The San Francisco Small Business Commission unanimously approved five applications to the city's Legacy Business Registry at its Dec. 8 meeting, voting to adopt staff'recommended resolutions for each business.

Richard Kurilla, legacy business program manager in the Office of Small Business, told commissioners the five applications met the registry's criteria and carried positive recommendations from the Historic Preservation Commission. He said the applications were submitted to Planning on Oct. 22 and were heard by the Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 19.

The businesses approved were: Catherine Clark Gallery (established 1991; a 9,200'square'foot contemporary art gallery in the Mission/Design District near Potrero Hill), Deitch's/Dai chi's Woodwind Workshop (est. 1994; a Richmond'neighborhood instrument repair shop), Glamorama Salon (est. 1994; Mission District salon noted for gender'inclusive services), The Hair Place and More Barber Shop (est. 1980; described as the first American Indian woman'owned barbershop and salon in San Francisco), and The Sword and Rose (est. 1985; a spiritual/metaphysical shop in Coal Valley).

Members of the public and business representatives urged the commission to approve the listings. Debbie Santiago, speaking for The Hair Place and More, said she was "surprised and very honored" that her business was up for legacy status and thanked community partners and elders for support. Mary Travis Allen, chair of the Leadership Council for the American Indian Cultural District, said the Hair Place is "much more than just a hair place" and called it a cultural gathering place. Daniel Deitch, owner of Deitch's Woodwind Workshop, described his situation as "tenuous" and said registry protection would be valuable.

After public comment commissioners praised the businesses for their longevity and community role. Commissioner Ortiz Cartagena moved to approve the applications; Commissioner Cornett seconded. The clerk recorded "Yes" votes from Commissioners Benitez, Cornett, Herbert, President Huey, Ortiz Cartagena and Vice President Zazunas. The motion passed unanimously.

What this means: Listing on the Legacy Business Registry recognizes a business's historical and cultural significance and is accompanied by a draft resolution that the commission prepared for each approved applicant. The commission did not, in this meeting, take additional policy or funding actions tied to the listings.

The commission moved on to other agenda items after the vote.