Don't Drink & Drive...cocktail napkins in WeHo bars! Free Metro rides!

In West Hollywood this Yuletide Season, Public Safety joined forces with the local Sheriff's Department to kick off a promotion to curb driving under the influence during the festive Christmas and New Year's celebrations ahead.

Cocktail napkins are being distributed in trendy watering holes around WeHo with a timely message emblazoned on their face.

"Don't Drink and Drive!"

The main purpose is to persuade revellers to take a taxi (cheaper that a DUI) or drag along a designated drive on the night locals and out-of-towners alike hit the strip for a madcap night out-on-the gay old town!

The Center for Disease Control has reported that motorists are killed every thirteen minutes in car crashes.

Non-fatal injuries occur every two minutes.

In the event a table-hopper is too blitzed to read the message, the Sheriff's Department has hammered the point home, by parking a slightly demolished SUV in front of the Station at San Vicente and Santa Monica Blvd in WeHo proper.

The Sunset Strip Business Association has hopped on the band-wagon, too.

Tipsy-tows are being offered to single drivers in need of a lift home on Christmas Day and New Year.

The rides are free including those who are non AAA Club members.

Metro Line bus services are also free on New Year's Day.

In addition, a free shuttle service will run along Santa Monica Boulevard from 8 p.m. on December 31st to 4 a.m. on January 1st (2011).

Info:  323.848.6414

Happy Holidays!

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Singers of the Street...sing for Justice & Joy! San Francisco troupe uplifts spirits!

On this past trip to San Francisco, I was delighted to stumble on a patio area- scattered with a handful of table and chairs - that has been constructed at the corner of 17th & Castro (where the quaint old European Street cars turn-a-bout to head back downtown).

For years, this corner was quite an eyesore, and amounted to a wasted desolate space.

Now, the busy corner is populated by an effervescent cross-section of locals and tourists alike - who stop and mingle - with the ultimate aim of taking a brief respite from the hectic bustling streets.

As I plunked myself down in the lazy afternoon sun, I spied one gentleman toss of his shirt, to catch a few rays in a bold-faced hedonistic attempt to perfect a  golden tan.

For me, it was a great perch to take notes on the San Francisco scene, as the world - full of life and vitality - passed by.

At one point, my spirits were lifted considerably, when a rag-tag band of street minstels strode up.

The street performers - who referred to themselves as S.O.S. (Singers of the Street) - proceeded to hand out flyers about their entertaining venture - as they coaxed by-standers to join in and sing for Justice and Joy.

Every Wednesday, S.O.S. meets between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to spread  their unique brand of comfort to the down-and-out in need of boot-strappiing up in these troubling economic times.

The generous motley crew is a San Francisco-based community choir that provides a voice, a face, and a place for seeking justice, healing, and joy for those living on the margins of society (especially folks who are homeless) according to their mission statement.

In addition to the opportunity to spread joy, participants enjoy  other perks, too.

A free lunch is provided to the dedicated few who attend rehearsals, for starters!

If you're ready to take to the streets, and find a mission in life, contact the group.

S.O.S
Metropolitan Community Church
150 Eureka Street
San Francisco, CA

http://www.singersofthestreet.org/

Instruments needed, too!

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