can say we have successfully deliver the gross tax receipts system on time and on budget. [applause] so believe me a lot of people deserve credit for that success and i will be honest it's not an easy road. our previous tax system was not just built to accommodate this kind of a measure and therefore we executed an agreement for a new tax system which configured almost all of our taxes including the new gross receipts tax. i would really like to recognize our great vendors on the project who are us today and let's acknowledge them for their great work. thank you so much. [applause] and last year in march we implemented one of the first important steps, the quarterly installments for the new business tax, which replaced a system we had for many years of

mailing out prepayment quarterly bills and a huge change communicated to 95,000 business taxpayers and they complied and in april of last year we rolled out a change to the annual business registration fees for all registered business in the city. this was a large change for all taxpayers and important for the city to bring in money during the year we're for implementation purposes. the collections of the business registration's fees were designed to increase from $8 million to $38 million and our businesses complied and we hit that target nearly exactly. so before taxpayers even file for the gross receipts tax now at the end of the year the new tax approved by voters brought in over $30 million to the city coffers. during the process we had many of the concerns that the mayor talked about that we needed to know what was in the new law and we worked with the

mayor's office of economic development and others to implement the most aggressive outreach strategy around a tax measure. this measure took an eacial of people to accomplish from the tax team in the city attorney's office and thank you to them. our experts at 311 and thank you nancy. the city administrator's office for hiring support and the controller's office and the mayor's office team and of course i am surrounded by the business community that never relented with their involvement making sure that the measure got passed and now engaged making sure it's implemented fairly and correctly in a way that people understand. i want to thank jim and kate and all of the tax advisory members for your guidance and help getting the word out. folks like jan at

the apartment association brought many more requirements and obligations to the members of her community and we're grateful for the partnership to make the transition as smooth as possible but i don't want to in any way forget the folks that took care of the lion's share of this and the staff from the tax controller's office and stand and be recognized. [applause] they have done the lion's share of this work and implementing this measure and i wouldn't be a good tax collector that the deadline is coming up and due and all returns must be filed and taxes paid by march 2 of this year. it's usually by the end of february mr. mayor, but that falls on a weekend so this year it's march 2, and i want to make sure that nobody misses that or at least file for an

extension because we want to see anybody in compliance and with that i want to thank you for your time and introduce why neata from the city administrator's office. [applause] >> hello. i am the program manager of the community challenge grant program and i am really here to encourage and ask that businesses check that box at the bottom of their tax forms designating 3% to the community challenge grant program. the program is also known and on the forms it's known as the neighborhood beautification and graffiti clean up fund. we provide grant toss organizations and nonprofits and residents and businesses to implement various greening and beautification projects in their neighborhood. many parks, community gardens, gathering spaces, and sidewalk and landscaping and public art just to name a few so with the

3% we can fund these projects throughout the city and i am sure a lot of you have already seen many of them around and you will know what this money we can continue to do so. thank you. [applause] >> tell people how to file. >> well, then this actually concludes it. thank you so much for coming out this afternoon and remember to file by march 2. thanks. [applause] >> welcome to "culturewire."

today we are at recology. they are celebrate 20 years of one of the most incredibly unique artist residency programs. we are here to learn more from one of the resident artists. welcome to the show, deborah. tell us how this program began 20 years ago. >> the program began 20 years ago. our founder was an environmentalist and an activist and an artist in the 1970's. she started these street sweeping campaigns in the city. she started with kids. they had an exhibition at city hall. city officials heard about her efforts and they invited her to this facility. we thought it would coincide with our efforts to get folks to recycle it is a great educational tool. since then we have had 95 professional artists come through.

>> how has the program changed over the years? how has the program -- what can the public has an artist engage with? >> for the most part we worked with metal and wood, what you would expect from a program like ours. over the years, we tried to include artists and all types of mediums. conceptual artists, at installation, photographers, videographers. >> that has really expanded the program out. it is becoming so dynamic right now with your vision of interesting artists in gauging here. why would an artist when to come here? >> mainly, access to the materials. we also give them a lot of support. when they start, it is an empty studio. they go out to the public area and -- we call it the big store. they go out shopping take the materials that, and get to work.

it is kind of like a reprieve so they can really focus on their body of work. >> when you are talking about recology, do you have the only sculpture garden at the top? >> it is based on work that was done many years ago in new york. it is the only kind of structured, artist program. weit is beautiful. a lot of the plants you see were pulled out of the garbage, and we use our compost to transplant them. the pathway is lined with rubble from the earthquake from the freeways we tour about 5000 people a year to our facility, adults and children. we talk about recycling and conservation. they can meet the artists. >> fantastic.

let's go meet some of your current artists. here we are with lauren. can you tell us how long have been here so far and what you're working on? >> we started our residency on june 1, so we came into the studio then and spent most of the first couple weeks just digging around in the trash. i am continuing my body of work kind of making these hand- embroidered objects from our day-to-day life. >> can you describe some of the things you have been making here? this is amazing. >> i think i started a lot of my work about the qualities of light is in the weight. i have been thinking a lot about things floating through the air. it is also very windy down here. there is a piece of sheet music up there that i have embroidered third. there is a pamphlet about hearing dea -- nearing death.

