Here’s the question:

Did this swerving cyclist just run a red light?

Look, Gentle Reader, and see that the ped’s light is green. Do you have enough information?

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The answer is no you do not.

The answer is the ped would have been 100% at fault if the cyclist had ended up colliding with her. That’s CA law.

That’s the reason why the Chris Bucchere homicide investigators aren’t dwelling on whether he ran a red light just before killing pedestrian Sutchi Hui.

Look here, you can see the green light, the yellow light, the red light, the delay between the red light and the green WALK sign, and then finally, the green WALK sign:

Hey peds, guess what – you DON”T Always Have The Right Of Way.

People who tell you that you do always have the right of way are lying to you.

(For political reasons, I suppose.)

Now, who’s going to tell the peds of San Francisco to straighten up and fly right?

Or not – you could very easily get a ticket for this kind of thing.

But if you live here a while, you’ll learn when it’s OK to do bad things. You know, like double-parking next to a church on the Lord’s Day.

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But if you’re a visitor you end up with parking tickets.

Or you end up getting shot in the head like that German tourist lady when she was near the Tenderloin.

Or you end up getting run over by a drunk driver like that German tourist guy when he was on Masonic.

It’s tough not knowing the rules and customs of insular San Francisco.

Oh well.

Via SFist comes news of a short video of a dog-coyote interaction in Golden Gate Park. (This is news to me, anyway. Thanks, Norimitsu Onishi of the New York Times.)

Here’s your problem, it’s yet another off-leash dog in Golden Gate Park:

Now, how would this affair end up getting described by a bad dog owner to, I don’t know, a simple-minded reporter the likes of CW Nevius?

Coyotes aren’t dangerous, dogs are dangerous.

“Animal Care & Control Concerned About Coyote Interactions

San Francisco – San Franciscans do not seem to be getting the message about how to coexist peacefully with local wildlife.

San Francisco Animal Care & Control has been notified about individuals who still allow their dogs illegally off -leash in active coyote areas despite education, posters, flyers, signs and barriers all warning dog owners to abide by the law and keep their dogs on-leash or, better yet, avoid the marked areas entirely. These irresponsible individuals are putting themselves, their dogs, and the coyotes and their pups at great risk (see video link below). Accordingly, after seeking expert advice and in collaboration with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, San Francisco Animal Care & Control suggested closure of locations in Golden Gate Park where coyotes appear to be anxiously protecting dens.

San Franciscans share natural places with a variety of wildlife, including coyotes. Temporary park closures are for the comfort and safety of people, pets and wildlife during breeding season. Birthing and pup rearing has the local coyotes feeling hormonally more protective which may result in more assertive behavior (as in the video). Our goals are to give coyote families temporary relief from stress (dogs) while ensuring public safety. Preventing confrontations such as this is the best policy.

San Francisco Animal Care & Control receives many inquiries about options for removing the coyotes. Relocation is illegal under CA State law. It is also inhumane. Lethal removal is ineffective and unethical since another coyote will simply take its place, often within weeks. San Francisco Animal Care & Control and coyote experts feel that the local coyotes are here to stay and their hope is that the community learns to peacefully coexist with them.

San Francisco Animal Care & Control encourages the community to be responsible pet guardians; leash dogs where required and respect temporary park closures. Wildlife in San Francisco needs a little breathing room while its young are present. Urban wildlife is part of the health of San Francisco’s parks – part of the heritage and history of our area – and coexistence is possible with a little give-and-take.Link to film of dogs harassing coyotes in San Francisco:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9vmpgzF8sU&list=UUtZ-dJ3bfs61GpS-9p9rpJQ&index=1&feature=p1cp

The Department of Animal Care & Control is a taxpayer-funded, open door animal shelter. ACC provides housing, care and medical treatment to wild, exotic and domestic stray, lost, abandoned sick, injured and/or surrendered animals. ACC aims to rehome or reunite domestic animals with their guardians and to rehabilitate and release wildlife to their native habitat. ACC responds to animal related emergencies 24/7 including animal abuse and neglect as well as matters of public safety. Animal Care & Control is located at 1200 15th St. (at Harrison.)

