test test test test test test >> please stand by for the san sanfrancisco historic commissio.

>> -- world education congress in san francisco estimated the numbers at 1700 in person repblgist ration compared to 36700 in person registration in 207179. american library association put it -- decrease this year. billboard to be more relevant about this topic, music, concert events. billboard article earlier this year said even when ticket sales are high no shows are a problem for venues because of the pandemic. i do want to address the fact if we're speaking to the historic

significance of the building the seats are historic al. -- people still are a major part of the community including many representatives here from many festivals. it's still an active vibrant part of the community. it's not a gray lady we're looking at that is done. it's time is still very much present. i wanted to say that a lot of these companies have visions. if the vision pans out not by a slippery slope argument but what has been demonstrated the last two years, where are we then when we chop up this theater where are we? i was driving down mission the other day and saw a thaet we are a friend of mine. it is a wall greens. he said that looks like a old movie theater. it was.

if people don't get the value that is what most often demonstrated. i think we deserve better for the castro and san francisco. the castro is a major part of our history and presence. two leave with you this the other day i was at a day of silence at the san francisco film festival. i sat next to a guy from florida, he kim in just for that. during the breaks every single, between every single film, six films he came back to show me socks he bought or meals that he had. every person in that theater contributes to the local community that. has to be taken into consideration too. thank you for your time. [ applause ] >> if there are no other public

speakers in the tkhaeupl % we will go to the phone line. i will remind members that the k569 row theater is on the agenda. there is not an opportunity to speak to it specifically. >> speak up. >> is this better. >> sure. >> i said we will take comment from callers if there are no others in the chambers. >> if so lineup on the side of the room. i will remind folks the castro theater is on the agenda. general public comment is not for those matters on today's agenda. >> sir, are you doing public comment? >> i could. i will save it. >> i guess i will.

i have been filming at the castro for ten years. it's great it has the seats. this idea that you -- >> sir, i want to remind you and everyone else the castro thaet serra on today's agenda. >> i will just finish this. there is a theater open near where i live calderon the paramount owned by the city. the most beautiful theater i have been to in my life. i go to concerts there all the time. you don't have to take the seats out to have concerts. that's the only point i want to make. i saw merle haggar there six months before he died. one of the greatest concerts i have ever seen. , saw him there. amazing concert. you can see comedy there. movies. no seats were ever taken out. that's all.

>> hello i'm ingra. i was the co-founder of the -- film festival. i am the co-founder. a questioner man language film festival. not very big. people came from europe. germany, switzerland and austria. opened the door to the castro. they were in awe. why were they in awe? first they thought they never built this type of theater and were scared. then people came. people came and even if it was not full they had the memory of their lifetime. they wanted to come back. they said it was the best screening experience that they

had there were a few screenings that were sold out. one of them i want to talk about when bruno g. came with the film "downfall" he played hitler. brewed owe who has been in all theaters, you know, all over europe opened the door to the castro. he was speechless. every seat was filled. he did something he did not do in europe. he stayed behind. he talked to everybody who had a question after the q&a. he gave his signature. he didn't go to the party. he didn't like parties. he stayed around and talked to all of the people there. then i went to him and said that was nice. i didn't know you would do this. he said this is the castro.

i have never been here. it is special. i was here in front of this committee about five years ago trying to prevent a monster home being built in my historic neighborhood next to my tiny little historic cottage. one of, not you guys but somebody else said, old lady wake up this is san francisco and this is where things change. indeed. the monster home is still being built. it has changed the neighborhood. i just hope that you won't do that to the castro. it needs to stay. it's a destination for film people, audience and tourists. save the castro.

[ applause ] >> good afternoon my name is eddie mueller. [cheers and applause] >> i am a native san franciscan and life long attendee of the castro theater. more relevantly i'm the producer and host of the n. city film festival that has taken place at the castro for some twenty years. i'm a host on turner classic movies. that would of not happened if i didn't accomplish what i did at castro theater. i can a test to you this film festival is the envy of film programmers around the world. i have traveled around the world. they are astounded we put a thousand people in that theater watch classic films that people

haven't heard about. that are sixty or seventy five years old or older. it's absurd to think the seats need to be removed for the castro theater survive. this transition has happened across america with vintage movie houses preserved by non profit entities. using them for mixed use performing arts venues. showing films and retaupbing the seats. just recently morrissey world class artist performed at the castro. he sold out the theaters in minutes. it's absolutely not necessary to remove the seats. i think some of the people behind this are being very disingenuous when they say it has to happen when they really want to do is put in a great number of bars within the theater to sell alcohol.

they're appeal to a younger audience and want to put bars in to sell booze. when the audience spills out into the castro district, that's not what the neighbors there want. i also want to speak to my resentment of the nasser family and another planet entertainment characterizing opponents to their plans as cooks or renegades or something. [ applause ] >> -- because i will speak to the fact that i have been there 18 years. i have the most loyal audience in the world. they come back year after year after year and pay the full ticket price that has allowed me to create a non profit foundation expressly for the purpose of restoring and preserving films. none of that would have been possible without the audience that makes the castro thaeter

what it is. that audience deserves respect. not to be dismissed buz someone thinks they can make more money selling booze in the auditorium. >> thank you, sir that is your time. >> you're welcome. [cheers and applause] >> i can say i have been to every n. film festival almost from the time they started. thank goodness eddie was here to kay. it's absurd here we're and there is a question about the seating in the castro theater. history has value. you know that or you wouldn't passionately put yourself in the work you do. history is preserved in the seats and the beautiful wooden floor beneath the seats. when you remove the seats and rip out that floor you change the experience of the people who

come there, totally. that experience has value. just like sit inning this room that is historic, has value. if we were in a room where they ripped off the wood and lowered the ceilings you wouldn't have the same experience. so, i am begging you, i didn't want to even use that word today because i'm so depressed and so angry and so upset that this is even a issue. we the people can make this a non profit, can preserve these seats for the future. we can make it happen. we can find the funds. we do not have to be pressured by people who have more money eddie did it. we can do it. this are people from all over the world that care, love, feel passion, and don't even know what is going on at the castro

theater. that the seats might be ripped out this. is ridiculous. moving the concession inside the theater should be absolutely, unquestionably not even on the counter. so, please do your his to remember i can vote for justice and for the future. a hundred years from now the people will thank you, that you have valued these seats now. [ applause ] >> thank you. [ applause ] >> >> my name is rebecca s. [cheers and applause] i i have been watching movies at the castro theater since i was in my early teens. i feel like i learned how to watch movies there. listening to the audience. having a kind of experience that is essential to what cinema was

and still should be, not watching on the back of an airplane seat or phone or computer while you do other things. this kind of going to church with all of the other people sitting in the dark with you, sharing a experience. it was the gay men murmuring and snickering and sighing in the audience that taught me so much to see in the movies i saw there. west erpbz, tpwred and ginger dancing, documentaries, film festivals, foreign films, silent films. the aides documentary "we were here" for a packed house. the harvey milk documentary we saw the theater self on the screen t-fpltz such an essential part of san francisco history. cinema was born in san francisco with experiments in the 178707s and 78 0*7z. i wrote a book about that. this is a great world center for sin ma. the castro thaet serra

the crown jewel of cinema in this city. as a historian i have written about the story many times. i have produced with collaborators an atlas of san francisco showing all of the theaters that were present in the city dozens and dozens of them. now we're down to just a handful. all of them small, except for the castro. the last place in the city way glorious experience of cinema can be experienced the way it was intended to be. it's been so important to me, to so many people here in the city and around the world we need the seats as part what had the theater s can be, and should be going forward. i urge you to preserve them so that movies can be in the future what they have been in the past. this glorious shares experience

in the dark this. enormous spectacle that is profound and moving in a way that was always intended to be that. we don't get our little devices and tiny rooms and multiplexes. i would like to give you copies of these maps. thank you, very much. [ applause ] >> good afternoon. my name is gary. i have worked as the music mixer at the sigh hr-pbt fill can festival for the last 257 years. [ applause ] >> i am here to tell that you preserving the front of the building and the marque certainly honors and been fits the castro community. when you preserve the soul of what happens inside it is now a hundred-year-old monument to cinema you honor and benefit the entire city by demonstrating to the world our commitment to the

arts and the only preservation in the entire bay area suitable to support one of the most largest and comprehensive film communities in the world. i recognize that in order for the theater to survive economically the scope of the events at the castro must diversify. that doesn't mean the seating a raoeupbgment has to change. live presentations have been part of the theater as make up for decades. seated concerts as illustrated by the morrissey show two weeks ago are still a thing. there are many examples across the country of historic theaters that have modernized and preserves or restores classic architecture and decor becoming multi use facilities with a wide variety of arts programs and having community support without losing the soul it will take

vision and compromise but it means the will to do it. it can be done. you can help make that happen. please do not close the door on extending the castro theater's historical landmark stat to us include the basic auditorium seating plan. it's part of the soul of our city. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> well my name is rachel bower. i am a moving image -- i work at the san francisco ballet present. we're opening nutcracker tomorrow. the fact that i took time from that madness to be here tells what you it means to me. i'm not an official representative of the ballet. i can say as someone working in the performing arts and works

for an organization that represents an ancient art form that is very did he doent upon presentation. upon specific aesthetic spaces and safety spaces, to best present it's art form i think that amongst my very personal and professional concerns with gutting the castro of it's seats is, what it says about the city. what it says we consider art and do not. we wouldn't have this similar conversation about the opera house hosting our opera and our ballet. we wouldn't have this conversation with the symphony. we pride ourself in our arts and history of the arts. the castro is tied into that. i would also add to, you know, bolster the voices of everything that has been said, an additional comment is the character of the neighborhood.

planet entertainment is trying to come in and make the castro something it is not. the castro neighborhood itself was not always the gay mecca it became in the middle of last century it's part of the core identity, our identity as civil rights and diversity. by another planet entertainment say we should make the castro what we want it to be to suit our business end and not what it is to a community, what it was designed for, what it wants to be, and still a valid and again not a gray laid other. during the pandemic there were two places i wanted to go to most. one was bottom of the hill for a rock show. the other was the castro theater. thank you. [ applause ] >> hello. my name is -- i'm the director of programming -- the co

producers of the oldest film festival in the north americans and patrons of the kafpt row theater. we're all trying to say today we're intelligent and carrying member pwefrz of the public. we understand this is a continuance on the agenda. we are asking to you stop punching this issue. we care. we will continue to show up. please bring these conversations to a public forum to be discussed. we're not going to lose interest in this subject. this is essential to the castro theater, the seats. thank you, very much. [cheers and applause] >> mellow i'm loretta m. a film maker and attendee of the castro for many decades. i came here ready to ball can at the continuance which i'm not going to do. i've been convinced of it's value. on certain areas in particular,

one is the ada seating. i think no one is saying that there should be no changes at all to the castro. obviously the changes first on the map for ape i don't believe were acceptable. i think it would be a death trap for the disabled community. i don't speak from the disabled community but i think it's worth hearing from them for alternative plans. another is transparency for ape business plan. the alcohol sales they don't seem to be open to a compromise what so ever. those are key issues i think in this time to address. i'm sure i will kick myself for what i'm forgetting.

thank you. >> hi, i'm jordan. i'm a film lover. i have been to this theater hundreds of times. one of the things i love walking around is the film posters on the wall. when i was there for the day of silence on saturday, it struck me, there were no film posters. there were concerts from other venues. all of the other venues, go to for concerts. it's already changes *l changed there. change will come. change comes to the city. we have to draw a long before we realize this is not the theater we have all grown up with. we have to make sure it can still be a movie theater. if we lose that, then what is the point.