this is a dead rabbit. this is what i am working on now. this is a greeting card that i found, making it embroidered. it is for a very special friend. >> while we were looking at this, i glanced down and this is amazing and it is on top of a book it is ridiculous and amazing. >> i am interested in the serendipity of these still life compositions. when he got to the garbage and to see the arrangement of objects that is completely spontaneous. it is probably one of the least thought of compositions. people are getting rid of this stuff. it holds no real value to them, because they're disposing of it. >> we're here in another recology studio with abel. what attracted you to apply for this special program? >> who would not want to come to

the dump? but is the first question. for me being in a situation that you're not comfortable in has always been the best. >> what materials were you immediately attracted to when you started and so what was available here? >> there are a lot of books. that is one of the thing that hits me the most. books are good for understanding, language, and art in general. also being a graphic designer going straight to the magazines and seeing all this printed material being discarded has also been part of my work. of course, always wood or any kind of plastic form or anything like that. >> job mr. some of the pieces you have made while you have been here. -- taught me through some of the pieces you have made while you have been here. >> the first thing that attracted me to this was the printed surface. it was actually a poster. it was a silk screen watercolor, about 8 feet long. in terms of the flatwork i work

with a lot of cloddish. so being able to cut into it come at into it, removed parts it is part of the process of negotiating the final form. >> how do you jump from the two dimensional work that you create to the three-dimensional? maybe going back from the 3f to 2d. >> everything is in the process of becoming. things are never said or settled. the sculptures are being made while i am doing the collages and vice versa. it becomes a part of something else. there's always this figuring out of where things belong or where they could parapets something else. at the end goal is to possibly see one of these collage plans be built out and create a structure that reflects back into the flat work. >> thank you so much for

allowing "culturewire" to visit this amazing facility and to learn more about the artists in residence program. is there anything you like our viewers to know? >> we have art exhibitions every four months, and a win by the public to come out. everybody is welcome to come out. we have food. sometimes we have gains and bands. it is great time. from june to september we accept applications from bay area artists. we encouraged artists from all mediums to apply. we want as many artists from the bay area out here so they can have the same experience. >> how many artists to do your host here? >> 6 artist a year and we receive about 108 applications. very competitive. >> but everyone should be encouraged to apply. thank you again for hosting us. >> thank you for including us in "culturewire." ♪

>> hello, i am with the san francisco parks department serious we are featuring some wonderful locations in your and very own backyard. this is your chance to find your heart in san francisco with someone special. we are here at the lovely and historic palace of fine arts located in the bustling marina district. originally built for the 1950's exposition, the palace is situated along san francisco's waterfront. it is ada accessible and is

reached by the 28, 30 and 91 bus lines. with its rotunda, columns, uncut the reflecting waters against the eucalyptus trees, it is one of the most romantic settings for special dates, and memorable proposals. it is also a perfect spot where you can relax with that special someone while listening to the water and fountain in the lagoon. beautiful to view from many locations and inside is an ideal place to walk around with your loved ones. the palace is the most popular wedding location in the city park system. reservations for weddings and other events are available at strecpark.org. shakespeares' guard and refers -- has plants referred to in

shakespeare's plays and poems. located near the museum and the california academy of sciences, shakespeares garden was designed in 1928 by the california spring blossom association. flowers and plants played an important part in shakespeares literary masterpieces. here is an enchanting and tranquil garden tucked away along a path behind a charming gate. this garden is the spot to woo your date. appreciate the beauty of its unique setting. the cherry tree, the brick walkways the enchanting stones, the rustic sundial. chaired the bards'w ro -- share the bard's words.

the garden is a gem to share with someone special. pack a picnic, find a bench, enjoy the sunshine and let the whimsical words of william shakespeare float you and your loved one away. this is one of the most popular wedding locations and is available for reservations. shakespeares garden is 88ada accessible. this park is located at the bottom of a hill. it is a secret garden with an infinite and captivating appeal. carefully tucked away, one block from the bottom of lombard street, it makes the top of our list for the most intimate picnic settings. avoid all tourist cars and parking hassles by hopping on

the cable car. or the 30, 45, 41, or 91 bus. this garden was designed by a the landscape architect thomas church in 19 to -- 1957. grow old with me the best is yet to be is inscribed at this gem of a park. a lush oasis anchored by gazebosanchoreddekcs -- gazebos, anchored by decks. this is the place to tell your family the love you share. reservations are available for this hidden gem. i am jamie hopper. until next time, don't forget to get out and play.

for more information about reserving one of these romantic locations, or any other location call 831-5500. this number is best for special events weddings picnics, and the county fair building. for any athletic fields and neighborhood parks, 831-5510. you can also write us. 501 san francisco, calif. 94117. or just walk in and say hello. and of course you can find more information and reach us at sfrecpark.org. - >> how are you guys doing. >> i can't hear you guys.

