Whether a mecca or an oddity, Castro District is uniquely San Francisco June 30, 2009
Posted by californiabeat in San Francisco.Tags: Castro, Castro Camera, Castro Street, Castro Theatre, Harvey Milk, Jose Sarria, Leonard Matlovich, LGBT, Pink Triangle Memorial, rainbow flag, San Francisco, Twin Peaks Tavern
2 comments
By ROY MORLIDGE
Beat Staff Writer
The city of San Francisco is made up of many colorful neighborhoods, each with its own unique characteristics and history. But one district stands out more than the rest. It is a district that no matter where you’re from, you’ve heard of it. It is a district that is colorful not only by the people who live, but literally by the flags that fly all along its main street. Regardless of how you feel about, the Castro District has become a uniquely San Francisco neighborhood.
One can find many different types of businesses and establishments located throughout the district. From the many Asian restaurants along Castro Street to the several bars and clubs that make up the local nightlife. There are even the occasional adult themed stores for those who may be into that sort of thing. (more…)
BART officers criticized for strongarm tactics asked to train other officers on same moves June 9, 2009
Posted by californiabeat in BART Police Shooting, Commentary, East Bay.Tags: BART, BART Police, Board of Directors, Johannes Mehserle, John Burris, Jon Woffinden, Killing, Marysol Domenici, Oakland, Oscar Grant, Police, reassignment, Shooting, training, Video
add a comment
CALIFORNIA BEAT EDITORIAL
The BART Police Department gave public safety another slap in the face this week.
Two of the police officers who were present on the platform on the morning of New Year’s Day when unarmed train passenger Oscar Grant was shot and killed by a former colleague will be teaching other officers on how to deal with uncooperative suspects and crowd control, KGO-TV reported Tuesday.
It’s a highly controversial decision, mainly because those two officers — Marysol Domenici and Jon Woffinden — have been widely criticized for those same two scenarios in the run-up to the moments that ultimately led to the killing of Grant. (more…)
Eyebrows raised again at BART Police, this time over controversial patch redesign June 8, 2009
Posted by californiabeat in BART Police Shooting, East Bay.Tags: badge, BART, BART Police, Gary Gee, Logo, Lynette Sweet, Patch, Police, Redesign
add a comment
By TIM JUE
Beat Staff Writer
A redesign of the BART Police logo that removed the word “BART” from it is drawing fire from transit board members and critics of the embattled law enforcement agency.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Monday that the new logo is being sewn onto officers’ uniforms this week. It only includes the term “police” across the top of the shield, and more subdued “Bay Area Rapid Transit” lettering surrounds a state of California seal.
Given the extreme public backlash that the BART Police Dept. has received in the wake of the Oscar Grant shooting incident, where a transit agency police officer was captured on numerous video cameras shooting and killing an unarmed passenger as he laid on a train station platform, the patch redesign is being met with outrage. (more…)
California Beat Hero: Phillip Burton June 8, 2009
Posted by californiabeat in Beat Heroes.Tags: Congress, fort mason, GGNRA, Nancy Pelosi, Phil Burton, Sala Burton, San Francisco, San Francisco National Cemetery
add a comment
Phillip Burton
June 1, 1926 – April 10, 1983
United States Congressman
California has had many distinguished United States Congressmen and Congresswomen through the years, but very few can say that they accomplished and controlled so much during their lifetime as Phillip Burton. However for all that he accomplished, few even know his name. Perhaps the epitaph that marks his grave best describes why Phil Burton is a California Beat hero:
“His motivation was the common good.
His life was service.
His love was the people.” (more…)
Roy’s Road Thoughts: Happy 100th Anniversary Cherry Festival! June 21, 2009
Posted by californiabeat in Commentary, East Bay.Tags: 100th Anniversary, 1909, Cherries, Cherry Festival, food, John Gill, San Leandro
add a comment
Beat Columnist
On June 5, 1909, the city of San Leandro celebrated its first Cherry Festival in honor of its main crop with great success. Though it hasn’t been held every year, this year’s festival, held on June 6th, was one the city just couldn’t miss as it was the Cherry Festival’s 100th anniversary.
The Cherry Festival has been near and dear to my heart for years now. I have many good memories of past festivals and, when I was much younger, participated in two Cherry Festival parades. (more…)