Deb Campbell
Volunteer / Outreach Coordinator

Animal Care & Control
1200 15th Street
San Francisco, CA. 94103

Phone:415.554.9427
Fax: 415.557.9950
E.Mail: deb.campbell@sfgov.org

www.animalshelter.sfgov.org”

Oh, it’s happening again this year. It’s the falsehood about the Hayes Street Hill being the highest point on the Bay to Breakers course.

Here’s your route profile, starting from the SoMA near the bay going all the way to the breakers of Ocean Beach. See that big incline just before mile marker three? That’s the vaunted Hayes Street Hill. (And actually, the highest part of Hayes Street on this part of the course is near Pierce, not “at Fillmore and Steiner“ and not ”between Fillmore and Sutter.”)

And actually, that part of Hayes peaks at around 260 feet, not 215:

Now, here’s your winner. It’s the 270-something foot high saddle on JFK Jr. Drive betwixt Prayer Book Cross and Stow Lake / Strawberry Hill, where ”Kennedy” is written:

Looks like somebody made a boo boo a while back and then it got repeated over and over. Oh well.

Hey B2B, why not just say that the Hayes Street Hill feels like the highest point?

And MSM, why not do your job the right way instead of just repeating what you’ve heard?

Just saying.

“Get Ready to Run on May 20, 2012

San Francisco, Calif. (January 12, 2012) – Today the Zazzle Bay to Breakers announced the opening of general registration for the 101st running of the World’s most famous footrace. Over the past century the iconic Zazzle Bay to Breakers race has evolved from a modest footrace to one of the largest and most unique running events in the world, setting records for the world’s fastest 12K, the largest footrace and other milestones. On May 20, 2012 the quintessentially San Francisco race, Zazzle Bay to Breakers, will begin its 101st journey from the San Francisco Bay to the Breakers of the Pacific Ocean.

“Last year’s centennial race was an incredible success with 55,000 registrants signing up to become part of history,” said Angela Fang, general manager of the race. “As the Race enters its second century, we are confident that this Bay Area icon will maintain its truly unique and exuberant spirit, uniting best-in-class athletes with vibrant fans, creating that electricity that can only come from a footrace in San Francisco.”

Once known as the Cross City Race, Zazzle Bay to Breakers was first held on January 1, 1912. While 186 runners kicked off the race at Embarcadero and Market streets, only 121 runners completed the race. Robert Jackson “Bobby” Vlught was the winner of the first race with a time of 44:10. Since then, Zazzle Bay to Breakers has grown to one of the largest footraces in the world with more than 50,000 participants and close to 100,000 spectators annually. Zazzle Bay to Breakers exemplifies the City’s irrepressible color and its affection for eclectic traditions.

BRING YOUR SHOES, NOT YOUR BOOZE

Last year the Zazzle Bay to Breakers celebrated its centennial with a smashingly successful race, sporting a sold out crowd and markedly more sober participants. Building on last year’s success, we will continue our zero tolerance stance on alcohol and floats.

Neighborhood associations, city officials, police, and race organizers have determined alcohol and floats create a threat to public safety. There will be multiple checkpoints on the race route to remove any floats and alcohol, so remember: Bring your shoes, not your booze. Only registered participants will be allowed on the course.

NEW CHARITY COMPONENT

The Zazzle Bay to Breakers is pleased to announce that they will be enhancing their charity program this year called Run & Give. Thanks to our community’s support of the 100th running of the Zazzle Bay to Breakers the race was a huge success. As a way to demonstrate our appreciation we are going to enhance our charity program in the 2012 race. The program allows participants to run on behalf of a charity or cause they support. The new program offers varying levels of charity partnership including Preferred Charity Partners and Official Charity Partners. This year we are thrilled to welcome back Breathe California and Daraja Academy who will both be participating as Preferred Partners. In addition we are happy to announce first time official participants Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) and CancerCare as Official Partners.