>> hello my name is patrick marks. i'm a small business owner. i have a bookstore calderon "the green arcade" on market street. i wanted to say ten years ago the red cross bought the building across on market street from us. there use to be a cafe on the corner. they decided that at one point they tried to find someone to run the cafe. then they decided they needed more office space. i'm not sure if they did a change of use or not. i have to say it was a extremely changing moment for the neighborhood and that corner. the planning department, which i have several plans -- put out cafe tables, etcetera, of course that has now been a

nothing but a nuisance area. i bring up because in looking at some of the programming for ape i notice that several months of this past fall at the fox theater in oakland the theater was dark almost 20 days of the month. the idea of missioned use. i mean we're hoping that obviously we talked about more morrissey and anita for the sigh let film festival has looked across the nation. these things are available to look at, at other venues similar to the castro with historic significance. they have kept all of their seats. they have been successful in doing multi did i mention al mu.

this is an important issue and for the merchants and the people in the neighborhood to have the theater change it's into a perform as base and taking out the seats and adding a different demographic will be did he havel to the neighborhood. for the silent film festival people flood the neighborhood. it was a benefit for all. basically this idea of being dark is -- this is a neighborhood this. isn't. neighbors become devalued because of vacancies. in a way we're allowing them at this point to add almost half of

their time to be dark. they then will complain about people hanking in the neighborhood. thank you, very much. >> hello, good afternoon. i'm jessica. i would like to add my support in ex continuing the landmark designation to protect the interior of one and only castro theater. first time i visited was 200. 2008.i saw it in the newspaper d since i have been there for over a hundred shows. one of my favorite is seeing -- in front of a mez morized packed house. no place in san francisco do i have more memories. it was so influential to me that i now live nearby.

i support new events at the castro and welcome investment to restore and keep the theater vibrant. there is no need this needs to. i also en kwourage everyone to view the long list of examples that anita has shared on twitter highlighting the historic theaters across the country with seating. the castro thaet certificate last huge surviving film palace in is. we're so lucky to have it. let's save the integrity of this institution. thank you. phra*ugs >> hello my name is megan smith. i apologize for talking a long time. it seemed like everyone else was. we are concerned there won't be time later and we move past it i'm a long time attendee of the

film festivals. i was there saturday. it was packed. i bought pizza afterwards. i'm an example of coming into the neighborhood and buying something. i am also the demographic of not going to the concerts. if you get rid of people like me. -- i went to the public town hall meeting to talk about the moveable seats in and out. two do that for a one day film festival seems incredibly expensive. it was never clear who was paying for that. i would pay more for a ticket to keep it the way it is. to put that on the table. i'm also a member of the victorian alliance of san francisco. obviously preserving victorian buildings are important to me, my group and our city.

thank you, very much. [ applause ] >> i am confused. we were told all comments is at the beginning of the meeting. i'm parked in a two hour spot near the bart station. my name is gary meyer. i have been in the theater business since i converted by parent's barn at 12 years old. when i got into it my mentors were teddy and henry nasser. they were proud of the theaters. they saw thaeters were having a difficult time. castro was a run down theater. another mentor mel n. who ran the surf theater was cure kwroeus about the theater. we went in one morning, took the

janitor lights and shined it up on the dome, murals and the organ box that people didn't see for many years. they kept the lights low. mel had a vision. he said, just because this theater has not been doing well, theater business isn't great now i think we can change that. mel did. he made the castro theater an incredible place. became the home for festivals and special events and all that people talk about. i know the nasser family is proud of the theater. they won't a lout theater to be dorn down to be replaced by apartment buildings. they have to have a good vision. i believe there are people out there who do have an idea how to make this again a successful theater, i say i have often respected the ape people. i think they missed the boat here competing with the film theater. thank you. >> that is your time. [ applause ]

>> hello, good afternoon. thank you for letting me speak. my name is neta. the only reason i feel i represent film goers in san francisco before covid i saw over 70707 movies in big screen calendar year 20719. i'm a frequent film goers and adore movies. more people have spoken more intelligently and eloquently. i plead with you to save the cultural integrity of san francisco by preserving the layout, the configuration of the seats at the castro theater. it's absolutely essential for our cultural and artistic well being. thank you for your consideration. [ applause ] >> hi my name is -- i have come

to the castro since the early 790s. participating in plan one mostly. pride would not be pride without the film festival. having, you know what, what that theater offers is a house that creates community. community is so hard to find in our city. especially with how diverse and big it's come. the one place. i remember in the 79 0*7z walking through the castro. you know you knew most people. right. we all knew each other all involved in community vents. it was really a community. that is gone, right. the only time you experience that is when, for me when we have ten days of being at the castro and a packed house happens probably, i can't say the statistics but high number of evenings and weekends with

157007 gay people in one spot. we don't have that church anymore. we don't have that spot. no matter the film festival you are, community is brought together but also created. people from around the world as people have said today. they all come to this space from around the world to experience events. >> if we lessen the number of seats in the space and we take the slope out and change that we will lose so many community that is generated there and is created from around the world. i employ you to listen to the people here that have spoken to you before, that have town halls. to really, please, you know, as one person said i want to use the word beg. i do beg to you keep the castro theater the way it is. thank you. thank you, so much.

[ applause ] >> hello my name is mathy. i'm a 07 year resident of the castro with my partner sitting over there, matthew carhart. i'm here at the talk about something that makes me different that. is my love of plants. i really love plants. i knew i was different from a young age because of my interest in plants. the reason why i came to san francisco was because of the conservancy of flowers. i was there a couple of days ago enjoying the plants. there were some broken windows. it occurred to me, i urge you to consider this, in order to pay for fixing up the broken windows and improving the site lines we rip out the plants and turn it into a roller skating jazz club where we serve booze. and every so often we can bring in a plant here and there. we will enjoy the plants when they bloom but only certain occasions. it will be about roller skating,

drinking, and jazz. please give that some consideration. i will be become speaking late are. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> come on. >> come on. >> next time there will be hundreds here. >> good afternoon. my name is pete are. i'm executive director of the castro theater conservancy. [cheers and applause] >> i am not going to address you on the subject of the destruction or the possible destruction of the orchestra floor of the castro theater.

i can hardly image a distinguished commission like this one ever agreeing to that happening. i would rather just say a few words about the negative results of delay. if four years ago you were thinking what, what should i be doing next jan, you would of looked at what was scheduled at the castro theater and seen 23 different films and not one day where the theater was dark. something was going on day and evening. every day in jan 2019. if you look now at the website of ape and the castro theater you will see one event in the month of jan. it, it can't -- it can't be

allowed. you condition allow. we can not allow it to happen that way. so i just ask that you i wills top awful these distinguished and passionate people that have come before you. know there are many many more. seven thousand six hubd people signed a petition on the website save the castro. saying, please save the castro. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> i'm very short. my name is becca robins. i have lived in san francisco for twenty years. i lived here before in the 90s. when i was young and trying to figure out what to do with my

life. i love this city wall of my heart. it's changed so much. i so, so believe that it can still be great and still be beautiful. still have, we can be here for each other we can make a beautiful, beautiful culture and it is so hard to believe that these days. i'm holding onto hope because we have such a long track record of it. this is a tiny tiny city it has had an out sized impact on the word for better and worst. social media is rooted in san francisco. it's in it's origins. text as changed the world. harvey mill is being from here. that changed the entire world. the heart of san francisco is still beating but it is so hard to watch it wither. we have -- opened up, broken record closed, urban and branch

closed. the number of night clubs we have lost is staggering. right now the soul of the castro is in peril. i am also begging you as someone who loves culture and community, night life, movies, stories to keep this place alive. we need hope and we find hope in art and in stories and instill them and in community. the seats and the floor are so important to that. thank you so much. [ applause ] [cheers and applause] >> if there are no additional comments from -- when you hear your line is unmuted that's your indication to begin speaking.

mary. mary powell your line is unmuted. >> i'm sorry. i apologize. it's for another item. i have been listening a continue tiffly. being born and raised here and a great supporter of the castro theater i agree with everything said by people in the chamber. thank you. >> thank you, ms. powell. will you need to press star three again when your item comes up. >> good afternoon. -- i would like to add our voice to the chorus. not to make the decision, on the castro theater any further. we don't think the delay is in the interest of the community. personally i have lived in the bay area since 19837.

i have attended more film festivals than i can count. enjoying the shows with the community, the passage and the -- queer community and the entire bay area. the castro is a twraes aourd building and an important part of the gay tkphaoupbt and shared culture. the interior is part of the experience. it is important and a marque. we urge you, first to preserve the theater, also do not delay in the decision to do so. thank you so much. [ applause ] >> hello my name is robert. i was a commissioner in san francisco decades ago. i want to talk about briefly at that time when general government was making the

precede yo available for repurposing. the number of billion dollar proposal that's wined and dined people in the city of san francisco in one way or another to convert than tire presidio area from the military complex to something that was going to bring so much money and tour i gos and this to the city to make a number of people in kr-pdbly wealthy goes on and on and on. to the city's credit. a lot fought very hard at that time it went to a lot of other institutions that many were non profits and people in the arts. we made sure, the character of the place, the historic value of the place and the sank stew areay were preserved. not without a lot of blood on the checks.

when big money comes in it's -- [inaudible] [ applause ] >> think, obviously i think the seats and the floor and all that had has to be preserved and not be kicked down the road to a future time when they hope people won't show up and they think they can get away with it i'm also a film maker -- fellowu know can walk to the castro in 7907 seconds and chosen to live out there. they continue to make movies.

