10/16: Writer Stephen Elliot! Mayor Agnos remembers Loma Prieta!

October 16, 2009
Tonight's show: 6-8 pm

PODCAST NOW AVAILABLE. LISTEN HERE.


FIRST HOUR: We're thrilled to be joined by San Francisco writer Stephen Elliot whose latest book, The Adderall Diaries, has earned lavish praise. Fellow writer, Jerry Stahl says it may well be the, "memoir of an entire generation." Vanity Fair says, "Elliot may be writing under the influence, but it's the influence of genius."

But we don't just love Stephen for his brilliant stories, he also cares deeply about the same San Francisco as we do, and he's lent his time and exceptional talents (and convinced friends of his such as Amy Tan and Dave Eggers to do the same) to support such just causes as the Gonzalez for Mayor campaign, the defeat of last year's evil Prop 98 which would have abolished rent control, and keeping that damn American Apparel store out of the Mark Sanchez campaign headquarters.

SECOND HOUR: All-Star Earthquake extravaganza - Featuring interviews with former Mayor Art Agnos and other SF politicos. Dance Mission Founder Krissy Keefer joins us in the studio.

We've pre-recorded an in-depth interview with Mayor Agnos covering the drama of 10/17/89, the immediate aftermath, and the political ramifications--including the fight to tear down the Embarcadero Freeway and how the earthquake affected the most vulnerable San Franciscans. 1000 low-income housing units were lost in the earthquake, and Mayor Agnos showed some serious compassion and cojones by allowing the displaced to camp out in Civic Center until replacement housing was available.

We'll also hear the earthquake stories from various members of the League of Pissed Off Voters and Pirate Cat Radio DJs.

10/9: Melissa Griffin's election preview, kiss Ammiano's gay ass, Obama man of peace?

- Examiner columnist Melissa Griffin will talk about the November ballot, particularly Props A and B, and whatever else is on her mind.
- Kiss Ammiano's Gay Ass: The Governor stopped by the SF Democratic Party's party and our man Tom told him what's what.
- Obama, man of peace?: We'll talk about the President winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Is it a sign of his transformative effect on the world, a preemptive peace attack by the Nobel committee, or did Norway just figure this was the best way to get a visit from the Prez?

And tune in next week for a special show:
- 1st hour: SF writer and activist Stephen Elliott will talk about his new memoir, The Adderall Diaries, which is blowing up the literary world. We'll also talk about his local political work, including the Progressive Reading Series, fighting the proposed American Apparel, and more.
- 2nd hour: 20th anniversary of the '89 earthquake with Mayor Art Agnos - The man who was Mayor will tell us about what went down and the aftermath that lead to the fall of the Embarcadero and Central freeways. (NOTE: The interview with Mayor Agnos will be pre-recorded at Pirate Cat Radio on Saturday October 10th at 12 p.m.)
We're also hunting up other perspectives on the earthquake, including Alex Clemens, a fresh-faced legislative aide at the time.
PARTICIPATE IN THE SHOW: If you were around for the 1989 earthquake and want to share your story, email us at theleaguesf@gmail.com.

10/2: Peak Oil, Alemany Farm, voter guide report, more!

1ST HOUR: Peak Oil Task Force and Alemany Farm - We'll be joined by Jason Mark, farmer/writer/activist and member of the San Francisco Peak Oil Preparedness Task Force. We'll discuss the recent report issued by the task force and what's happening at Alemany Farm where he is the co-manager and where their mission is to "boost food security in low-income communities, provide environmental education to children and adults, and grow green jobs." Jason is also editor of the Earth Island Journal and was recently featured as one of Mother Nature Network's 40 Farmers Under 40.

2ND HOUR: November 2009 Endorsements: Who puts out the best voter guide in San Francisco election after election? The League. That's who. And though the ever-trusty guide has not yet gone to print, the official endorsements (or lack of endorsements) are in, and you may well be surprised by some of the final decisions. So get the full report and the full explanations tonight so you know how to vote this November! League member and School Board VP, Jane Kim will join us.

9/25: Pride at Work, Newson lies to SEIU, & Political Comedy

1ST HOUR: Pride at Work - Labor activists Robert Haaland and Sofia Lee will tell us what Pride at Work has been up to, about the Mayor's broken promises to city workers / SEIU members, and about their recent trip to the U.S.- Mexico border where they volunteered with the No More Deaths Camp.

2ND HOUR: - California Nurses Association organizer and "brainy, liberal, Jewish" stand up comedian Nato Green will join us to talk about Sutter Hospital closures in poor communities, all kinds of politics, his upcoming gigs at the Punchline, and lots more.

9/11: Jennifer Jajeh hearts Hamas, post-apocalyptic zines, and more

1ST HOUR: SF Actor/Writer Jennifer Jajeh - Jennifer will tell us all about her solo tragicomic play with the provocative title, "I Heart Hamas and Other Things I'm Afraid To Tell You" about her experiences growing up Palestian-American and her time living in occupied Ramallah during the second Intifada. The show opens next Thursday and runs through Oct. 24th. Don't miss it!

2ND HOUR: Lots to talk about - At the same time as our show tonight in the Pirate Cat Cafe will be the launch party for "Aftermath," a new post-apocalyptic print zine. We'll talk with the creators. We've also gots to talk about that shocking hit piece/cover story on our esteemed mayor in this week's SF Weekly! Wow, did you read that thing?! And we may have a few burners stop by to tell us what we missed (or avoided) on the Playa this year. Call in with your stories!

SF cab driver, Balsa Man, Burning Man & Hugues de la Plaza

1ST HOUR: Confessions of an SF Cabbie - A young San Francisco cab driver will talk to us about how unlicensed cabs in the City and the medallion system.
ALSO: BALSA MAN! - A tiny version of Burning Man takes place this Saturday evening. One of the organizers will talk to us about the history and philosophy of this celebration of tiny art. We'll also talk about Burning Man in general. Do you love it? Do you hate it? Call or text or email us your opinions to join in the dicussion.

2ND HOUR: Melissa Nix on the murder of Hugues de la Plaza - It's been more than two years since Hugues de la Plaza was found stabbed to death in his apartment. The SFPD originally ruled it a suicide, despite significant evidence that Hugues was murdered. Melissa Nix has been trying to get answers from the SFPD ever since. We'll talk with her about what's happening with the case, including what the Office of Citizens Complaint has to say about it.

8/28: Lennar land grab in Bay View and Street Sheet's 20th Birthday

1ST HOUR: Street Sheet turns 20! On Septemeber 10 the Coaltion on Homelessness will be holding a 20th birthday fundraiser for Street Sheet. We'll be joined by guests from COH to learn more about the state of homelessness in San Francisco.

2ND HOUR: Lennar Land Grab in the Bayview - We'll be joined by guests from Green Action, POWER, and Our City to discuss State Senator Mark Leno's legislation that would authorize the transfer of Candlestick Point State Park to the Redevelopment Agency and, in turn, multi-billion dollar developer, the Lennar Corporation.