Small Business Commission adds seven San Francisco businesses to legacy registry

The San Francisco Small Business Commission voted unanimously to add seven businesses to the city's legacy business registry after a staff presentation and public testimony.

Richard Carrillo, Legacy Business Program manager, told the commission the applications included registry forms, draft resolutions, and planning-department materials. He described each nominee's history and core tradition, recommending approval of the Book Club of California, Bullo Shoes, Digital Revolution, Family Billiards, Rocapulco, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, and Sing Tao restaurant.

Business representatives and supporters addressed the commission in public comment. Paul Grepaldi of Digital Revolution described a national client list and said the shop was behind on rent but ‘‘preserving history’’ and urged approval. Molly Sender, who oversees partnerships for the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, recounted the chorus's civic role since 1978. Kevin Kosick, executive director of the Book Club of California, said the nonprofit has served the Bay Area for more than a century.

Commissioners praised the nominees' community contributions and moved to place all seven on the registry. Commissioner Dickerson moved the nominations and Commissioner Herbert seconded. A roll-call vote recorded seven affirmative votes and the motion passed.

The commission did not attach conditions beyond the registry criteria described in staff materials. Staff will prepare final resolutions for the board and complete administrative steps to list the businesses in the Legacy Business Registry.