-- brought in someone from texas that was a main character in the movie. when you arrived at the castro the most macho heterosexual right wing person you can imagine have sa salted two men, early 78 0*7z, saw two men kissing under the marque with the movie on the marque. he couldn't believe it. by the end of the evening he was in a local bar down the street, meeting and having intelligent conversations for the first time in his life with a gay community. you can't replicate the number of stories. >> thank you for your time. >> -- this theater. [ applause ] >> i am -- i have been going to

the castro theater since i was 17, ten years ago. i moved to san francisco during this time and was incredibly insecure young queer person. this space gave me security. i wouldn't have the people in my life that i have now if it wasn't for community i formed sitting in the beautiful castro theater and many of the seats. i have met hundreds if not thousands of hours inside of this theater and made so many friendships because of it i have also brought people there that are important to me. they marvel at the awe, they visibly show on their face entering the space this. is a beautiful space loved by those in the bay area, and people worldwide. it's important to the queer community, especially the young queer community that does not have spaces where they can gather, especially po*eft pandemic. one of the few places we can all be together and marvel in beauty, be happy and safe.

getting rid of the seats in the theater are you taking away a historic base not only for cinema but the queer community. by doing that it's a detriment to our city and appalling. the city needs to show they value historic paces and art by preserving the castro. thank you. >> mr. greggerson. >> can you hear me. i'm a commercial film maker and a resident at a his tore landmark in the city. i am speaking to preserve the seating and not delaying the decision on this item. i think that would -- bye people

off. i also think, you know they have been trying to do it with this, having more morrissey come play at the theater. it's cynical in my opinion. he's a fascist synthesizer. the gays love morrissey no matter what he does. he will love us no matter what we do. ape has shown they don't know what the community is about. they have said so much, as much in other hearings. they don't know what this community is about. it might be, it would be great if we took it further or ape, you know decided not to run the thaet are anymore. buy a office space, a office building downtown at this point. they could convert that to a venue. you know there is empty space.

we don't need them. since they are there. fine -- they back out and a community coalition or another entity runs the theater. we need to preserve the seat. we need to make a decision at soon as possible. thank you. [ applause ] >> okay, folks. i understand how passionate you all are about the issue. i have to request that we pause on the clapping and cheering and what not. it claps over comments. we can't hear what they're saying. when someone begins or ends comments you can't quite hear. reel ra*elly appropriate is the silent happy hands. >> if we could be respectful that way. >> we can applaud after people have spoken. we have wait en ten months. >> you're out of order at this time. you're speaking and clapping over the next person's comments.

go ahead, ms. miller. >> yes, thank you. can you hear me alright. >> yes. >> my name is -- miller. i'm the current board president for the art deco society of california. it's our mission as a preservation organization non profit to increase awareness of the art deco era music design and other forms of popular culture. i think it's really important thinking about the situation here with ape. unlike the fox theater this is not about savior ship. it's about ally ship and tpraeufrpblgly co conspirator ship. the area of top down bulldozing in the name of progress is not how we move communities forward. it's through partnerships and -- what is back and what is value. the community is speaking to save the seats. to clear the interior of the

theater and landmark designation. i on be half of the preservation organization implore you to listen and take that action. thank you. [ applause ] >> thank you, most of you. [laughing] >> hello. can you hear me. >> yes, we can hear you just fine. >> thank you, so much. my name is mimi. i am calling from midwest. i wish i could be there today. but i am a third generation san franciscan. i have worked with several film organization that's utilize the castro theater including the san francisco international film festival and several others. i have deep roots in san francisco. my grandparents immigrated from mexico and iran as children in the 207s.

the same year the castro theater was built in fact. my parent were married in san francisco city hall in the late 60s. i have deep roots this. i want to say i'm so alarmed, so upset about the egregious proposal being put forth by the ape and the plan to rip out the seats. this would truly destroy the site line as many said before me. it would rip out the heart and soul of this iconic, important, living and breathing building that belongs to all of us. i would like to add that all of the original features are skreut cal to showing films including the seats and site lines can work perfectly for seated music venue if ape were to compromise at all. there is month reason that ape must essentially quest roy and claiming to restore san

francisco's last remaining movie palace. i flew all the way up to san francisco from chicago for the town hall to listen in person with an open mind to the plans. i came out even more alarmed and perplexed. i just fined that the proposal of ripping out the seats and putting in moveable platforms that no other theater useses it a ton of bull. it will certainly prove to be a logistical and tp-pl nightmare for the film organizations and the lbgtq organizations that will be pushed out. not to mention damaging the historic not have aou the last of it's kind in the city. i want to add a couple of more points briefly. ape has disingenuously in my opinion -- implying they're the

only entity to restore these features. that is certainly untrue. i would like to add this is absolutely not a zero thumb game. all of the original features can of course be preserved. one does not have to be save bid destroying another. and i -- >> sorry, ma'am that. is your time. >> okay. thank you so much for listening. >> hello my name is -- i grew up two blocks from the castro. i have spent most of my adult life working in film in other parts of the country and now back to the castro again. i will say i was cautiously optimistic when -- took over the castro and saw the dark days in

the month. the venues have thinking you can sneak in a night of reparatory here and there. that the commitment they assessed for programming was possible. if they, if they keep the seats and if they keep the projection and everything up it was as soon as the proposal of the seats brought in and out depending on the programming was unveiled it was clear to me that anything resembling the programming i grew up with at the castro was just really not going to be feasible in this new arrangement. >> i have worked at these venues. the cost extremely high. the logistics make it nearly impossible. no way can bands -- film program

at night and a film program the next day set up for a thursday night concert. it really just makes it impossible for anything other than a large, a large festival, a large sort of investment of a week of programming or something like that into, into whatever the plans are for the programs. i just wanted to talk a little bit about sort of the type of film programming i would really -- rip out the seats went through. also i want to mention that we talked about how important the castro is to san francisco. of course that is true. something that san francisco can be proud of beyond what it is to us locally. it's an example of the palace that is a

jewel for the entire country. thank you for the time. >> hello, can you hear me? >> we can. >> okay. fantastic. my name is stephen. i'm -- i just want to chime in here and let's you know how i feel. -- the castro theater. first time i visited the grand palace of cinema was out of high school. i attended the silent film festival. -- the staircases, chandelier it left an indelible production. arriving late to the show --

usually be undesirable seating anywhere else. unobstructed seats with great side angle to the stkraoepb. undoubtedly the result the architects built on. what followed was a mesmerizing night at the movies and a life long passion for the castro. i implore everyone present, members of the board and everybody else to consider expanding the landmark designation to preserve the seating structure as is. -- historic architectural aesthetic and cultural integrity. movie goers through the years, without swift action the theater may share the fate of -- in oakland. another place of entertainment to a peas the appetite of synthetic factors.

as seemingly small as seating configuration or reconfiguration or -- alter the vibrant -- castro's seating as a multi purpose entertainment hub for it's unique history. a few remaining. quite literally movie goers local and otherwise of cinema as intended by architect proprietors and scores of film makers world over. i implore everybody. for one movie goers to another to take into consideration promptly preserving the seating structure as originally. the theater should remain a towering beacon for arts and culture of the country and should remain . so it would be tragic to end otherwise.

thank you that's all i have to say. >> hello my name is kathleen. i'm a native san franciscan. i have watched movies at the castro theater for decades. regularly watch films there and attend film festivals. the film fest sraldz are the cultural events in the city i most look forward to and cheer. enjoying films in such a beautiful theater which other film lovers from all over the world is a highlight of san francisco. i strongly believe that the criteria for including the seating configuration and the sub floor into the theater's landmark designation is a must. the seating and floor are

intrical to the movie experience as intended. after all the castro thaet certificate last san francisco theater to regularly show movies from the era the castro was built. i believe the theater itself first as a movie theater could be used for live entertainment and more comfortable with the existing configurations. i urge you to expand the landmark designation to include the seats configuration and the flooring. i would like to hear the ranking behind the appeal to postpone this decision. i can't think of one. thank you. >> hi, my name is jesse wright. i'm a resident of san francisco. i love the castro theater.

i moved here it was -- made san francisco feel like home. i urge to you save the seats and the soul of the theater. thank you. >> okay. last call for general public comment. >> okay. seeing none general public comment is closed. commissioners place this under department matters for department one announcements. >> good afternoon commissioners. the only thing i have to report is the landmark nomination has moved onto the second reading at the full board. it's on it's way towards the mayor's signature. has been received full support from the board. otherwise this concludes my report. >> thank you. >> okay. commission matters item two, consideration of adoption draft minutes for the arc meeting

october 19th of this year and the regular meeting of november 1e67, 207272 of this year. members of the public if you wish to address the commission on the minutes please come forward. if you are calling in remotely press start 37. star 37. >> hi this is public comment on the minutes from the last meeting where you had an item related to the historic lamp post in h. plaza. correct. i have looked over those minutes. there were brief descriptions of what peakers had to say during public comment. it was quite -- to be honest. seeing how when you do have public comment in your minutes it is, a lot of times it's too short.

you do not get the sense of what the person is asking for. what they are addressing. if they're for or against what sup for propose will. i am asking you with that in mind, especially for the historic importance of today eats hearing that you give at least three sentences to describe what each speaker has said so that the public record you create with tax payer funds today, really shows the passion that has come from every speaker today. i think we deserve at least three sentences for everyone's comments. thank you. >> okay. last call for public comment on the minutes.

go ahead, caller. >> yes, hello. this is -- a mistake i was trying to comment on the seats. am i allowed to do that or not? >> we have closed public comment, general public comment, ma'am. i apologize. the castro theater will come up again on the matter of continuance. last call for public comment on the minutes. seeing no additional request to speak, comment on the minutes are closed and before you, commissioners. >> second. >> thank you, commissioners on that motion to adopt the minutes. commissioner wright. >> yes. >> commissioner black. >> yes. >> commissioner johns. >> yes. >> commissioner . so. >> yes. >> commissioner n. >> yes. >> commissioner president. >> yes. >> so moved the motion passes six to zero. item three.

commission comments & questions. >> any commission commends or questions. none at this time. >> very good. commissioners that will place us on item four. the proposed 2023 hearing schedule. you received a craft on the 2023 hearing schedule. essentially the first and third wednesday of every month. we have a couldn't d that and canceled hearings as needed unless you see the need to cancel a hearing for a particular holiday we can entertain that now. >> no. >> fine. >> members of the public this is your opportunity to address the commission on the hearing schedule. need to come forward or press star three. seeing no request to speak, commissioners comments on the 2023 schedule is closed. i would request a motion to adopt. >> a motion to adopt. >> second. >> thank you. commissioners. on that motion to adopt --

>> oh, yes. >> thank you. >> the hearing schedule. >> yes. >> hello. my name is stacy. i am the executive director of the san francisco silent film festival. >> ma'am, is this on the hearing schedule for 2023? >> i wanted to talk about -- >> yes, we have close d that. we closed general public comment. you will have an opportunity to speak to the castro theater on the matter of continuance when we take that up. >> sorry i misunderstood the timing. >> o'day. >> on that motion to adopt the 2023 hearing schedule commissioner wright. >> yes. >> commissioner black. >> yes. >> commissioner johns. >> yes. >> commissioner so. >> yes. >> commissioner n. >> yes. >> president. >> yes. >> so moved that passes 67-0 we will post this under items for

continuance. item 57 for the castro theater. this is a proposal to designate the property as a landmark and it's proposed for continuance for february 1st, 20237. members of the public is this your opportunity to address the commission on the matter of continuance not the project itself. >> if you're in the chambers and you wish to speak to this matter please lineup on the screen side of the room. >> it's my understanding there is a representative from supervisor h. office. >> yes, i would like to request a recuse al from this continue as item. >> you have a motion. >> a second. >> second. >> thank you, for that to recuse

commissioner wright. >> so moved that motion passes unanimously six to zero. >> thank you, president and commissioners i'm here on be half of supervisor mandelman. supervisor mandelman -- good historic preservation practice given the existing landmark designation is dated and does not address the interior of the building to the same extent such a designation likely would if approved today. the nasser family request the commission to delay consideration. in light of productive conversations between the nasser and others we support the family's request. -- long term will be subject to your approval regardless.

