WESTSIDE BSERVER VOLUME 25 • NUMBER 5 June 2012 DPW Makes a Path:O Still No “All Clear” at Bengal Alley TUESDAY …it’s up to DPW, it’s not done until DPW says it’s th JUNE 5 done.“—Kay Curry
Quentin Kopp Election and Other Issues – 3 Photo: Luke Thomas
Golden Gate Fields Go Artificial Turf Greg Miller– 3 Fred and Kay Curry use the “potting bench” to transfer plants to their new planter boxes.
ehind the industrial fence on Miraloma, Bengal Alley winds its way up a steep climb to Casitas and Sher- Maria Rivero and Bwood Forest’s quiet residences. At least it did, until the Derek Kerr Department of Public Works declared it “unsafe,” and erected the cyclone-style fencing. It had been a convenient short-cut The Watchdog to the 43# bus stop at its foot, saving riders a two block walk Wimp-out around Casitas, so the neighbors above are anxious to reclaim what has been a public right-of-way for sixty years. – 4 It has not been convenient for the abutting neighbors, whose responsibility it is to maintain the property, especially so for Fred and Kay Curry. Living above and to the side of the Alley, the Cur- rys have taken the lead on the restoration of the walkway. They George Wooding formed the Friends of Bengal Alley with their neighbors to pur- Time to Jettison the sue the project. “It’s really not useful for anything else,” Kay said, “we want to do it right so it will last for a hundred years. It has Ethics Commission taken longer than we hoped. But it’s up to DPW, it’s not done until – 4 DPW says it’s done.” Redwood planter boxes span the mid section, while cobblestones (inset) ascend to the top Nick Eisner is the Project Coordinator at DPW. He has the The cobblestone section at the top, built around 1952 is a final plans, submitted by the Friends of Bengal Alley, on his desk. picturesque hodge-podge of stone walkway that runs along the It’s his responsibility to issue the final permits that will lead to the side of the Curry residence. The stones came from the city when opening of the Alley to the public once again. “It’s next on my they were replacing cobblestone streets with pavement and were Lukewarm Was list,” Eisner said. But until the permits are issued and the path is His Name-O installed by the developer of the project. The newly installed declared “safe,” neighbors are not permitted access to the path. Cont. p. 2 Will Durst Best of the Net Laguna Honda Hospital Book Review – 4 Errors Haunt “God’s Hotel” By Patrick Monette-Shaw Award-winning ne wonders whether God’s Hotel, just published by Journalism in the former Laguna Honda Hospital (LHH) physician Neighborhood OVictoria Sweet, MD, PhD, uses LHH as a backdrop to illustrate her career, or to lament the loss of long-term care Public Notices 4 skilled nursing beds, a necessary component of the “slow medicine” for which she advocates. WOTP Central Council 5 While in many places the book is insightful, to those who Lake Merced/SFPUC 6 worked there and know the hospital’s history intimately, the book’s omissions and factual errors are disturbing. Soccer Fields GGP 6 Glowing reviews of God’s Hotel have appeared in publica- tions ranging from the Wall Street Journal, to the Boston Globe, to Sunnyside Living 7 the Huffington Post. But those reviewers hadn’t witnessed events Money Matters 8 that transpired at Laguna Honda as this reporter has for 13 years, and aren’t aware of key errors and omissions. Around the Town 11 Brown-Lee Partnership Spells Aware since May 2010 that Sweet’s book was in develop- Calendar 12 ment, during an invitation-only April 28, 2012 book launch Money, Also Trouble party this reporter was startled when Dr. Sweet indicated — lit- At the Movies 13 erally in passing — “Patrick, I hope you won’t be too disappointed By Larry Bush (in Paper Trails), citireport.com by what I left out.” On Stage/Theater 13 Photo: Luke Thomas, fogcityjournal.com The book is an amalgam — part memoir, part story involv- Frank Calegari 14 Inside the Willie L. Brown Money Machine (Part II) ing Sweet’s journey acquiring a PhD in the history of medicine, and part an extended op-ed arguing for a return to “slow medi- Sharon the Health 15 s Mayor, Brown was viewed by many – including fed- cine” — set against a backdrop of a very selective history of nearly eral investigators – as playing fast and loose with city Bond Oversight Committee 15 two decades of patients and staff at Laguna Honda as it was Acontracts going to contributors and allies. transformed from a medical model of care for poor, safety-net Remember When 16 This March, Brown’s con- meeting, which was facilitated Cont. p. 5 troversial handling of city con- by Terrance Goggin later to be Book Review Sunset History 16 tracts came back to put Mayor part of Brown’s team in pitch- Open Late 16 Ed Lee in the news – and in a ing the Rapid Rail contract bid, courtroom witness stand — as Lee directed that the firm was Sudoku/Brain Füd 16 Brown’s factotum in approv- to be allowed to bid. ing a contractor alleged to be According to a Chronicle Jack Kaye 17 “fraudulent from Day One.” story on the case, Lee was hit Kocivar on Education 17 According to a sworn with a bout of forgetfulness deposition by the lead official when it came to the details of Gardening 19 in the process, the company how that happened. went directly to Brown after “Lee, when asked in WWW.WESTSIDEOBSERVER.COM failing to qualify. After Brown’s Cont. p. 6 Page 2 Westside Observer May 2012
