everything is hunky-dory, only that your pains are worth it.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

You don’t have to do it all right away. This week it’s important that you ask for support when you need it. This is not only helpful in a material sort of way, but can also aid you in being able to better collaborate with others. The more open you are, the more good can come through this week.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

It’s all about the people in your life this week, Twin Star. Your relationships need care and attention from you, and that may just translate to some uncomfortable talks that feel a little unsafe. It’s OK to make yourself vulnerable in the hopes of deepening your connections, and this is the time to try.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

You need new tools for coping with your frayed nerves. As you wrestle with your anxieties here’s a simple tip to help you emerge victorious over them: when you feel nervous is not the time to figure things out. Get yourself to a place of calm before you get to problem solving for best results.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

This is the time to take chances, Leo. The trick is to use your power and insights to work in conjunction with others instead of around them. If you take the time to assess how things are developing for you and how others are reacting this will slow things down, but it’s worth it. Find a strategy that serves the whole.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

It’s easy for you to obsess on every detail of what is and isn’t happening, but it’s a total waste of energy. Check in with your gut instincts this week so that you can bypass the doomsday tendencies in your thinking. If you don’t know how things are going to turn out, why not imagine best-case scenarios?

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Accept how stressful the unknown can be so you don’t get too discouraged by it. Take your time so you can manage the inevitable upsets of change in development in stride. Have hope, dear Libra, but keep that balloon tethered to the earth. You’re on the right path, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Love and intimacy are the way. The stars want you to have love, so try to be open to it for reals this week. You’re such an openhearted person who is also totally shut off in self-protection from others, and it can be a confusing combination. Avail yourself to people and situations you believe will support you, pal.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

You have got to execute your ambitions in this here material world with finesse. There is no time to waste on sloppiness, so pay attention to three major things this week: your intention, your situation, and your actions. Make sure they are properly aligned to avoid unnecessary problems.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Be open-minded, Capricorn. You’re in the throws of a deep and intense internal transition, and if you’re not willing to see things differently you’ll be missing out on important opportunities. This is not the time to take on more stuff: Find creative ways of dealing with what you’ve got.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

You’re at a kind of crossroads, so this is not a time for conventional assessments or linear thinking. You can’t know everything, or understand the singular truth out of all situations. There are things that must be felt out with your guts, and your irrational instincts. Trust yourself, Aquarius.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

When you get something truly good that you super-crazy want, it should be all rainbows and puppies, but it’s often not. Now that you have what you fancy you may find yourself obsessing on what you don’t have or could lose. Stay in the present and be grateful as an antidote to your fears this week.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

 

Doo-wop (that thing): talking with the cast of ‘Jersey Boys’

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The backstage musical that turned the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons — known for 1960s doo-wop ditties like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and a zillion more; you will recognize all of them — into Broadway gold ascends to the big screen Fri/20 thanks to director Clint Eastwood, a seemingly odd choice until you consider Eastwood’s own well-documented love of music. 

Jersey Boys weaves a predictable tale of show biz dreams realized and then nearly dashed, with a gangster element that allows for some Goodfellas-lite action (a pre-fame Joe Pesci is a character here; he was actually from the same ‘hood, and was instrumental in the group’s formation). With songs recorded live on-set, à la 2012’s Les Misérables, there’s some spark to the musical numbers, but Eastwood’s direction is more solid than spontaneous, with zero surprises (even the big finale, clearly an attempt at a fizzy, feel-good farewell, seems familiar). 

Still, the cast — including 2006 Tony winner John Lloyd Young as Valli, and Christopher Walken as a sympathetic mobster — is likable, with Young in particular turning in a textured performance that speaks to his years of experience with the role. I spoke with Young, Michael Lomenda (who plays original Four Season Nick Massi), and Erich Bergen (as Bob Gaudio, the member who wrote most of the group’s hits) when the trio made a recent visit to San Francisco to promote the movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tC1yOUvvMo

SF Bay Guardian This must be a crazy time for you guys.

John Lloyd Young It’s a very exciting time for all three of us, and including our fourth colleague Vincent Piazza [who plays Four Season co-founder Tommy DeVito]. This is our first major studio feature film, and we got to be directed by Clint Eastwood. 

SFBG Did he ever break into song on the set?

Michael Lomenda [Laughs.] It was very interesting, actually, to see him between takes trying to capture that Frankie Valli falsetto. I think it was an ongoing challenge for him the whole 38 days that we shot, to try and figure out how to manipulate his voice in that way.

JLY It was a tongue-in-cheek challenge, because it was all playful. He knew he wasn’t gonna sing like Frankie!

SFBG Few can! Though, you’ve been able to do it for several years. How do you keep your voice in shape to hit those notes?

JLY Well, you either have a falsetto or you don’t. If you have it, you just keep it in shape the same way any singer does. Obviously, singers, there’s certain things we can’t do. We can’t go out and yell all night in a bar. We shouldn’t smoke, we shouldn’t drink. The voice is very delicate. Those are very delicate muscles. Anything you do that’s not good for your body in general won’t be good for your voice. But, basically, just living a clean life. And Frankie Valli himself will tell you the same thing.

SFBG It’s interesting that you bring up clean living. I hadn’t seen the stage show, and I didn’t know much about the group before I saw the movie. But in every show-biz biopic, there’s always some kind of vice (usually drugs or booze, as in Walk the Line) that threatens to ruin the performer’s success. Here, it’s the mobster subplot — mobsters are not the typical vice.

Erich Bergen I think that’s one of the things that’s very interesting is that Frankie didn’t get into [drugs or alcohol]. That’s sort of the reason why he’s still around and he’s still on the road, because he’s been able to preserve not only his gift, but his life. Of course, he went through some harsh things in life. He went through a couple of marriages and divorces, and obviously he lost a daughter. Actually, and we don’t go into this in the movie, but he’s lost two daughters. He’s lived a very hard life. He didn’t need drugs or alcohol; that hard life came to him naturally. 

I think that’s what makes this story so interesting: we’re watching someone whose life is hitting him in the face. And we sort of identify with that. I don’t know about you, but for me personally, when I watch a lot of biopics and they start to get into the drugs and all that type of stuff — that’s where I sort of lose them a little bit, because that’s just sort of the generic story at this point. What makes Jersey Boys work is that we really connect with these guys because we identify with them. It’s written in a way that even when they’re not at their highest point, when they’re doing things that aren’t so great — especially the character of Tommy DeVito — we still root for them, and we still want them to succeed. 

SFBG The movie really shows how hard they had to work to be successful. It’s a stark contrast to the music business of today, where someone can become famous overnight thanks to a YouTube video.

EB That’s exactly what we talk about when we’re asked the question, “What makes this story so interesting?” If you look at the groups of today, whether it’s a One Direction or a Justin Bieber, before we actually know their songs, we know what they had for breakfast. But [the Four Seasons] really came at a time when you were trying to hide your real story and project out a shiny, clean image, because that’s what everyone wanted. That’s why Jersey Boys can exist today, because the story was never known. 

JLY I have a thought about that, too, which is that nowadays — without naming anyone by name — a lot of successful music acts are created as an idea in a marketing boardroom first, and then they find someone to fit that image. You know what I’m saying? It seems like the marketers are the stars nowadays. The more you can get an audience to feel there’s something really exciting there, and then get them there, then you’ve won. But when they get there and they don’t have a great experience, well, you already got their money, so who cares?

But I think at the time of Jersey Boys, to succeed you had to work really hard. There were only three networks, and there were very few print outlets. If you actually got on the cover of a magazine, or you got on a network, you made it. But you had to have something to show for it. You had to have talent, and especially that generation of Baby Boomers — the biggest generation we’ve ever had in American history. That’s a lot of people competing for which of the talented ones among them would become known. And the Four Seasons had the talent, but they also had that special, very distinctly East Coast, riveting-to-an-audience kind of thing, with that Mob connection that makes their story unique among that era of bands.

SFBG The movie makes it clear that they had to succeed, because they didn’t have anything to go back to.

ML It’s true. These guys are from the wrong side of the tracks. You have some choices. You can go in the army, you can get mobbed up, or you can become famous, as they say in the film. We also sort of say that they did two out of the three. But I think their music spoke for itself. They broke when their music had to speak for them, and that’s what made them successful.

EB The proof of that is that everyone knows these songs, but not the band. There are so many songs we don’t even get to in this movie, because we’d run out of time! That tells you how much talent they really had as performers, writers, producers — all of those things. Their catalog is endless, and yet nobody knew they were all by the same group.

JL I just saw Clint Eastwood on the Today show, and when they introduced him, they said the Four Seasons had 71 chart-topping hits. 71! I think that’s incredible for that band, coming out of that decade.

SFBG They were also commercially savvy. The songs were so catchy. No wonder people liked them.

