Yacht-inspired home on Bay Area’s exclusive Corinthian Island asks $16 million

Posted on April 24, 2019 by


  • f3211 920x920 Yacht inspired home on Bay Areas exclusive Corinthian Island asks $16 million

    With a multi-million dollar view and yacht-like interior, this Corinthian Island luxury abode asks $16M

    With a multi-million dollar view and yacht-like interior, this Corinthian Island luxury abode asks $16M


    Photo: Jacob Elliott

  • Yacht inspired home on Bay Areas exclusive Corinthian Island asks $16 million

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With a multi-million dollar view and yacht-like interior, this Corinthian Island luxury abode asks $16M

With a multi-million dollar view and yacht-like interior, this Corinthian Island luxury abode asks $16M



Photo: Jacob Elliott


If you’ve been on a boat in San Francisco Bay, you’ve already seen (and drooled over) the façade of 27 Bellevue Ave. on Corinthian Island, a strip of land that juts out from Tiburon into the bay.

Now, you can see inside.


The home

The facade of this home–with its unusual blue hue, wood accents, rows of windows, and private dock–distinguishes it, even here on a shore of Corinthian Island, where the Portofino-meets-San Francisco effect promises one spectacular home after another.

Glimpsed first on the FrontSteps.com, this three-bedroom, four-bathroom custom abode seems to float on the water, and inside that nautical theme continues.

Indeed, the home “was originally custom designed in 2009 for a well-known inventor and yacht racer, and then extensively remodeled in 2015 by another tech titan, also known in international yacht racing circles,” says the official listing.


ALSO: Preserved midcentury-modern home in San Rafael overlooks Mt. Tamalpais

Those seafaring details translate in woven leather floor coverings, hardwood paneled walls and ceiling treatment,  plentiful west facing windows that allow the sea almost inside the home, and gentle curves that mimic ocean waves.

Off the living room wraps a deck styled like that of an uber-luxe yacht, hugging the home and offering an unobstructed Bay view.

In the 4,205 square feet and multiple levels (all served by an elevator), there are almost too many stunning features to list, but we’ll try: a chef’s kitchen; a waterfront office, a master suite surrounded by glass, a living room, and a casual family room with wet bar.

The property

Outside the luxurious interior, exterior features on the 9,076 square foot lot are just as impressive: on the patio is outdoor bar. There’s also a swimming pool, spa, outdoor shower, and bath.

And for those who’d rather sail under the Golden Gate Bridge than sit in traffic on top of it, the dock– featuring, 12,000 lb. boat lift and an electric ramp–awaits.

The deal

In an area where the median list price is 3.89 million and $1,050 per square foot, multi-million dollar homes don’t raise too many eyebrows. But this home, at $16 million and $3,805 per square foot might.

But then you remember this is a custom basically floating on Belvedere Island with its own private dock. And then $16 million seems just about right.


See the complete listing here. 

Anna Marie Erwert writes from both the renter and new buyer perspective, having (finally) achieved both statuses. She focuses on national real estate trends, specializing in the San Francisco Bay Area and Pacific Northwest. Follow Anna on Twitter: @AnnaMarieErwert.  


Article source: https://www.sfgate.com/realestate/article/Yacht-inspired-home-floating-on-Corinthian-Island-13755239.php

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Bay Area political events: Conversation about race, impeachment town hall

Posted on April 23, 2019 by

Upcoming political events in the Bay Area:

TUESDAY

Conversation about race: Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, and Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, appear at a town hall meeting about racial issues. 6:30 p.m., Diablo Valley College cafeteria, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. More information is here.

Impeachment town hall: Tom Steyer hosts a “Need to Impeach” town hall in East Bay Rep. and Democratic presidential candidate Eric Swalwell’s district. 7 p.m., Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, 410 Vineyard Ave, Pleasanton. More information is here.

WEDNESDAY

Legal marijuana: Is legalization of recreational use of marijuana a good idea? Panelists talk about the controversies, risks, and challenges surrounding legalization. Free. Noon, online and at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., Room 2201, San Francisco. More information is here.

