Sam Spade's San Francisco

NOTICE: You have been directed to an out-dated post. For 2009 New Year's Eve events in San Francisco please follow this link to: Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year's Eve in San Francisco 2009

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The original 2008 post:

Fireworks on the Bay
Usher in 2009 with this midnight tradition. There will be a 15-minute midnight fireworks show sponsored by the City of San Francisco and launched from a barge off The Embarcadero south of the Ferry Building. (Muni will provide complimentary service from 8pm on December 31 until 6am on January 1. Read more about public transportation, parking and taxis below.) .
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Marga Gomez, Ali Mafi & Theatre Rhinoceros
One Night Only -- New Year's Eve! Shows at 7 pm and 9 pm. They’re Back! Marga Gomez (America’s Most Wanted Latina Lesbian) and Ali Mafi (World’s Greatest Queer Muslim Comic) in an all-new show. .Laugh it up as Marga and Ali roast Prop 8, Sarah Palin and other 2008 catastrophes in the funniest, spiciest, and queerest stand-up comedy event on New Year’s Eve. Click here for more information.

Japanese New Year Bell Ringing Ceremony
In this ancient tradition, temple bells are struck 108 times so that bad experiences, wrong deeds, and ill luck of the past year might be left behind. Tolling the bell welcomes the start of a joyous and prosperous fresh start. Families can take turns striking the 2,100-pound 16th-century Japanese bronze bell to literally ring in the New Year. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, 200 Larkin St. Info:

Joe Goode Performing Group
Fearlessly innovative choreographer and director Joe Goode teams up with singer/songwriter Holcombe Waller in Small Experiments in Song and Dance, a fresh, captivating evening of works that collide music and movement. The New Year's Eve show includes a post-show party with two complimentary drinks. Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th St.

Hornblower Dinner Cruise on the Bay
The hottest spot for the New Year's celebration and to view the fireworks is on a Hornblower yacht. Enjoy a four-course seated dinner, top shelf bar, including after dinner liqueurs and champagne, festive New Year's Eve party favors, and live band for dancing. Time: Wednesday 9:00pm. More info from: Hornblower.com

New Year's Eve at the Top of the Mark
The New Year's Eve Dinner and Dance Gala will feature a four-course dinner with complimentary bottle of Moet Champagne per couple and live entertainment. Time: Wednesday 6:00pm. More info from: Mark Hopkins Hotel

Poggio's New Year's Eve Dinner
Poggio celebrates the New Year with a four-course dinner with a Prosecco toast. Chef Peter McNee's all inclusive menu is a study of cucina tipica di Toscana, served traditional family-style. Time: Wednesday 7:00pm and 9:00pm. Poggio is located just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County's delightful enclave, Sausalito, where you will find a breathtaking view of San Francisco. More info from: Poggio Trattoria

SF New Year's Eve Event Listings
Here is a listing of the hot club parties in San Francisco on New Year's Eve. From sfnewyears.com

San Francisco New Year's Eve Parties
Here 's another listing of the hot club parties in San Francisco on New Year's Eve. From ClubZone

Taste SF
A comprehensive guide to all San Francisco's fine restuarents. From the San Francisco Visitors and Convention Bureau. Go to TasteSF

Foodie 411 and Marcia Gagliardi
Foodie 411, a wonderful San Francisco blog written by Marcia (rhymes with Garcia) Gagliardi, offers these News Year's Eve suggestions. Marcia Gagliardi also writes a popular weekly e-column about the San Francisco dining scene, “the tablehopper.” Subscribe for free at http://www.tablehopper.com/ and get it in your inbox every Tuesday.

Here are Marcia's suggestions for New Year's Eve 2008:

For the heavy-pockets crowd: The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton’s chef Ron Siegel has put together a seven-course tasting menu ($500 per adult, inclusive of wine pairing, tax, and gratuity). Guests will enjoy a live band and dancing until 2am. Seating times: 7pm to 9pm.

For the less-than-spectacularly loaded: Fifth Floor is hosting two different seatings, one from 5:30–6:30pm (four-course menu with wine pairings: $125, or $175 premium wine pairings, not inclusive of 20% service charge); or from 8:30pm–9:30pm, (five-courses with wine pairings: $150, or $200 premium wine pairings, not inclusive of 20% service charge).

For the Francophile on a budget: Rue Saint Jacques has a charming atmosphere, with the cable car running right by the restaurant. The New Year’s menu includes a duo of foie gras, black truffle “cappuccino,” seared scallops, venison, and a chocolate dessert. The six-course menu is $65, the wine pairing is $45.