ML I think that’s they key to why their music has stood the test of time. Maybe it’s commercially viable, and it is good pop music. But if you did a little deeper into some of the lyrics — for example, “Dawn” is one of my favorite songs, and they’re singing, “Dawn, go away, I’m no good for you, think about what the future would be with a poor guy like me…” It’s that kind of lyric that brings depth so what initially could be perceived as just pop, bubblegum music. It spoke to an audience that I think was sort of the fabric of America.

JLY Their early attempts at marketing are sort of outlined in the movie. You got [producer] Bob Crewe giving them advice on how to get their songs out there. You have Bob Gaudio figuring out how to get his songs out there. I know, and am friends with, the real Bob Gaudio, and it’s funny, he’s a hugely successful songwriter, but he almost seems more proud of his business successes than he does of his songwriting. He gets pumped by being smart in business as he gets pumped by writing a good song.

SFBG As actors, does it present a particular challenge to play a real person, a famous person, particularly if that person is still living? Or were you able to put your own stamp on the characters?

EB I think John had the most pressure out of all of us, because he’s playing someone that’s so well-known, and John can tell you about that experience. But for the rest of us, we really did invent these characters. Even though they were real people, and while we wanted to pay respect to these people, and their families, we did have the luxury of not having to play John Lennon and Paul McCartney. They’re not well-known to the public. So we did get to use our skills as actors and create characters from the ground up.

JLY One of the benefits as an actor approaching the role of Frankie, even in the beginning in the original cast, is that he is known. People know what he looks like and they know what he sounds like. He did some talk show stuff, so they kind of know how he moves. So I knew that I needed to get his physical attributes down. I needed to evoke his sound, look like him, talk like him. But outside of those physical things, the internal life of Frankie Valli, we don’t really know. We didn’t know. 

When I was researching the original Broadway show, all I could find were maybe 12 minutes of footage of him at the Museum of Television and Radio. That was, like, the year before YouTube broke, so now there’s footage of him everywhere, but I didn’t have the benefit of that. But now I have seen a lot of YouTube and everything. So I thought, as long as I get those physical characteristics down, the story of the Four Seasons, the story of Frankie Valli, is still largely unknown to audiences. So I had free reign to kind of build the psychological reality of the character using my own imagination, and the cues that I had from the script. And knowing Bob Gaudio, Frankie Valli’s real-life best friend, and the things he told me about Frankie, and knowing, of course, the man himself. 

But I didn’t feel pressure so much. The pressure I felt was to honor the people who put this movie together, which was Frankie and Bob, and to portray the character in a way that was compelling and riveting to an audience so that we’d have as successful a show as we could have. And now, I think that I feel very proud of what we’ve accomplished with this movie, and I think it’s an enhancement, actually, of what has been out there all these years, with the successful stage musical across the world. 

SFBG How true is the movie to the stage production?

ML It’s actually very similar. We were lucky to work with [screenwriters and musical authors] Marshall [Brickman] and Rick [Elice] on the film, which I think we were all very grateful for, because it meant that we didn’t have to learn too many new lines. [Laughs.] But it was great. I think when I first found out that the movie was being done, I was really concerned that the final product would be true to the stage, because the script is so fantastic. But beauty of film is that you get to flesh out certain relationships, and certain storylines. I think fans of Jersey Boys are going to love a lot of the scenes that they loved from the stage version, but they’re also going to go crazy over the other stuff, the extra stuff that is put into the film.

The stage production is directed in a very slick fashion, but logistics dictate that you have to move from scene to scene very quickly to keep up the energy going in the two-and-a-half hour show. But what Mr. Eastwood does so beautifully with this movie, and with all of his movies, is create a real environment that’s rich and tangible, that you can really sense in the theater. I think Jersey Boys fans are going to love that as well.

JYL If people love the stage show of Jersey Boys, the movie is going to give then a much deeper, more thorough, and much more detailed experience.

SFBG I did not realize, until I was reading up on the movie, that there were Jersey Boys superfans who have seen the show hundreds of times.

EB Michael and I opened the national tour of Jersey Boys in San Francisco, and six years later Michael closed that tour in the same theater. This was my first discovery with anything remotely like that. I remember seeing these fans come in over and over again. At first I thought, “What are they doing?” and “Where are they getting the money that they’re buying such great seats three times a week?” I remember I got a letter one time, we all got these letters, from a fan who said, “I know you probably think it’s crazy that I’m here all the time, but this is the first time I’ve felt happy in 10 years.”

When we get things like that, we don’t really know what to make of that. But we are so thrilled that it’s had an impact. I don’t know if it can be explained. People often ask us, “What is it about Jersey Boys that keeps people coming back?” I don’t know if I know. I don’t know if anyone knows. I know that when people come to see the show, they’re affected by it for whatever reason. It moves them, it changes them. They are really passionate about it, and we’re just sort of lucky that we got to be a part of that somehow. I don’t really know what else to say about it!

JYL I have something else to say about it, and that is: if a person has seen the stage play of Jersey Boys 100 times, let them know, please, on our behalf, that for the price of one Broadway ticket, they can see this movie 10 times! [All three laugh.] So we hope that they decide to make their investment in 10 tickets for the movie. 

SFBG What’s up next for you guys? More musicals?

ML I think we’ve all been bitten by the movie bug. To start on a Clint Eastwood set, we’ve been a bit blessed and totally spoiled. So, I think certainly, we would all like to dive further into this genre and explore it.

EB I agree. My album comes out next week, some new music that I just recorded down in Nashville, and I’m in a new series on CBS this fall called Madame Secretary. I will also be hosting lots of Jersey Boys viewing parties once the DVD comes out. [Laughs.]

JLY I have a new album that I just released, My Turn — it’s R&B hits from the 60s in my voice, not Frankie’s, and it’s on iTunes and Amazon. I’m also a recent appointee by Barack Obama to the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. So I’ll be working with kids in the lowest-performing schools, re-inserting arts into their curriculum to increase their school performance and their school culture. The actor Kal Penn and I will be sharing a school district in Des Moines, Iowa. I’m really looking forward to it.

JERSEY BOYS opens Fri/20 in Bay Area theaters.

Psychic Dream Astrology: June 18 – 24, 2014

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Mercury is still Retrograde, which means you should go easy on those who screw up your plans.

ARIES

March 21-April 19

It’s not only OK to be afraid, it’s kind of awesome. There’s nothing worth having that wouldn’t be scary to lose, Aries. Embrace the need for bravery this week, and understand that it’s coming up because you are taking chances that have high personal stakes, and that’s a very good thing.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

Nurture what you love, but don’t make promises that you’re not 100% positive that you can keep, my friend. You may feel strongly in the moment but let things develop with time. Don’t overcommit now and set yourself up to have to do the painstaking work of dialing back in the coming months.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

You’ve got to change, but with intention and not all willy-nilly. This is the time to make clear decisions and steadily act them out, even if it kills you. There are always many truths, but this week you need to fixate on the big picture and make sure your actions are supporting what’s true for you on that level.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Just because you need to give it up doesn’t mean that it won’t hurt, Cancer. You know what you need to do but your emotions are distracting you and confusing matters. Pain is not always a sign that something is wrong, sometimes it’s just a side effect of caring. Let go of what you know you’ve outgrown, pal.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

You don’t need (or get) to know how things are going to turn out before you put yourself out there. This is a good time to be clear about your boundaries and needs so you can not only forge ahead, but be emotionally true to yourself and your collaborators as you do. You don’t need perfection this week, just authenticity.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

The only way to get to where you want to be is to go through the long-standing mazes of your outdated and inhibiting patterns. Don’t be scared of history repeating itself, because it’s happening so that you can participate differently this time. Make new and improved choices in the face of old fears, Virgo.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

It’s safe to fall in love, Libra. Well, it’s not exactly safe, it’s actually quite dangerous, but it’s a risk worth taking this week. Pour yourself wholeheartedly into a project or person that you care deeply for. If you’re going to risk failure, do it in the pursuit of something great.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

If you get too fixated on your goals you won’t achieve them in the right way, Scorpio. Be honest with yourself about what’s motivating you and make sure that it’s integrated with your larger plans. Getting there quickly is not as important as getting there ready for what comes next this week.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

The people in your life deserve a little extra TLC this week. Invest more deeply with others whether that means you need to schmooze, call your mother, or tend to your friendships. You need people and they need you, so spread your Sagittarian love around and share your good vibes in a way that feeds everyone.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You’re going through such big stuff right now so don’t waste your energy by getting caught up in power struggles, even with yourself, Cap. You need to practice the fine art of forgiveness so that you can get out of your own way and let transformation flow through your life. Don’t pick fights you can’t win, my friend.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

There’s no sense in pointing fingers or rehashing the details, Water Bearer, ’cause you’re ready to deal with your situation. Hop into the ring, get involved with the messy complexities of your life. Maintaining your go-to detached attitude will only carry on the disconnection you’re feeling this week.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

Have a good time but don’t be a Pollyanna, Pisces. There’s some stuff that kind of sucks and is giving you a case of the sads that you’re trying to avoid or wait out. Don’t expect things to change without you changing first. Deal with your troubles before they get worse this week.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

 

Psychic Dream Astrology: June 11-17, 2014

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June 11-17, 2014

Err on the side of caution with communications and plan making this week, as Mercury continues its retrograde motion.