>> thank you, very much. >> members of the public to reiterate this agenda item is on the continuance so your comments about the continuance are appreciated. i also want to say that we have received a number of e-mails from you and we have read them and have taken them very serious. >> thank you for taking the time to share the comments with us. this is about the continuance. >> if would you like to share your pub comments about the opposition or support of the continuance we're happy to hear that. >> hello my name is matthew d. i do like plants but i do like movies even more. i'm part of the friends of the kaflt row theater coalition. we're focused on preserving the caster row as a historic film palace. the castro theater is a space

like none other. offering film programming, the last film palace of it's kind in the bay area and one of the last in the count roo. for the last fifty years it has been the corner stoerpb of the lbgtq. our goal is to maintain the theater as a successful place and anchor. we are aware that the item on expanding the theaters to include the interior is on the agenda today. supervisor mandelman proposed this to be continued tub. it's encouraging to hear there are nice talks going on. however your body can give that discussion some clarity and let them know what you consider to be of historic value within the theater to guide those discussions. your body should not be responding to a company's

business plan. they should know what your parameters are within, where they want to do business. we're putting the cart before the horse if this body waits for a business to hear what it can do instead of being told what they're allowed to do. i urge you to not continue this item. it's doing damage to the community. it's doing damage to the neighborhood. it's uncon stkaoeupbs a*gtable that our city could lose this jewel box that another planet entertainment want to rip out the seats. you can't have it both ways. there are plenty of examples as have been toepld to you. plenty eve examples throughout the country and the world where there are movie palaces with multi use benefits. the programming that ape is doing is cynical. agree. it shows no interest in preserving seufpb ma as an art form within the castro theater this. is just a move on their part to

remove the seats to sell more alcohol, an enabling move to pack people in for concerts only. please save the castro theater. please save san francisco. it's why some of us come here. thank you. [ applause ] >> again, this agenda item, public comments are to oppose or support the continuance. >> my name is michael. i been a san francisco resident since 179679. a patron of the castro theater for over 507 years. over half the time it has been in existence. our community has been worn down by the past year of jockeying among the owners of the theater, another planet entertainment, and various community groups over the future of the theater. we know there have been many, many meetings. we don know the con at any time

or what is said by those referred to as our community leaders. i implore you ton delay furtherer and act today to expand the historical designation of the thet tore include the interior it needs to be the first step in the process of restoring the castro theater. no good ran has been offered to delay it please give us some action and hope. do not postpone passage of the resolution. thank you. >> okay. so, apologies for speaking earlier out of turn. i speaking as a film lover and goer and former employee of the castro theater for many, many years as well as a film festival

director, and as a parent of i teenager who identifies as queer and has recently been very -- seeing films in the castro theater in the seats. my heart aches at the thought of pushing back this decision on many levels. with kids time moves so much more differently. every month that we deprive young people and audiences of knowing that they will get to see films in the theater is, is a big, it's a big loss. san francisco film festivals attention have been pulled away from planning to look for venues to house our events. it's been torturous, i have to say. no sprepb aous come close to the castro as a space that has a

large enough audience space, can show film, bcp. the castro is the only place that works for film festivals. delaying this decision just continues to put the burden on the non profit film festivals and depraoeufz the public of the lively film culture the castro has been the center of. i also want to say i understand the nasser family was against the original film marking. i don't understand the benefit is to wait on pushing this through when the impact of the renovations on the theater will be the same regardless who is operating it. if you care about san francisco as a center of film and arts culture and the castro as the

center of the community then we will move ahead with this and stop prolonging the decision. >> good afternoon, commissioners. i'm with the castro conservancy. you have heard a lot of passion. i will talk in practical terms. i don't have the passion side. i know the practical side. there are three reasons the continuance is not a good idea first, matthew brought this up. you today can set parameters to guide future decisions by the city and future discussions among the parties about what can and can not happen at the cast. >> rocca: making that decision today is a great public benefit. number two what stacy brought up. if you don't make a decision today you let an important cultural resource city sensually

vacant because ape is not programming at the theater and not negotiating with the film festival to know what to do in 207237 there. is a third reason, the third is there is no reason to delay. the only controversial issue before you, updating the landmark designation is whether or not a hundred-year-old seating configuration should be preserved. -- over eight thousand people have signed a petition. the only reason not to move forward today and preserve the seating configuration is because

ape doesn't want you to. why? they have said they need to rip out the seats to enhance ada access and provide a better system. when they're asked by me and others at public meetings whether the conservancy can show you ape how you can enhance access, how you can have a better system without ripping out the hundred-year-old configuration would that satisfy you. they said no. they want dance floors. plain and simple. so why wreck a hundred-year-old seating configuration to give ape dance floors. it's only if you believe a myth. that is if you don't cave into ape the castro will shutter itself. that won't happen. this holiday season say because bauhumbug do that argument. ape knows, the nasser family knows the conservancy is willing

and able to run the castro. has a true multi use srepb view fully programmed and preserve the seats, and keep it as a home for festivals, and honor status in the lgtq community. there is no reason for delay. thank you. >> >> i'm deborah. >> sorry. the over head. >> i'm deborah holly a land use and environmental consultant, film member, member of the castro conservancy working group. there is a lot i would like toe say today. like to say today. i want to be respectful of your time. so i will address the

continuance. as was just said there is no reason for a continuance. i'm sure everyone would agree that the expansion of the landmark designation to the interior should be evidence based, not based on how negotiations are going between the nassers, ape, and members of the community. so i really see no reason for the continuance. a reason to hear this now, decide this now, for all of the reasons that were mentioned. i love this letter that you all received from john waters. so, i am going to read it into the record. my name is john waters.

i am a film director. pink flamingos, harespray, who has appeared live at the castro theater many times over the past forty years. the slope floor and seats are indeed a big historic characteristic that define the venue as the bay area radio city music hall gay mechanic afplt i'm a hundred percent for expanding this landmark designation. thank you, john waters. and thank you, commissioners for listening and please hear this item today. >> good after i'm a castro district -- for 307 years, and a planned lover.

plant lover. the first time i was in the theater was 179867. the lights in the house dimmed and the movie started. my boyfriend reached over to hold my hand. i pulled away. he whispered, don't worry it's okay. we're safe in the castro. the castro thaet serra my temple. don't ruin it. landmark the interior of the building the seats and slope now rather than postpone the decision. i'm honored to read this. >> i have long regarded castro theater as the temple for the queer community. it was there that i saw a newly restored sudden fear with joan crawford and laughd with the crowd of 15700 at john waters "polyester" in smelly vision. don't get me started with the film festivals and wonders from around the world. on a personal note this is where i read michael toliver's letters

to mama for the first time. now the owners have come up with a nasty scheme to tear out the seats and make it a concert venue. terrible terrible idea. i'm joining the campaign to save the seats. hope you will too. thank you and save the seats. >> -- i read a book on the architect of the castro theater. i met my husband and many new friends at the film festival of the castro. this theater is near and dear to me personally and every san franciscan i have spoken to it about. it's important to the worldwide film community and non profits and most importantly to the

lgbtq community there. is no reason the ape can't hear the amendment today. it's important for the theater to be recognized -- the seats and the isles as character defining features. please add the second significance to include the theaters association with the lbgtq community. just like -- the theater has shown it can function as both a live event venue and a movie palace. with the auditorium seating. morrissey played to a sold out crowd last weekend. the silence film festival had huge attendance. last night i witnesses a line around the block. please don't let the special interest of a corporation and the profit margin influence you delaying this important decision any longer. it's time for the castro, for san francisco to say no to the

corporations. they're removing every last trace of the city we all know and love. thank you, very much. >> members of the commission my name is isabella miller. i'm here as a member of the committee and a program director of the berkeley film foundation. i just, i would like to you take a moment and understand and look around you, see the group of people you have before you in this room. i don't know if you are film lovers or film festival tkpw*e goers these are giants in the community of our cultural hub. they're doing their jobs by being here, protecting this artistic environment. all of hero pose this continuance. this is not just only about, this is not only about resisting change.

this is not about that. it's about causing irreparable harm to a community, a thriving community in the name of corporate interest. i encourage you strongly to deny the continuance motion and vote to include the seats in the landmark amendment. thank you. >> hello, again. i want to briefly add to my remarks from earlier today. the addition of the interior of the theater into the landmark status is a wholly separate issue from anyone managing the issue may plan to do with it. it is an important part of the landmark status. it's an important part of what goes on in theater. part of the soul of the theater. it makes the castro theater the

castro theater. please do not vote for continuance, please hear this item today. [ applause ] >> good afternoon my name is a. brown. i would like to add my voice to opposing the continuance. i have lived in san francisco since 1993 immediately introduced to the castro theater. it has did find my life then tire period. so much i would connect myself every possible way to the theater business itself by way of becoming a film maker in no small part because of the castro, also having my first film preseptd at the castro as part of the frame line festival, i think at issue here, i'm also a member of the ctc and sigh hr-pbt film festival board. i think the question here is the

issue of steward ship. a group you often think often about. the business models needed to be looked at is a for profit and a not for profit business model. the steward ship for the castro is clearly best managed in a not for profit business dynamic. i hold nothing against for profit ventures. in this case, regard to steward ship of this total treasure of the world we need to hold this issue of a non profit business. this is set up to manage very beautifully, this actual business the castro is in the business of conducting. i would like to add my voice having had a chance to consider the day to day business of the castro up to 207179 as being a losing business venture. i don't think this is true. i think ape is misrepresenting and the nasser family are

misrepresenting the business model from my side those considering closely, this can be a profitable business suited in a non profit context. as a father of three children, i have raised my children at the castro theater. my oldest child is now 27, a*elg eager to return to san francisco to one day start her family. she thinks of it as unimaginable to return to a city that wouldn't give her a chance to share with her family what she grew up know herring self at cast ro from the time she can't remember. my son also who has chosen a career in film making and acting. consider future generations and the uniqueness of this sacred temple and what they can have that we have had, these experiences in their life. thank you, very much.

>> wait a second. i lost my hearing aid. hold on. hold on. wait a minute okay. it's working. great. michael again. first of all thank you, thank you, thank you forgiving everyone full three minutes. i have loved hearing what everyone has to say. here in this room and the telephone. of course i'm against the continuance. send the continuance into the dust pan of homosexual history. it's obscene that this continuance has been requested by mandelman. i have to single out mandelman for not releasing any information on his social media or by his four staffers

explaining why he wants this continuance. but that is in keeping with silence. basically silence for mandelman about where he stands. you have heard me. he has not held a town hall meeting or listening sessions. yet i know from his calendar he is having lots of meetings behind closed doors with exec aou teufdz from another planet. speaking of another planet, where are they? greg p., are you here? they say they care. they're not here. no a executives are present. none of their four lobbiests are here. the community liaison getting $7000 a month. where are you? now, the nasser family. they own this cultural institution. they have allowed it to

deteriorate to the point that millions of dollars are needed to restore up and grade it. the nassers should be here. they and greg p. with mandelman should be holding listening sessions. they should be not only listening to us but telling us what their plans are and you know what, all of them put it in writing. it is outrageous that continue months into this traumatic experience of a taking over management we have so little in writing. i want to call upon all of the community groups from the conservancy to the cultural district to get transparent. you are also not communicating with us. the conservancy and the cultural district haven't had town hall

meetings. we need to have our own meetings to discuss what is going on. so thank you for listening to me for the last few months. again thank you for the three minutes given to everyone. thank you. [ applause ] >> hi my name is laura. i'm representing the art deco society of california and the preservation committee. first of all we have been here about the length of an average movie. would you of liked to of been standing up for all of this. happy to have seats to sit in. also i have been involved in many save the theater campaignses. the al media. the paramount, the fox theater. i can tell what you happens. those that preserve the interiors are some how able to

manage to show films and integrate other kinds of entertainment. those that don't change i remember rev owe kalbly. the fox theater we worked on for almost ten years raising money and awareness. people had fantasies what had it would be. maybe concerts and dance shows. -- these become nothing but a venue for rock concerts where people stand up and drink. all of the people i begged and pleaded with to donate money and show up for events have never really gone. they were the more senior people that were hoping that once again

