SF CHRONICLE DATEBOOK       

POP BEAT
by Bill Picture
Sunday, October 15, 2006

Tommy Castro took a break from recording to perform at Slim's Saturday night. Patti Carlisi, Mayor Gavin Newsom's entertainment arts liaison, was there with a mayoral proclamation in hand declaring Oct. 14 "Tommy Castro Day" in San Francisco. The local blues guitarist/crooner was honored not only for his musical achievements, but also for his support of various community projects. Earlier this month, the North Beach Chamber of Commerce announced that Castro's likeness is to be featured on a large mural depicting local cultural icons at the intersection of Columbus and Broadway. Castro, whose group when it started out played seven nights a week at clubs in North Beach, said the mural was "a big deal."