ARIES

March 21-April 19

Patience is the best salve to soothe your wounds. You may want to jump over your fears to get to the next playing level, but the truth is you’ll only end up bringing them along with you. Deal with your feelings even if that slows down your progress, Aries. Do things right so you only have to do them once.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

You need to transform, my dear, and there’s no way around it. You can wait until external forces push you or you can do it on your own, but something’s gotta give this week. In the game of change or be changed, it’s always better to get ahead of the curve.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

Anxiety is your greatest enemy this week, and if you can cope with that you can deal with anything, Gemini. You are moving through some intense emotional landmines and it’s understandable if you feel murky and off balance. Have faith in the big picture and be kind to your self this week.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

What you put in is what you’ll get out this week. You don’t need to know how things are going to turn out in order to do your very best, Cancer. If you’re being motivated by your fears, consider pausing until you can do things focused on what you’re moving toward instead of away from.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

It’s not that all communication is doomed to failure during a Mercury Retrograde cycle, it’s that if we’re not careful things are more likely to misfire. Be intentional, transparent, and forthright as you endeavor to clear the air and move your plans forward this week.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Your ruling planet may be moving backward but you’re not, my finicky friend. This is the right time to create an action plan. Whether you need to change careers, start eating better, or deepen your relationships, now’s the time to name what you want and what you’re willing to do to make it happen.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

There are old patterns disguised as brand new experiences playing themselves out in your personal life this week. Take the time to get grounded so you can make sure you’ve learned from your past, and are not blindly rushing to “fix” your present. Be brave enough to risk making new mistakes, Libra.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Some wise women once said “STOP in the name of love,” and they were right, Scorpio. Hold out hope for all that you love and desire this week, and don’t give up without really trying. Be open to being changed by what or who you love this week. Go with the flow and see where it takes you.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Mercury Retrograde is a tricky time to make major decisions because it makes us less likely to understand all the details, and that makes it all the more likely that things will go awry. Take your time so you can make choices that make you happy by being clear headed and well-informed this week, Sag.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

This is the time to mobilize, but if you do as much as you can, you’ll find yourself overcommitted and overwhelmed by the month’s end. You’re being tested on how well you know yourself, so take the time to investigate what your aspirations are and to make sure your actions are properly aligned with them.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

You’d be wise to deepen your understanding of your own position so that you don’t put yourself out there half cocked. There’s no rush, so no matter how ballsy you’re feeling, don’t push yourself farther or faster than you need to go, Aquarius. Protect what you’ve got and let the rest come in its own time.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

When it’s too much it’s too much, Pisces! You need a time-out this week. You’re overwhelmed and haven’t figured out if you’re doing what you really want to do, or if you’re acting out of obligation. Rise to the challenge of saying “no” to what you need to, so you can say “yes” to yourself.

Want more in-depth, intuitive, or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

 

Psychic Dream Astrology: June 4 – 10, 2014

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June 4-10, 2014

Mercury will go Retrograde on the 7th. Prepare to feel unprepared, my friends.

ARIES

March 21-April 19

This is a time for beginnings and it may feel like there’s too much on the line. Follow through on your commitments and be open to being surprised by what the Universe has to offer you. Maintain your calm and a broad perspective this week, even if you see the potential for a million things to go awry.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

Take risks! You know what you want but that doesn’t mean you have faith that you can get it. Now is the time to strive towards your deepest desires, even if you’re not confident that you’ll get what you want. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Taurus. Don’t let your fears stop you now.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

Hold steady, Twin Star. This week may find you struggling through some steep terrain but this is not the time to lose hope. When things don’t go your way and it sucks, but you are utterly capable. Commit to keep on keeping on this week. It’s a long road in front of you, but one worth travelling.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

You need a bit of chutzpah, Moonchild. Use your ego to buoy yourself forward instead of to torture yourself with worried ‘what-ifs’. Take bold chances, even if you don’t completely believe in yourself quite yet. This is one of those times that you’ve gotta fake it till you make it, pal.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

The only way out of trouble is with honesty, this week, even if the truth sucks for someone else to hear. It’s not your job to take care of everyone else’s feelings, Leo. Aim to be compassionate and understanding that others are different than you. Don’t make peace; simply allow space for it.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

It might seem wrong, but the quickest way out of your anxieties is to go directly into them. In avoidance lies your worst fears and most unpleasant possibilities, Virgo. Dare to make eye contact with what you don’t want, and to not invite it to your party. Give yourself a chance, Virgo.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Yours is a sign know for indecision. There’s no choice that doesn’t have several angles, but your ability to see them all at once is a double-edged sword. This week calls for decisiveness from you, Libra, and I think you can rise to the occasion. Trust your instincts and stay aligned with your goals.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Only you can be the one to make the kind of changes you need to see in your life. If you’re waiting for someone else to fix you or bring you opportunities you may be waiting a long time, pal. Make your own fortunes by following through with your desires and stepping up to the plate, Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

There’s a funny way that wherever you put your energy, it just starts flowing in that direction. What’s confusing is that our brains often focus on one thing while our heart is ruminating on another. This week is fertile for your heart, so tend to its yearnings with compassion and patience.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You can’t do it alone, Capricorn, and if you try you’ll find that it makes everything worse. You’re dealing with some heavy themes right now and your point of view is weighed down. Talk out your feelings with the people you trust, and don’t take on anything new this week if you can help it.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

You must let go. There’s no way to successfully resist whatever loss or change you are struggling with, all you can do is make it harder on yourself. Acknowledge what is (even if it sucks) so you can go about the work of transforming it. It is only through acceptance that real growth can occur this week.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

Don’t go from zero to 60, no matter how tempting it may feel. Your insights are on point, but that doesn’t mean that you can take on everything just yet. Pick your battles wisely, and pace yourself carefully. You are on call for transformation, but there’s no rush. Only do what you can do in a healthy way.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

 

The anti-sunshine gang intensifies its attacks on the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force in City Hall

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By Bruce B. Brugmann   (with special sunshine vendetta chronology by Richard Knee) 

The Guardian story in the current issue demonstrates in 96 point tempo bold how important the glare of sunshine and publicity is in City Hall in keeping the public’s business public. Yet, the anti-sunshine gang in City Hall is intensifying  its savage attack on the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force.

The Sunshine Ordinance established the Sunshine Task Force to serve as the people’s court for hearing citizen complaints on public access, thus giving  citizens a way to get secret records, open secret meetings, and hold government officials accountable. It empowers citizens to be watchdogs on issues they care about.  It is the first and best ordinance of its kind in the country, if not in the world, and its effectiveness is shown by the fact that the anti-sunshine gang regularly tries  to bounce strong members and gut the task force.

Terry Francke, then the executive director of the California First Amendment Coalition and author of the ordinance, and I as a founder anticipated this problem in trhe early 1990s and put a mandate  into the original ordinance for the task force to have representatives from the local chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (a journalist and media attorney) and the San Francisco League of Women Voters, two organizations with experience and tradition with open government issues. Later, the mandate included a representative from New America Media, to insure a member of color for the task force.

 I served for 10 years on the task force and then Mayor Willie Brown made the point about City Hall interference by targeting me for extinction.  He tried several times  to kick me off the task force.  I refused to budge, on the principle that neither the mayor nor any other city official should be able to arbitrarily kick off a member of the task force for doing his/her job. When Willie left office, I left the task force when my term was up  and the principle was intact.

Today, as Richard Knee writes in his timeline and chronology below, the principle is once again under city hall attack. Knee replaced me as the journalist representative  of SPJ and has served under fire  for a record 12 years. He writes that the latest attack is retaliation for a unanimous finding by the task force in September 2011 when Board President David Chiu and Supervisors Scott Wiener, Malia Cohen, and Eric Mar violated  local and state open meeting laws by ramming through the monstrous Park Merced redevelopment contract with 14 pages of amendments that Chiu slipped in “literally minutes” before the committee vote.