  • Bay Area political events: Conversation about race, impeachment town hall
  • Bay Area political events: Conversation about race, impeachment town hall

THURSDAY

Housing crisis: A discussion about the struggle to build enough affordable housing in California. Panelists include state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco; Kate Hartley of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development; Matt Schwarz of the California Housing Partnership; Ramon Kochavi of Marcus and Millichap Commercial Real Estate Investment; Chris Martin of Housing California; and Zack Olmstead of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Free. 4 p.m., online and at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., Room 2201, San Francisco. More information is here.

Animal issues: State Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, speaks about humane issues to the East Bay Animal PAC. 5:30 p.m., Temescal Works, 490 43rd St., Oakland. RSVP and more information here.

Josh Harder/TJ Cox: Newly elected Central Valley Democratic House members hold a thank-you event with Bay Area campaign volunteers. Free, RSVP required. 6 p.m., Covo, 981 Mission St., San Francisco. More information and registration here.

Gun violence prevention: A community forum with Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and members of Congregation Shomrei Torah’s Social Action Committee. Free, RSVP encouraged. 7 p.m., 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. More information is here.

Documentary shorts: A screening of five documentary shorts as part of the Appreciating Diversity film series. Screenings include two by Elizabeth Lo, “Mothers Day” and “Hotel 22,” and the Oscar-nominated “4.1 Miles.” Free. 7 p.m., 325 Highland Ave, Piedmont. More information is here.

U.S.-North Korea: Kathleen Stephens, U.S. ambassador to South Korea under former President Barack Obama, discusses U.S. policy toward North Korea. Free. 6 p.m., Room 121, J. Paul Leonard Library, San Francisco State University, 1630 Holloway Ave. at 19th Avenue. More information is here.

Max Blumenthal: Journalist and author of “The Management of Savagery” analyzes how extremist forces that threaten peace across the globe are the end products of U.S. inevitable imperial designs. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. More information is here.

Tom Steyer: Student-led conversation with NextGen American founder on activism, money in politics, and bridging the political divide. Free. 7:30 p.m., Cemex Auditorium, Stanford University. More information is here.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY

Right-wing studies: UC Berkeley’s Center for Right-Wing Studies holds a three-day conference hosting scholars whose work deals with the right as a social, political andintellectual phenomenon from the 19th century to the present day. $25, $20 for students. Full agenda and more information are here.

FRIDAY

John Hickenlooper: Democratic presidential candidate and former Colorado governor speaks at the Commonwealth Club. $30 for nonmembers, $15 for students. Noon, 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

SATURDAY

Conversation about race: Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, and Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, appear at a town hall meeting about racial issues. Noon, Black Repertory Group Theater, 3201 Adeline St., Berkeley. More information is here.

SUNDAY

Gun violence town hall: With Democratic Reps. Jared Huffman of San Rafael and Mike Thompson of St. Helena. 1 p.m., Dominican University of California, Angelico Hall, 50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael. More information is here.

Indivisible East Bay: All-members monthly meeting. 1 p.m., Sports Basement, 2727 Milvia St., Berkeley. More information is here.

“Seeing Through the Wall”: A screening of the documentary about a 12-day trip in 2016 by Rabbi Dov Taylor and a group of Americans through Israel and Palestine. Sponsored by Peace Action of San Mateo County. Free. 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, 300 East Santa Inez Ave., San Mateo. More information is here.

MONDAY

Neoliberal meet-up: Neoliberals gather for drinks and conversation. Free. 7 p.m., Drake’s Dealership, 2325 Broadway, Oakland. More information is here.

APRIL 30

Joyce Carol Oates: Author reads from and discusses her novel “Hazards of Time Travel” in a benefit for Revolution Books. $20-$25, $10 for students. 7 p.m., Revolution Books, 2444 Durant Ave., Berkeley. More information is here.

MAY 1

May Day rally and march: Organized by Oakland Sin Fronteras and others. 3 p.m. starting at Frank Ogawa Plaza, 14th Street and Broadway in Oakland, and ending at Lake Merritt amphitheater. More information is here.

S.F. May Day rally: A rally against racism and sexism in hiring and on the job, unsafe work sites, and abuse of at-will employees. Sponsored by the Ad Hoc Committee for May Day. 5 p.m., Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco.

May Day rally in Santa Rosa: March and rally to support workers’ and immigrants’ rights. 2:30 p.m., 777 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa. More information is here.

