SAN FRANCISCO - Federal authorities on Thursday charged a rookie San Francisco lawmaker with fraud for attempting to extort $80,000 from a group of fast-food proprietors who had business permit troubles with the city.

The felony charge stems from an FBI sting that included the tapioca drink shop owners delivering a $40,000 payment to Supervisor Ed Jew in marked $100 bills earlier this year, and promising to deliver the rest of the money later. Jew, 47, has acknowledged taking the money, but said he did so at the businessmen's insistence and on behalf of a consultant he recommended they hire to help with their permit problems.

But the owners of the Quickly chain of 12 tapioca drink stores insisted it was Jew who first approached them with word of their permit problems. Tapioca drinks, also known as "bubble tea," are popular beverages throughout Asia and San Francisco's Chinese neighborhoods.

Festive tea party puts girls' talent on display

Cucumber and basil finger sandwiches, curried egg salad, blueberry scones, miniature fresh fruit tarts, chocolate mint madeleines, sugar cookies, raspberry cream cheese candies, sponge cake hearts and Earl Grey tea.

That was the menu whipped up by elementary school-age children and served at an invitation-only celebration Aug. 17.

Guests at the festive tea party consisted of mothers and grandmothers of participants who had attended Summer Cottage Experiences camp at the Mandarin home of Jessica McMullen Bright, better known to Jacksonville residents as Chef Jessica Bright.

This was Bright's fourth year to offer her Christian-based program, which included crafts and activities about cooking, gardening, sewing, etiquette and art.

"I thought it was excellent," said Ashley Cooke, who ushered tea party guests to seats at a colorfully decorated table containing campers' hand-made name cards, painted tea cups and a mountain of tasty treats.