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Bengal Alley (Cont. from p. 1) redwood and cement stair-planter boxes Parks Alliance, and the SF Permaculture spanning the midsection are in place, and Guild, but the Currys have assumed the the plantings are thriving, thanks to plan- costs in order to move the project ahead. ning assistance from the Permaculture The city has declined to assist in the resto- Guild. Still waiting for permit approval ration of the space. is a final section of crumbling concrete Bengal Alley will be a showcase as an block of stairs that has no footings, it exits inexpensive solution to slope challenges. at the bottom to Miraloma, and must be To join Friends of Bengal Alley, or for infor- replaced. It is the major hold-up in the mation on how to help with time or much project. needed cash donations, contact bengal- Dave Bisho is one of the anxious stairs.org neighbors, “Ben- gal Alley has been closed for years. The gate that the neigh- bor on the left up on Casitas put up years ago makes the right-of-way look like private property. That gate should not just remain open, it should be removed. I’d like to know when they are going to open Ben- gal Alley—any year now I guess,” he said, lamenting the four year closure. “It’s been a pet peeve of mine,” he added. The Currys are anxious to complete the trail as well, add- ing that they need the final account- ing to present to the other abutting neigh- bors in hopes that they will be partially reimbursed for the Check Out Our Website! Four Years of Local News estimated $50,000 they will spend. There has been some help from the Miraloma neighbor, At the foot of the stairs, a Muni rider waits for the 43 Masonic on Miraloma. It’s been an www.westsideobserver.com the San Francisco eight-year wait for Bengal Alley to open, and neighbors wonder when it will again be public May 2012 Westside Observer Page 3 Golden Gate Park The Beginning of the End RUMINATIONS FROM A FORMER SUPERVISOR By Quentin Kopp By Gregory P. Miller Election Recomendations and Other Issues ow is the time for all good Westside Observer read- ith a few, quick votes, on May 24th, 2012, the SF Planning Commission ers to make sure they vote on June 5th, if they haven’t and the Recreation and Park Commission approved the destruction of already done so by “absentee” ballot, and particularly the western end of Golden Gate Park. How did they do this? By say- N W to vote “yes” on Proposition A and Proposition B. ing that they saw no problem with taking prime parkland and paving it over with Only Proposition A’s passage by voters will end San Francis- 7 acres of artificial turf and installing 150,000 watts of night lighting, right next to co’s singular garbage monopoly, with its effective control of city Ocean Beach. This vote was arrived at in the face of the Departments receiving over government, and vindicate the unpaid efforts of San Francisco Photo: fogcityjournal.com 1,000 e-mails regarding the project, the majority of which were opposed to destroy- rate-payers like Tony Kelly of Potrero Hill, Judy Berkowitz of the Coalition for San Fran- ing the Park. cisco Neighborhoods, Jennifer Clary of San Francisco Tomorrow, George Wooding, past-President of the West of Twin Peaks Central Council, Fred Martin of the West Por- tal Neighborhood Association, and even this now-retired, and humble, but not always obedient public servant. I’m sure you’ve seen the million dol- processing and transfer facilities within lar campaign the monopoly has waged the City limits…” Proposition A does against Proposition A, spending some of require use of a transfer facility on city the $220,000,000 dollars per year extracted property. Why? Because that’s already the from us rate-payers. In watching Recol- case at Piers 96, which the monopoly now ogy’s insidious ads, there’s no reference to uses for sorting recycling trash. The days the monopoly’s forthcoming post-election of reliable City Controllers like Harry application for yet another massive gar- Ross, Nate Cooper and John Farrell are bage and recycling rate increase. Although unfortunately gone. denied by Recology’s President in a down- At the May 21 West of Twin Peaks town editorial board meeting, documents Central Council meeting, I watched and from the Department of Environment heard another demonstration of city gov- give the lie to such heretofore concealed ernment waste in the form of a presen- attempt to add financial burden to the tation by Recreation and Park officials 136% rate increase suffered by San Fran- concerning removal of about 1600 trees on ciscans in the past 11 years. Mt. Davidson in the name of substituting There were two sets of votes, neither documents. As one person testified, this is of which reflects well on the Commis- like throwing out the Downtown Plan in sions involved. The Planning Commis- order to build skyscrapers. The fanciful Central Subway project manipulators continue to try to deceive sion approved the Environmental Impact Outside of City Hall was a well-stage the public into believing it is a “done deal.” It is not. The Federal Transit Admin- Report (EIR), despite the submission of media circus — teams of kids playing on over 300 pages of arguments and docu- the natural grass at Civic Center — an istration has not approved the MUNI’s requested $942,000,000 