by Contessa Abono
Luis R. Cancel is Mayor Newsom’s new director of cultural affairs.(photo by esperanto.com)
Debra Diaz, 50, of Salinas, has been appointed to the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries for the Board of Dental Examiners.
Cynthia Flores, Democrat, 53, of La Quinta, has been appointed to the State Lottery Commission.
Former New York City arts commissioner, director joins Newsom administration
Mayor Gavin Newsom has selected Luis R. Cancel to be San Francisco’s new director of cultural affairs. The San Francisco Arts Commission voted unanimously on January 7 to appoint Cancel as its new executive director.
“A large part of what makes San Francisco such a coveted place to live and visit is its position as a world class arts and culture destination,” said Mayor Newsom. “Luis Cancel has done amazing work in New York, both inside and outside of government, to promote the value of the arts in everyday life, and he’s going to do amazing work in here in San Francisco.”
Cancel has been a staunch supporter of multi-cultural programs and is a specialist in Latin American art. “I’m thrilled we were able to entice Luis to come to San Francisco. He’s a serious artist, an experienced appointmentspublic servant, a committed advocate and an innovative arts administrator,” said PJ Johnston, president of the Arts Commission. “In every way, Luis is the consummate arts professional and a dynamic leader.”
Sequoia hospital distributes $86,000 in community grants
Sequoia Hospital a not-for-profit community hospital providing healthcare to Bay Area residents distributed over $86,000 in community grants to five local agencies on Jan. 15.
The selected agencies have a common mission of identifying health priorities in target populations and creating programs to address those needs.
“Sequoia is dedicated to improving the health of those who live in our community,” said Glenna Vaskelis, Sequoia Hospital President. “Our goal is to promote physical activity, good nutrition and healthy lifestyles for all generations, now and into the future.”
The local agencies that Sequoia Hospital has chosen to financially support through grants are: Nuestra Casa: Community of Learners-Adult ESL Program in Redwood City, Redwood City Education Foundation-The Wellness Coordinator Position, Samaritan House Free Clinic of Redwood City-Diabetes Program, Starling Volleyball Clubs USA San Mateo Chapter-A new team in the Fair Oaks area of Redwood City and Sequoia YMCA of the Mid Peninsula-The Fit Kids Afterschool Program.
To learn more visit www.SequoiaHospital.org .
Starbucks tries to sneak back into Richmond District
Starbucks is trying to sneak back into the Richmond neighborhood without permits.
A Starbucks’ kiosk was constructed as part of the rebuild of Safeway at 7th Avenue and Cabrillo in the Richmond district, but did not open when the Safeway reopened in December and has its signs covered because neighbors alerted the Planning Department to the permit problem.
Anti-chain store activist, David Tornheim said, “because of the zoning at this site, neighborhood notification and a Conditional Use permit hearing on this formula retail use are required by Proposition G and these steps have not been taken.”
Planner Mary Woods who handled the rebuild of the Safeway said, “I informed them that they would need to come in to apply for a Conditional Use Permit for a formula retail use, so for now everything is in a standstill.”