Brett McGurk: Former U.S. special envoy in the campaign against ISIS under President Trump and former President Barack Obama talks about his experiences and the direction of American foreign policy. $30 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

Understanding the Mueller report: Professor Hadar Aviram of UC Hastings College of the Law provides an overview and answers questions. $6. Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 2

Politico writers: Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman, senior writers for Politico and authors of “The Hill to Die On: The Battle for Congress and the Future of Trump’s America,” appear at a Commonwealth Club event. $22 nonmembers, $8 students. Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. More information is here.

MAY 3

Gender and 2020 politics: Scholars and practitioners discuss gender issues and politics approaching the 2020 election. Presented by the Jack Citrin Center for Public Opinion. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Social Science Matrix Conference Room, eighth floor of Barrows Hall, UC Berkeley. More information is here.

MAY 5

Indivisible S.F.: General meeting. 1 p.m., the Women’s Building, 3543 18th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 7

Criminal justice: Emily Bazelon, author of “Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration,” discusses the power of prosecutors. $25 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

Green New Deal: A town hall on the congressional climate-change resolution, sponsored by the Sunrise Movement. Free. 6:30 p.m., Rinconada library, 1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto. More information is here.

Israel and Jewish identity: Israeli political figure Avraham Burg discusses his new book, “In Days to Come,” a reflection on Israel’s history, Zionism and Jewish identity in the modern world. $20. 7 p.m., Osher Marin Jewish Community Center, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael. More information is here.

MAY 8

Commemorating the Nakba: Movement building for collective liberation: Indigenous, Palestinian and Black Liberation. Speakers include Red Nation co-founder Nick Estes, Black for Palestine co-founder Kristian Davis Bailey and Lara Kiswani, executive director of the Arab Resource and Organizing Center. $15-$50. 7 p.m., Berkeley City College Auditorium, 2050 Center St., Berkeley. More information is here.

MAY 11

Oakland budget: Oakland City Councilman Loren Taylor holds a meeting with District Six constituents to discuss the city’s proposed two-year budget. 10 a.m., Rainbow Recreation Center, 5800 International Blvd., Oakland. More information is here.

Secure the vote: State Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblyman David Chiu lead a campaign kickoff for AB1784, to develop a secure and transparent vote-counting system for California. 1:30 p.m., the Women’s Building, 3543 18th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

“The Arsonist”: Mai Senaar’s theatrical storytelling combines movement, visual projections, trap music and a live cello score to explore the personal implications of social and political theories surrounding justice and safety. $10, $5 for students. 2 p.m., Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., San Francisco. More information is here.

Newsom chief of staff: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff, Ann O’Leary, discusses her job and goals. $15. 7:30 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 13

Jacobin magazine editor: Bhaskar Sunkara, editor of Jacobin magazine, makes the case for radical politics in an era of extreme inequality. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. More information is here.

MAY 15

New citizen voting: Democracy Action volunteers will register new citizens to vote following swearing-in ceremonies. Two sessions, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. More information is here.

MAY 19

Israeli politics and the media: A discussion with Anat Balint, an Israeli scholar who writes about political and economic pressures brought on the Israeli media and questions of journalism ethics and freedom of the press. $15. Congregation Beth Sholom, 301 14th Ave., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 26

Green New Deal: A town hall to discuss what’s at stake in the Green New Deal. $6. 11:30 a.m., the Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax. More information is here.

MAY 29

Food system equity: A conversation about access, affordability and equity in the food system. Speakers include Danielle Nierenberg of Food Tank, Chronicle food writer Justin Phillips, Tom Philpott of Mother Jones, Leigh Gaymon-Jones of the Castanea Fellowship and Chez Panisse founder Alice Waters. $25. 7 p.m., SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco. More information is here.

JUNE 14

Lateefah Simon and Michael Tubbs: Racial justice advocate Lateefah Simon and Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs in a conversation to discuss politics, spirituality, justice and the future. $6-$12. 7 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

To list an event, email Politics Editor Trapper Byrne at tbyrne@sfchronicle.com

Article source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Bay-Area-political-events-Conversation-about-13788401.php

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Bay Area events: Impeachment, conversation about race

Posted on April 22, 2019 by

Upcoming political events in the Bay Area:

MONDAY

Impeachment petition: A protest at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco office to petition for President Trump’s impeachment. 5 p.m., 90 Seventh St., No. 2800, San Francisco. More information is here.