contribution. mentation from the Environmental Law ironic counterpoint to the claims of how Governor Brown, in 2011, vetoed a State budget appropriation of $61,000,000 firm of Lozeau-Drury stating that the EIR terrible natural grass is and how it should is incomplete and inadequate. In fact, only be replaced with artificial turf. from the California High Speed Rail project bond issue. A proposed amendment one Planning Commissioner seemed to Next up was the Recreation and Park to the Federal Surface Transportation Act to eliminate any federal money for the understand the duty of the Commission. Commission. It has been documented that project is pending in the U.S. House of Representatives.” The other four seemed more intent on this commission always agrees with the currying favor with the sports fans pres- Department. Dissension on this Commis- “native species.” My colleague, George ent, than with upholding their responsibil- City Hall’s Department of the Envi- sion is as rare as, well, finding anything Wooding, discusses the subject fully in his ity to carefully evaluate an environmental ronment, a $24,000,000, 115 employee living in a field of artificial turf. On the monthly column but revelation of ten city document that will decide the fate of one bureaucracy, paid principally by us rate- Recreation and Park Department website employees, at our expense, engaging in of the few large meadows in Golden Gate payers, has issued requests for bids by is the following statement about Golden such nonsensical “make work” represents Park and in the City. Park supporters were alleged consulting experts to “review” Gate Park: evidence of the reason for a bloated yearly appalled that the Planning Commission (then rubber stamp) the contemplated rate “We’re proud to welcome more than 13 city budget of almost $7,000,000,000. did not uphold either the California Envi- increase by Recology. million visitors each year to Golden Gate Adding to such taxpayer injury is the ronmental Quality Act or the California And, if you have read or heard the Park, one of San Francisco’s greatest trea- now defined plan of the same city depart- Coastal Commission regulations. sures. From a vast, windswept expanse of monopoly’s touted 78% recycling rate, a press conference on May 24, 2012 dis- ment to obtain voter approval in Novem- closed lawsuits by Brian McVeigh to ber of a $195,000,000 bond issue for The other four seemed more intent on currying favor with the sports fans pres- recover over $1,000,000 of taxpayer funds itself. Remember, approving bonds means obtained by Recology from the state and creating debt. In February, the depart- ent, than with upholding their responsibility to carefully evaluate an environ- City from false claims respecting recycling ment intended to seek approval of an mental document that will decide the fate of one of the few large meadows in material. The false claims lawsuit was filed $185,000,000 general obligation bond. It Golden Gate Park and in the City. ” under court seal in December 2010 pur- commissioned a poll under auspices of the suant to California law, which enables the Port of San Francisco, at taxpayer expense, probably because the department had just After a very brief discussion of the state Attorney General to proceed against sand dunes, park engineer William Ham- submitted to voter approval a similar 369-page “Draft EIR”, and the 1,600-page anyone fraudulently obtaining taxpayer mond Hall and master gardener John amount of indebtedness a few years pre- “Comments and Responses” and letters, money from the state. McLaren carved out an oasis—a verdant, viously. According to the poll of 600 vot- the Planning Commission voted to certify The Attorney General, a San Francisco horticulturally diverse, and picturesque ers averaging 20 minutes in length, 21% the EIR. From the limited discussion that city government product, held the suit for public space where city dwellers can relax of those citizens identified themselves as took place, it was clear that the majority of one year before the seal was allowed to and reconnect with the natural world.” progressive, 33% as liberal, 28% as mod- Commissioners were unfamiliar with both expire and Brian McVeigh, a West Portal The natural world did not rate men- erate and 13% as conservative, with 5% the document and the concept of natural- native and former Recology manager, was tion by the Commissioners on Thursday. refusing to answer. If about 55% of San istic parkland. They then took all of 30 sec- allowed to proceed on behalf of the state. They ignored the pleas by parents, envi- Francisco voters are genuinely “progres- onds to adopt the CEQA Findings in the As a one-time supervisor at Recology’s ronmentalists, neighborhood activists, sive” or “liberal” City Hall’s confidence of EIR, and another 30 seconds to approve recycling facilities on Tunnel Road and Pier and child advocates alike to protect our passage of more indebtedness seems war- the General Plan Conformity Findings. 