This was a historic task force vote in the public interest, and a historic vote for open government and for all the good causes. But instead it prompted a smear- dilute-and- ouster campaign by the Board of Supervisors, with timely assists from the city attorney’s office.  The ugly play by play follows. The good news is  that the sunshine forces inside and outside city hall are fighting back, hard and fast, and with a keen eye on all upcoming elections.   Stay tuned. On guard. :

 Special  chronology and timeline detailing the anti-sunshine gang attack on  the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force. By Richard Knee)

1. In April 2011, the Task Force voted to change its bylaws to declare that approval of substantive motions required “yes” votes from a simple majority of members present rather than a simple majority of all members, as long as a quorum was present. The quorum threshold remained at six. The bylaws change went against the advice of the city attorney’s office, which pointed to city Charter Sec. 4.104. Suzanne Cauthen and I cast dissenting votes on the bylaw change. David Snyder was absent from that meeting but made it clear that, reluctantly, he could find no reason to disagree with the city attorney’s opinion.

2. In September 2011, the Task Force voted, 8-0, to find that Board of Supervisors President David Chiu and Supervisors Eric Mar, Scott Wiener and Malia Cohen had violated the Sunshine Ordinance and the state’s open-meeting law (Brown Act). Mar, Wiener and Cohen served on the board’s Land Use and Economic Development Committee, which voted to recommend approval of a Parkmerced redevelopment contract. Literally minutes before the committee voted, Chiu introduced 14 pages of amendments to the contract. The deputy city attorney at the meeting opined that the amendments did not substantially alter the contract and therefore the description of the item on the meeting agenda was still apt and the committee could act on it. The full board approved the contract the same day.

Wiener tried to intimidate the Task Force from hearing the case. His legislative aide Gillian Gillette (now the mayor’s director of transportation policy) told us we had no business telling the board how to vote and that in taking up the matter, we would be overstepping our authority. Her tone of voice, facial expression and body language were clearly confrontational. We pushed back. Bruce Wolfe told her it was inappropriate to prejudge the Task Force’s vote before the hearing had begun. I told her that we were not interested in the LUED Committee’s or the board’s substantive vote on the contract, but we were concerned about the procedural aspect. A complaint alleging sunshine violations had been brought before us and we were duty-bound to hear it. I pointedly suggested she review the ordinance, especially Sec. 67.30, which defines the Task Force’s, duties, powers and composition. She skulked back to her seat, seething.

Chiu’s legislative aide Judson True told us that Chiu’s office had made a mad scramble to get the amendments printed and properly distributed to allow enough time for review by the supervisors and members of the public before the committee’s vote. He and Gillette, citing the city attorney’s opinion, reiterated that the committee and the board had followed proper procedure.

We were incredulous toward their claims that (a) 14 pages of amendments did not substantially alter the contract and (b) there was sufficient time to review the amendments before the committee’s vote. We consensed that there was no reason the committee could not have delayed its vote in order to allow adequate review time.

3. Wiener surreptitiously asked the Budget and Legislative Analyst in late 2011 to survey every city department on how much sunshine compliance was costing it. When we learned about it, Task Force Chair Hope Johnson sent a strongly worded letter objecting to the attempt at secrecy and to the form that the survey took; we felt many of the questions were vague or vacuous.

4. In May 2012, the Rules Committee (Jane Kim, Mark Farrell, David Campos) interviewed Task Force applicants. Committee members pointedly asked incumbents Suzanne Manneh (New America Media’s nominee), Allyson Washburn (League of Women Voters’ nominee), Hanley Chan, Jay Costa and Bruce Wolfe if it wouldn’t have been wise to follow the city attorney’s advice in order to avoid violating the Charter. They responded that while they deeply appreciated having a deputy city attorney at Task Force meetings and certainly gave due weight to the DCA’s counsel, such advice did not have the force of law, they had a right to disagree with it and they believed the bylaw change they had enacted in April 2011 did not violate the Charter.

The Rules Committee voted unanimously to recommend the appointments of newcomers Kitt Grant, David Sims, Chris Hyland and Louise Fischer, and returnee David Pilpel. Campos and Kim voted to recommend Wolfe’s reappointment; Farrell dissented.

Then, citing concerns about lack of “diversity,” Farrell and Kim said the Society of Professional Journalists, NAM and the LWV should have submitted multiple nominations for each of their designated seats. They pointed to language in ordinance Sec. 67.30(a) stipulating that the respective members “shall be appointed from … names” – and they emphasized the plural, “names” – “submitted by” the organizations. And the committee voted unanimously to continue those four appointments to the call of the chair.

It is important to note that this was the first time ever that the committee had made a multiple-nominations demand. Previously, the committee and the board had invariably accepted the single nominations from the three organizations.

The “diversity” argument was a smokescreen. They had already voted to bounce Chan, who is Chinese-American, and Manneh is a Palestinian-American fluent in Arabic and Spanish.

The truth was, they didn’t like the nominees. SPJ had nominated attorney Ben Rosenfeld and Westside Observer editor Doug Comstock. Both as a Task Force member and as a political consultant, Comstock had been a thorn in lots of local politicians’ and bureaucrats’ sides. And Manneh and Washburn had participated in the Task Force’s unanimous finding of violation against Chiu, Wiener, Mar and Cohen.

Upshot: By continuing those appointments, the committee and the board ensured that Manneh, Washburn and I would remain as “holdovers” and the SPJ-nominated attorney’s seat would stay vacant (Snyder had formally resigned). Manneh, citing an increased professional and academic workload, stepped aside a few months later, meaning two of the 11 seats were vacant, and it now took only four absences instead of five to kill a quorum.

5. At the subsequent meeting of the full board, after Campos moved to reappoint Wolfe, Wiener moved to replace his name with that of Todd David. In making his motion, Wiener delivered a scorching, mendacious attack on what was then the current Task Force. Details of the tirade are available on request. The board voted, 6-5, in favor of Wiener’s motion (ayes: Wiener, Chiu, Farrell, Cohen, Carmen Chu and Sean Elsbernd; noes: Campos, Kim, Mar, John Avalos and Christina Olague). The board then voted unanimously to appoint Grant, Sims, Hyland, Fischer, Pilpel and David.

6. Ordinance Sec. 67.30(a) stipulates that the Task Force shall at all times have at least one member with a physical disability. Wolfe was the only applicant in 2012 to meet that criterion. So when the board ousted him, the Task Force no longer had a physically disabled member. The city attorney advised the new Task Force that to take any actions before a new physically disabled member was appointed could land land the Task Force and its individual members in serious legal trouble. So the Task Force was sidelined for five months, finally resuming business in November 2012 following the appointment of Bruce Oka — who, by the way, is solidly pro-sunshine.

            7. After interviewing 12 of the 13 task force applicants on May 15, 2014, Rules Committee members Norman Yee and Katy Tang complained about a lack of racial/ethnic diversity among the candidates, but that didn’t stop them from voting to recommend the reappointments of members David, Fischer and Pilpel, all Anglos (Campos was absent). Nor were they deterred by the fact that David has missed six task force meetings since March 2013, including those of last January, February and April. They continued consideration of additional appointments to a future meeting, possibly June 5.

At the board meeting on May 20, Wiener repeated his slander of the 2012-14 task force and heaped praise on David, Fischer and Pilpel without offering a shred of corroborating evidence. The board voted to confirm their reappointments, again ignoring David’s porous attendance record.

8. To be seen: whether Rules and/or the board will continue insisting on multiple nominations, and whether it will move forward on other possible appointments. Including Grant’s resignation and the possibility of holdovers, there is a risk that as few as eight of the 11 seats will be filled, meaning three absences would kill a quorum. Sims is moving to Los Angeles but remaining as a holdover for the moment. If he resigns, that could pull the number of fill seats down to seven, meaning two absences would kill a quorum.

The foregoing commentary is strictly personal and not intended to reflect the views of any other individual or organization.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Knee

Member (since July 2002) and past chairman of the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force

Member of the Society of Professional Journalists, Northern California Chapter, Freedom of Information Committee

San Francisco-based freelance journalist

(The Bruce blog is written and edited by Bruce B. Brugmann, editor at large of the San Francisco Bay Guardian. He is the former editor and co-founder and co-publisher of the Guardian with his wife Jean Dibble, 1966-2012). In San Francisco, the citizens are generally safe, except when the mayor is in his office and the board of supervisors is in session. You can quote me.  B3

Psychic Dream: May 28-June 3, 2014

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Psychic Dream Astrology

May 28-June 3, 2014

ARIES

March 21-April 19

People may be a pain in your ass, but they are not to be avoided, Aries. Investigate what you stand for and why. You may be running some outdated operating system and need to upgrade. To grow is to change, not to fail, so don’t be scared of it! Be open to learning new things and to moving in new directions.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

You’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar this week. If you push your agenda on others they’ll only push back, Taurus. You don’t get to assert your will on others, especially when it’s coming from a defensive place. Address your neediness with your shrink and then put your best foot forward with your peeps.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

You’ve got to let go, Twin Star. There’s nothing between you and happiness but your own stubbornness this week. If you insist that things are bad, then that they’ll be. But if you look for the wonder and potential around you, you’ll find that too. Build your life up with a good helping of gumption and faith.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

