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Planning Commission forwards six legacy-business nominations to Small Business Commission
Summary
The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously to forward six long-standing businesses — Comics Experience, Hockey Haven, El Toreador, Joe Goode Performance Group, Anchor Brewing and Cruisin' the Castro — to the Small Business Commission for final action on legacy-business status after hearing staff findings and public testimony.
The San Francisco Planning Commission on May 15 voted unanimously to forward staff recommendations for six legacy-business nominations to the Small Business Commission, which will make the final determination.
Planning Department staffer Desiree Smith told commissioners that all six applicants met the registry criteria and that the department would forward the commission’s findings to the Small Business Commission. "Before you today are 6 legacy business applications and resolutions," Smith said, listing Comics Experience (305 Divisadero), Hockey Haven (3625 Balboa), El Toreador (50 West Portal), Joe Goode Performance Group (499 Alabama), Anchor Brewing (1705 Mariposa) and Cruisin' the Castro (815 Burnett).
A steady stream of supporters told commissioners why the nominations mattered to neighborhoods and to San Francisco’s cultural life. Derek Remski, speaking on behalf of Supervisor Brown, said Comics Experience was "a very important institution in our community" and noted the store’s partnerships with schools. Longtime patrons described Hockey Haven as "a gift and a treasure" that has anchored the Outer Richmond neighborhood for decades. Joe Goode representatives and San Francisco Heritage highlighted the performance group’s community programs and sold-out productions.
Commissioners praised the range of applicants and the public testimony. Commissioner Jones moved that the commission forward the items to the Small Business Commission; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. The Planning Commission’s vote was a recommendation; the Small Business Commission will take the final action on each nomination.
Votes at a glance - Comics Experience (305 Divisadero) — staff recommended qualification; forwarded to Small Business Commission (vote: unanimous) - Hockey Haven (3625 Balboa) — staff recommended qualification; forwarded to Small Business Commission (vote: unanimous) - El Toreador (50 West Portal) — staff recommended qualification; forwarded to Small Business Commission (vote: unanimous) - Joe Goode Performance Group (499 Alabama) — staff recommended qualification; forwarded to Small Business Commission (vote: unanimous) - Anchor Brewing Company (1705 Mariposa) — staff recommended qualification; forwarded to Small Business Commission (vote: unanimous) - Cruisin' the Castro walking tours (815 Burnett) — staff recommended qualification; forwarded to Small Business Commission (vote: unanimous)
The commission’s action on May 15 was procedural: it transmits the Planning Department’s findings and the commission’s recommendation to the Small Business Commission, which will conduct the final review and adopt or deny legacy-business status.