96, McVeigh alleges he uncovered fraudu- scarce parkland from being plowed under. ranted, although I can assure readers of my For those of you who are not policy wonks, lent weight tag inflation (a higher rate was This is a Rolls Royce of a project - the opposition. I urge the West of Twin Peaks this means that despite the City’s Plan- claimed for recycled material by Recology budget is up to $13 million and rising. Yet Central Council to do likewise. ning documents stating clearly that this for redemption from the State Depart- the Commission ignored the proposed The fanciful project part of Golden Gate Park must retain its ment of Conservation), theft of collected Central Subway win-win solution of a much-less expen- manipulators continue to try to deceive the naturalistic character, the Planning Com- recyclable material, false reporting of con- sive renovation of the Beach Chalet fields public into believing it is a “done deal.” It mission decided to throw out the planning Cont. p. 7 tent to the state agency and employee kick- backs from resultant fraudulent payments. is not. The Federal Transit Administration The suit charges Recology with invalidly has not approved the MUNI’s requested excessive reimbursement and redemption $942,000,000 contribution. Governor payments from California. Brown, in 2011, vetoed a State budget Perhaps you won’t be surprised to appropriation of $61,000,000 from the learn that after reporting such cheating to California High Speed Rail project bond his superiors at Recology, Brian McVeigh issue. A proposed amendment to the Fed- was fired! eral Surface Transportation Act to elimi- All of such alleged fraudulent conduct nate any federal money for the project is partially explains the ficticiously-claimed pending in the U.S. House of Representa- 78% recycling percentage by both City tives. Meanwhile, the Municipal Railway Hall and Recology. Another former Recol- confronts a dreadful operating deficit in ogy official has stated that San Francisco the next fiscal year and thereafter, which counts as recycling sand removal from the reminded me that the MUNI constitutes Great Highway! one of the least financially efficient transit In voting, don’t rely on the Control- agencies in the Bay Area. According to a lers’ statement on Proposition A in the June 2011 statistical summary of Bay Area voter information pamphlet. City Con- transit operators, prepared by the Metro- troller Ben Rosenfield invidiously chose politan Transportation Commission, the complicity with City Hall treatment of the MUNI recovers but 25.8% of its opera- monopoly by, among other things; incor- tional cost from fares, lower even than the rectly stating that Proposition A requires state statutory standard of 33.3% fare-box The meadows and playing fields at Ocean Beach soon to be replaced with plastic turf “publically-owned garbage collection, Cont. p. 8 Page 4 Westside Observer May 2012 Open Government Jettison the Ethics Commission By George Wooding t’s time to jettison the dysfunctional Ethics Commis- sion, whose annual budgets have cost taxpayers $45 Imillion in General Fund support ($19 million to oper- ate the Ethics Commission and another $25.9 million in Elec- tion Campaign Funds that is part of Ethics’ budget). Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi’s upcoming $6,000 — just two-and-a-half percent of trial before the Ethics Commission will be the $240,000 the Commission had initially more about why the Ethics Commission proposed. The Commission concluded needs to be eliminated, than his fitness to that Hall mistakenly gave his daughter a serve as Sheriff. campaign credit card to purchase a purse, SF’s Ethics Commission is now on and had used a campaign credit card to trial. After operating for 18 years and cost- buy gas that was non-campaign related. ing just under $19 million in tax dollars Former Supervisor Hall said: “The Eth- over the years, (excluding the $25.9 million ics Commission should really be renamed Campaign Election Fund that Ethics has the ‘Unethical Commission,’ since they are administered since Fiscal Year ’02–’03), nothing more than a group of second-rate
How did an Ethics Commission established by the voters to serve citizen interests become an agency that serves the interests of politicians and the politically influ- ential? It’s a textbook example that power and influence corrupts absolutely. “ the Ethics Commission has never even political hacks who are appointed by those held a misconduct trial for an elected offi- in power, and whose mission is to destroy cial, City department head, or manager. It the reputation of anyone who dares ques- MY TWO CENTS By Will Durst has no trial guidelines and is currently try- tion the policies of the current administra- ing to develop trial procedures for Sheriff tion. They are an administrative body with Ross Mirkarimi’s case. no judicial power whatsoever. They engage AND LUKEWARM WAS HIS NAME-O. In 2007, the Commission started pre- in the most deceptive, corrupt of under- ou don’t need a psychoanalyst to detect the latent paring a trial for Supervisor Ed Jew, but takings as the lackeys for those who exploit theme running through the endorsements currently Jew resigned before the Ethics Commis- people in politics. As a Supervisor, one of Yshowering Mitt Romney like broken rain gutters pour- sion could develop procedures. my regrets was not initiating legislation to ing down on a concrete toadstool. And that premise is ennui. Attorney Stephen Gruel, Jew’s attor- disband this fraudulent Commission.” “Mitt? Really? Yeah. Okay. Whatever.” Makes tepid sound like a ney, was quoted in the San Francisco The Commission created to serve the crazed bellow. With wild enthusiasm as MIA as World Series Trophies in the