Rumors!

We have been hearing some weird rumors recently, and one that keeps coming up is that people will not be allowed to BBQ or bring their own food to the Picnic! Not sure how this rumor came about but that is absolutely false! People are more than welcome to bring their own food and have always been welcome to do so.

We just ask that people be considerate and don't litter or throw their BBQ ashes on the lawn!

If you hear anything and you just aren't sure if it's true, just drop us a line at jimmyspicnic@gmail.com. Thanks!

The Rec & Park Commission Meeting

Hi everybody,
There's been a lot going on and we've been delayed in getting the blog updated, but here's what's new:
- Our team and our supporters went to the SF Rec & Park Commission hearing at City Hall on 2/18. It was a great meeting and wonderful to hear such words of support! Our supporters, some of whom waited 5 HOURS to speak, spoke with passion and heart!
Curious about the hearing? Watch it here!
http://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=91&clip_id=9448&meta_id=187098

If the link does not work, just go to SFGTV video on demand, click on Rec Park Commission, and on our date, 2/18/10. Then click on #11. The meetings are taped and shown on Channel 26.
http://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=20

- Some of the Commissioners seemed supportive, some not so much. The Director of R&P, Phil Ginsberg thought we could come to some kind of compromise (but he is still not supportive of allowing cars on the lawn, but doesn't seem to have a problem with big rigs, machinery, heavy equipment, and stages sitting for days on end in the Meadow for the large concerts the Park hosts....keep this in mind....)

- Two of the Commissioners offered to meet with our team to discuss compromises and to do a walk through of possible locations. Our team is still set on our historical location of Speedway Meadow.

- WE STILL CAN USE YOUR SUPPORT! Drop a note to your supervisor or the Rec & Park Commission! Contact Phil Ginsburg! These are OUR PUBLIC SERVANTS--let them know that YOU, the PUBLIC want to keep Jimmy's at Speedway!

CHANGES for this year's Picnic!

You might know that we've been working with the SF Recreation & Park Department (R&P) for about half a year now to get the permit for this year's Picnic. R&P has made a lot of changes in the way it issues permits, so this process hasn't been easy. As a result, there are a few new things we'd like to share with you.

1. Jimmy's Annual Old Car Picnic is in the process of becoming an officially recognized non-profit organization! We've always been not-for-profit, but soon we'll be official! We've always existed to benefit programs for Developmentally Disabled and that will not change.

2. Because of much higher permit fees from R&P, we must raise the admission fee for participating vehicles from $20 to $30. This new fee will allow us to be able to pay for all the additional fees from R&P and to continue to make a donation to the Disabled. The old admission of $20 wouldn't cover the new higher fees, our costs, and still allow us to make a donation. If you cannot afford the raise in admission, leave your car at home and come out anyways! As always, spectators are free!

3. We cannot sell event t-shirts or posters at the event. R&P requires a percentage of the sales of these items (even though our event benefits their Adaptive Recreation program) and we don't want to deal with this. We will look into setting up an online store and will keep you posted.

4. We cannot allow any food vending on site (even if the vendor already has a permit with R&P). R&P is requiring us to call the Park Police if a vendor shows up. Please be aware of this and bring your own picnic lunch or bbq to the event.

Please spread the word about the new changes! If you have any questions, please let us know. We'll update as we learn more, as well. Thanks!