You’re capable of so much, Moonchild, but that doesn’t mean you should do it all right now. If you’re successful with your goals but feel like crap, where’s the fun in that? Assert yourself at a pace you can sustain without a total meltdown. You are poised for success but only you can define what that looks like.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

You have some meaningful decisions to make, Leo, and it’d be great if you could organize your thoughts and feelings before you do. Realign yourself with your values and make sure that you are acting out of deference to them. Don’t do the “right” thing; only do what’s right for you this week.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Success is a merry-go-round, not a destination. Nothing stays the same for long, and depending on where you’re at is a very good thing. Resist the urge to get rigid when you find something that works for you, Virgo. Flow in the direction of freedom and don’t worry about every detail, even when it’s uncomfortable.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

You are starting fresh, and the beginnings in front of you are only equaled by the endings behind you. There’s no way around feeling a bit sad this week, even if things are going perfectly. Major change requires loss; even if you’re losing something that sucks it’s likely to sting a bit. Be patient with yourself.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

You are a wonderful person with so much to offer, Scorpio. Why do you hide yourself? This week your relationships are there for you to invest in, but that doesn’t mean you will. I encourage you to open up to the people in your life and enjoy the benefits of sharing yourself. Be honest, authentic, and forthright.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Just because you’re awesome and your actions are pretty much flawless, it doesn’t mean that things will go as you want them to. Enjoy your ideas, relish in your wisdom, but don’t get attached to how the world should respond to them. You will get what you need, even if it isn’t what you want.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You’re going in the right direction, all you need now is follow through. Your anxieties are all kicked up because of how out of control you are, and the worst thing you can do is respond like an anvil, throwing your ego around to get the results you want. Trust in the foundations you’ve built, and have faith.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Make no mistake, all the crap you’re going through is just the Universes’ way of getting you more in touch with your emotions, and all the ways you try to avoid them. Clear up some space in your days so that you can connect to what’s inside. How you handle your feelings is of the utmost importance this week.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

Don’t take on too much, Pisces. You’re in a state in which it’d be easy to get overwhelmed. That could easily lead you to all kinds of bothers, like being neurotic and making mountains out of smaller mountains- you know the drill. You’re going through big stuff, so be kind to yourself and take her easy, pal.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

 

Supervisors play politics with Sunshine appointments

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The Board of Supervisors today [Tues/20] considers reappointing three Sunshine Ordinance Task Force members after the board’s Rules Committee last week blocked other qualified nominees, including those named by organizations with designated seats on the board, a move critics say undermines the independence of the body.

SOTF is responsible for holding city officials to the open government ideals of the city’s voter-approved Sunshine Ordinance. When government makes backroom deals or shields public records from disclosure, the ordinance allow citizens (and journalists) to appeal to the SOTF, which rules on whether the ordinance was violated.   

Sunshine advocates say the supervisors are stacking the task force with ineffective political appointees and barring the appointments of qualified, independent candidates. The Sunshine Ordinance, which Bay Guardian editors helped create in the ‘90s, gives New American Media, The League of Women Voters, and the Society of Professional Journalists-Northern California direct appointments to SOTF, pending supervisorial approval.

The SPJ appointed Electronic Frontier Foundation staff attorney Mark Rumold, who works on EFF’s Transparency Project and has uncovered documents exposing federal surveillance activities, and Ali Winston, a local journalist who has broken big stories for the Center for Investigative Reporting and other media outlets using public records.

Rumold is considered one of the leading Freedom of Information Act litigators in the country, but was humble in his appointment interview at the Rules Committee. “I’m hoping to apply my experience to the task force to make San Francisco an open and more efficient government,” he said.

But those appointments and others were blocked last week at the Rules Committee by Sup. Katy Tang, who told the Guardian, “Personally, I would have liked to see stronger applicants,” claiming that they didn’t seem to have a good understanding of the Sunshine Ordinance and that she wanted more ethnic diversity on the body.

Yet the backdrop of these blocked appointments is a running battle that the SOTF has had with the Board of Supervisors over the last couple years, stemming mostly from the SOTF finding that some supervisors violated the ordinance in 2011 by not making public a package of late amendments while passing the massive Parkmerced project.

The City Attorney’s Office disagreed with the SOTF interpretation, just as it did earlier that year when the SOTF voted to change its bylaws surrounding how a quorum is calculated. They were the latest battles in a longstanding battle between SOTF and the City Attorney’s Office, which sunshine advocates criticize as being too lenient on city agencies that refuse to release documents.

“I was around when the Sunshine Ordinance Task Force decided to change some of the rules against the advice of the City Attorney’s Office,” Tang told us, calling such actions improper conduct and saying she won’t support any SOTF members who took part in that vote.

Thomas Peele, who co-chairs SPJ’s Freedom of Information Committee, which made the appointments, told us that he understands Tang’s points about diversity, but he doesn’t understand why Rumold and Winston were rejected, calling them strong candidates.

“We put up excellent, well qualified candidates,” he said. “One of the country’s leading FOIA lawyers and a very good police watchdog reporter doing work with Propublica and CIR.”

While critics contend the Tang and other supervisors are trying to weaken SOTF as a watchdog agency, Tang told us it wasn’t about SPJ’s appointments, noting that she also delayed the League of Women Voters appointment of Allyson Washburn. But she said all remain under consideration and could come up for a vote next month.

“I have every intention of supporting someone put forth by those organizations,” Tang told us. “I will have a conversation with both those organizations about their nominees.”

The SOTF has long struggled to fulfill its mandate. It has little means of enforcing its rulings, which usually require further actions by the City Attorney’s Office or the San Francisco Ethics Commission to have teeth.

After the Rules Committee blocked the reappointment of Bruce Wolfe in 2012, citing his role in defying the City Attorney’s Office, it was essentially dormant for more than four months because it couldn’t meet without a seated member from the disability community, until Bruce Oka was finally appointed in November 2012.

Currently, the Sunshine Task Force has a backlog of over 62 complaints against city agencies for not adhering to the city’s sunshine records policies, dating back to 2012. The three re-appointments the Rules Committee did approve, which will go before the Board of Supervisors today, are Todd David, David Pilpel and Louise Fischer — none of whom have much support among longtime Sunshine Ordinance advocates.

“The supervisors,” Peele told us, “appear to have an issue with having a strong Sunshine Task Force.”

Karen Clopton, past president of the League of Women Voters said she was disappointed that Washburn, a former League board member, wasn’t appointed and said the SOTF should be independent: “It’s extremely important for us to make sure we entrust such an important task to an individual who is trustworthy, nonpartisan, and devoted to nonpartisanship.”

Psychic Dream Astrology: May 21 – 27, 2014

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May 21-27, 2014

ARIES

March 21-April 19

Don’t worry so much about how you ought to be acting, thinking, or feeling, Aries. Concern yourself with what’s true for you, and if you don’t know what that is, make it your top priority to find out. You’ve got this one life to live, so don’t fritter it away on “should haves” — make it what you want it to be.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

Nothing’s wrong, so why are you tripping, Taurus? The need for patience has come to you at a time when you all of a sudden want things to speed up. Tend to your foundations and get grounded this week. Your life and relationships are developing at exactly the pace that they need to be.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

All you can do is wait. So much is out of your hands and you’re being tested to stay present, even when it’s not comfortable to do so. You’re doing some deep healing in your life, so rise to the occasion, Twin Star. Patience is not passivity, and being passive is not the same as being inactive.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

It’s time to dive into the unknown. If you’re willing to play you might lose, or you might win. But if you don’t play, you will not win for sure. Avoidance of risk may be worth it to you for the promise of not losing, but where’s the fun in that? Take chances, even if they make you uncomfortable this week.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

If you accept your situation you’ll be better able to get the most mileage out if it. You’ve made choices that aren’t perfect because life isn’t perfect. Now you’ve got to let go of all the “only ifs” that are buzzing around your head. Let the current of what is pull you into whatever will be, my dear.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

When you’re freaking out is not the time to decipher your next move, Virgo. You’ve got to calm your thinking if you’re going to use your noodle to figure things out. If ever there was a time for meditation this is it. Cope with your triggers so that you don’t turn them into the very traumas you hope to avoid.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

You need to adjust your frame of mind. It’s not your problems that define you, but how you handle them. Take a break, ask for help, or do something to support yourself that involves more than distractions. You’re in the throes of a major transition and a compassionate attitude will do wonders for you.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

There have been studies that say if you smile more it increases your happiness, which means that the old adage “fake it till you make it” really works. This week, if your attitude is good, the rest will follow. It’s that simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Look for the best until you find it, pal.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