Wrig- Examiner, “The Ethics Commission was public good now seems to be serving City ley Field display case. Within the last 104 years, that is. unclear what process to follow and rules Hall politicians who fund its budget. Someone should warn NASA because “Only 2 of Mitt Romney’s 5 sons think regarding removal were murky. A number “They do as good a job as can be we are approaching stratospheric heights he’s a soulless Cyborg.” of questions were raised, including what expected with the resources they have in of apathy here. The only thing these highly “May be out of touch with the main- kind of evidence could be used, how wit- hand, Supervisor Sean Elsbernd said.” His solicited testimonials have accomplished stream but looks pretty good tanning on nesses could be called and examined, and aide, Olivia Scanlon, was a star witness in is given a face to listless. The guy needs the embankment.” if there really could be ‘due process’ since the Tony Hall trial. Scanlon later pleaded industrial strength hip waders to slog “Mitt Romney. Hey, it could be worse.” the commissioners are all appointed by the the 5th amendment against self-incrimina- through the thigh high lethargy. “Not the kind of guy who would hold elected officials who brought the charges. tion for tampering with evidence. George W Bush carved a precious you down and cut your hair, unless you It was a kangaroo court at best.” No elected official seems to want to three seconds out of his busy schedule to really were asking for it.” The obvious problem with the Eth- want a truly well-funded, effective Ethics make a momentous announcement from “Pretty down to earth for someone ics Commission is its inherent conflict of Commission. the inside of an elevator telling an ABC building a 57 room mansion with a car interest. The Mayor, Board of Supervisors, Sunshine Task Force In stark contrast to news crew, “I’m for Mitt Romney” as the elevator.”“Will do for America what he did City Attorney, District Attorney, and the the Ethics Commission’s 16-member staff, doors closed on him. Not that the candi- for Bain Capital.” Controller each get to appoint an Ethics its $2.3 million fiscal year 2011-12 budget, date-in-waiting was particularly lusting “Survived the mean streets of Bloom- Commissioner. These are the same City and its pathetic enforcement record, the after 43’s imprimatur which some might field Hills.” officials who determine the Ethics Com- Sunshine Ordinance Task Force (SOTF), call the Kiss of Campaign Death. But it “Hardly ever sneaks out at night to mission’s budget. Only friends of the pow- which has no staff and no separate bud- effectively does nail down the eminently kick homeless guys. Anymore.” erful need apply for appointment. get — although it receives $110,288 in staff sought-after spoiled rich kid vote. “A man who stands by his previous How did an Ethics Commission estab- support from the Clerk of the Board’s bud- Rick Santorum got around to his ring- statements, no matter what they are.” lished by the voters to serve citizen inter- get — has provided much more needed ing endorsement 13 paragraphs into a 16 “Mormons are just like Christians, ests become an agency that serves the transparency and accountability, and has paragraph email sent out to supporters aren’t they?” interests of politicians and the politically probably saved the City hundreds of mil- after midnight. The only subterfuge he “Mitt Romney. Not that bad, when influential? It’s a textbook example that lions in preventable lawsuits. The SOTF has neglected to employ was to disguise it in you consider the alternatives.” power and influence corrupts absolutely. provided far better cost-benefit return on semaphoric code. And these are Romney’s “He’s no John McCain.” Ethics Violation Cases Some examples investment than the Ethics Commission. big-time Republican buddies. You’d think “Going to make the world safe for rich of potential Ethics violations that quietly Supervisor’s Tantrums On September they were having their teeth pulled with p e op l e .” disappeared: 27, 2011, SOTF found Supervisors David families held at gunpoint on a listing cat- “Mitt Romney. When good things • Rigged bidding allegations on a multi- Chiu, Scott Wiener, Malia Cohen and walk yawning over an erupting caldera. happen to bland people.” million-dollar Parking contracts Eric Mar in violation of Sunshine meeting It’s been like that ever since the nomi- “He’s Oxymormonic!” • Morgan Stanley’s advance IPO options to laws, guilty of withholding public informa- nee became presumptive. Politicians ooz- “Hasn’t strapped a dog to the roof of mayor Willie Brown and then winning tion and violating public meeting laws at ing from the woodwork with the same his car in over 28 years.” multimillion-dollar Airport contracts a Land Use Committee meeting that per- kind of energetic frenzy fifth grade school “Mitt Romney. He’s got gas money.” • DPW’s contract to SLUG, the nonprofit tained to the Parkmerced development. girls normally reserve for haggis flavored “Never ridden a bus in his entire life.” urban gardening organization, for work Their official misconduct was referred to ice cream studded with garlic pickle chips. “Looks more like Gordon Gekko than on Newsom’s 2003 mayoral campaign. the District Attorney’s office. You got to know this is just the begin- Michael Douglas ever did.” • Unregistered lobbyists—unions, the