S.F. environment: Debbie Raphael, director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment, holds a QA. Free. 6:30 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

TUESDAY

Conversation about race: Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, and Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, appear at a town hall meeting about racial issues. 6:30 p.m., Diablo Valley College cafeteria, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. More information is here.

  • Bay Area events: Impeachment, conversation about race
  • Bay Area events: Impeachment, conversation about race

Impeachment town hall: Tom Steyer hosts a “Need to Impeach” town hall in East Bay Rep. and Democratic presidential candidate Eric Swalwell’s district. 7 p.m., Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, 410 Vineyard Ave, Pleasanton. More information is here.

WEDNESDAY

Legal marijuana: Is legalization of recreational use of marijuana a good idea? Panelists talk about the controversies, risks, and challenges surrounding legalization. Free. Noon, online and at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., Room 2201, San Francisco. More information is here.

THURSDAY

Housing crisis: A discussion about the struggle to build enough affordable housing in California. Panelists include state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco; Kate Hartley of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development; Matt Schwarz of the California Housing Partnership; Ramon Kochavi of Marcus and Millichap Commercial Real Estate Investment; Chris Martin of Housing California; and Zack Olmstead of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Free. 4 p.m., online and at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., Room 2201, San Francisco. More information is here.

Animal issues: State Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, speaks about humane issues to the East Bay Animal PAC. 5:30 p.m., Temescal Works, 490 43rd St., Oakland. RSVP and more information here.

Josh Harder/TJ Cox: Newly elected Central Valley Democratic House members hold a thank-you event with Bay Area campaign volunteers. Free, RSVP required. 6 p.m., Covo, 981 Mission St., San Francisco. More information and registration here.

Gun violence prevention: A community forum with Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and members of Congregation Shomrei Torah’s Social Action Committee. Free, RSVP encouraged. 7 p.m., 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. More information is here.

Documentary shorts: A screening of five documentary shorts as part of the Appreciating Diversity film series. Screenings include two by Elizabeth Lo, “Mothers Day” and “Hotel 22,” and the Oscar-nominated “4.1 Miles.” Free. 7 p.m., 325 Highland Ave, Piedmont. More information is here.

U.S.-North Korea: Kathleen Stephens, U.S. ambassador to South Korea under former President Barack Obama, discusses U.S. policy toward North Korea. Free. 6 p.m., Room 121, J. Paul Leonard Library, San Francisco State University, 1630 Holloway Ave. at 19th Avenue. More information is here.

Max Blumenthal: Journalist and author of “The Management of Savagery” analyzes how extremist forces that threaten peace across the globe are the end products of U.S. inevitable imperial designs. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. More information is here.

Tom Steyer: Student-led conversation with NextGen American founder on activism, money in politics, and bridging the political divide. Free. 7:30 p.m., Cemex Auditorium, Stanford University. More information is here.

THURSDAY-SATURDAY

Right-wing studies: UC Berkeley’s Center for Right-Wing Studies holds a three-day conference hosting scholars whose work deals with the right as a social, political andintellectual phenomenon from the 19th century to the present day. $25, $20 for students. Full agenda and more information are here.

FRIDAY

John Hickenlooper: Democratic presidential candidate and former Colorado governor speaks at the Commonwealth Club. $30 for nonmembers, $15 for students. Noon, 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

SATURDAY

Conversation about race: Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, and Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, appear at a town hall meeting about racial issues. Noon, Black Repertory Group Theater, 3201 Adeline St., Berkeley. More information is here.

SUNDAY

Gun violence town hall: With Democratic Reps. Jared Huffman of San Rafael and Mike Thompson of St. Helena. 1 p.m., Dominican University of California, Angelico Hall, 50 Acacia Ave., San Rafael. More information is here.

Indivisible East Bay: All-members monthly meeting. 1 p.m., Sports Basement, 2727 Milvia St., Berkeley. More information is here.

“Seeing Through the Wall”: A screening of the documentary about a 12-day trip in 2016 by Rabbi Dov Taylor and a group of Americans through Israel and Palestine. Sponsored by Peace Action of San Mateo County. Free. 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, 300 East Santa Inez Ave., San Mateo. More information is here.

APRIL 29

Neoliberal meet-up: Neoliberals gather for drinks and conversation. Free. 7 p.m., Drake’s Dealership, 2325 Broadway, Oakland. More information is here.