It’s all about sustained growth this week. Patience, perseverance, and persistence are the names of the game, and there’s no rushing that fact. The clearer your vision, the more certain your actions can be, so refine the only thing you have control over: your own thinking. Strategize while things slowly pan out.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You are changing in a leaps and bounds sort of way, and if you don’t put your Adventure Slacks on you’ll miss the best parts of the ride. Don’t insist on stability this week, because in order for growth to occur you need flux. Enjoy the possibilities in change, Cappy, and dare to dream big.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

You are not an island — you need people, Aquarius. Your friends are a wealth of love and support that you shouldn’t only reach out to when you’re in need. Connect to your people this week, and be open to greeting them wherever they’re at. It’s time to make some room for others, my friend.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

What are you grateful for, Pisces? This is the time to feel into what you have that is good, and to look for the opportunities for growth in the stuff that’s hard. Your lessons are deep right now, so here’s a trick: Stay away from what demoralizes you. Put your energy into what feeds you instead.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

 

Psychic Dream Astrology: May 14 – 20, 2014

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Psychic Dream Astrology

May 14-20, 2014

ARIES

March 21-April 19

You’re a boss, Aries, and we all need you and your smarts. It’s important that you’re true to yourself as you go about making the world turn, and that can’t happen if you don’t consider how your actions are impacting your environment. Take care of yourself by listening to others and adjusting your actions as needed.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

If you rush to get away from what’s bugging you, then you won’t be moving toward what you actually want. Don’t get so caught up in your reactions that you fail to be intentional about what you’re choosing, Taurus. This is a great time for meaningful action, so don’t screw it up.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

You can comb over every detail and drive yourself crazy, but that will never be as helpful as some good old-fashioned gettin’ it together, Gemini. Struggle against your natural instincts to disperse your energies in too many directions at once. Be patient, clarify your intentions, and then follow through, pal.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

You need to trust yourself, Moonchild. This is the time to look at your instincts and give yourself a pat on the back for how reliable they’ve been (when you’ve listened to them, that is). This week your energy is being freed up considerably, so move toward whatever calls you. This is not the time to settle.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

If your achievements don’t feel good to you, now’s the time to get real about it, Leo. Being successful with things that you don’t truly want will make you feeling burdened by your spoils. You can’t turn back time to fix your past, but please own your shit so that you don’t make the same mistakes again.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Sometimes life falls apart just enough so that you’re forced to rely on your own resources, but not so much that you’re permanently screwed. Now is the time to step up in a major way, and to not miss the possibilities for growth in the problems you are dealing with. Believe in yourself, because you’ve got this, Virgo.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

The greatest challenge of being in relationships is taking care of yourself in balance with how you invest in others. Turn to the people you love and openheartedly let them know it, Libra. Give whatever you’ve got to give, even if it’s only an emoji love poem, as you take steps to fortify yourself this week.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

If you pretend that things are cool when they’re not, you can probably fool yourself for a little while, but that’s it. Why bother with all the smoke and mirrors, Scorpio? Look for a more lasting solution to your troubles this week. Drown yourself in TLC instead of distractions, and things can start to change from the inside out.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Take care this week and don’t let disappointments deflate you, Sag. What isn’t working in your life is pointing you toward what needs attention. Tolerate upsets for long enough to understand what they are trying to teach you. As cheesy as this sounds, sometimes beginnings are disguised as painful endings.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Don’t stop now, Capricorn, you’re on a roll! This week is a good one to make big headway on your goals. Assert yourself with confidence and embrace the vulnerability of the process. You have many steps to take to execute your dreams, but they are within your reach now. Have faith and don’t forget to have fun with it.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Your resistance is futile. There’s such a powerful force for change in your sphere that you should not try to control it, but only to be the steward of it. Move mindfully through the feelings and situations you’re being confronted with, Aquarius. Here’s a tip: Being vulnerable and being in jeopardy are totally different things.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

You cannot always control the waves of fear that crash in on your shores, but you can do damage control, Pisces. Don’t rush away from your unpleasant feelings, because isn’t that really only abandoning yourself in your time of need? Validate and evaluate rather than figuring and fixing this week.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

 

This Week’s Picks: May 7 – 13, 2014

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WEDNESDAY 7

 

Science Talk: “The Mysteries of Sleep”

Wonderfest, “the Bay Area Beacon of Science,” is a nonprofit that has been organizing fun, funky science events and meet-ups for nearly two decades, and best of all, most of them are free. This talk, presented at the SoMa StrEat Food Park (with all of the delectable food truck and beer options that entails) will tackle one of the last great biological mysteries — something we spend one-third of our lives doing, yet something scientists still understand very little about. Matthew P. Walker, an associate professor of psychology at Cal, will describe the latest research that suggests sleep is actually a highly active process, necessary for improving our learning processes, memory, creativity, and emotions. So grab a friend, grab some grub and get your education on, then go home and get a good night’s rest — you’ll be smarter for it. (Emma Silvers)

7pm, free

SoMa StrEat Food Park

428 11th St, SF

www.wonderfest.org

 

THURSDAY 8

 

Bike to Work Day 20th Anniversary

Got a bike? Ride it. Today marks the 20th anniversary of San Francisco’s Bike to Work Day, and it’s never been more rewarding to be a two-wheeled commuter. With thousands of cyclists on the road today, not only do tailpipe emissions decrease dramatically, but the visible presence of cyclists encourages motorists to share the road. What’s more, many small businesses will have special treats for bikers, and the SF Bicycle Coalition will have safety classes, workshops, parties, raffles, and energizer stations (snacks, beverages, and goodie bags) throughout the city. If you’re a two-wheeling newbie, don’t fret. The Coalition will also have Commuter Convoys leading you through the city. Keep an eye out for bike-friendly businesses: Yoga Tree is offering a free class to anyone who shows up on two wheels. Don’t forget your helmet! (Laura B. Childs)

All day, free

Various locations throughout SF

www.sfbike.org

 

 

“The New Forty-Niners” and “Scavenger: Adventures in Treasure-Hunting”

For centuries, stories of treasure hunters and great explorers have dominated American history. From the Gold Rush millionaire Samuel Brannan to Huck Finn to Lewis and Clark, the thirst for adventure and wealth is a building block of the American Dream. Tonight, Rayko Photo Center presents two exhibits based on this dream. “Scavenger: Adventures in Treasure Hunting,” by Jenny Riffle, documents one man’s treasure hunt, accompanied by his metal detector. Riffle romantically captures the mythical adventurer as he ventures out into rural Washington like a 21st century Mark Twain character. The second exhibit, Sarina Finklestein’s “The New Forty-Niners,” is a four year-long photo project chronicling modern-day gold prospectors in California. In gritty and rugged photographs, the exhibit reveals a small self-sustaining society dependent on gold mining, reminiscent of the original Gold Rush. (Childs)

Opening reception 6pm-8pm, free

Exhibits on display through June 21, 2014

Rayko Photo Center

428 Third St, SF

(415) 496-3775

www.raykophotocenter.com

 

FRIDAY 9

 

 

Katherine Hawthorne’s ‘The Escapement’

Last November choreographer Katharine Hawthorne premiered Timepiece at the Joe Goode Annex. Bringing a background in physics and dance to her artistic practice, she had created an intricately structured and intriguing piece of choreography in which she explored the concept of time — not just dance as a time-based art, but time as a way of structuring the way we live our lives and think about the world. In the new The Escapement, she continues that process by examining the way clocks have enabled us to divide time into regular intervals. The invention of the “escapement” mechanism, apparently, was central to the process. Performing with Hawthorne will be Jesse L. Chin, Katherine Disenhof, Suzette Sagisi, and Megan Wright. (Rita Felciano)

May 9-10, 8pm, $15-25

Joe Goode Annex

401 Alabama St., SF

www.theescapement.eventbrite.com

 

 

 

#GIRLBOSS book signing with Sophia Amoruso

With advice like “money looks better in the bank than on your feet,” #GIRLBOSS is one giant kick in the butt. The CEO, founder, and self-proclaimed “chief troublemaker” at the online fashion retailer NastyGal, Sophia Amoruso isn’t your typical CEO. Before reaching meteoric fame with her $100 million brand, Amoruso was an anarchist who survived off dumpster-diving and shoplifting. Dubbed the “Cinderella of tech,” Amoruso started an eBay store while living in San Francisco, selling old clothes; some eight years later, it’s a global marketplace specializing in scandalous and trendy clothing for 20-somethings. Filled with quick-whips and snarky illustrations, #GIRLBOSS covers all the nitty-grittiness of owning a company, and demystifies any ideas that because you were popular in high school, you’re guaranteed success — you have to work for it. (Childs)

7pm-9pm, free

Books Inc. Bookstore Opera Plaza

601 Van Ness, SF

(415) 776-1111

www.booksinc.net

 

 

