The San Francisco African American Historical and Cultural society kickoff the month long Black History celebration, Friday, 12:00 noon, in the beautiful San Francisco City Hall Rotunda, embracing the theme “Black Women in American Culture and History.”

Tomorrow night, JAZZ Heritage Center, 1330 Fillmore Street, will showcase the works of three prominent Bay Area artists in a salute to African American musicians and their contributions to the Bay Area. The Black History Month exhibit and reception will include the works of fine artist/illustrator JAMES GAYLES and photographers JAMES KNOX and JIM DENNIS, starting at 6 p.m. The opening reception, free and open to the public, will feature the performance of noted jazz guitarist CALVIN KEYS and MICHAEL JONES on bass. The exhibit runs from February 1 to March 4.

WELCOME BACK ORIGINAL JOE'S! Last Sunday during the noon hour, in North Beach at the New Joe’s Restaurant there on Union Street, across from Washington Park. Missed opening night Thursday, but the celebratory air still prevailed as the place was bustling with patrons who remember the restaurant when in the Tenderloin before burned out in fire, BUT all things turn into positives, for the North Beach spot is in the heart of the happenings! The decor fabulous!

Since coming to San Francisco in the late 50s, through the years have frequented the popular Italian-American Restaurant for dinner; my favorite menu item, Calves Liver with bacon and onions (Mayor ED LEE and I have something in common, read that’s his favorite, ordered opening day after cutting the ceremonial ribbon), what I ordered Sunday and side dish of Ravioli -- ahh, so original!

Enjoyed a seat at the beautiful ivory marble counter, watched the cooks do their thing; chatted with chef LEO about Paris, where he spent some months in employment - he made sure the liver to my desire - medium rare, delightful service from waiter SHAWN; Owner JOHN DUGGAN graciously greeted me in brief conversation...very nice experience. read Randy Shaw’s excellent review @www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=9847. .

San Francisco Community activist/videographer ACE WASHINGTON, very much a part of Black history in this town, whose voice is heard at the Board of Supervisors and Redevelopment Commissioners meetings (as of today, NO MORE! ) crying FILLMO-NO-MORE, reminding members of the Black community in particular, and City officials, GENTRIFICATION FORCED BLACK MIGRATION from the Western Addition Fillmore area; as far as Ace is concerned, NO JUSTICE - NO PEACE!

For many years radio station KPOO 89.5FM community based nonprofit noncommercial radio station had been broadcasting , Redevelopment commissioners weekly meetings, LIVE, now will feel the loss of revenue

Last Friday, when parking on Fillmore, ran into Ace , invited him to join me for lunch at the popular soul food restaurant GUSSIE’S ( former site of Powell’s Place on Eddy near Fillmore); also getting in on the invite, Bishop GREGG RICHARDSON, producer on cable channel 29, “Good News” community program, covering Bay Area news. Gussie’s has a delicious buffet lunch, recession priced, all you can eat (fried chicken, catfish nuggets, salad, candied yams, sautéed cabbage - STOP GIRL!).

Ace keeps up with vital District 5 community news. Later that evening he would be attending a “Meet and Greet” with Supervisor CHRISTINA OLAGUE, in Northern Police Station Community Room (Turk and Fillmore), with members of the Community Reform Committee. According to Ace, the agenda would include discussion on The African American Out Migration Report!

Gussie’s is a spot where I usually run into people I know, for one, Dr. RENA BANCROFT, retired San Francisco educator; Always a joy to converse with dynamic ADRIAN WILLIAMS, Founder/ Director, THE VILLAGE PROJECT, a nonprofit, community based organization providing a safe haven for academic, cultural and enrichment activities for youths, 6-17 and their families. LOVE the lady’s SPIRIT! These days Adrian is working on her production of the annual Mardi Gras (San Francisco style) to be held in March at Fillmore Plaza.

BEFORE closing, a HEARTY SHOUT OUT to SOPHIE MAXWELL, former District 10 Supervisor ... ran into her at a Bayview boutique, relaxed in jogging attire, color coordinated cap, looking wonderfully young, flashing a cheerful smile! GIRLFRIEND, WE MUST DO LUNCH!

HEY, IT’S NICE TO BE NICE AND TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE ... LOOK FOR ME ... I’LL BE THERE ...

E-mail Rochelle at iheard@earthlink.net