APRIL 30

Joyce Carol Oates: Author reads from and discusses her novel “Hazards of Time Travel” in a benefit for Revolution Books. $20-$25, $10 for students. 7 p.m., Revolution Books, 2444 Durant Ave., Berkeley. More information is here.

MAY 1

May Day rally and march: Organized by Oakland Sin Fronteras and others. 3 p.m. starting at Frank Ogawa Plaza, 14th Street and Broadway in Oakland, and ending at Lake Merritt amphitheater. More information is here.

S.F. May Day rally: A rally against racism and sexism in hiring and on the job, unsafe work sites, and abuse of at-will employees. Sponsored by the Ad Hoc Committee for May Day. 5 p.m., Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco.

May Day rally in Santa Rosa: March and rally to support workers’ and immigrants’ rights. 2:30 p.m., 777 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa. More information is here.

Brett McGurk: Former U.S. special envoy in the campaign against ISIS under President Trump and former President Barack Obama talks about his experiences and the direction of American foreign policy. $30 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

Understanding the Mueller report: Professor Hadar Aviram of UC Hastings College of the Law provides an overview and answers questions. $6. Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 2

Politico writers: Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman, senior writers for Politico and authors of “The Hill to Die On: The Battle for Congress and the Future of Trump’s America,” appear at a Commonwealth Club event. $22 nonmembers, $8 students. Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. More information is here.

MAY 3

Gender and 2020 politics: Scholars and practitioners discuss gender issues and politics approaching the 2020 election. Presented by the Jack Citrin Center for Public Opinion. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Social Science Matrix Conference Room, eighth floor of Barrows Hall, UC Berkeley. More information is here.

MAY 5

Indivisible S.F.: General meeting. 1 p.m., the Women’s Building, 3543 18th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 7

Criminal justice: Emily Bazelon, author of “Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration,” discusses the power of prosecutors. $25 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

Green New Deal: A town hall on the congressional climate-change resolution, sponsored by the Sunrise Movement. Free. 6:30 p.m., Rinconada library, 1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto. More information is here.

MAY 11

Oakland budget: Oakland City Councilman Loren Taylor holds a meeting with District Six constituents to discuss the city’s proposed two-year budget. 10 a.m., Rainbow Recreation Center, 5800 International Blvd., Oakland. More information is here.

“The Arsonist”: Mai Senaar’s theatrical storytelling combines movement, visual projections, trap music and a live cello score to explore the personal implications of social and political theories surrounding justice and safety. $10, $5 for students. 2 p.m., Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., San Francisco. More information is here.

Newsom chief of staff: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff, Ann O’Leary, discusses her job and goals. $15. 7:30 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 13

Jacobin magazine editor: Bhaskar Sunkara, editor of Jacobin magazine, makes the case for radical politics in an era of extreme inequality. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. More information is here.

MAY 15

New citizen voting: Democracy Action volunteers will register new citizens to vote following swearing-in ceremonies. Two sessions, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. More information is here.

MAY 19

Israeli politics and the media: A discussion with Anat Balint, an Israeli scholar who writes about political and economic pressures brought on the Israeli media and questions of journalism ethics and freedom of the press. $15. Congregation Beth Sholom, 301 14th Ave., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 26

Green New Deal: A town hall to discuss what’s at stake in the Green New Deal. $6. 11:30 a.m., the Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax. More information is here.

MAY 29

Food system equity: A conversation about access, affordability and equity in the food system. Speakers include Danielle Nierenberg of Food Tank, Chronicle food writer Justin Phillips, Tom Philpott of Mother Jones, Leigh Gaymon-Jones of the Castanea Fellowship and Chez Panisse founder Alice Waters. $25. 7 p.m., SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco. More information is here.

JUNE 14

Lateefah Simon and Michael Tubbs: Racial justice advocate Lateefah Simon and Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs in a conversation to discuss politics, spirituality, justice and the future. $6-$12. 7 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

To list an event, email Politics Editor Trapper Byrne at tbyrne@sfchronicle.com

Article source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Bay-Area-events-Impeachment-conversation-about-13785702.php

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SF planning body approves permits for Castro social club, real estate firm

Posted on April 22, 2019 by

A real estate firm and an LGBT social club in the Castro both secured the permits they needed from the city’s Planning Commission this week.

