Hi all, In 2004, and 2006 we passed strong protections that allow San Francisco residents and small local businesses to say 'NO' to chain stores when they don't want them in their neighborhoods. But recently the Planning Commission ignored the pleas of such residents and small businesses (many of them locally owned coffee shops), and outrageously approved the construction of a Starbucks in the neighborhood near 4th Ave. and Geary Blvd. San Francisco residents and small business owners are mobilizing in opposition to this new Starbucks, which is unwanted, will ruin the neighborhood's character, and will harm those local businesses. Take action today to support residents' efforts to preserve neighborhood character and protect local cafes! (See *Email Action *below.) This Tuesday, September 11, at 4:30 p.m. in San Francisco City Hall (Rm 250), the Board of Supervisors will decide whether or not to allow the Starbucks to be built. Let the Supervisors know that you are opposed to the corporatization of San Francisco's local retail neighborhoods by sending an email opposing the Starbucks. * Email Action: Copy the sample letter below, then add a few words of your own with your name and address, and email the message to the Board of Supervisors today at:* board.of.supervisors@sfgov.org SAMPLE LETTER Dear Supervisor, Please help stop the corporatization of San Francisco by rejecting the Starbucks project at 4th Ave. and Geary Blvd. Far too many residents of that neighborhood are opposed, and would be harmed by a new chain store in their area. Thank You, [your name and address here] END OF SAMPLE LETTER For more information see the e-action organization Local Impact's info page at http://www.local-impact.org/learn53.html -- "I am not a liberator. Liberators do not exist. The people liberate themselves." – Che Guevara