Next Thursday, October 20th, the annual Great California ShakeOut earthquake drill, reportedly the third largest in history, will take place at 10:20 a.m., once again reminding us to continue working on our preparedness. Do you have that emergency preparedness kit prepared? (For the hopelessly lazy busy, may we suggest a swanky Vintage-Style kit?) Do you know what Drop, Cover, and Hold On is? And most importantly, is your furniture secured? more ›

Once again, little ole SFist is going to be on ABC 7 during their 6 o'clock broadcast. Somehow, they think our whiny, silly post about Gary Delagnes criticizing Gen X is worthy of a story. Don't watch it to see us or some professor try to pontificate on generational differences (badly, we might admit) but watch it because Delagnes not only clarifies his remarks but goes on to discuss just why it is that we have trouble putting more cops on the street. Considering how relevant the issue is, not just with handling crime but in emergency preparedness, it just might be worth a looksee. more ›

As if we need more things to worry about concerning our emergency preparedness, a new study about to come out is saying that not even non-profits are ready to respond well to any sort of disaster in the Bay Area, from terrorist attack to earthquake to the Aqua Teen Hunger Force. In a report done by the United Way of the Bay Area entitled "Ready or Not: Ensuring Bay Area Nonprofits Can Serve During Disaster," the conclusion is that non-profits are "more vulnerable to a catastrophic disaster than it needs to be." We love the bland, bueracritic lingo of that statement too-- it sounds much better than, say, "oy, what a mess " or "could be better, but who really knows? To do a better job, they and a bunch of other disaster related organizations are pledging to get together and work all the kinks out. more ›

Tonight: Admit it, you only read the SF Weekly for Savage Love. Well, cranky Dan Savage is finishing up the Bay Area leg of his book tour tonight at Booksmith in the Haight, reading from his new memoir, The Commitment, about his partner, his family, raising his son, and gay marriage. Bring all your embarrassing questions about liaisons gone wrong; we're sure he'd be as thrilled to mock you in public as he is in print! Thursday: Hey, need any sports equipment? Sports Basement at 16th and DeHaro is sponsoring a fundraiser for the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, which offers youth programs for low-income families. Everything in the store is 10% off, and 5% of all sales go to the Neighborhood House's afterschool programs. There's also a raffle -- win a baseball autographed by JT Snow! And hey! An emergency preparedness kit! (take chances on not taking chances -- we love it!) The reason for the benefit? To help close the $100,000 funding gap caused by city budget cuts. Thanks to SFist pal Mike for the tip! Friday: The art gallery the Luggage Store presents the 11th annual In the Street festival in the 'Loin, featuring street performers of all stripes (capoiera dancers, the Extra-Action Marching Band, a fire arts troupe, among others.) It's as free as a bird, on Ellis Street between Hyde and Leavenworth, and goes from 5-10 p.m. Picture from the Luggage Store Gallery site more ›