At its April 4 hearing, the oversight body unanimously voted to award a conditional use permit to The Agency, which was founded in Los Angeles, so it could relocate its San Francisco office into the former Volvo Centrum garage at 3512 16th Street. The large space has been empty since 2016 when the garage owner retired.

The planning commissioners also voted unanimously to allow the Academy, a social club with 300-plus members, to remain in the historic gay bar space at 2166 Market Street it has leased since 2017 and use the outdoor yard it remodeled into a patio. But the oversight panel asked planning staff to report back in six months if there were any issues from usage of the rear yard for residents of the adjacent Twin Peaks single-room-occupancy hotel.

Both businesses have gay owners and received widespread support from the Castro’s merchant and residential groups as they are seen as contributing to the revitalization of the gayborhood’s commercial corridor. As the Bay Area Reporter has noted in previous stories, upper Market Street has seen a glut of empty storefronts due to the closure of multiple restaurants, a grocery store, and other businesses while new developments have added thousands of square feet of additional retail space that has been hard to fill.

In the case of The Agency, it merged last year with the Noe Valley-based The Swann Group real estate firm owned by Rachel Swann, a lesbian who became the local managing partner of the combined company. It expects to move 75 to 100 employees now working at different sites in the city into the nearly 9,000 square foot headquarters it will build just off Market Street on 16th Street across from the Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial library branch.

“We are looking for a big space to kind of call home,” Swann told the commissioners. “We have a small kiosk in Noe Valley but don’t have enough space for everyone who works for us.”

While the 16th Street office will be closed Sundays, it will be open Mondays through Saturdays. Not only will it draw The Agency’s employees to the Castro but also the firm’s numerous clients, noted Swann.

“I know the daytime foot traffic in the Castro suffers out of all the neighborhoods in the city,” said Swann. “We are excited to revitalize that area.”

Gay planning commissioner Dennis Richards, who has business ties to Swann, recused himself from voting due to living within 500 feet of the property. Because the site is somewhat off the beaten path, the remaining commissioners voiced no objections to the real estate firm’s plans.

“I think it is a good use,” said commissioner Rich Hillis. “I wouldn’t want to see it on a main commercial corridor. But it is off the main drag; I move to approve.”

Social club agrees to sound limits
As for the Academy, gay co-owners and friends Nate Bourg and Paul Miller opened it May 31, 2017 in a space that once held a clock store, which closed in 2015. Decades ago the site was home to the notorious gay bar The Balcony.

“We feel we are offering something unique to the neighborhood,” Bourg said at the hearing.

Miller noted that if someone wants to go out and enjoy the Castro and its LGBT history, there is little to do at night outside of the gay bars and clubs. At the social club, which is open in the evening Tuesday through Saturday, members can join book clubs, hear from invited guests and nonprofit representatives, and make new friends and social connections, he pointed out.

“I am a San Francisco native and grew up coming to this area a lot,” said Miller. “I always found it challenging because if I’ve already eaten and don’t want to get a drink there are actually not that many opportunities to do something outside of your home.”

When they first opened, Bourg and Miller had planned to have more of a retail component since they were moving into a storefront. They envisioned selling the home decor items they selected to decorate the space — it feels like stepping into a well-appointed baroque living room — and leased the sidewalk fronting glass-enclosed space to two barbers.

While the barbershop component remains, the Academy no longer sells furnishings. That led to someone filing a complaint against the business last year. In addition to seeking a permit to be designated as a general entertainment use, Bourg and Miller also sought permission to use the patio space.

Due to the windows of many of the adjacent hotel’s rooms looking out onto the patio, Richards had suggested limiting use of the outdoor patio to 9 p.m. but relented at the request of the social club owners to keep it at 10 p.m. He did move to restrict the use of amplified sound out back to only a handful of days tied to gay street festivals and major holidays when the club could make use of the patio until midnight.

“They did a really good job on the space. I really absolutely support the business and the change of use,” said Richards. “We did go outside, however, and outdoor areas tend to be problematic.”

At the suggestion of fellow commissioner Kathryn Moore, Richards moved to have planning staff come back in six months to report if there were any issues for the hotel tenants with usage of the patio. The commissioners requested that the planning staff send all of the tenants a letter inquiring about the issue and informing them of how they could contact the social club directly should there be a problem.

