Focus group for young professionals ages 40 and under

Compiled by the El Reportero’s staff

Grupo Aquarela

The San Francisco Chamber is launching a new networking group for up and coming young professionals and we want your input. We are seeking young professionals ages 40 and under to participate in a focus group to discuss what you’d like to see in our new program. We will also be recruiting committee members and chair-persons for this new and exciting group. SFUP will be led and evolved through the leadership of people like you. Please join us.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, from 5:30-7 p.m., San Francisco, Chamber of Commerce, 235 Montgomery St., Suite 760, San Francisco

California renters to converge on the Capitol to demand relief

Ellis Act Reform, homes & jobs act, and renters’ rebate identified as top priorities renters’ day of action. Frustrated with surging rents and evictions, California renters will take to Sacramento for a Renters Day of Action on February 18, 2014. The event is being organized by Tenants Together, California’s statewide organization for renters’ rights. Hundreds of renters are expected to take to the Capitol for the Renters Day of Action.

The Renters’ Day of Action will be the first mass mobilization of tenants in Sacramento in decades. Renters seek to shift the dynamic in Sacramento in which politicians of both major parties are heavily funded by landlords and realtors and routinely ignore the needs of tenants.

There are over 15 million tenants in California, according to Census data.

Most are low and middle income and struggling for daily survival. Rents have soared, as have evictions by speculators. Meanwhile, basic safety net programs like the renters’ rebate have been slashed to the detriment of tenants statewide. March 10 a.m., rally at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb, 18 at the Capitol Building, North Steps, 11th & L Streets, Sacramento, California.

Brazilian Carnaval Ball – The Real Thing!

Brazilians can teach the world how to party. San Francisco’s premiere party makers, the Bay Area Brazilian Club, cast their mystic, joyous spell again on Saturday, March 1st. It’s the 47th Friends of Brazil Carnaval Ball Featuring direct from Brazil, back by popular demand, The Sotaque Baiano Band. Sotaque Baiano brings alive authentic, traditional Brazilian Carnaval, Samba Enredos, Pagode, Axé, Frevos, Trio Eletrico, traditional Marchinhas.

Also performing – the one and only Fogo na Roupa Escola de Samba, bringing the sounds of Olodum, Timbalada and Mama Africa, celebrating 25 years showcasing Brazilian/Latin culture in the Bay Area. And parading through the entire evening — colorful costumes, plumage and exotic dancers of the Aquarela Group. And not least of all, the in-sync DJ Ellen, DJ kblo, and more, playing non-stop music from 9:30 p.m. till 2 a.m. on March 1st, 2014.

At the lively night-spot “Roccapulco Super Club”, 3140 Mission St. (at Cesar Chaves St) in San Francisco.

Advance tickets are $30, available at Brazilian stores in the Bay Area. Tickets also online at Brazilian events.com Tickets will also be sold at the door. For more info: www.FriendsofBrazil.org or call us at 415-587-4990, or 415-425-7242. Plenty of free parking around Roccapulco Club and in parking lots for small fee.