>> good. >> everybody is here to subtract is beautiful dogging u doggy. >> how about his bow tie and hesitate nice nose let me welcome you all to this very, very important event this been would think of the most important events for me (laughter) because when i first started working at the department of public works one evening i thought sitting that new mrirm watching tv and do you know how windy it gets over here. >> yeah. >> you do i mean you must come from as you sit here now gates. >> no one from distancing gates so this is o'connor's school right so that wind had one of

those doggy hats this one in particular this one right here used to be a restaurant across the street okay that restaurant over there and that wind blew the heads off yeah. i got this call the doggy had fallen and so they said you need to come and you need to get it to off the street and do something with it thanks to the neighborhood you guys radical and said we should save the head the can you go i didn't head that responsibility was given to us at the department of public works and at a time the head of our department was our mayor and our mayor and he make sure that we got the money and everything we needed to get the

doggy head fixed and back to this new location so how about a big hand for the mayor for his leadership (clapping.) the other thing he did was the day the head came back in 2005 was valentine's day isn't that special. >> yeah. i didn't. >> i'm sure you're getting ready for valentine's day coming up. >> yeah. >> without further ado i'm going to introduce the mayor he'll tell you about the doggie diner and welcome our mayor give him a big handed. >> mohammed explicit tell you that night what the doggy head was fallen guess who called him yes because i was awning were around to make sure that everything was done that was the job of public works to make sure that everything gets done and

everything is safe i want to say thank you to mohammed to help us to secure that medium area so all of our wonderful sdts students from u low can be here in the middle of the street humidities can you be in the middle of the student street and be safe just when we have valentine's day we'll celebrate this with the doggie diner head i'm really, really glad and also glad to share that with our supervisor supervisor katie tang she's here work relay really, really hard representing you all that live around here and working with me and mohammed and paychecks to make those streets safety just up a couple of blocks we put in new lighting light when you and your parents and friends categorize cross the

street it is heavy traffic we don't have straddles to slow down the traffic guess what happens yeah. one of those days you'll be the supervisor and the head of public works or you can even be - >> the - >> i was gagging going to say the doggie diner head you said the mayor it's pretty sure i'm kind of in the little time crush so overwhelming o to have to leave i'm going to have someone to welcome important in san francisco guess what. >> kaing. >> investigated you've got them trained i'm going up to the airport to let this person know who i met with you students i'll

be greeting president obama he's coming in and i'm going to tell him it was really tough to decide between the students of u low or making it on time for the airport for him it's important thank you for being good students and being here in the middle of the street with me it's safe don't do this amendment thank you for celebrating valentine's day week with doggie diner i hope you and your teachers and parent can also know that the city is working for you when with you grew up i want you to remember to celebrate the doggie diner but my age in two years okay 3 thank you have a great valentine's day you enjoy user and have a good weekend and enjoy yourselves we have cookies and refreshments

afterward thank you very much enjoy. >> thank you (clapping.) okay. a the history you guys how many 6 you have history class okay so the doggie diner head has been around since 1966 okay 1966 all over america and gradually you started to losses him i want to thank and give you a big applause because he's made that a hobby to collect and safe history so we have those heads from former restaurant please give them a loud applause for the history. >> (clapping.) can we get a picture of the mayor. >> come on (laughter)

okay. so the next person i'm going to introduce is someone a friend of mine but someone who really takes care of the this district she's got quite a few a amount of real estate she's reb8 for that our baechdz and some of our parks and all the sunset area making sure that the grass gets water and the trash gets picked up and all the graffiti is removed and the district gets it's share of what san francisco gets please welcome sxhaurng. >> hello boys and girls are h how are you guys you look lovely in your hats i tried to give one to the mayor to give to president obama we saw some of

our classrooms and i travel here almost everyday so i will make sure that if the doggie diner head falls down every this i'll report it to mohammed so we want to make sure we celebrate con in san francisco it is the only way designated as san francisco please remember this moment and come to visit to make sure he's okay and since it's valentine's day coming up i hope he has a boyfriend or girl to celebrate do you think he has one. >> yeah. >> we hope you have a really fun day we have today some things to color by hate ashbury has. >> let's have a show of hands i need to thank all the people

that make this event happen rachel borden and rachel and her team she's got all the refreshments and everything and alison for special projects and ashley from katz i didn't see office give another hand (clapping.) all right. ready to have some fun and a little bit of drinks and coloring okay. thank you all for coming he really appreciate that this you guys have administrative code made this happy give yourselves a big hand thank you very much thank youing, everyone

welcome to the february 3, 2015 of the entertainment commission oh, i don't see any added i'm the president of the commission i'm commissioner tan if you could please turn off our cells or put them on vibrate we pretty sure if you fill out the cards and say who you are and what our speaking about and thank you to the sfgovtv and 3 to 4 services for broadcasting this out to the public every time we meet thank you very much so we'll move on and start with roman numeral. >> commissioner frost commissioner lee commissioner lee commissioner perez