“The activities would be quiet conversation, a place to read and work on laptops, and the occasional reception. We rent out the space to nonprofit organizations for free,” said Bourg. “We are totally fine with the limitations on amplified music.”

Memberships for the Academy begin at $99 a month, with yearly dues of $100, and provide unlimited access to the space. To learn more about the social club and how to become a member, visit its website at https://academy-sf.com/.

Article source: https://www.ebar.com/news/business/274557

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Bay Area political events: Earth Day, impeachment

Posted on April 21, 2019 by

Upcoming political events in the Bay Area:

SATURDAY

Earth Day events: The annual environmental celebration and cleanup day is marked by several events around the Bay Area. A list is here.

MONDAY

Impeachment petition: A protest at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco office to petition for President Trump’s impeachment. 5 p.m., 90 Seventh St., No. 2800, San Francisco. More information is here.

S.F. environment: Debbie Raphael, director of the San Francisco Department of the Environment, holds a QA. Free. 6:30 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

TUESDAY

  • Bay Area political events: Earth Day, impeachment
  • Bay Area political events: Earth Day, impeachment

Conversation about race: Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, and Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, appear at a town hall meeting about racial issues. 6:30 p.m., Diablo Valley College cafeteria, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill. More information is here.

Impeachment town hall: Tom Steyer hosts a “Need to Impeach” town hall in East Bay Rep. and Democratic presidential candidate Eric Swalwell’s district. 7 p.m., Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, 410 Vineyard Ave, Pleasanton. More information is here.

WEDNESDAY

Legal marijuana: Is legalization of recreational use of marijuana a good idea? Panelists talk about the controversies, risks, and challenges surrounding legalization. Free. Noon, online and at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., Room 2201, San Francisco. More information is here.

THURSDAY

Housing crisis: A discussion about the struggle to build enough affordable housing in California. Panelists include state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco; Kate Hartley of the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development; Matt Schwarz of the California Housing Partnership; Ramon Kochavi of Marcus and Millichap Commercial Real Estate Investment; Chris Martin of Housing California; and Zack Olmstead of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Free. 4 p.m., online and at Golden Gate University, 536 Mission St., Room 2201, San Francisco. More information is here.

Animal issues: State Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, speaks about humane issues to the East Bay Animal PAC. 5:30 p.m., Temescal Works, 490 43rd St., Oakland. RSVP and more information here.

Josh Harder/TJ Cox: Newly elected Central Valley Democratic House members hold a thank-you event with Bay Area campaign volunteers. Free, RSVP required. 6 p.m., Covo, 981 Mission St., San Francisco. More information and registration here.

Gun violence prevention: A community forum with Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, and members of Congregation Shomrei Torah’s Social Action Committee. Free, RSVP encouraged. 7 p.m., 2600 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. More information is here.

Documentary shorts: A screening of five documentary shorts as part of the Appreciating Diversity film series. Screenings include two by Elizabeth Lo, “Mothers Day” and “Hotel 22,” and the Oscar-nominated “4.1 Miles.” Free. 7 p.m., 325 Highland Ave, Piedmont. More information is here.

U.S.-North Korea: Kathleen Stephens, U.S. ambassador to South Korea under former President Barack Obama, discusses U.S. policy toward North Korea. Free. 6 p.m., Room 121, J. Paul Leonard Library, San Francisco State University, 1630 Holloway Ave. at 19th Avenue. More information is here.

Max Blumenthal: Journalist and author of “The Management of Savagery” analyzes how extremist forces that threaten peace across the globe are the end products of U.S. inevitable imperial designs. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. More information is here.

Tom Steyer: Student-led conversation with NextGen American founder on activism, money in politics, and bridging the political divide. Free. 7:30 p.m., Cemex Auditorium, Stanford University. More information is here.

APRIL 25-27

Right-wing studies: UC Berkeley’s Center for Right-Wing Studies holds a three-day conference hosting scholars whose work deals with the right as a social, political andintellectual phenomenon from the 19th century to the present day. $25, $20 for students. Full agenda and more information are here.

APRIL 26

John Hickenlooper: Democratic presidential candidate and former Colorado governor speaks at the Commonwealth Club. $30 for nonmembers, $15 for students. Noon, 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

APRIL 27

Conversation about race: Reps. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Concord, and Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, appear at a town hall meeting about racial issues. Noon, Black Repertory Group Theater, 3201 Adeline St., Berkeley. More information is here.