Kadavar

Black Sabbath may be past their prime, but Berlin’s Kadavar is keeping the ’70s heavy metal dream alive — psychedelic, snarling, seething, dope-smoking, and very hairy. Drawing heavily —very heavily— from Sabbath and Pentagram (with some nods to Zeppelin), Kadavar have joined the time-travelling ranks of Electric Wizard and Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats in producing some seriously killer heavier metal tunes. Though Kadavar wears its influences on its sleeve, as these guys are singing through their prodigious facial hair about wizards, witchcraft, and lost souls, they are undeniably genuine. Their love for the music is clear, and entirely impossible not to headbang to. (Zaremba)

With The Shrine, Mondo Drag, DJ Rob Metal

9:30pm, $12

Bottom of the Hill

1233 17th St, SF

(415) 626-4455

www.bottomofthehill.com

 

 

SATURDAY 10

 

Cat fight: Battle of the feline film fests

If you are a cat fan — or simply fond of Internet kitty videos — today is basically Christmas, Hanukkah, your birthday, Talk Like a Pirate Day, and every other awesome holiday rolled into one. In SF, the Roxie rolls out its “First Annual San Francisco Intergalactic Feline Film and Video Festival for Humans,” a meow-thful of a name befitting a fest that promises “a two-week film festival in the span of 12 hours.” In Oakland, OakCatVidFest presents an entire day of pussy magic; in addition to outdoor screenings, there will be cat-themed bands and dance performances, plus adoptable cats and the chance to sign up to be a kitten foster parent. Superstar Internet feline Lil Bub (of documentary, talk-show, and tongue-wagging fame) will appear at both events. And so should you! (Cheryl Eddy)

Intergalactic Feline Film and Video Fest

Noon, $12 ($30, all-access badge)

Roxie

3125 16th St, SF

www.roxie.com

 

 

 

20th Anniversary Serial Mom Tribute with Ricki Lake

“I don’t like to read about movies. They’re so violent,” picture-perfect suburban hausfrau Beverly R. Sutphin (Kathleen Turner) tells a couple police officers during a brief non-lethal moment in Serial Mom. John Waters’ 1994 comedy about a secretly demented wife and mother with very, very high etiquette standards — you really do not want to wear white after Labor Day around he r— remains his personal best since the breakthrough of Hairspray (1988). That film’s discovery Ricki Lake, cast as Sutphin daughter Misty, will appear in person for Peaches Christ’s “Mother’s Day celebration to die for,” also featuring a pre-show performance with D’Arcy Drollinger and “the erotic dance stylings of SexiTude.” There will be blood. (Dennis Harvey)

8pm, $35-55

Castro Theatre

429 Castro, SF

(415) 621-6120

www.peacheschrist.com

 

 

Old 97’s

Reassuring us all that growing up doesn’t mean you have to lose your sense of humor, the Old 97’s — the solid, steady fathers of alt-country, who never quite exploded (or imploded) like some of mid-’90s their counterparts did — are currently touring the country with their tenth studio album, Most Messed Up. The tour also functions as a 20th anniversary party for the band, and the record serves as perfect accompaniment: Never have songs about the ravages of road life and the slights of middle age sounded so fun. The band’s die-hard fans know they’re in for a helluva rocking live show, too, though the guys claim to never rehearse; if you’ve only heard a few radio singles, this is your chance to see what the fuss is actually all about. (Silvers)

With Nikki Lane

8pm, $25

The Fillmore

1805 Geary, SF

www.thefillmore.com

 

 

SUNDAY 11

 

RiFF RAFF

Let’s start with the burning question: Is this guy for real? Part of the intrigue of Riff Raff’s over-the-top, ultra-campy hip-hop persona is that it might be totally genuine. This caricature-like white guy from Houston with a BET tattoo, a grill, and cornrows, who raps about Dolce and Gabbana, could be an elaborate joke. Nut authentic or not, Riff Raff is a hot commodity; “Feat. Riff Raff” seems to be the most popular phrase on iTunes. He’s tight with Drake, Justin Bieber, has over 50 million views on YouTube, and scored some seriously solid guests for his upcoming record Neon Icon — Action Bronson, Childish Gambino, and Diplo, to name just a few. Love him or hate him (it’s one or the other) Riff is undeniably fascinating, and this performance won’t be one you forget any time soon. (Zaremba)

With Grandtheft

8pm, $25

Regency Ballroom

1290 Sutter, SF

www.theregencyballroom.com

 

MONDAY 12


The San Francisco Moth StorySLAM

You know the upside to life’s hideously embarrassing moments, right? Like that time you broke your ankle by slipping on a banana at the Muni station, at rush hour, and had to have Muni employees help you off the platform while covered in banana mush? And also you were headed to a job interview? (Note: this recently happened to an actual friend.) The upside, of course, is that you have an awesome story to tell, and this monthly “story slam,” based on the award-winning New York-based series The Moth, rewards naked honesty as much as it does storytelling flair. Fact-checkers won’t be on hand, but stories must be true and take five minutes or less to tell; contestants can’t use notes or cheat-sheets of any kind. But beyond that, anything goes, so start your storytelling engines.(Silvers)

7:30pm, $8

The Rickshaw Stop

155 Fell St, SF

www.rickshawstop.com

 

Ms. Lauryn Hill

Sure, she’s had her share of troubles over the years: prison time for tax evasion, comments about race that gave PR people across the nation simultaneous heart attacks, a laundry list of tardiness and other diva-tastic behaviors. But at the end of the day, Lauryn Hill is still among the most gifted musicians of the last two decades; her Grammy-sweeping album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which turns 16 this August, still graces many a Top 10 list (this critic’s included). Live, she’s been experimenting with a more reggae-fied and big band sound over the last few years, giving hits like “Doo Wop (That Thing)” the weight of a pseudo-religious revival experience. And if the new music she dropped following her release from prison in the fall of last year is any indication, this tour should be a good one. She might be late, she might be ornery — she won’t be boring. (Silvers)

With Daniel Bambaata Marley

8pm, $49.50-82.50

The Warfield

982 Market, SF

www.thewarfieldtheatre.com


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Psychic Dream Astrology: May 7 – 13, 2014

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May 7-13, 2014

ARIES

March 21-April 19

Too much is too much. It doesn’t matter if it’s a good thing or bad. You’re tapped, and no more “doing” is going to help to level you out. Rejuvenate your frayed mind and heart before you try to fix anything else, Aries. If you come at things with nervous tension you’re only likely to multiply your stresses.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

The only person you should be trying to change is you, Taurus. Instead of focusing on what others are doing or getting caught up in your version of the story being more right than theirs, seek the description of the truth that is the most generous and compassionate. Life may not fair, but you can be.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

The way to keep up with the changes in your life is to get clear about your priorities. So much is happening and you need to invest your time and energy wisely. Get back to basics and make a list of the top six things that are important to you, Gemini, and then don’t treat a 5 like a 1.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Protect what and who you love, Cancer. Your relationships need you, so come out of hiding! There’s a way you can get caught up with life and go through the motions with the people you love. Make time for your beloveds and then show up, even if that requires some vulnerability and risk-taking.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

You don’t need to know what’s going to happen or even how long the path is. Uncertainty is just a part of life. What you need is to be kind to yourself and others as things develop. You are capable of creating so much joy for yourself and others, Leo, so don’t sweat the small stuff this week.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

What have you let go of in the past month and what have you achieved? Pay attention to all that has come to pass and feel good about the effort it took from you, even if you’re not yet where you want to be. You’re making great progress, Virgo, and there is great wisdom in appreciation this week.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Thoughtfully work on your relationships, Libra. You may want everything to be OK, even if it’s not, or conversely feel itching to go to battle even though this is not the time for it. Slow down and make sure you ego isn’t motivating your actions. Remember that you want love and connection and act from that place.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

If you aren’t acting in ways that you can sustain you’ll pay the price in the coming weeks, Scorpio. Be honest with yourself and others about where you’re at and what you’re game for. If you are successful at things that aren’t true to you it will feel kinda awful. Be real, even if it slows you down.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

This is a great time to bring your ideas into fruition, Sagittarius, but you may have to collaborate to do it right. Your vision and talent won’t be diluted by group efforts this week, so don’t worry that you won’t get the kind of recognition you deserve by sharing the spotlight. Sharing is caring, love.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You’re not in control of the trajectory of your life. Bummer. But you can (and should!) be very goal oriented, and proactive in trying to make your visions reality. The magic that you’ll need to pull this off without going cray is patience, my dear Capricorn. And a healthy dose of it this week.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

Stay away from overthinking your worries this week because it will only serve to make things worse. Get in touch with yourself and make sure that your actions are aligned with your intentions. Wherever you find they’re not, make a simple action plan to correct it, or change your mind.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

There is no struggle that can’t be eased by a little loving kindness, Pisces. Pick the three things or people that you are the most committed to and focus your energy on preserving the goodness there. Don’t dilute your vital energies by being pulled in too many directions this week.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

 

Psychic Dream Astrology: April 30 – May 6, 2014

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April 30-May 5, 2014

ARIES

March 21-April 19

It’s time to put some things down, Aries, and to do it sensibly. When your arms are full how can you be open to new, more, and better? The energy is there for you to start something amazing, but it’ll require you to create some room first. Prioritize balance between your needs and wants, pleasures and responsibilities.

