This is an excerpt of the September newsletter from the offices of Supervisor Carmen Chu. In this issue: the re-opening of the West Sunset Playground and the Ortega Branch of the Public Library; National Night Out; Costume Drive; Susan G. Komen Walk; Sunset Community Festival

I am excited to announce that Saturday, September 10th at 11:00am marks the grand re-opening of West Sunset Playground and Ortega Branch Library. As a major community hub for Sunset District residents, West Sunset has served generations of families, and we invite you to participate in the celebration!

West Sunset Playground

Located next to A.P. Giannini Middle School and the Ortega Branch Library, West Sunset Playground is one of the most heavily used playgrounds on the west side of the city. Our office began working with community members in 2007 to have the outdated playground rebuilt.

Built in 1978, the playground saw its share of improvements that needed to be made and the aging structures were no longer serving the children in a safe way. The new playground will have an increased play area, and will also be updated to comply with Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

The design of the playground also takes into consideration public safety issues, and the new playground will be more visible from Ortega Street. The playground’s surrounding courtyard area will also feature more seating areas for to accommodate family activities. In addition to the playground, the courtyard leading to Ortega Branch Library is also undergoing a renovation to address safety issues from the uneven pavement.

This rebuild project was the result of a huge collaborative effort between community members, including the Friends of West Sunset Playground (FOWSP), and the city’s Recreation & Park and Public Works Departments. A group of parents who frequented West Sunset Playground with their children formed the FOWSP in an effort to get the playground rebuilt. They worked for years to fundraise, organize playground clean-up events, and generate community awareness about the rebuild and maintenance of the playground. I would like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy days to ensure that many more generations of families can continue to enjoy West Sunset Playground.

If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved with FOWSP, visit:
http://fowsp.org/ or email: info@fowsp.org.

Ortega Branch Library

The new Ortega Branch Library was designed and managed by the Department of Public Works with input from the community beginning in 2003 after voters passed a bond measure in November 2000 to upgrade San Francisco’s branch library system. The new and expanded library, going from 5,000 square feet to 9,000 square feet, will be seismically safe, closer to Ortega Street for added visibility and safety of patrons, will have approximately 40 percent more seats, more than 20 public computers including laptops for lending at the library, designated teen and kids spaces, and an expanded library collection space.

Through the public input process, neighbors expressed interest in a program room open to community members, and the new Ortega Branch includes a new program room that can be used by the community even after library hours. The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library has been working in partnership with neighborhood residents and communities to raise funds, awareness and support for the Ortega Branch Library improvements.

For more information on how to support the Ortega Library Campaign, please contact Mary Abler at at (415) 626-7512 x107 or mary.abler@friendssfpl.org.

Coupled with a newly renovated courtyard and rebuilt West Sunset Playground, West Sunset will soon be ready to welcome back the community. I hope you will join us in this neighborhood celebration on Saturday, September 10th from 11:00am – 12:00pm.

Sunset Celebrates National Night Out

The Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center hosted our district’s National Night Out, a nationwide event that aims to cut down on crime, build a sense of community and create positive relationships between police departments and local residents. There was free barbeque, fun and games, and performances from many of our talented Sunset District kids.

Supervisor Chu’s 4th Annual Costume Drive is Coming

Halloween is just around the corner, and our office is gearing up for the 4th Annual Halloween Costume Drive for Kids. Every kid loves dressing up for Halloween, but during these difficult economic times not every family can afford buying a new costume. You can help by donating gently used costumes, masks and props.

Drop off locations include the Taraval Police Station, Firehouse # 18 and the new Ortega Branch Library. You can begin dropping off costumes at these locations beginning mid-September. Costumes will be distributed to kids in need in time for school Halloween parades and trickor- treating. Thanks to the generosity of the community, last year we were able to distribute over 200 costumes!

Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure

The annual Susan G. Komen 3-Day For the Cure will pass through the Sunset District on September 9th. Participants in this event walk 60 miles over the course of three days, and each has raised $2,300 or more to fight breast cancer. The proceeds from this annual event fund innovative global breast cancer research and local community programs supporting education, screening and treatment. More than 2000 walkers will be along the Great Highway, Friday, September 9th, from 8:00am – 12:30pm, so if you are in the neighborhood, make a point to stop and offer your cheers and support.

17th Annual Sunset Community Festival: September 24

The ever popular Sunset Community Festival is back for the 17th year with a change of location. Due to the scheduled renovations at Sunset Recreation Center, home of the festival for the last 16 years, this year the Festival will be relocating to the newly redesigned and remodeled West Sunset Playground and Plaza — right next door to the new Ortega Branch Library – 39th Ave and Ortega. The Sunset Community Festival is engages members of the community every step of the way—sponsoring, planning, production, entertaining, and volunteering. And there is still time to participate. To find out how you can join in the fun, email sunsetfestival@sbcglobal.net or call 415-731-3322 and leave your name and number.

Click here to read the full newsletter.