APRIL 28

Indivisible East Bay: All-members monthly meeting. 1 p.m., Sports Basement, 2727 Milvia St., Berkeley. More information is here.

“Seeing Through the Wall”: A screening of the documentary about a 12-day trip in 2016 by Rabbi Dov Taylor and a group of Americans through Israel and Palestine. Sponsored by Peace Action of San Mateo County. Free. 7 p.m., Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, 300 East Santa Inez Ave., San Mateo. More information is here.

APRIL 29

Neoliberal meet-up: Neoliberals gather for drinks and conversation. Free. 7 p.m., Drake’s Dealership, 2325 Broadway, Oakland. More information is here.

MAY 1

May Day speak-out: A rally against racism and sexism in hiring and on the job, unsafe work sites, and abuse of at-will employees. Sponsored by the Ad Hoc Committee for May Day. 5 p.m., Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco.

Brett McGurk: Former U.S. special envoy in the campaign against ISIS under President Trump and former President Barack Obama talks about his experiences and the direction of American foreign policy. $30 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 2

Politico writers: Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman, senior writers for Politico and authors of “The Hill to Die On: The Battle for Congress and the Future of Trump’s America,” appear at a Commonwealth Club event. $22 nonmembers, $8 students. Cubberley Theater, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. More information is here.

MAY 3

Gender and 2020 politics: Scholars and practitioners discuss gender issues and politics approaching the 2020 election. Presented by the Jack Citrin Center for Public Opinion. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Social Science Matrix Conference Room, eighth floor of Barrows Hall, UC Berkeley. More information is here.

MAY 5

Indivisible S.F.: General meeting. 1 p.m., the Women’s Building, 3543 18th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 7

Criminal justice: Emily Bazelon, author of “Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration,” discusses the power of prosecutors. $25 for non-Commonwealth Club members, $10 for students. 6:30 p.m., 110 Embarcadero, San Francisco. More information is here.

Green New Deal: A town hall on the congressional climate-change resolution, sponsored by the Sunrise Movement. Free. 6:30 p.m., Rinconada library, 1213 Newell Road, Palo Alto. More information is here.

MAY 11

Oakland budget: Oakland City Councilman Loren Taylor holds a meeting with District Six constituents to discuss the city’s proposed two-year budget. 10 a.m., Rainbow Recreation Center, 5800 International Blvd., Oakland. More information is here.

“The Arsonist”: Mai Senaar’s theatrical storytelling combines movement, visual projections, trap music and a live cello score to explore the personal implications of social and political theories surrounding justice and safety. $10, $5 for students. 2 p.m., Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St., San Francisco. More information is here.

Newsom chief of staff: Gov. Gavin Newsom’s chief of staff, Ann O’Leary, discusses her job and goals. $15. 7:30 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

MAY 13

Jacobin magazine editor: Bhaskar Sunkara, editor of Jacobin magazine, makes the case for radical politics in an era of extreme inequality. Benefit for KPFA-FM. $12 advance, $15 at the door. 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley. More information is here.

MAY 15

New citizen voting: Democracy Action volunteers will register new citizens to vote following swearing-in ceremonies. Two sessions, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. More information is here.

MAY 26

Green New Deal: A town hall to discuss what’s at stake in the Green New Deal. $6. 11:30 a.m., the Women’s Club, 46 Park Road, Fairfax. More information is here.

MAY 29

Food system equity: A conversation about access, affordability and equity in the food system. Speakers include Danielle Nierenberg of Food Tank, Chronicle food writer Justin Phillips, Tom Philpott of Mother Jones, Leigh Gaymon-Jones of the Castanea Fellowship and Chez Panisse founder Alice Waters. $25. 7 p.m., SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco. More information is here.

JUNE 14

Lateefah Simon and Michael Tubbs: Racial justice advocate Lateefah Simon and Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs in a conversation to discuss politics, spirituality, justice and the future. $6-$12. 7 p.m., Manny’s, 3092 16th St., San Francisco. More information is here.

To list an event, email Politics Editor Trapper Byrne at tbyrne@sfchronicle.com

Article source: https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/Bay-Area-political-events-Immigration-Earth-Day-13780591.php

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