their might be a live venue or a movie theater venue made out of the fox. now luckily there is the paramount theater in oakland. it wasn't such a loss to have these two venues in the same place. in san francisco we have only one legacy theater. one movie palace. one castro with all of the varied possibilities of the past go the future. i hope that you can set a parameter for negotiations to continue will not allow a continuance but make a decision now and help us out. thank you. >> hello. -- speaking again. specifically about the time skp-gt continuance. i would very much like to ask

that you consider and please don't minimize the mental health impact of a continuance at this time. because many of the communities that rely on this theater, lbtq, arts, elderly have experienced a lot of isolation. the last two years have watched important institutions fall. none with the cultural significance of the castro theater. it's the holidays. i think there ray lot of people who are deeply invested in the issue. i don't think a continuance is going to, two months will up turn any new information. i don't think two months is really going to change any of our commitment to being here and having our voices heard. i do think two months. there is a lot of wear and tear on mental health for those who care about this issue, those people most deeply impacted by

the issue. i would like to respectfully request that be heard and not be minimized. thank you. [ applause ] >> hello good afternoon. my name is amanda s. i'm a film programmer but most importantly a film lover. i oppose the continuance. i was at the castro the last week prior to the pandemic. i went there at this very scary strange and uncertain time because the castro is a space i go to feel. to feel better. to feel moved. to be in community. to deal with something bigger than myself it provides deep comfort for me and clearly our community. i and others are grieving the ways that the castro won't have the programming it use too. thank goodness the festivals

represented in this room and community are cure yateing and bringing space and bringing us together. prolonging this is the worst thing you can do for our community. these are the moments in history we will look back at, shape our city, define our community for the next hundred years. you are the committee to help us move forward with this decision. please stop the delay with a decision to save the seats so we can continue together again. thank you. [ applause ] >> hello my name is jordan -- i'm the director of operations for sf film. operations person i love rules. i want to acknowledge we have bent your rules a little too day with the general public time sharing our passion and share what we care about so much. i want to acknowledge that. thank you for letting us do

that. a longer delay in making g this decision is a longer delay for the non profits doing film programming, the film festival bringing films and events back to the theater. it pro longs our ability to plan and make decisions. we're a small staff of a lot of non profit people working for months now almost a year trying to find alternatives to the castro. there is not one there. is not an alternative to the building. it's a very very special place in san francisco. my favorite place in san francisco. the longer we delay this decision the longer we delay the ability for film festivals to know if they're coming back or not. a delay of the economy of the neighborhood. will we do programming there, are we not. i have worked very kwhroesly with another planet entertainment last year and the nassers before that i don't believe more transparency is coming from them. i don't believe a delay of two

months will result in more information. the report has been put out. the nassers have done the work reviewing the building and knowing the changes to be made. our passion won't wade. more answers are not coming. we're not going away. i want to echo what someone else said today. think this commission has the power to make the decision. we're looking to you to make the decision. another planet is looking to you to provide framework. i think it would be helpful for us to know that sooner rather than later. my hope is you have the information to make that choice today. w. will we continue to have a beautiful historic cinema in san francisco? the only one that exists. will we have a movie palace or won't we? i think it comes down to that. i think you can acknowledge.

you have the tools and decision needed to make the decision today and not have a continuance. i appreciate you. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> hello. thank you, commissioners, for your time. my name is robert burn. i'm the president of the castro theater conserve ant see. i'm here to ask two things of the committee. first, act today without further delay to approve the measure that. is to approve it with an amendment protecting the interior including the fixed orchestra seating and the sloped floor. i'm the last person in line that. gives me a certain amount of privilege. i have heard every speaker before me. i have not heard a single vote or a single voice that does not agree with those two positions. the seats are an essential

characteristic to the theater. in addition to stage and screen they're the very definition what had a space of a theatrical space is. it's a historical space irreplaceable. essential to the fabric of san francisco. to the community, the culture, arts, entertainment. as a mull sty use space it's been for decades. not just for films but exhaustive list of shows, performers, meetings, tkphaoupbt, gathers. if ever a place represented the soul of a community it's castro theater in san francisco. to convert the castro to a platform floored venue for concerts and a single promoter would be to desecrate the space. it's a crime against the arts, culture, and the people of san francisco. the castro thaet serra unique and irreplaceable.

it's been said before, many times. rip out the seats and there is no going back. it's the most important, most popular, the most culturally significant, most diverse, most financially affordable, most historic venue in our city. it would be lost forever. please vote today to protect the castro theater. entire castro theater. there is no need for delay. this theater requires and deserves protection no matter who owns it or operates it. now or in the future. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> i'm sorry, folks. i need to ask you to refrain from clapping please. we go to our remote callers. again when you hear your line is unmuted that's your ind caution to begin speaking.

>> tkpwr-garson. >> hi, yes. this is gary greggerson again. i'm a film maker. yes, i feel we, you should not continue this item there shouldn't be a continuance. i don't think, another planet doesn't deserve a continuance. it's kind of catering to them. i don't think they deserve a continuance. i'm of the mindset. they should just keep the seats and not have film programming. it's kind what had they have said already and what they're doing already.

they have showed they're not interested in film. not responsible stewards. i don't know why we should cater to them. i guess hopefully maybe, maybe things could change. they will go buy an office building somewhere and put a venue there. thank you. >> hello president and commissioners of the historic commission. my name is steven. i am the executive chair of the castro lgbtq cultural district. you commissioners know the cultural district were established to provide a conduit between the community and the city. especially regarding our cultural and historic legacies.

what, landmarks within that per view. we strongly oppose the continuance. it does not serve a purpose we can identify. we ask that you hear this item today: you have heard many comments illustrating why this is the will of the community and why this is what the community wants. as representatives of the tkphaoupbt we reached out to the nasser family when they were keeping their theater artificially closed longer than they needed to. we have reached out to another plan et to engage with them. we are heartened to hear there are conversations with the supervisors office. that is not our experience with another planetn't are tanement or the nasser family. we feel as though this should be heard today.

thank you for your time. >> hi commissioners. my name is brian springfield. i am a member of a few neighborhood organizations. i'm speaking here as a long time member of the castro neighborhood. first i have great respect for supervisor mandelman and the work he does for our district. i disagree with him on this issue of continuance. i strongly disagree that the work being done by this commission should impact conversations. please no more continuance. there is so much hate in our community already and the entire city about the plans for the

theater. you have heard from a lot of folks today. -- conduct community outreach. they have done none. i'm not aware of any plans for community outreach. the threat to the thaet serra very real. today you see ape rarely run film at the theater. they're a live music promoter. they have no commitment to film. nobody should be fooled thinking they will run film on stage. this is preposterous. the question before the commission is whether san francisco will part with this movie palace for another great

american music hall, another filmore or auditorium. the city has those spaces. they're wonderful. i am urging you please update this landmark to include the floor and rows of seating. please, no more continuance of this issue. please preserve the castro theater. it not in the best interest of the public to put this off. i don't know if it's possible to hear the item today. if not than as soon as possible, please. do it for the people. do it for the fans.

>> good afternoon, commissioners. i'm christine, director of advocacy at san francisco heritage. we are opposed to the continuance under consideration. we urge that the commissioners recommend the landmark designation amend ment to the board of supervisors without further delay. there has been a rise in public interest, screening of films in a historic venue of this type. last weekend a day of silence was posted with six shows of classic films attended by a live audience with the original seat ago rang ment intact and indeed a diminishing member of resources throughout the country. the castro is important as film

appreciations is a significant level of significance. -- proposed changes to the castro theater building and programming since the announcement earlier this year. we and our nation wide network of supporters are looking forward to the approval of the resolution of lapped marking. the interior of the castro theater at today's meeting. thank you so much for your attention to the concerns and recommendations. the castro theater is one of the city's great treasures and a future concern to all san franciscans. >> hello. i'm a native san franciscan. -- [inaudible]

i go to almost all of the film festivals. i was there saturday with a full house. almost a full house for every single screening. you realize -- has moved to the east bay. the people at the silent film festival are basically waiting, waiting, waiting to find out if they can have another film festival at the castro. i'm against a continuance. i'm more the inclusion of the seating in the landmark designation. i just wanted to say that there are people who come from all over the world to attend our film festivals at the raft row. they will not be happy with platform seating. no they don't come here for

music concerts where they can drink and bounce around. they come for classic sin ma. i strongly urge you to go against the continuance and save the castro theater in all of it's integrity including seats. thank you. >> hello my name is randall. i represent a tiny non profit organization calderon san francisco knee on. we're so happy that the knee on signs of the castro theater have been landmarks. we urge you today to save the rest of the building. the signs won't mean much without the gem of the movie theater that the castro theater that you heard from so many people, it means so much to the

city. -- we want to be sure about historic presserrization in our city. for to you vote today shows the historic condition is sure that the theater is serves with preservation. the entire theater. the seats, the stage, all of it. we appreciate the opportunity to speak. we appreciate that you will make this decision today and show how sure you are about preserving the castro theater. thank you. >> hi my name is elizabeth. i'm a long-term fan of the castro theater. -- a special place.

i support standing this designation of preserving all of the things to enable us to keep showing films there and making sure we have films and productions, all of those things. thank you. hi i'm a film maker, professor and long time -- of the castro. the point now in terms of the theater we need to quickly decide what will happen to it as various film festivals that utilize the theater are experiencing terrible hardship through covid. they had two years they couldn't exhibit. great financial hardship for

them. they risked losing their audience, permanently. people deciding not to go to the movies anymore. at this point what we need to do is encourage the festivals to continue to operate in the castro theater so they can build the audiences back up. so the festivals can perpetuate themselves. it's an important economic issue for the festivals and customers of the festivals. please i urge you not to delay the votes on the historic preservation of the interior of the castro theater. thank you so much. >> hi my name is ben. i'm a writer and resident of san francisco. living within walk you go *ling district of the castro.

it was my favorite thing about the city when i came here. it's a cultural beacon for people i know across the country and around the world. i think this is a classic case where showing the lines of "wallstreet greed" is good. the nasser family has been making good money from the film festivals operating at capacity. they can have mixed views. they don't have to tear the seats out. >> we have to have culture to sustain ourselves. we're not saying the nasser family can't make money. we need culture and tphaoupbt. people spend years of their

lives. cultural has en had notses the neighborhood and the city. it's unacceptable that they, another planet that they can just keep this process going and not have the cultural preservation. there is a reason i'm angry. i told you why. a lot of people this way. thank you. >> last call for public comment. seeing no additional requests to speak. commissioners public comment is closes and this is now before you. i take that back. we have one more caller. >> i want to thank you for allowing me to speak. the importance ever maintaining the cultural identity in this neighborhood.