Supervisor Weiner is angry about ning of a series of sluggishly recalcitrant “Mitt Romney. A man who feels Chamber of Commerce, Rose Pak, the SOTF determination against him and pledges of approbation. Here are some strongly about both sides of many issues.” the Association of Realtors, and Willie used his position to remove incumbent other passion-challenged tributes we can The New York Times says Will Durst “is quite Brown freely roaming City Hall. SOTF members and replacing them with expect over the coming weeks. possibly the best political satirist working in Mike Garcia, a former Ethics Com- “friends.” As Wiener stacks the SOTF, he “Mitt Romney. Had to go with some- the country today.” Check out willdurst.com missioner and current candidate for Dis- destroys one of the last independent bod- body, right?” Elect to Laugh! Every Tuesday (thru Nov.). trict 7 Supervisor, states, “I maintain that ies responsive to the public. SF does not “Not the brainwashed Romney. That The Marsh. San Francisco. themarsh.org. given its budgetary restraints, the staff at need both an Ethics Commissions and a was his dad.” Special $10 tix. Use code “vote.” the Ethics Commission does an exemplary Sunshine Task Force, or Wiener’s temper job. As to charges that Commissioners tantrums. We’d be better off with just the are unduly influenced by their appointing SOTF, which actually takes citizen’s com- Contributors: Mitch Bull, Kevin Birmingham, Jerry authorities, I was never once called by any plaints about open government seriously. PO Box 27176, SF 94127 Cadagan, Sharon Caren, Julie Casson, Doug Com- member of the Board of Supervisors (my The Ethics Commission was created 415 517-6331 stock, Will Durst, Jonathan Farrell, Hilary Gordon, appointing authority) about anything that in 1993 by Prop K when 52% of the vot- www.westsideobserver.com Kathy Howard, Flora Lynn Isaacson, Joanne Jordan, we were dealing with. I feel reasonably ers, and seven of the 11 Supervisors, were “…one of the best Publisher/Editor: Mitch Bull Jack Kaye, Dr. Carol Kocivar, Quentin Kopp, Steve certain that during my tenure, none of the fooled into thinking that a new govern- neighborhood [email protected] Lawrence, Dr. Annette Lust, Brandon Miller, Don Lee other Commissioners were contacted ….” newspapers ment department that dealt unethical con- Editor: Doug Comstock Miller, Patrick Monette-Shaw, Sergio Nibbi, Don Price, In 2007, Ethics charges hindered duct would reduce or mitigate it. in town.” [email protected] Tony Hall from running for mayor. Hall’s Phyllis Sherman, George Wooding. Photos: Doug Although the Controller’s statement Associate Editor: Alice Bull subsequent Ethics trial revealed that his in the ‘93 Voter Guide indicated that Prop Comstock, Blair Randall. violations were based on anonymous com- K “would increase the cost of government Ad Sales • Mitch Bull plaints, perjured testimony, and tampered in relatively minor amounts which may be The ideas and opinions expressed in these pages are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff or evidence. Ethics took over three years offset by related fees” [and fines], Ethics’ publisher of this paper. The Westside Observer is a free monthly newspaper serving the entire West of Twin Peaks area of San Francisco. before issuing any subpoenas. current annual budget is $2.3 million. The Circulation is 20,000 copies, distributed 10 times a year. 12,000 are distributed -to-door, 1,500 are distributed via free distribution racks in Hall ended up settling his case for Cont. p. 14 the West of Twin Peaks area, as well as libraries and other key drop-off points (see westsideobserver.com/hardcopy.html). May 2012 Westside Observer Page 5 WEST OF TWIN PEAKS CENTRAL COUNCIL By Mitch Bull …Sweet notes she saved the healthcare system approximately $400,000 by making the correct diagnosis that an artificial hip had been dislocated from its socket, detected by a relatively inexpensive X-ray. “If doctors were going to be held accountable for [healthcare] costs,” Sweet writes, “why shouldn’t we get some kind of credit for savings?” God’s Hotel (Cont. from p. 1) people hell bent on shutting down skilled nursing facilities caring for the frail elderly. patients to a “social rehabilitation model of Their test case was shutting down Laguna care” for San Francisco’s homeless. Honda Hospital. A central character in God’s Hotel — a Sweet erroneously reports that just title taken from the French “Hôtel-Dieu,” a after John Kanaley was appointed as Middle Ages almshouse taking care of the Laguna Honda’s Executive Administrator chronically disabled — is twelfth-century in 2004, Sister Miriam Walsh requested a mystic, nun, and medical practitioner Hil- meeting with him. In fact, within the first degard von Bingen, whose idea was that month of his tenure, Kanaley summoned human bodies are more like a plant to be Eric Miller, SF Forest Alliance debates Dennis Kern of Rec & Parks. Subject: Natural Areas Plan at Mount Davidson three vocal LHH staff members to his carefully gardened, rather than a machine office in a bald attempt to exert his author- n overflowing crowd of over 65 people attended the May WOTPCC of broken parts. Sweet’s premise is that st ity. None of the three had requested meet- meeting, held on May 21 at the Forest Hills Clubhouse. The major doctors should be more like gardeners ing with him. Atopic on hand