Around City Hall

Published: Wednesday, June 8, 2005 12:25 AM PDT
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Board considers restricting display of human remains

The commercial display of human remains would be banned in San Francisco unless the exhibitor has received written permission from the person who died or the person's next of kin under legislation introduced to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

Supervisor Fiona Ma introduced the legislation after concerns were raised about the "Universe Within" exhibit at The City's Masonic Center. The exhibit featured plasticized bodies dissected to show bone and muscle tissue. The Department of Public Health began investigating the exhibit when it appeared the bodies might be leaking. Ma also raised questions about how the bodies, which came from China, were obtained.

Neighborhoods to vote on improvement districts

Business owners in five neighborhoods will get a chance to vote on whether they want to pay higher taxes in return for such perks as sidewalk steamcleaning, extra trash removal and "ambassadors" to provide directions to tourists and security.

The Board of Supervisors signed off on a plan to put community benefit districts before property owners in parts of Noe Valley, the Castro, the Mission, the Tenderloin and Fisherman's Wharf.

School stakeholders invited to budget workshop

Facing tough financial decisions in order to close a projected $22 million deficit, San Francisco's Board of Education and Superintendent Arlene Ackerman are inviting school stakeholders to a budget workshop on Saturday, June 11 to give input on possible program and service reductions, school closures, and other cost-saving measures. The meeting will be held at Everett Middle School, 450 Church St., from 10 a.m. to noon. To request translation or child care, call (415) 241-6081

— Compiled from staff reports