RDNC honored as nonprofit of the year

Assemblyman Phil Ting has named the Richmond District Neighborhood Center (RDNC) as the 19th Assembly District’s “nonprofit of the year.”

 Assemblyman Phil Ting (left)
presents a certificate of appreciation
to RDNC’s Executive
Director Michelle Cusano. Courtesy photo.

The center is located at 741 30th Ave., on the site formerly occupied by the Lucinda Weeks School. The RDNC offers academic support for students, after-school programs, summer camps and recreational activities. The facility also hosts wellness classes neighborhood festivals and food distribution services for families.

More than 3,000 local residents use the center’s programs weekly.

“We are so honored to accept this award. It is the heart and hard work of this organization’s staff, volunteers and supporters that truly allow us to make an impact in our community. We are among some incredibly inspirational nonprofits in District 19, so this award means so much to us,” said Michelle Cusano, executive director of the RDNC.

Several other nonprofits, including the Community Music Center, are located at the RDNC site.

Assemblymembers brought their honorees to the State Capitol in Sacramento recently for a celebration brunch and photo opportunities on the Assembly floor. In attendance for RDNC were Chris Tsukida, Sarah Huck, Michelle Cusano and Mike Riordan.

“This community center has touched so many lives through its classes, services and activities. Their lasting impact should be recognized,” Ting said.

Sand removal at Ocean Beach begins

The SF Department of Public Works began its annual sand maintenance activities along the Great Highway, adjacent to Ocean Beach, on June 20. Crews are redistributing approximately 8,000 cubic yards of sand during a two-week window, moving it from the side of the roadway toward the ocean. The aim is to reduce the likelihood of sand buildup on the Great Highway during windy weather.

The work will require the periodic closure of the southbound lanes of the Great Highway.

In addition to the removal of sand at the seawall between Noriega and Santiago streets, the project will address the sand accumulation at the intersection of Judah and Noriega streets.

Public Works has a small window to perform the annual work; it must be timed to make sure crews do not disturb the Western Snowy Plover, a small shorebird that is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. The plovers can be found at Ocean Beach about 10 months out of the year, but take off in the spring or early summer to nest in other coastal areas and inland salt flats. Monitors with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and Golden Gate Audubon Society have confirmed that the plovers have left Ocean Beach and that it is safe to begin relocating the sand.

Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction, Inc. has been hired to perform the work.

Flower Piano returns to the SF Botanical Garden

 The 12-day, outdoor musical extravaganza known as Flower Piano will be held at the SF Botanical Garden in July. Now in its fourth year, Flower Piano will transform the SF Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park into an outdoor concert hall, and the public is invited to play and listen.

From July 5 – 16, every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., visitors will find 12 pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within the Garden’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from “chopsticks” to Tchaikovsky.

On weekend days, professional pianists and a host of other musicians will perform throughout the Garden as well, and the public is welcome to pack a picnic and enjoy the shows.

Back this year as well is NightGarden Piano, a special evening event on July 12, 13 and 14, from 8-11:30 p.m. According to the garden, “beautifully lit pathways guide visitors to pianos aglow with performances by Sunset Piano all-stars and open pianos to play.” Food and drink will be available for purchase. Tickets are $45-55 each for NightGarden Piano. All proceeds help to fund the Flower Piano program.

For more information and a full schedule of events, go to the website at http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/flowerpiano.

Doelger documentary to screen in July

The public is invited to join producer and director Robert Keil for a free screening of his documentary film, “Little Boxes: The Legacy of Henry Doelger.”

The screening will be held at the Merced Branch Library, 155 Winston Dr., on Wednesday, July 11, from 7-8 p.m. For more information, call (415) 355-2825.