Bay Area

San Francisco’s Clinic by the Bay Restored and Reopened in New Location

Clinic by the Bay (CBB), a volunteer-powered free health clinic for the working uninsured, hosted a tour of its new health care clinic in the fully renovated Alemany Emergency Hospital at 35 Onondaga Avenue in San Francisco on Dec. 19. The new facility will offer expanded services including extended hours, a new dental care service and free pharmacy.

Published

6 months ago

January 2, 2024

Oakland Post

Clinic By the Bay

By Carla Thomas

“It’s exciting to be putting on the finishing touches to our new, yet historic, facility,” said CBB Founder and Board President Janet Reilly. “We’re so grateful to our volunteers, donors, patients, and the City of San Francisco for their enthusiastic support of this project. They’ve helped bring this vision to life, and we can’t wait to open our doors and welcome everyone.”

As one of only two entirely free clinics in San Francisco, CBB provides healthcare to low-income and uninsured individuals.

The new healthcare clinic, supported by $5.3 million in donations, is just around the corner from their previous home at 4877 Mission Street and has operated for 13 years.

Tours led by Reilly, Director Sarah Gordon and Dr. David Goldschmid, Director of Medicine showcased the $5 million renovation.

The tour provided a preview of the medical exam rooms, consult rooms for non-medical visits like health coaching and counseling, the dental operatory, and the free pharmacy. The facility also has designated workspaces for volunteers and staff.

“Clinic by the Bay fills an essential need by reaching a unique population of families and individuals who do not have access to quality healthcare or qualify for important safety nets,” said Gordon.

CBB is solely funded by foundations and individuals, the organization is completely independent of government money or insurance reimbursements.

As CBB expanded its free services, it outgrew its current space. Through a unique partnership with the City of San Francisco, Clinic by the Bay embarked on restoring the historic Alemany Hospital and returning it to its original use.

The original Alemany Emergency Hospital was opened in 1933 and was part of a network of seven emergency hospitals across the city. It was the last hospital added to the network to serve the needs of the growing Excelsior district and regarded as one of the world’s finest emergency hospital systems. After 45 years of serving the community, the hospital was closed in 1978 and has been vacant ever since. The new restoration retained the building’s traditional brick façade, arched entryway, and storefront windows. The original ambulance bay now serves as the main entrance.

“When the Alemany Hospital was slated for closure in 1978, dozens of dedicated healthcare workers protested and staged a six-week sit-in at the hospital,” said CBB Executive Director Sarah Gordon. “We’re reviving that compassionate spirit today and giving new life to a beloved historical landmark by providing our community excellent healthcare free of charge.”

“Many of our patients come through our doors ill or suffering from chronicle diseases that have gone unchecked and undiagnosed for years, and for some, Clinic by the Bay is the difference between life and death,” said Goldschmid. “Because of our team of nearly all-volunteer retired and working medical and non-medical professionals, we can provide life-saving care for our patients at no cost.”

CBB is affiliated with Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) to engage with retired physicians, nurses, and others to provide comprehensive primary care to the uninsured and underserved.

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Oakland Post: Week of June 12-18, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of June 12-18, 2024

Published

2 days ago

June 14, 2024

Oakland Post

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Art

Mayor Breed, Actor Morris Chestnut Attend S.F.’s Indie Night Film Festival

On June 1, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco. San Francisco native Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of the Indie Night Film Festival, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for 12 years and it’s only up from here, he says.

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2024

Oakland Post

(Left to Right) Dave Brown, CEO, Indie Night Festival, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, and actor Morris Chestnut. Photo by Y’Anad Burrell

By Y’Anad Burrell

On June 1, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco.

San Francisco native Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of the Indie Night Film Festival, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for 12 years and it’s only up from here, he says.

A weekly celebration of cinematic artistry designed to elevate emerging talent while providing a platform for networking and collaboration, entrepreneur Dave Brown created Indie Night to bridge gaps within the filmmaking community by fostering connections between like-minded individuals worldwide. The Indie Film Festival currently has over 450 film submissions worldwide, and its cinematic vault only continues to grow.

The festival showcased over 10 short films and trailers, and featured Faces of the “City: Fighting for the Soul of America,” produced by veteran actor Tisha Campbell. This film is about the vibrancy and legacy of San Francisco. The festival also previewed “When It Reigns,” a trailer by Oakland’s burgeoning filmmaker Jamaica René.

Indie films have not just challenged traditional cinematic norms; they’ve shattered them. These films offer unique storytelling perspectives and push creative boundaries in truly inspiring ways. With their smaller budgets and independent spirit, they often tackle unconventional subjects and portray diverse characters, providing a refreshing alternative to mainstream cinema. As a result, indie films have resonated with audiences seeking an escape from formulaic blockbusters and are increasingly celebrated for their authenticity and originality.

Organizers say the mission of Indie Night is to elevate the craft of independent artists and creators. It also provides a venue for them to showcase their work, network, and exchange information with new and established creatives. It creates a community that values and supports independent art.

For more about the Indie Night Film Festival, visit www.indienightfilmfestival.com.

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Bay Area

Sen. Wiener, Mayor Breed Announce Bill to Shut Down Fencing of Stolen Goods

On June 3, San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed joined State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) to announce a bill aiming to combat fencing, the sale of stolen goods. Authored by Wiener and sponsored by Breed, Senate Bill (SB) 925 would allow San Francisco to create permitting requirements to regulate the sale of items commonly obtained through retail theft and impose criminal penalties for those who engage in this practice.

Published

2 days ago

June 13, 2024

Oakland Post

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By Oakland Post Staff

On June 3, San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed joined State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) to announce a bill aiming to combat fencing, the sale of stolen goods.

Authored by Wiener and sponsored by Breed, Senate Bill (SB) 925 would allow San Francisco to create permitting requirements to regulate the sale of items commonly obtained through retail theft and impose criminal penalties for those who engage in this practice.

“The sale of stolen items in San Francisco has created unsafe street conditions and health and safety hazards that have negatively impacted residents, businesses, City workers, and legitimate street vendors,” states a statement released by the mayor’s office.

San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Chief Bill Scott praised the effort.

“I want to thank Mayor Breed and Senator Wiener for identifying new ways to combat the illegal fencing of stolen goods. This will help our hard-working officers continue to make progress in cracking down on retail theft,” said Scott.

Under the legislation, San Francisco can require vendors to obtain a permit to be able to sell items deemed as frequently stolen by asking for documentation that the merchandise was obtained legitimately, such as showing proof of purchase.

The legislation also establishes that those in violation would receive an infraction for the first two offenses and an infraction or a misdemeanor and up to six months in county jail for the third offense.

Under this bill, people can still:

Sell goods with a permit
Sell prepared food with a permit
Sell goods on the list of frequently stolen items with a permit and proof of purchase.

“In San Francisco we are working hard to make our streets safer and more welcoming for all. SB 925 would greatly help us get a handle on the sale of stolen goods, all while taking a narrow approach that specifically targets bad actors,” said Breed.

Wiener says the cultural richness of San Francisco and the livelihoods of legitimate street vendors are threatened when bad actors are allowed to openly sell stolen goods on the city’s streets.

“With this bill we’re taking a balanced approach that respects the critical role street vending plays in our community while holding fencing operations accountable for the disruption they cause. It’s critical that everyone feel safe on our streets, including street vendors and neighborhood residents,” said Wiener.