we have seen it happen across the nation. we have an identity, rebranding. giving another historic landmark. they renamed negro bar to black bar. in ape they say they want people to say another planet has changed the cultural identity of the bay area. we want this neighborhood to explode. although it wasn't meant to sound this way that identifies the gentrification taking place and the loss of our culture identity. when we bring in something new you replace it. this and the next generations don't have the ability to know what the true history is. especially prevalent in the communities branded black. when you take away the cultural landmarks we don't have the

monuments to remember what has been taken from us. it's detrimental that would you not make sure this is preserves. thank you for your time. >> okay commissioners with that the mat serra now before you. >> thank you. >> members of the commission, anyone wish to make a comments? >> commissioner johns. >> thank you. well, this is the kettle of fish we have been handed here. there is, it seems to me there is, a great deal of uncertainty here. i sense that there is not only conflict with another planet and

the nassers and the supervisors. supervisor. i also sense that there is a conflict between some of the community groups that have come here today. ha there is uncertainly and distrust among those. that's the feeling that i got. now in this confusion the supervisor has requested additional time of 6707 days so that the parties can continue negotiations to try to work something out. at the bottom of this whole thing is financial

considerations. i don't know because i haven't been a part of any of them, of course. i have been through a lot of the contentious negotiations over development. one thing i have encountered many times is the fact that one party is able or willing to do. in this case i would say another planet. may very well depend upon the financial arrangements that has been made with the nassers. depending what those are, another planet may come to the table and do something that is more in keeping with what the community wants. of course we don't know. i can see the non profit

scheduling problems which are a real concern to non profits without question. i i don't think anything will be done within the next 670 day it's this is continued. i don't think there will be any events or performances or anything else booked at the theater. because i think it takes longer than, well you can't just book these events quickly. so in light of the supervisor's request and the general murkiness of the situation i'm inclined to continue this to february the 17th. i would also be inclined to let everybody know that that i don't think the commission should go beyond february the first.

everybody should be prepared to show up and make their case at that time. that is my current thinking. >> thank you. commissioner black. >> yes -- >> i'm sorry. really that's uncalderon for at this time. okay. i will ask that you members of the public respect the proceedings and keep the hissing and cheering and jarring to end that ridiculousness. >> alright. i want to follow-up on your comments. as commissioners we see circumstances like this a lot. as someone working on the staff side of the city for many years i know how antagonizing and awful this is for you to not have decisions as early as possible. i get it we have heard it. we all have. we all care about this. we all have hundreds of e-mails

we have received. mostly from people who feel the way you do. we're aware of how strongly you feel. i also want to point out the beauty of the public process. the reason we're here and take this serious is the public process, and i know the attorneys in the group will understand this afford everyone a chance to be heard. everyone. at the moment we have only heard from you. we have no information from the project proponents wrongly or rightly. we don't even know what they're proposing. we have heard from you and incidentally in the neighborhood. i live pretty close. we don't even know what is really being proposed. the second component we delaine rate on every hearing is information from staff that

discusses the context. the zoning codes that apply. what is it that we're able to do and we're not able to do legally. we don't have that either. we have none of this information in front of us. in fact it's almost ironic that because this has been shown on the agenda as a continued item there could be many people. i expect when it's set on the agenda there will be more people who want to be heard on this item. so we're not even hearing from members of the public who want to be heard who don't even know that they, they would have a chance to be heard. so it's important for us to try and do our best to uphold the integrity of the process like this and think it through from everybodies prefer spec tiff. i get it. you're really tired of project

proponents. i get that you're frustrated because you want an answer. we're not prepared to give you a sound deliberative decision. because we don't have all of the information. >> that's a cop out. total cop out. >> well -- >> it's. you know -- >> ma'am, you're out of order. >> that is exactly how it goes. [ applause ] >> well it's fair enough. for whatever, however you may feel this, i know my fellow commissioners feel the same way. we sincerely want to do the right thing. we just need the appropriate process to do that fairly. >> >> any other members of the commission that wish to make comments. just to remind the commissioners again. this agenda item is on our

agenda for the request for a continuance. it's a procedural matter. we are asked to vote to continue it or not. so if there is a motion -- >> i move we continue this until february 17th 20r7bgs 23. >> is there a second. >> second. >> we have a motion and we have a second. >> very good commissioners. if there is no further deliberation on that motion to continue item five to february 17th, 20237. commissioner black. >> yes. >> commissioner johns. >> yes. >> commissioner so. >> yes. >> commissioner n. >> yes. >> president. >> yes. >> so moved the motion passes unanimously. >> i would like toe take a little break.

>> okay. good after. welcome back to the san francisco historic preservation commission hearing for wednesday december 7th, 207272. we left off with item six. for the neighborhood tkpherbl and mixed-use zoning districts planning code amendment. >> good afternoon, tkpheugsers. i didn't expect to see here this long. probably neither did you. the ordinance before you today is rather large and complicated. it's before you because of one

specific clause affecting his tore is resources in the districts. currently resale uses and office uses are permitted in the historic building districts with condition you'll use authorization. in addition, yes. >> can i try to. >> currently retail uses are -- in the zoning districts with conditional use authorization. in addition this ordinance would permit arts facilities, private, public, school, soerbgt service, and philanthropic, and trade schools in historic buildings. the planning commission considered the entire ordinance and recommended approval with

modifications. the modifications are outlined in the case packet. however the recommended modifications didn't. i also note there was no public comment against the proposed provisions for historic resources at the planning commission. it's recommended to approve the ordinance. approval because it supports using more institutional uses in the eastern districts to help the non profit organizations thrive and serve more communities. further expand where arts can locate this. benefits surrounding communities and makes it easier to find space in a suitable and affordable. further more allowing more flexibility insuring use and preservation. that concludes my remarks. i'm happy to answer any questions you have on the conditions or d that apbs as a whole.

>> thank you, mr. star. members of the public this is your opportunity to address the commission on this item. if you're in the chamber come forward. >> if you're on-line press star three. no requests to speak. this is closed and the mat serra before you, commissioners. >> any comments from the commissioners commissioner black. >> excuse me i'm sorry this looks like it will take a fraction of the time that it deserves. it's a well thought out plan. cities are revolutionary. they need to adapt to trends and changes. the pandemic has taught us how fragile small businesses are. we need to do what we need to do to preserve them. that involves historic structures. fortunately that's all before us today as it relates to this code as you have clearly defined for

us. so, thank you. i would make a motion to act -- >> we have other members that would like to make comments. commissioner johns. >> we have other commissioners who would like to make comments. if i can ask you to hold off on that. commissioner n. >> i see that the change in youth or the authorization for other uses is compettable with the buildings. >> correct. they still require what is the -- review. >> commissioners for clarity this is one of the many preservation incentives. we have preservation zoning incentives in the code. this doesn't basically change any of that.

>> thank you. >> commissioner wright. >> i just wanted to second the comments that commissioner black made. >> i just had a comment. is this anyway to add a finding to continue to support the legacy businesses in the area or to at least call them out. we usually, i mean -- >> it's your resolution. you can add any finding you want to it. >> great i would like to ask the commission to consider that. that we at least consider supporting legacy businesses in this particular area so that if this is a chance that they are displaced from their current business they will have the ability to use a historic resource. >> that is a request to amend the motion. i accept it. >> great. thank you. >> a second. >> second. >> thank you.

>> a motion has been seconded to approve to support legacy businesses in the area on that motion. commissioner wrao*eu. >> yes. >> commissioner black. >> yes. >> commissioner johns. >> yes. >> commissioner so. >> yes. >> commissioner n. >> yes. >> president. >> yes. >> so moved motion passes unanimously six to zero. >> commissioners items 7a through c. (reading the three titles) for the properties at 324 columbus ah. 27971 washington street. and 4507 alabama street respectively. these are all legacy businesses with applications. >> good afternoon commissioners. elaine a floor planning staff.

today we have three legacy businesses. first legacy business application is for cafe greco. a 347-year-old family owned north beach cafe. the cafe was opend in 17988. in 20709 their son sasha joined them in the business. two date cafe is one of the last remaining cafe pioneers that define north beach and celebrate it's italian heritage. local patrons and tourists enjoy drinks and more. cafe greco is a culinary and community hub. the owners describe it as a second home to many people this is neighborhood. people safer the daily kwofy, talk with long time staff, some

of whom have worked their nearly 307 years. have conversation in an assortment of languages, read, and experience the warm nature of the north beach neighborhood. in addition to satisfying san francisco cravings cafe greco gives back to the community they serve. donate toth community vents, local school fund raisers and church charities. the business owners are active in the north beach chamber of commerce and north beach festival. cafe greco is committed to maintaining the features and traditions at the core of their business. including their coffee, paste tree and food offerings. classic italian settings imported from italy. welcoming and loyal staff culture. hand painted signage and menu.

old ship mast in the interior and posters and lithe owe graphs that decorate the cafe. staff supports the calve a and add a resolution to add cafe greco to the legacy. thank you. brandon gunn will present next. >> good afternoon, commissioners brandon gunn, planning staff. the second legacy bus necessary we have today is bloomers. bloomers which is operated in the bay area for over 457 years is a full service florist shop specializing in artistic arrangements, flesh flowers of exceptional quality. owned by patrick powell, bloomers first opened at 307671

sacramento street in 17977. in 179781 the shop was relocated. during the period of the store's location on presidio powell expanded the business to include ribbons and other goods related to celebrating special events. in jan 17989 bloomers relocated to it's permanent home at 27975 washington street. since it's founding bloomers has been involved in count less chairity events. the business has been involved with the san francisco city college floral program philanthropically and employing graduates. has received national and local notoriety for quality goods, service and the commitment to the surrounding community. the business exceeds

qualifications for the legacy business registry stpr staff is very supportive of this presentation this. concludes my presentation. next is alesandro. >> good afternoon, commissioners. alesandro hall department staff. the final legacy business application is developing environment. artist live/work space at 540 alabama street. -- the organization emerged when a group of artists identified a vacant warehouse and transformed it into a space to live and work. at first the founders fashioned makeshift studios with cloth barriers and tents. eventually with the support of the building's landlord they erected walls, wiring, pluming

and windows bringing the structure up to code. developing environments is distinguished by the commitment to a non hierarchical governing structure. -- supporting one anothers careers. these values are reflected in the physical lay out of the building including communal kitchen nots, bathrooms, laundry facilities, meeting rooms and shared gallery space. developing environments features 46 liveable work units housing artists. by creating a staple and affordable hub for artists in san francisco, they have empowered members to contribute to city life in numerous ways. volunteering at food banks, taught at local schools, and founded new art programs. having served the mission neighborhood and san francisco

arts community for decades developing environments is dedicated to continuing that -- including the non governmental arky structure. staff supports the application and recommends a resolution this concludes staff presentation and answers questions you may have. >> thank you. >> members of the public this is your opportunity to address the commission on either of these legacy business registry applications.

>> i am just here very briefly to say i hope you will consider our application. we on be half of the forty current artists and hundreds of arts before in the building we feel like we definitely are part of the community of san francisco bringing and keeping arts in the city which everybody knows is a very crucial thing at this time in the city's history. so we realize our building is not historic. it's one hundred years old today. this year. otherwise we hope the historic commission will approve. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> okay. seeing no other members of the public in the chambers we will go to the remote callers. when you lear the line is unmuted that's your indication to begin speaking.