RACECOURSE HIGHLIGHTS

On Sunday, May 20, 2012, 50,000 runners will be propelled into the 101st running of Zazzle Bay to Breakers. At the finish line, back by popular demand all registered runners will receive a commemorative medal.

Along the USA Track and Field certified 12K (7.46 miles) course, Zazzle Bay to Breakers will host entertainment offering a fun and lively atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. At 7 a.m. runners will start at the base of the San Francisco Bay, and progress to the City’s famous Hayes Street Hill. Around the 2.5-mile mark runners climb an 11.15 percent grade between Fillmore and Steiner streets, bringing them to the highest point in the race, approximately 215 feet above sea level. The remainder of the course gradually flows alongside the Panhandle and through Golden Gate Park and ends at the Pacific Ocean.

Zazzle Bay to Breakers will culminate in a festival called the Final Mile celebration located just past the finish line. Many of the festivities from last year’s Footstock festival in Speedway Meadows will now be available for participants to enjoy closer to the finish line. The Final Mile will feature merchandise, product sampling and exciting festivities as a celebration of Zazzle Bay to Breakers’ second century in the Bay Area.

Sponsors of this year’s race include: Zazzle, Adidas, Volkswagen, C2O Coconut Water, Big 5, SitOnIt Seating, and the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero.

Media partners for this year’s race include: KGO 810 – The Bay Area’s News and Information Station, KSFO 560 AM and KRON 4. For more information, visit www.zazzlebaytobreakers.com

Hey retail people, your ship has come in:

“UNIQLO IS NOW HIRING SUPERVISORS for our San Francisco store! Please attend our Supervisor Open House Interviews: Wednesday, May 16th 9am – 6pm or Friday, May 18th 9am – 6pm. Location: The Westin St. Francis Hotel, 2nd Floor (335 Powell Street, San Francisco, CA)”

This gig is new, this gig is you:

https://careers-uniqlo.icims.com/jobs/1125/job

Overview:
If you welcome new challenges, have a drive for success, and embrace the responsibility of leadership—then you belong at UNIQLO!

We are seeking individuals who aspire to grow and develop into true professionals. At UNIQLO, teamwork is crucial. We encourage team members to take the initiative and actively participate in all aspects of our business. We are committed to a merit-based work environment and fairly assessing employees on ability, growth and achievement—regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local civil laws. We offer career advancement and salary increases to hardworking, committed individuals who consistently generate results. All of our employees, including newly hired part-time staff members, have the potential to take on greater responsibility and rise within our organization.

Supervisors Needed for Union Square, San Francisco Store Location!

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Store Manager, the Supervisor is the pace setter and role model for customer service in the store. Their key function is to ensure all Sales Associates in their respective department or zone exceed customer expectations. Additionally, they are responsible to help train, oversee and develop Sales Associates on store standards.

Responsibilities:
* Motivates their team to meet and exceed sales goals
* Supervises the floor to monitor breaks and ensure coverage during peak times according to Daily Work Schedules
* Ensures brand and operational standards (visual, cleanliness, cash management, inventory management, etc.) are consistently met
* Ensures their team proactively manages customer needs and exceeds expectations according to the UNIQLO service standard, the UNIQLO Fundamental Principles and the 6 Standard Phrases
* Trains and develops their team on fitting room & cash wrap standards and assists when needed in those zones
* Manages inventory by ensuring all merchandise is represented and replenished on the floor in full size runs
* Assists management to identify issues in the store
* Trains their team on product and brand knowledge and ensures product knowledge is conveyed to customers
* Follows all company policy and procedures & notifies management of any infractions
* Assists with special projects as assigned by management

Qualifications:
* High School Diploma or GED

* Ability to train and develop a team with strong communication skills
* Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts and percentages
* Ability to work a flexible schedule that meets the business needs, including evenings and weekends

It would look a little something like this:

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That’s right, it says “CLASSWAR.”

Or, in other words, “I went, I went, I went to art school.”

Quick Draw McGraw, I went to art school
With the art fools, with the smart fools
With the sophomores, with the freshmen
I fuck with textbooks, I fuck with text, man

I went to art college, I got the art knowledge
I got the smart knowledge, I drink the Smart Water
I drink the Vitamin Water, I drink seltzer water
I drink regular water (I like regular water)

See?