For the gourmand: Bar Tartine is doing two prix-fixe menus, one for omnivores, and another equally decadent spread for vegetarians, each highlighting a little luxury (caviar, truffles, spiny lobster, and more…). A complimentary house-made prosecco aperitif kicks off the evening, and for diners counting down to 2009 at the table, a glass of Champagne. $80 four-course prix-fixe menu ($120 with wine pairings). Seatings from 6:30pm–10:30pm.

For the fireworks set: One Market Restaurant will feature two seatings with a special four-course menu from chef Mark Dommen. Live piano music from Billy Philadelphia, and diners for the second seating will have spectacular views of the fireworks from Pier 36, as well as a midnight toast with complimentary Iron Horse One Market Cuvée. The first seating begins at 6pm. ($85 per person), and the second seating begins at 8pm ($120 per person).

For the romantic: Baraka is hosting a 7pm seating with a three-course prix-fixe dinner for $75, and a 9:30pm seating with a three-course prix-fixe dinner with an extra amuse, a glass of Champagne, and party favors for $95. There will be an optional wine pairing for an additional $40 for either seating. Entrée selections will include slow-rendered duck breast, braised leg, turnip puree, quince, and cinnamon duck jus; or seared scallops, bacon, sunchoke puree, crispy artichoke, chervil, and roasted chicken jus.

A San Francisco favorite: Piperade is offering a four-course prix-fixe menu for $100 (excluding tax and gratuity), with seatings from 5:30pm–10:30pm. Complimentary glass of cava for all diners. Entrée choices include roasted squab with root vegetables and huckleberry sauce; fillet of beef with Gascon fries and sauce Choron; sautéed black cod with porcinis and Irouléguy reduction; or chicken “duet” coated with pistachio-dried apricots, shiitake, and sherry wine jus.

For the wine lover: Maybe you don’t want to do a sit-down dinner? The sleek and spacious Press Club will be hosting an all-inclusive New Year’s Eve extravaganza to celebrate the times. Tickets include wine, beer, food, and a Champagne toast. Tickets are $125 in advance, $150 at the door and can be purchased by calling Press Club at . Doors open at 9pm.

For the stock broker (hired or fired): Palio D’Asti is hosting a choice of New Year’s meals, whether you are on a Bear’s or Bull’s budget. For the Bears, Palio will be offering a three-course dinner including a complimentary glass of prosecco, antipasti (appetizer), primo (main pasta/risotto course), and a full dessert buffet priced at $39 per person. The Bulls can add a second main course (second/meat or seafood) for an additional $9 ($48 per person). There are four Italian-American menu options: The Sicilian Seafood Dinner, The Northern Italian Plains Dinner, The Brooklyn Menu, and The San Francisco (vegetarian) menu. And since Palio is located in the Financial District, it’s within walking distance (four blocks) to the fireworks show on the Embarcadero.

For the Dungeness and bubbles fan, and/or bargain hunter: This deal is pretty hard to beat: Scoma’s in Fisherman’s Wharf is serving a three-course meal for $35 (including local Dungeness crab), with 50% off bottles and half bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine from the wine list (limit one bottle per two entrees ordered so that everyone makes it home safely, and Dom Perignon not included). And to top it all off, there is complimentary valet parking!

Transportation and Parking: Holiday Carpool Validation Program

Free parking:1 hour free for 3 occupants.2 hours free for 4 or more occupants per vehicle.
Program is effective December 6, 2008, through February 1, 2009, for vehicles entering the participating garage between the hours of 10:00am and 6:00pm. Employees will validate qualified carpool participants. For more info go to: SFMTA

Transportation and Parking: Free Muni Rides for Everybody

Muni travel is free from 8:00 pm New Year's Eve until 6:00 am New Year's Day. Other Bay Area public transit agencies offering free or special service include:

Caltrain is operating on a weekday schedule. Additional trains have been added early New Year's Day at 1:00 a.m., 1:45 a.m. and 2:15 a.m.

BART is providing additional service; stations will remain open until approximately 4:00 a.m. New Year's Day.

AC Transit provides regular overnight service on Route 800 from selected stops on Market Street.

SamTrans provides regular overnight service on Route 397 from Transbay Terminal and from 11th & Market.

Golden Gate Transit provides a regular late night Route 70 trip after midnight.

Transportation and Parking: San Francisco Taxicab Warning and Alert!

If you plan to take a taxi, be sure you read this warning: Taxicab Crooks and Scam Cabs in San Francisco

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The California mortgage forgiveness debt relief law (Senate Bill 1055), was enacted after many taxpayers had already filed their 2007 tax return, but covers qualified debt forgiven in 2007 and 2008.

