Mission Mission

In case you haven’t heard about it yet, Direct Action to Stop the Cuts/Creative Housing Liberation, is so bummed that it’s hard to move into the Mission on the cheap that they went ahead and helped themselves to the vacant second floor of the 20th/Mission T-Mobile building last night and occupied it into the morning. Believe me, I can relate — the only affordable spots are rent-controlled flats with a bunch of dudes who interview you for 15 minutes then just go with the cute, broke art-school chick that walks in after you.

After displaying their stern disapproval of capitalism and demonstrating some formidable pun-making skills (“Grabbin’ Newscum”!), they were ultimately put under citizen’s arrest by the building owner around noon today… which must involve mace or nunchucks, because most people would laugh that sort of thing right off.

From SF Appeal:

11:52 AM: The protesters were placed under citizen’s arrest late this morning, according to a report from Bay City News. The owner of the building issued the citizen’s arrests, charging trespassing. Five people were arrested, San Francisco police spokesman Sgt. Troy Dangerfield said. He said the five are being taken to the police station for processing and may be cited.

[photo by Steve Rhodes]

Update: Here is the full press release from the CHL:

In a city with so much conspicuous wealth, an estimated 6,000 to 15,000 individuals sleep without a roof over their head. 23,000 or more others are on the waiting list for public housing (a list that is often closed to new applicants), while some 30,000 housing units sit empty.

Each budget season, the mayor threatens to cut funding for vital housing, health, legal, and other services that help the working poor and indigent. Without these services, many who remain housed would quickly end up on the streets – or dead.

The mayor’s vision for San Francisco? Million-dollar condos and “affordable housing” that most residents can’t afford; schools and other publicly owned buildings laid to waste; jail bunks and early graves for those who have no place to rest but the sidewalks.

On Monday July 19th, community members will respond by undertaking a collective act of homefulness. Please join us promptly at 5:30pm as the march to the occupation site is time sensitive. This is community resourcefulness in action, don’t miss it! Housing is a human right!

The Timbuk2 Dolores Chiller is $50 today only, just in case you’re into cheap stuff that is colored red white and blue.

Previously:

Cool Kids Use Cool Stuff: Dolores Chiller

Fellas, you really shouldn’t miss Indie Mart. I am in full support of any event where you can get a kick-ass bloody mary (from thee Parkside) and walk around while beautiful, fashionable ladies are obliged to introduce themselves to you and excitedly hand you their contact information on creative stationary. Plus, for the gals: Broke Ass Stuart will hook you up with as many stickers as you can stuff in your organic tote bag. Flickr’r joda36 has a great photo set of the festivities.

Looks like the next one is going to be in Alamo Square on August 21st. Table fees start at the low, low $30, so sign up early. Details here.

More photos of hott crafts after the jump.

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A couple of people were really offended and were totally about to get up and say something, but then the truffles kicked in and they sorta forgot.

(via Laughing Squid)

I never know what to do with old bicycle inner tubes. I mean, you can only be Rambo for Halloween a couple of times before it gets old. Usually they end up in a box with CD spindles, strips of fabric, and other junk that falls under the nebulous “future art project” materials collection. Somebody should remind me that I don’t actually do art projects.

So it’s a good thing Mission Bicycle Company just got these swell mini-wallets that are made from recycled tubes. Seems like a cool idea for those of you interested in lowering your rubber footprint:

This super thin wallet is perfect for a night out or a training ride when you don’t need to carry every card you own.

• Fits in your front pocket
• Pocket for folded cash
• Pocket for credit cards
• Window for your ID

What do you do with your old tubes?

potential past brings us this gem of a photo (definitely click for the large version).

Just found this great video of Ramon & Jessica and was reminded that they will be playing TONIGHT at the Red Poppy Art House on Folsom and 23rd. This is a great, intimate room to see them in.

Tuvan-throat singing bluesman Seth Augustus will also be on the bill.

Doors at 8:45pm, show at 9pm. $10-15 suggested donation.

There’s something wonderfully surreal about seeing a trapeze artist in the middle of a typical Mission backdrop.

Stephan Zielinski took this beautiful photo of High-Flyin’ Abigail at 20th and Harrison during Circus Bella‘s outdoor performance last Sunday. They have two more performances this month in Oakland. All proceeds go towards the Foot Locker on Broadway and Telegraph (no, not really):

• Friday, July 16 at 6:00PM. Studio One Art Center, Oakland
• Sunday, July 18 at 11:45AM. Dimond Park, Oakland

Check out the rest of Stephan’s shots on his web site.

For the past three Fridays from 5-9pm, Matt Cohen (SF Cart Project) has been organizing “Off The Grid” meetups in Fort Mason where all your favorite independent food trucks gather and vie for your attention with their adorable, pun-filled, flavor-enhancing names. The event also features an alcohol tent and local live music. In fact, tonight the Ferocious Few will be playing at the event, if you’re not up to anything.

Last Friday, I hopped on the 49 and checked it out. Vendor favorites like El Haurache Loco, Soul Cocina, Chairman Bao, and Kung Fu Tacos were all in attendance. It was fun, although I must say I was a bit overwhelmed with the selection. I wasn’t exactly hungry or wealthy enough to spend $7 at three different trucks to try stuff out. Still, it was nice to know that there was one place I could count on all these guys to be once a week as opposed to following 50 twitter feeds.

Matt has been pushing to hold similar events in the Haight, Civic Center, and the Mission. After last night’s Parks and Rec meeting, he got his approval. The Mission location will be Mission Playground.

No word on when the permitting process will wrap up, but after chatting with him a bit last week, Matt seems like a pretty motivated dude and I’m sure he’ll get the ball rolling right away.

(via SFWeekly, photo by Gary Soup)

Watch out Brooklyn! Valencia is The New Hip Street in the City according to NBC Bay Area!

Mention of skinny jeans? Check.

Mention of ironic sunglasses? Check.

Mention of fixies? Check.

Mention of gentrification? Check.

I’m so glad our “flannel-draped” community gets to park our bikes in front “high-end restaurants” like Spork. NBC really hit the nail on the head with this one.