Ah yes, the intersection of Geary and Mason, where unsuspecting tourists occasionally get shot and killed:

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Photo taken from, you guessed it, City Hall, the Highest Classical dome in the Western Hemisphere, I’m srlsy.

This B & G couple had just walked across the street away from the aforementioned City Hall:

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But I’m sure it all worked out.

Congratulations!

Our San Francisco Ballet is on the road after just completing its 79th season.

This week it’s San Francisco>London>Moscow>Yekaterinburg.

Here’s the view from a baggage carousel deep inside Russia, from Maria Kochetkova:

Indeed, these are pretty high for the airport.

Here’s your ballet update for May 2012:

“The 80th Season

A world of dance awaits you as part of San Francisco Ballet’s 80th Season. The 2013 Season includes world premieres by Yuri Possokhov, Wayne McGregor, and Alexei Ratmansky; Onegin— back by popular demand! Hamburg Ballet performing John Neumeier’s epic dance-theatre work, Nijinsky; the return of audience favorites by Robbins, Wheeldon, and Balanchine; and the U.S. premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella, a production you don’t want to miss!

View the 2013 Season Overview

Subscribers, renew now to reserve your seats, or call415.865.2000, Mon through Fri, 10am to 4pm.

If you’d like to join the SF Ballet family as a subscriber, call 415.865.2000, Mon through Fri, 10am to 4pm, and you’ll have access to the best seats in the house when seating begins in July.”

SF Ballet School Student Showcase
May 30 – June 1 

Each year, the SF Ballet School Student Showcase gives Bay Area audiences the rare opportunity to experience the extraordinary talents of the next generation of world-class dancers, many of whom will go on to perform with SF Ballet and other companies around the world. The performance highlights not only the breadth and depth of the School’s students — ranging from youngsters to SFBallet’s pre-professional Trainees — but also the outstanding caliber of its world renowned faculty. The performances are held in the intimate Novellus Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Watch highlights of the 2011 SF Ballet Student Showcase

Purchase tickets to Student Showcase

SF Ballet School 2012 Student Showcase Dinner and Performance Thu, May 31

Performance: 6pm, Novellus Theater at YBCA

Reception: 7:30pm, The St. Regis Hotel

Dinner: 8:30pm, The St. Regis Hotel

Hosted by the San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary, the Student Showcase Dinner celebrates the SF BalletSchool. The event raises funds to support the scholarship and financial aid programs of the School, one of the leading ballet schools in the world. The evening features the Student Showcase performance in the Novellus Theater at YBCA, followed by a reception and seated dinner across the street at The St. Regis Hotel.

Information and tickets for Student Showcase Dinner and Performance

“Get in Front” Benefit Performance June 6 featuring SFBallet Dancers

The “Get in Front” Performance is the first-ever event of its kind, featuring performers from 11 of the Bay Area’s most respected dance companies. The creative team behind this event are SF BalletSoloists Garen Scribner and James Sofranko. They have partnered with the Cancer Prevention Institute of California to “Get In Front” of cancer with this one-night-only benefit. Enjoy performances by Yuan Yuan Tan, Maria Kochetkova, Sarah Van Patten, Frances Chung, Pierre-Francois Vilanoba, Joan Boada, and others in the intimate Herbst Theater.

Performance tickets start at $35. The After Party and Silent Auction, to be held upstairs in the Herbst Green Room, are included in tickets priced at $125 or higher. Buy tickets online  or call 415-392-4400.

Watch a “Get in Front” video featuring Garen Scribner and James Sofranko

Artist Spotlight: Vito Mazzeo

This month’s artist spotlight video features Principal Dancer Vito Mazzeo. Enjoy exclusive performance footage, and learn more about Vito’s life growing up in Italy, his training and career, and how he came to become a member of SF Ballet.

Watch Vito Mazzeo’s Artist Spotlight video.

‘Cause that will save you time when you finally make it to the office.

See?

Cold busted:

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