The California mortgage forgiveness debt relief law is similar to federal law, but with important differences.

The California law covers qualified debt forgiven in 2007 and 2008, and it:

- Limits the amount of qualified principal residence indebtedness to $800,000 for taxpayers who file as married/registered domestic partners (RDP) filing jointly, single, head of household, or widow/widower, and to $400,000 for taxpayers who file as married/RDP filing separately.

- Limits debt relief to $250,000 for taxpayers who file as married/RDP filing jointly, single, head of household, or widow/widower, and to $125,000 for taxpayers who file as married/RDP filing separately.

The federal law covers qualified debt forgiven from 2007 through 2012, [1] and it:

- Limits the amount of qualified principal residence indebtedness to $2 million for taxpayers who file as married filing jointly, single, head of household, or widow/widower, and to $1 million for taxpayers who file as married filing separately.

- Does not limit the debt relief amount: it only limits the indebtedness amount used to calculate the debt relief amount.

If you filed your 2007 tax return before October 2008, or you were unaware of this new law, you may have overpaid your 2007 taxes.

If you overpaid your taxes, there is a time statute of limitations [2] to request a refund from us. Generally, you can file a refund claim until the later of four years from the due date of the return or one year from the date of overpayment.

If you want to file a claim for refund in order to claim debt relief, you can file a Form 540X, Amended Individual Income Tax Return.

If the amount of debt relief for federal purposes is more than the California limit, include the amount in excess of the California limit on Schedule CA (540/540NR) line 21f, Column (C).

If the amount of debt relief for federal purposes is the same as the California limit, no adjustment is necessary on Schedule CA (540/540NR). On Form 540X, simply enter on line 2e, Column (B), the amount originally entered on Schedule CA (540/540NR) line 21f, Column (C).

For more information, go to the FTB website and .

[1] The federal law previously covered debt forgiven from 2007 through 2009. On October 3, 2008, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-343) extended the federal period through 2012.

[2] See California Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 19306, 19308, 19311, 19312, and 19313.


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An advanced draft copy of California Franchise Tax Board Form 776, "Tax Information for Same-Sex Married Couples" has been designed and is available for review. The FTB is asking Californians, particularly gay and lesbians who are legally married in the State of California to read and comment on the form.

Remember: This is a DRAFT COPY and is subject to change. If you were legally married to a same-sex partner in California your comments, suggestions and opinions are strongly encouraged by California Franchise Tax Board officials.

Click here to download the entire draft form along with draft instructions

To comment on the draft form, please send an email to:

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In a memo released today, Obama-Biden Transition Project Co-chair John D. Podesta announced that all policy documents from official meetings with outside organizations will be publicly available for review and discussion on Change.gov.

This means we're inviting the American public to take a seat at the table and engage in a dialogue about these important issues and ideas -- at the same time members of our team review these documents themselves.

Director of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs Michael Strautmanis spoke with us and gave an overview of this unique program. Watch the video below:

Co-chair Podesta's memo to the Transition staff is a bold move towards opening the doors and ensuring access to government processes. Read the full memo here.

Talking face-to-face with advocates and experts is a vital part of the Transition. But in past transitions, meetings like these took place behind closed doors and lacked the public input and transparency we're working hard to provide.

Documents from meetings with these groups are available now. Check out our new Seat at the Table feature on Change.gov, dig in to materials we've provided, and let us know what you think.

Update: On January 19th, you can be part of a movement that will stretch from coast to coast, bringing together people from all walks of life acting as one nation, with a common purpose. Help mobilize every corner of the country by organizing an event in your community. For more information on President-elect Obama's new USAService.org please read: Obama Calls for national Volunteer Sign-Up.

Beware of shoplifters, purse thieves, snatch-and-run shopping bag thefts and auto break-ins. Please read this warning from the San Francisco Police Department:

San Francisco visitors and shoppers can be pro-active in helping to ensure safety by heeding some personal safety tips:

 

• Always be alert to your surroundings.  Be wary of a stranger deliberately approaching you or following you to your car.  Have your keys in your hand as you approach your vehicle or home so there is no delay in getting inside. 
• Do not overburden yourself with packages.
• Shop with a family member or friend, especially after dark.
• Keep wallets in a hard-to-reach place.  Be wary of anyone causing a distraction in close-quartered places, such as on public transit.
• Carry only the cash and credit cards that you will need.  Keep cash separate from ID and credit cards, and do not carry your passport or social security card.
• If someone demands your purse or wallet, surrender it.  Resisting may result in bodily harm.  Immediately report anything stolen to police.
• Help avoid vehicle break-ins.  Leave nothing visible in your car, including GPS devices and other electronic devices. Remove the GPS cradle as well.  Keep packages locked in your trunk while shopping and move your vehicle to a different location each time you load packages. Try to park in a lot where there is an attendant.