>> hi commissioners thank you for allowing comment. i'm a local north beach resident for many years. i appreciate the opportunity to support the applications specifically for cafe gre co. one of the great neighborhood gathering spots. a spot to get together with family, friends and groups of people in the neighborhood to discuss local activities. the owners are mostly supportive of that particularly during the pandemic when they remained open throughout the entire two year process. i strongly support this motion and hope that will you approve it. thank you, very much.

will be down at city hall. bloomers is a institution that was founded by my husband who -- we were not present in the room. it is a pre179067 birthplace building that he has fought very

very hard to respect the history and maybe tane in a way that is don sis tent with what the city and the historic preservation commission would expect. needless to say the fact that we even survived covid was a minor miracle. grateful to say it's thriving and back up. we appreciate your consideration and hope you approve. thank you, so much. >> final last call for public tkphepbt. excuse me. >> -- principal officer.

i'm sorry i couldn't be there in person. i was exposed to covid and i'm suppose to quarantine. i will make the best of this. >> sorry sir, we're not on that item yet. when we start that item you will have to press star three again. okay. final last call. >> public comment is closed. >> commissioner johns. >> thank you. well, we have got a interesting group of businesses here that all of which appear to be quite deserving. i would like to mention the cafe. greco which i have been familiar

for a long time particularly when as a bachelor i had an apartment on telegraph hill. it was quite convenient for me to plop down and enjoy what they serve. more recently i have been a customer of bloomers. i will tell you if you want absolutely the highest quality flowers in san francisco, in my opinion, you would have bloomers on your list. i support all of them but particularly those two. bloomers, the sidewalk slightly to the east of bloomers. right at the cushman is one of the few remaining horse ties.

>> -- every time we have an application we hear about the people of our city and what is important to the community. all ofnesses really touch their constituents and neighborhoods. particularly i'm inspired by the, the environment, tron prove and the i appreciate what that represents.

we don't see a lot of applications. that many residents. then as you explain the residents are going out in the community. doing community work and really value that. i think it's expanding an exponential in a breech. i appreciate that and support all of the applications. >> thank you. commissioner black. >> thank you. i'm familiar with cafe greco and bloomers. i wasn't familiar with the artist community until now. i want to give a shout out. that's wonderful. -- sharing ideas and bills and everything else. it's wonderful.

>> thank you. commissioner so. >> i'm a neighbor of yours at the 57407 alabama. i love that neighborhood and you hit it at the spot. it's one of the very few currently living and thriving artists communities. we do art walks around there a lot with other friends in the city. i'm glad to see you coming forward today to apply. i would love to see the neighborhood continue to thrive with our local artists and being involved and woven into the fabric. can't wait to see some of the art studios open back up again to take my daughter in there. see the amazing work. i also love all of the pastries and cafe greco.

i know a friend of mine wanted to call in to make comments. i think her schedule is unavailable to do that with the current meeting timing. i love to support all of the applications to day and moving forward to become a legacy business destination. thank you to the staff for being patient and coming over here to give us a great presentation. i always love that. happy holidays. thank you. >> is there a motion from the commission. >> motion to approve. >> second. >> thank you, commissioners. nothing further a motion that has been seconded to adopt recommendations for approval. commissioner write. >> yes. >> commissioner johns. >> yes. >> commissioner black. >> yes. >> commissioner so. >> yes. >> commissioner n. >> yes. >> president. >> yes. >> six to zero. that places us

on item 8. (reading title " this is your, this is for your consideration to adopt, modify or disapprove. >> good afternoon commissioners. planning department staff. the item before you today is consideration to adopt the duboce try angle historic context statement. in the historic context framework. to start off with what is a historic context statement. according to the california office of historic preservations. these statements are to pride an

analytical framework. identifying resources explaining aspects of geography, culture that shape the physical development of a community. what important property types were associated with the developments, why they're important, and the characteristics they need to consider them as an important representation of their type and context. historic context statements like duboce try angle provide a framework for consistent and informed evaluation of a san francisco neighborhood. they're used to inform the sf survey effort and make sure they're consistent with local, state and federal standards. the statement focuses on the development history and architecture features related to the neighborhood. it creates clear review criteria through the context and removes regulatory barriers for all property owners. it is a living document.

the department may further refine this document and in corporate technical eds its as required to recognize the history and significance of the neighborhood. including as part of the sf survey or during evaluation of property for districts for potential local, state or national registration. as well as address comments from the staff or public. i want to reiterate this makes no substantial policy changes to the planning code or planning department procedures. so this statement2wxj

survey was also conducted. information gathered in the survey will be used to inform the department's on going, city wide survey and will not be

adopted as part of the statement. the historic contact statement is intended to be used to inform the sa service effort and ensure that property evaluations are consistent with federal standards. so the department conducted public out reach on october 11, 2022. the planning department received one letter from the public in support is one letter in opposition of adoption of historic statement. and statement was posted on planning site in september of 2022. a final draft will be posted on planning website pending, the department recommends that the historic commission adopt the historic contact statement because it was prepared by a qualified historian standards.

and it meets the established guidelines and standards of a national state service preservation and the city and county of san francisco. and that it may be used as a planning to evaluate significant themes, integrity and character defining features of buildings and groupings of building. this concludes my presentation, i'm available for any questions. >> thank you. i just wanted to say that christopher wanted to be here but was enable to be here due to timing. i do have a copy of his presentation, if you wanted to see it. >> thanks, we need to take public comment. >> in deed, if that concludes staff presentation, we should open up public comment. please come forward if you're calling in press star-3.

>> speaker: good afternoon, i'm david troop. for identification i'm the former president or a former president and land use committee chair and a current committee member of the neighborhood association. the contact statement that you have in front of you is culmination of an effort that started about 15 years ago during the preparation of the market activity decade, dtna historic survey work as part of that project. unfortunately the plan stopped at noey street, survey work was not completed. so over the last five years, dtna did a lot of fundraising

to raise the money to have this work done. we also secured money through the city with great thanks to supervisor rafael mandalman and continued through the covid pandemic. and finally we're here today. the work that christopher plank did is really really excellent. i think i don't know if had an opportunity to read the contact statement but it's a fascinating history of our neighborhood. we have one of the most in tact, late 19th and early 20th century in the city. and it's deserving of this recognition and whatever protection that may provide to the historic resources there.

so i really hope that you adopt the contact statement and recognize the broad support that enjoys. i should mention that the money that we raiseded, much of it, most tf was small contributions of $100 or less, and we raised nearly $20,000. so that is an example of broad example of the neighborhood. thank you for your time. >> thank you. >> i need the overhead for a minute, jonas, thanks. hi i'm dennis richards, i was past president of the tribal association for 7 years. back when i joined dtna was in 2004 and the department said

we're going to rezone you and we said we don't know what you are talking about. and they said, we had meetings with the neighborhood and here's what we came up with. here's a mark of mactavia plan. i said that was years ago, can you tell us is in it now? it was originally a very contentious process but eventually it was great because with john and emery rogers, we worked on what we considered a better plan. and if you go through the upper market you'll see what a wonderful outcome, the mark octavia had in our neighborhoods and down market street. part of the contention was, we said okay, so you're an up zone where density decontrol. you're going to be putting development pressure on these properties. where is the survey?

and the planning department said, we're not going to survey. and we're like, that does not make any sense. that's backwards, they're telling us where we want certainty they'll get a building and they have to do an hre on it and who knows it it's a crap shoot. if you can see here in the map, everything that is in yellow in 2005 was surveyed. everything in blue needed to be surveyed. and you can see half of our neighborhood needed to be surveyed. nothing had been surveyed before. so mr. troops point of view, this has been an 18-year process. here's the planning department's flier for 2008. agent moved it, the rest of the survey work, completed anymore,

the rest of the survey. survey, we had an article 10 district name california district name and we would like for you to adopt the rest of this and complete this process after 18 years. just a couple of points, one we're going to be facing up zoning and just like we had in 2004 or 5, we said development pressure is going to be put on the properties. overlap and what needs to be surveyed before they get up zoned. horse tie like we did the street lights on market street. >> thank you. >> last call for public comment.

seeing no additional comment, public comment is closed. just magnificent really. and the second comment, the refers to page 31 where mr. lee mentioned. because he used one of the very first areas. one of the things is that his, his mother was from what was then the danish west indies and she was mixed race. but a lot of her ancestors

seems to have come from africa. his father was danish, a planter and also jewish and i think that might be noted here on page 31 because for some people, these is said to be quite important. thank you. >> thank you, commissioner black. >> i just want to thank staff for what is really well researched and written report and also the both triangle association who worked for many many years on this, to provide some funding but also a lot of work. very clear commitment to the neighborhood by residents comes through. and this contact statement is well done and it is foundational to future preservation activities which

would include expanding the district. so i'm in support. >> thank you, commissioner warren? >> so i also support adoption and as a living document, i had some thoughts on how we're developing contact statements and what could come a long as we progress through these. tlts framework and basis on reviewing basis. and inl it would be used also for developing hres correct? the evaluation, is that correct? >> yes, it would be referred to when we're trying to determine historic again. >> okay, and would this, you know, i've written historic resources he value as before.

and when i've done the historical part about it, i had to gather the information and now this contact statement is here. do they also have to reverbalize all of that in the hres? >> they would have to reference the contact statement. >> is that how you remove some of the regulatory barriers? is that what you were talking about when you mentioned that? >> yes, we would have knowledge of the properties significance, we can place it with its correct framework. without doing extensive research, got it, that's helpful. >> yes. >> and then, because i was reviewing these both to statements both triangle and the northbeach contact statement, i noticed that there were differences in the way that they were outlined.

and when i've written the historic evaluations, they have defined outline to get approved and i was curious to know whether there is a outline for historic statements so that some of the information is categoried or in a manner that can be transferable. and you sometimes have to have different chapters. i'm curious if there is an outline. >> i believe the office of prehistoric preservation has an outline that we follow. >> okay, okay.

and i think that's it, thank you. i appreciate it. >> commissioner wright. >> thank you, i want too start off by thanking staff and consultants and the neighborhood. i support the adoption of this contact statement. and i also want to say that i appreciate the neighborhood's due diligence and perseverance over the many years that it's taken to get to this point. finally, i wanted to thank mr. richards comment and attention to how this is relative to the housing element. i think that, you know, it's great that people are thinking about their historic neighborhoods and historic resources and what is coming down the pike. and being proactive. >> great, thank you.

mr. sucre. >> i just want to make a comment, what is important to recognize here is the partnership that the community had especially in driving the project in working in the supervisors and working with us and it's the exact type of relationship that we like to have especially when approaching, you know, the history of your neighborhood especially. so you know, i just want to extend my thanks to this neighborhood group and i want to make sure that they appreciate the work that they've done to date. >> thank you, commissioner naugus warn. >> i just wanted to understand, sorry. i read the opposition letter has well and it mentions, particularly items of how developments could have occur whether they could i think,

there was limitations, for example there was a limitation to one story additional story. and the opposition to that was that the, you know, the owner should be able to develop the property. and of course that comes into play with looking at all the parameters and knowing that there are certain type limitations in this areas. and that's a separate document, correct? i just want to clarify for that. >> yes the historic statement will not make any changes to the code and will have any change on the planning process. >> and, there is indications in the historic contact statement that whether it was a north gate survey and both triangle, that there would be potentially guidelines and i want to make sure that what that means in terms of clarity between policy

and guidelines within the district of developing those. >> i believe there is, maybe you're referencing a recommendation for developing historic design guidelines. yeah, it's just a recommendation that the author had. it's not something that we would be taking upon ourselves. >> thank you. >> thank you, i just wanted to thank mr. plank and the staff for putting together a really well written report. i learned a lot from it and i'm so happy by reading this about redevelopment and redevelopment is a horrible thing. and it ripped through a lost communities. and i'm so glad that this community was able to learn from less ond learned to make sure they're community stayed alive. and i want to echo what mr.