was presentations from “both sides” of the Rec and Park than mechanics, and that many non-des- First, he summoned Sister Miriam Department Plan to “revitalize” the parkland and forest on Mount Davidson and perate illnesses might be better treated by Walsh to his office for a discussion about throughout the city with their “Natural Areas Plan.” Slow Medicine, by nurturing viriditas, the her advocacy against the “flow project” Dennis Kern, the Director of Opera- wrong way to proceed and not what the natural greening power of healing. involving the transfer of psycho-social tions for the Rec and Parks Department, public wants for City urban parkland. Throughout the book, Sweet offers patients from SF General Hospital to LHH. started his presentation by showing a During the question and answer ses- many insights that take your breath away. When asked what Kanaley wanted, Sister short video highlighting the work that sion, mediated by WOTPCC President In one patient vignette about having an Miriam reported “He wanted me to agree the department has been doing to open Matt Chamberlain, Kern admitted that accurate diagnosis, Sweet notes she saved to a deal to keep Laguna Honda’s name out up long closed trails, reintroduce native no bird counts have been done in relation the healthcare system approximately of the media and asked me to pipe down. I plants and grasses, and bring some of the to the Mt. Davidson portion of the project, $400,000 by making the correct diagnosis told him, ‘No deal,’ and that was the end of long-missing wildlife back to SF, includ- but that the department would welcome that an artificial hip had been dislocated the meeting.” ing the Mission Blue butterflies, coyotes, a partner to help them conduct a study. from its socket, detected by a relatively Kanaley then summoned Dr. Maria and red tail hawks. Kern insisted that He went on to state that the NAP plan is inexpensive X-ray. “If doctors were going Rivero and this reporter, separately, to his the program was to better manage the not about “clear-cutting” large swathes of to be held accountable for [healthcare] office for the same talk, and we both essen- open space within the city, to improve trees, but a way to ensure growth of the costs,” Sweet writes, “why shouldn’t we get tially told him the same thing: “No deal.” the 30 miles of trails and hiking venues next generation of trees to replace the some kind of credit for savings?” Kanaley’s attempt to bully vocal staffers by that exist, and to enhance biodiversity by ones that will eventually reach the end of In another vignette, Sweet acknowl- intimidation set the tone for the duration of planting other species of trees in the open their natural lifespan as a group. edges that “almost every patient I admit- his bull-in-a-China-shop administration. space instead of having the forests con- Other questions focused on the lack ted had incorrect or outmoded diagnoses,” Many Minor Errors … sisting (mainly) of a single species of tree, of public comment and outreach by Rec often taking medications for diagnoses such as eucalyptus or Monterey Cypress. and Park regarding the NAP plan. Public Sweet reports that voters passed Prop. they didn’t have and placing patients at risk He went on to acknowledge that the meetings were held by the Parks Com- “A” in 1999 to rebuild LHH for $500 mil- for adverse outcomes. Many of the misdi- landscape of San Francisco is man-made, mission, but few people were aware of the lion, and that half would come from a agnoses Sweet attributes to over-zealous and needs to be managed and maintained. actions of the commission. general obligation bond and half from the medical student interns at San Francisco He says the SF Parks Department shares Following the presentations and Q tobacco settlement revenue account. This General Hospital, who are apparently the mission of the GGNRA that trees are and A, a motion was made for a com- is untrue: First, voters were told the hospi- never held accountable for misdiagnoses important, but need to be managed to mittee to draft language clarifying the tal’s replacement budget was $401 million, that drive up healthcare costs and endan- create the “next generation” of younger WOTPCC’s position to oppose the NAP not $500 million (although the cost over- ger patient outcomes. trees and a more open understory that and the plan of the Rec and Parks Depart- runs 12 years later pushed the cost to well She wonders how outcomes might be would be better for wildlife than the exist- ment. The motion was seconded and car- over $593 million). Second, the bond was improved with correct diagnoses, instead ing understory provided by existing euca- ried by a vote of 12-0 with 3 abstentions. for $299 million, and just $100 million was of incorrect ones, and visits to emergency lyptus groves. The committee will prepare the response to come from the settlement. rooms avoided if doctors are provided suf- Kern stated that there are 131,000 and have it delivered to the SF Rec and Sweet accurately reports there were ficient time to spend with patients. These trees in SF parkland and open space, of Parks Commission by the June 11th two committees involved in the 2006 Prop. dead- insights — and others — make God’s Hotel which 64,000 are in the scope of the “Nat- “D” ballot measure: “San Franciscans for line for public comment. an important read. ural Areas