logo
ENع
#

Latest news with #NightMarket

Weekend events in the Bay Area: Block parties, book fair and more
Weekend events in the Bay Area: Block parties, book fair and more

Axios

time5 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Axios

Weekend events in the Bay Area: Block parties, book fair and more

Get outside and enjoy the nice weather this weekend by attending these events. Friday 🕺 Fridays on Front Street: The city's newest downtown block party will be hosting its first event with live music, food pop-ups and by showing the Giants game. 4-9pm at 240 Front St. 🎸 The Damned at UC Theater: The legendary British punk rock band will be performing top hits, including "New Rose" and "Neat Neat Neat." Doors open at 7pm at 2036 University Avenue in Berkeley. Tickets start at $51. 🍧 Fort Mason Night Market: West Coast Craft and Off the Grid are teaming up to launch a monthly event featuring 100 retail vendors and nearly 20 food and drink options. 4-9pm at 2 Marina Boulevard. Saturday 🏳️‍🌈 SF LGBT Center House Party: The center will be hosting its second annual kick-off to the 2025 pride season with live entertainment, a clothing closet, art exhibit and more. Noon-6pm at 1800 Market St. 🥁 Union Street Festival: One of the city's biggest street festivals returns this year in the Marina with local craft brews, live entertainment and family-friendly games. 1-7pm Saturday and Sunday on Union Street between Fillmore and Gough. 📚 Bay Area Book Fair: This year's event will feature readings, panels, writers workshops and a lively outdoor block party. 🇮🇹 Festa Italiana: Celebrating North Beach's longstanding Italian community. 11am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-4:15pm on Sunday on Stockton Street between Union and Filbert. Sunday 🍷 Waiters Race: Teams of restaurant servers will compete in a fast-paced challenge while attempting to balance a tray with full drinks without spilling.

Two Hotly Debated Issues Focus Of Locals' Feedback On Council Plan
Two Hotly Debated Issues Focus Of Locals' Feedback On Council Plan

Scoop

time17-05-2025

  • Business
  • Scoop

Two Hotly Debated Issues Focus Of Locals' Feedback On Council Plan

Ninety-nine Rotorua ratepayers are set to address the council on decisions including sewerage scheme funding and the night market's future. Rotorua Lakes Council received 404 public submissions on its draft Annual Plan 2025/26, and will hear from those who wanted to make a verbal submission today and tomorrow. The two main topics for feedback were Tarawera Sewerage Scheme funding options and the Rotorua Night Market. The council proposed a 7.95% general average rates rise for the year, down from the projected 9.8%. It had a capital works programme of $145 million, $41.25m funded by debt. The Tarawera sewerage reticulation scheme replaces septic tank use and aims to improve the lake's water quality. The cost has risen to $32.3m after protests and court action over pipeline construction near Lake Rotokākahi. Tarawera ratepayers face a lump sum cost of $50,315 per household to connect. The draft plan offered options to reduce their load by asking $1m or $4m more from general Rotorua ratepayers. Many submissions supported the $4m option, which would lower Tarawera households' costs the most. Among them were Bruce Smith and Anna Stewart-Smith, whose grandchildren were the fifth generation to enjoy their Tarawera family home. Stewart-Smith's grandfather purchased land at the lake after World War II, having visited it before. 'We are not wealthy as so many label us. But fortunate.' She said her family lived as kaitiaki, caring for the land to ensure 'its attributes are preserved for future generations'. 'While its protection is the responsibility of all ratepayers, we see that as lake residents, we need to pay for the benefits to our property.' Others echoed their desire to see cost reduced, having seen estimates escalate over the years. They shared affordability and consultation process concerns, and how Tarawera residents paid rates but did not have perks such as footpaths and street lights other areas had. At the other end of the opinion spectrum were submitters who believed the scheme should be user-pays, with no extra general ratepayer funding. One submitter wanting to increase funding by $1m said it was fair that others contributed as all benefitted from improved lake quality. Former councillor Dr Reynold Macpherson submitted on a range of issues and points for Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers (RDRR). The group 'cautiously' support an extra $1m as the 'fairest balance between benefiting Tarawera property owners and shared environmental responsibility'. The submission labelled the draft rates rise 'unjustified' and debt levels 'alarming'. The council had a net debt of $466m in March. It predicted debt in 2025/26 would be 199% of revenue, under its 250% ceiling. The group wanted the council to stop subsidising the night market entirely, and to instead donate it to a charity by tender. '[The] council shouldn't fund nonessential businesses amid acute financial pressures on ratepayers'. Rotorua's 15-year-old weekly night market in Tūtānekai St costs about $200,000 to run year-round. The council considered scaling it back to half a year, changing the location, or having someone else run it with council sponsorship. One submission asking for it to stay the same said it was well-attended and changing it would impact vendors. Stall holder Sahar Basir wrote that many vendors were upset at the potential for change. Shortening it would result in job losses, the current location had good foot traffic, and a new operator would change things such as what vendors paid. 'It is the only event that provides nightlife for Rotorua residents and is one of the most famous attractions for tourists from around the world.' Submitter David Townsend believed half-yearly was practical as there were fewer tourists around during winter. Robert Okell said the night market was a business that should be managed by someone else. Councillors will deliberate on May 28 and adopt the plan on June 25.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store