sucre said about the partnership with the community. it's so wonderful and clear that it's part of this document. and we all hope that we can continue to promote that with other historic statements. thank you very much and thank you for being here to share your comments. so, i think we need a motion, right? >> yes, i move that we approve it. >> great, do we have a second. >> second. >> thank you, commissioners on that motion to adopt this historic context statement. commissioner wright? >> yes. >> commissioner black. >> yes. >> commissioner john. >> yes. >> commissioner so. >> yes. >> commissioner warren >> yes. >> commissioner mansuda. >> yes. >> the motion passions unanimous leon 6-0. and number 9, 2014.0311u, city

wide historic context statement, northbeach. >> thank you. >> good afternoon, shannon department staff. the next item before you is consideration to adopt the northbeach contact statement a sub theme of the geographic theme identified within the city wide contact statement framework. as i mentioned before, contact statements are intended to provide analytical framework for evaluating resources. they complain what as pektsz of geography and culture shaped the physical development of that community and what property types are associated with those development sxz why are important and what characteristics they need to have to be considered important representations of their type and context.

so, this historic contact statement for northbeach provides a framework. it will provide a framework for consistent and formed evaluations of san francisco northbeach neighborhood. it will be used to inform the sf survey effort and ensure that property evaluation right side consistent with local state and federal standards. the contact statement focuses on history and relate today san francisco northbeach neighborhood. it creates clear criteria and removes barriers. it's a living document, they may refine and edit this document as required and suggested by the community members. or the historic preservation commission. or as part of the city wide culture resources survey. or comment from the public resulting from the hearing this hearing.

just to reiterate this contact statement, makes no substance i have policy changes to the planning code or planning procedures. the northbeach historic contact statement was authorized by michael correspond--corebit and documents the north beach by themes. they include development faces of the neighborhood including restruction and development after 19 41. associate groups and social life commerce and industry, enter statement advise, infrastructure, parks, playgrounds and architecture. the historic provides a summary of each theme significant. its evaluation criteria and associated property types. it also cluesed evaluated framework, integrity

consideration and recommendations for future work such as designated potential historic histories and individual resources and drafting design guidelines. finally the document includes 2019 survey findings. this is information that was gathered in the 2019 survey by this, department sorry by northbeach and i just want to make sure that we know that the, development is not going to be adopting the survey findings. it be used as information for the on going city wide resources survey. the contact statement recommends combining two of the themes. the reconstruction theme into a single theme called the neighborhood development.

defined by the expansion. and the department supports this, this recommendation. staff would recommend that thorough study be completed before undertaking formal designation by the district if determined if it's defined only by the suggested development theme or if it would stand on its own rather than broken down into multiple themes. the department conducted public out reach with entrusted community organizations including tele glass of september 13, 2022. the department received 16 letters of support for the public for adoption of the statement. and posted on the planning department's website in november 2022. the final draft of the document was posted pending adoption by the prehistoric commission. the department recommends that

the historic commission adopt the historic statement as it was prepared by a qualified historian and in accordance to the act and office of historic preservation. publication, the northbeach statement california state office of preservation and san francisco and the northbeach historic statement may be used as a planning tool to evaluation signature themes, and integrity and features and groupings of buildings. this concludes my presentation, i'm available for questions. >> thank you, shannon. members of the public this is your opportunity to address the commission on this matter. you're calling in remotely, you need to press pound 3 or raise your hand via web ex. >> speaker: good afternoon, i'm

nancy i'm the current president of northeast san francisco conservancy, the sponsor of historic today. i would like to share a little bit of background. this report before you, updates and expands the earlier context statement and ak tech tour and culture survey that was complete bid anne blumfield in the 1980s. under the contract and it was paid for by a national grant. the survey results were approved by the state office and were later officially adopted by the board of supervisors in 1999. although ms. blumenfield began an update, with funding from massive heritage and as a beautiful, she passed away

unfortunately before her work was completed. these efforts were renewed five years later in 2004 by the san francisco northeast conservancy. it was formed as a 501c, and was raibl to raise funding by a lot of individuals as well as others to engage respected historian michael to research and expand on the earlier work. 18 years and many additions and revisions later, we finally, we're finally before you today for the adoption of the revised northbeach contact statement. i would like to thank mr. corebit for his amazing research along with gary gos, who contacted a lot of

information on building permits and provided original blueprints for many of the northeast buildings which we have archived. i would also like to thank historian and shane wattson for their professional contributions including surveying the architecture of the entire survey area as mentioned in 2019. thanks also goes to numerous volunteers over the years and i want to call out judith powell who has been with us and a special thanks to the many private donors, especially, i would like to mention the bland family foundation for its generous financial contributions over the years. finally, i wish to recognize the department's conservation planners that have worked with us over the years.

including i would like to mention jonathan lambers and frances mcmill en who's extensive comment sxz suggestions were incorporated into the final staff report. thanks also to the numerous organizations. >> thank you, that is your time. >> speaker: and those written in the support of the statement and thank you commissioners for your consideration today. >> thank you. >> speaker: good afternoon, i'm architecture historian, it was my privilege to contact on the northbeach contact statement with many of my esteemed especially michael corebit who we'll be hearing from shortly. obviously i support the adoption. a lot of auditory things are

said about northbeach and i want to quote one writing and historian who said, north beach is one of the greatest neighborhoods in the world. one of san francisco's crown jewels and unsurpassed make it among america's unique neighborhood, most unique neighborhoods, northbeach exemplified that great neighbors must be walkable intimate and alive. northbeach is all of those things. but most importantly, it's a place that a multiplicity of people call home as one of the densest neighborhood in the united states, nearly as tightly populated as parts of new york city. northbeach benefits from a building tradition that was established in the wake of 1906

earthquake, where squall scale residents are often located in rear yards outside of the public right away and public visibility. today as we look to additional units, to ease the affordable housing crisis, these patterns of example are abundant and found throughout northbeach. in our fragile housing department, northbeach defined by a variety of building types, many multi units, housing multi generations families, it's all documented in the contact statement. thank you for your attention. >> thank you. >> speaker: hello commissioners i'm judy irving and i'm a resident of telegraph hill. i live in an 1886 house that

was built for dock workers. i walk to work in the beautiful maybuilding on stockton. i wrote you an email about how peaceful it is to work there. i would like to think that i'm contributing to the resent history of san francisco as a producer directer of wild parrots of telegraph hill and other movies that take place locally. but i just wanted to come here and say, this is a great neighborhood. i lived here for 22 years. i moved here from noey valley and it's one of the greatest neighborhood in the world. and it does deserve this kind of recognition so i hope you adopt the statement. thank you so much. >> thank you. >> okay, last call for public comment, if you're in the chambers, please come forward.

we do have a remote caller. we'll go to, when you hear that your line has been unmuted, that is your indication to begin speaker. >> speaker: this is michael corebit i'm the principal author of the statement. i was hope to be there in person so i would not be tangled in the techology. anyway, i apologize for not being there in person. nobody tells to tell the prehistoric commission that this needs to be part of the historic san francisco. just a couple of things i want to point out about it, the real significance of northbeach, is as a neighborhood as a whole

place and that the, preservation of its qualities, it's not just significant to san francisco it's a national treasure. it's different from but comparable in significance to places like in new york, the lowering side or harlem in new orleans, the via care, old san juan in puerto rico. but in northbeach, if you're thinking about the parts of american cities, northbeach is the first that will come to mind.

a recognize terage site and they are trying to expand beyond most of what they've done, things like great pyramids, and they're expanding to in other areas and i think northbeach is a place that would absolutely qualify for this program. gary's great area of support and that really really speaks to this idea. so that as the city thinks about, it's preservation efforts in northbeach to keep in mind, that this is not just a special place in san francisco but, but nationally

and internationally. i'm here, if there are any questions that i can answer. thank you. >> speaker: good afternoon, this is tray from north beach. i'm calling to urge your support in adopting this amazing contact statement today. i have lived in northbeach for 40 years. i liveded in a one building for over 30 years which was a six-flat building in the corner store. so internally and externally, these buildings are so important in terms of preserving because the simplicity, the functionality of the inside is equally

important as the outside. again, it was my understanding from so many elders is that the reason northbeach was rebuild at the speed in which it was following the 1906 fire is because the importance of valuing merchants and workers and families and to rehouse them as rapidly as possible. this is also still true today in that many of our older italian homeowners, having inherited their buildings, still ask the first question of the potential tenant which is do you work in the neighborhood. the point being to house especially the workers here in the community because that makes a community. our corner store on lombart and stockton is also a place of continuous over 100 years.

now two different families. and they are the corner stone in not giving us birth and death announcements but also delivering then to the elders up in the hill or down the hill who can no longer make that journey and get their groceries. so again at 66% of northbeach are actually renters. it's imperative that we preserve the buildings and our history. thank you so much. >> okay, last call for public comment. again if you're in the chambers, you need to come forward if you're calling in remotely, you need to press star-3 or raise your hand via web ex. public comment is closed. this matter is now before you. >> thank you, commissioners? commissioner ray? >> yes, i just want to

acknowledge and thank the community and staff michael corebit and others for the. and you know, the neighborhood has clearly been very involved and focused on preservation and their neighborhood for a long time. they started to look at the next level i appreciate that and i want today thank everyone. i'm fully supportive of this. >> thank you, commissioner black? >> thank you. excuse me, thank you. first to staff i want to thank you for getting this to us

early. it's a very comprehensive report. i loved reading every word of it. i loved the images, so in addition to the well written text, i love the historical photos. it provides such a sense of different phases in northbeach, so i really appreciated that. this is a very fine report, the author is highly qualified, he was involved in preserve ace and activityities since 1982. there was significant neighborhood participation which is really important. northbeach is just a very special area of the city. i really look forward to future discussions, relating to the designation of individual

resources and historic district or perhaps multiple districts. and also the consideration of alterations and design guidelines which are really important tool to assist property owners where they know how to approach alterations to their buildings up front. so i'm highly in support of this very fine contact statement. >>. --thank you. commissioner jones? >> i must echo what commissioner wright and black have said, it's a wonderful job done. and the background, at least that i think most people will see as a background is nancy and work that and the chief persevered in doing for years and years.

18 years is a long time. thank you for per severing this and putting together a great area. do i hear a motion. >> i move to adopt. >> second. >> thank you, commissioners on that motion to adopt the historic statement. >> commissioner wright. >> yes. >> commissioner black. >> yes. >> commissioner so. >> yes. >> yes. >> yes. >> yes. >> that motion passes unanimously 6-0. commissioners if you will indulge me, i was remiss under commission matters to note that there are no more items on your next hearing scheduled for december 21. and if i could through the chair go back to commission matters and if, you care to,

you can cancel that hearing now. >> please. >> is there a motion to cancel your december 21 hearing. >> so moved. >> second. >> thank you commissioners on that motion to cancel your december 21 hearing. commissioner wright. >> yes. >> commissioner black. >> yes. >> commissioner jones. >> yes. >> commissioner so. >> yes. >> commissioner warren. >> yes. >> and president. >> jess. >> so moved, that motions passes 6-0 and thank you and congratulate on another wonderful year. and hopefully i'll see you before the new year, but if i don't, happy new year. >> thank you, happy holidays to you too.

[gavel] >> i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america, and to the republic, for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> vice president carter oberstone, i like to take roll. [roll call]