 

Additional personal safety tips are available from San Francisco Safety Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), 553-1984, or www.sfsafe.org.

For more information, please contact the Public Affairs Office, 553-1651.

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In the photo: Former Senator Tom Daschle, chosen to be Secretery of Health of Human Services and the President-elect.


To participate yourself and get your message to the President-elect and his health care transition team, including former Senator Tom Daschle, who has been selected by Obama to serve as Secretery of Health and Human Services, please go to: change.gov

America Serves is starting strong and is here to stay!

"When you choose to serve -- whether it's your nation, your community or simply your neighborhood -- you are connected to that fundamental American ideal that we want life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness not just for ourselves, but for all Americans. That's why it's called the American dream." - President-elect Barack Obama.

As the new administration takes shape, Barack Obama and Joe Biden will call on Americans from every walk of life to serve. President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden will expand national service programs like AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps and will create new service organizations to meet the nation's challenges head on:
- a Health Corps to serve in the nation's clinics and hospitals
- a Clean Energy Corps to achieve the goal of energy independence
- a Veterans Corps to support the Americans who serve by standing in harm's way Obama and Biden will call on citizens of all ages to serve.

They'll set a goal that all middle school and high school students engage in 50 hours of community service a year, and develop a plan for all college students who engage in 100 hours of community service to receive a fully-refundable tax credit of $4,000 for their education. Obama and Biden will encourage retiring Americans to serve by improving programs available for individuals over age 55, while at the same time promoting youth programs such as Youth Build and Head Start.

The Obama-Biden administration's volunteer initiatives are still taking shape, but take a moment now to let us know that you're interested, and we'll keep you posted on all the latest developments.

Enter your information below to let us know you're interested in serving the nation -- and contributing your energy and efforts to confronting the problems we face together.

To sign-up for future messages follow this link to the America Serves sign-up page on President-elect Obama's official website, change.gov

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Yesterday the Internal Revenue Service announced a two-year test of two programs: the post-Appeals mediation and arbitration procedures for Offer in Compromise (OIC) and Trust Fund Recovery Penalty (TFRP).
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We've come a long way from the "ignorance and fear" that once defined the world's reaction to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, President-elect Obama says in a video message and statement released today to mark the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. But he also points out that we still have a long way to go to defeat HIV/AIDS, both here in the United States and globally.

"[I]n the end this epidemic can’t be stopped by government alone, and money alone is not the answer either," he said. "All of us must do our part."

Watch the video and read the official statement from the Obama-Biden Transition Team below.

World AIDS Day is a day of both commemoration and promise for the many millions of people around the world who are affected by HIV/AIDS. This year’s theme, Leadership, is a particular reminder to me that World AIDS Day cannot be confined to a single day of the year. For that reason, I have committed my administration to developing and implementing a comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy to reduce HIV infections, increase access to treatment and care and reduce HIV/AIDS-related health disparities.

Today, the United States faces an alarming rate of HIV/AIDS infections. Through the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, we will set a series of goals to prevent and reduce HIV/AIDS infections and improve treatment throughout the United States, particularly among communities of color which have been disproportionately affected. I will ensure that the federal government is accountable for achieving these goals.

Too many people are unaware that while HIV/AIDS is incurable, it is 100 percent preventable. And far too many people have become infected because they lack basic information about how this disease is spread. I intend to confront the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS – a stigma which is too often tied to racism, sexism and homophobia. That is what Michelle and I tried to do by taking a public HIV test in Kenya a few years ago.

We must engage in honest, open dialogue and reach out to those most at risk. My administration will educate people about HIV/AIDS, ensure people living with HIV/AIDS have access to treatment, and work with Congress to enact an extensive program of prevention, including access to comprehensive age-appropriate sex education for all school age children.

We will also keep faith with the millions of people living with HIV/AIDS around the world by continuing to support the work of the Global AIDS Fund and maintaining our strong leadership through the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief.

And after a year of important work to end HIV/AIDS, World AIDS Day 2009 will offer an opportunity for us to take measure of the progress we have made.

Finally, to all those living with HIV/AIDS in the United States and throughout the world, their families and partners and caregivers, know that I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers today and throughout the coming year.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom just brought video and YouTube to a new level with his 2008 State of the City message.