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

Nervousness and fear are the worst, but their crappiness doesn’t absolve you of learning how to deal with them, Taurus. No matter what you’ve got going on this week, know that the real crisis you’re confronted with is your own coping skills. Manage your mind before you try to handle your situation for best results.

GEMINI

May 21-June 21

You’ve gotta change, there’s no two ways about it. Don’t be so intimidated by the shifts in front of you that you fall apart and hide from progress, Twin Star. Take a minute to gather yourself, honestly deal with your feelings (especially the ones that suck), and then forge boldly ahead.

CANCER

June 22-July 22

Don’t get caught up in a reactive loop, Moonchild. You have vision and now’s the time to communicate your intent clearly to those around you. Initiate, assert and clarify your objectives this week. You’re more likely to get your needs met if other people know without a doubt what they are.

LEO

July 23-Aug. 22

Protect your investments by talking them out, Leo. You know what you care about most, and you know what you need from those things. What you haven’t necessarily done is map out an action plan and if you strike out brashly you’ll only complicate things. This is the time to talk or write your ideas into form.

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

You need your ego to be in tip-top shape so that you feel brave enough to have some durn adventures! It’s high time you did something just for the pleasure of doing it, Virgo, or tried to make a thing happen that feels ‘out of your league’. Assert yourself in the direction of your greatest desires this week.

LIBRA

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

You can’t do it all and you can’t fix much, Libra. What you can do is show grace under pressure and be willing to let go of your vision for how things ‘should’ be. Your world is changing and it may feel like you’re on a mechanical bull that keeps trying to knock you off. Lean back and into it, friend.

SCORPIO

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Enjoy the present moment without attaching to it, Scorpio. Take stock of all that you’ve got going for you and really feel good about it with that big, huge heart of yours. This is not a great time for doing as much as for aligning with what is. Slow things down so you can catch up with yourself this week.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

You’re burning your candle at both ends of the wick and you’re the only one who’ll get burned from such shortsightedness. Get ‘er done Sag, but be as metered about it as possible. You’re capable of great accomplishments so take the time to do things right instead of creating unnecessary unpleasantness.

CAPRICORN

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

If all you look for is fault then you won’t be happy with what you see, even if you find answers. You’ve got a lot on your plate and you’ll only serve to screw things up if you insist on looking for problems. Move onwards and upwards this week; deal with your feelings without looking for a scapegoat.

AQUARIUS

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

You only need to get your bearings, Aquarius. There’s so much going on for you that it’d be easy to get overwhelmed and thrown off course. Make time early this week to take a deep breath and to take stock of what you’re doing. Make sure that your actions are still aligned with your intentions.

PISCES

Feb. 19-March 20

If you’re feeling impatient you’re not being present. In a spiritual sense, there’s no such thing as ‘bad timing’. Everything happens as it’s meant to, and when it’s meant to. Make it your mission this week to stay in the moment and find value in whatever is happening instead of focusing on the future or your past.

Want more in-depth, intuitive or astrological advice from Jessica? Schedule a one-on-one reading that can be done in person or by phone. Visit www.lovelanyadoo.com

 

Events: April 30 – May 6, 2014

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Listings are compiled by Guardian staff. Submit items for the listings at listings@sfbg.com. For further information on how to submit items for the listings, see Selector.

WEDNESDAY 30

“Saving the California Condor” Zimmer Auditorium, Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakl; www.oaklandzoo.org. 6:30-9:30pm, $12-20. Oakland Zoo’s Conservation Speaker Series presents biologist Joe Burnett of the Ventana Wildlife Society and Oakland Zoo veterinarian Dr. Andrea Goodnight.

THURSDAY 1

“Eating Cultures” SOMArts Cultural Center, 934 Brannan, SF; www.aawaa.net. Opening reception, 6-9pm. Free. Exhibit runs Tue-Fri, noon-7pm; Sat, noon-5pm. Through May 30. As part of the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center’s United States of Asian America Festival, the Asian American Women Artists Association presents a juried art exhibition featuring work inspired by food and food traditions.

“Jackpot NightLife” California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse, SF; www.calacademy.org. 6-10pm, $12. 21 and over. NightLife studies the statistics of luck, with visual FX wizards from Tippett Studio (Cosmos), Rat Pack-era tunes by DJ Tanoa, casino games, and more.

Ben Ross Green Arcade, 1680 Market, SF; www.thegreenarcade.com. 7pm, free. The author discusses Dead End: Suburban Sprawl and the Rebirth of American Urbanism.

FRIDAY 2

“Artwear” de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden, SF; www.famsf.org. 9:30am-8:30pm. Also Sat/3, 9:30am-4:30pm. Free. Shop wearable art by 16 local textile and jewelry artisans and designers.

Jo Becker Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, SF; www.bookpassage.com. 12:30pm, free. The Pulitzer-winning journalist reads from Forcing the Spring: Inside the Fight for Marriage Equality.

SATURDAY 3

“Bikes to Books Rides Again!” Meet at Jack London Alley, near South Park and Second St, SF; www.burritojustice.com. 12:45pm, free. Burrito Justice and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition host this seven-mile bike tour celebrating the literary history of San Francisco. Tips from the organizers: “Bring bikes with gears, snacks, and enthusiasm.”

“California Bookstore Day” Various locations; www.cabookstoreday.com. Nearly 100 bookstores across the state participate in this celebration with parties, author readings, in-store events, and exclusive day-of merch. Check website for local events.

“A La Carte and Art” Castro between Church and Evelyn, Mtn View; www.miramarevents.com. 10am-6pm. Free. Through Sun/4. This two-day festival features live music, a juried arts and crafts show, a classic car show, a farmers market, and more.

“Pegapalooza” Pegasus Downtown, 2349 Shattuck, Berk; Pegasus Oakland, 5560 College, Oakl; and Pegasus on Solano, 1855 Solano, Berk; www.pegasusbookstore.com. May 3-10. The bookstore marks its 45th anniversary with a full slate of festivities; tonight’s kick-off, in honor of California Bookstore Day, is a conversation between Dave Eggers and Malcolm Margolin at the Shattuck location (7:30pm, free).

Jenni Pulos Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building, SF; www.bookpassage.com. 11am, free. The Bravo star (Flipping Out) reads from her new memoir-advice tome, Grin and Bear It.

Shipyard Artists Spring Open Studios Hunters Point Shipyard, Innes at Donahue, SF; Islais Creek Studios, 1 Rankin, SF; www.shipyardartists.com/sos. 11am-6pm. Also Sat/4. Free. More than 125 artists participate in this 25th anniversary open studios event.

SUNDAY 4

“Poetry Unbound #4” Art House Gallery, 2905 Shattuck, Berk; berkeleyarthouse.wordpress.com. 5:15pm, $5. Readings by Deborah Fruchey, Blanca Torres, and Carol Hogan, followed by an open mic.

Urban Air Market Hayes Valley Octavia and Hayes, SF; www.urbanairmarket.com. 11am-6pm, free. Sustainable shopping (clothing, jewelry, home décor, body products, etc.) covers Hayes Valley at this open-air event.

MONDAY 5

“Cinco de Mayo at Habitot Children’s Museum” Habitot Children’s Museum, 2065 Kittredge, Berk; www.habitot.org. 9:30am-12:30pm, $8-10. Celebrate Mexican culture with special craft projects.

“The Cosmic Cocktail: Three Parts Dark Matter” Morrison Planetarium, California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse, SF; www.calacademy.org. 7:30pm, $8-12. University of Michigan physics professor Katherine Freese discusses the hunt for dark matter.

“Reclaiming Cinco de Mayo” San Francisco Living Wage Coalition, 2940 16th St, SF; www.livingwage-sf.org. 6-10pm, $5-25. Independent art and literature gala benefiting the SF Living Wage Coalition and its sister organization, Las Hormigas, in Ciudad Juarez.

TUESDAY 6

“An Evening with Benjamin Jealous and Belva Davis” Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission, SF; www.ybca.org. 7pm, $20-25. The former NAACP president and the pioneering journalist meet for an onstage conversation.

“Israel’s 66th Independence Day” Justin Herman Plaza, Embarcadero at Market, SF; www.sfjcsf.org. Noon-1:30pm, free. With live Israeli music, falafel vendors, community leaders, and more. *