Program” (NAP). And the cur- Laguna Honda,” and the “Committee to Other WOTPCC News: Sweet concludes LHH’s three prin- rent 20-year plan only applies to 5% of the Save Laguna Honda.” But she misreports Paul Conroy and the Nominat- ciples are hospitality, community, and trees (about 3400), mostly eucalyptus. that doctors Kerr and Rivero were mem- ing Committee presented the delegates charity. She relates these principles by Following the presentation by Kern, bers of both committees. This is patently with the following slate of officers for the examining the etymology of many Latin Eric Miller of the San Francisco Forest untrue. The latter committee was formed upcoming year: President – Matt Cham- words, including curare, splitting cure Alliance addressed the crowd and pre- by this author, Sister Miriam, Virginia berlain; Vice President – Roger Ritter; (doctors) and care (nurses), that has long sented the counterpoint that the existing Leishman, LHH resident Robert Neil, Treasurer – Carolyn Squeri; Secretary – fueled a battle for command and control of Eucalyptus trees are not hazardous, nor in then-president of the Residents Coun- Sally Stephens (Golden Gate Heights). hospitals. ill-health, and have been part of the urban cil, and family members of the Traumatic The President of the Council will appoint Sweet notes that during the French park landscape for over 100 years. Brain Injury Support Group. At the time, a Parliamentarian. No nominations were Revolution, medicine began to change; Miller pointed out that the budget of Kerr and Rivero made the ethical decision made from the floor, so the proposed doctors wanted control of the Hôtel- the NAP will cost well over $34,000,000 not to violate their doctor-patient relation- slate will be voted on at the next meeting Dieu in Paris to correlate medical treat- over the next 20 years, not including th ships by joining an advocacy group that on June 25 . ments with patient outcomes. The nuns, the portion of the 2012 Parks Bond included patients of the facility. WOTPCC President Chamberlain of course, objected on moral grounds that money that will be used for the project. Sweet asserts the hospital’s 1,200-bed also asked for volunteers for the following: using patients as experimental things was a He questioned the use of money for the replacement plans included three identical A committee to plan and conduct a bad idea; they protested, refusing to serve NAP when the City is in such financial six-story buildings. In fact, the third resi- District 7 Supervisor Candidates’ Forum under the doctors and refusing to leave. difficulty. dential tower eliminated was a 420-bed, Forming a membership commit- Eventually, administration rescinded its He cited the Alliance’s concerns that seven-story building containing crucial tee to interact and vet potential mem- order giving doctors control, returning the actions of the NAP should reflect the infrastructure elements like the data center bers (Paul Conroy and Roger Ritter have control of the Hôtel-Dieu to the nuns pro- interests of the community, not “activist” that had to be shoehorned into one of the already volunteered) viding nursing, until they left after it was native plant proponents. To make a point, remaining 320-bed six-story buildings. A committee to identify, create a secularized in the 1900’s. he showed a photo of Mount Davidson Sweet reports that following a meeting master listing, and extend a personal Much of Laguna Honda’s history dur- in 1885, with no trees or even scrub veg- between Sister Miriam and Mayor Gavin invitation to city department officials and ing the past 20 years parallels the same etation. Miller also stated that the group Newsom, Newsom ordered then Direc- insiders who are living in the WOTPCC battle for control, a feud between doctors, is against the mass deforestation of the tor of Public Health Mitch Katz to halt the hemisphere. nurses, and administration played out in existing forests because they are “non- many incarnations of the so-called “Flow Working with a group to garner most hospitals to this day. For her part, native” trees, and showed photos of other Project” shuttling SFGH patients to LHH. matching funds to bring an airplane back Sweet acknowledges the dynamic between San Francisco non-native tree plantings, Since this reporter attended that meeting, to Larsen Park. (remember the former the Nursing, Hospital Administration, and such as the Embarcadero palm trees I can vouch that meeting wasn’t with the plane / play structure??) Medicine departments needs to be kept Contrary to the number of 6400 trees Mayor, it was with his Chief of Staff Steve And finally…the WOTPCC mem- in close check to advance optimal patient that Kern used in his presentation, Miller th Kawa, who has long been considered San bers and officers invite you to the “75 outcomes. stated that in evaluating the Rec and Park Francisco’s real mayor ever since Willie Anniversary Celebration of the West Of Throughout the book, it becomes clear NAP plan, the intent is to “remove or kill- Brown’s tenure. Earlier, this reporter had Twin Peaks Central Council” on Mon- that Sweet didn’t venture into the politi- in-place” over 18,500 trees that are non- th also attended a meeting between Sister day evening, June 25 at the Forest Hills cal environment at Laguna Honda, and native species, to close 9.2 miles of trails Miriam and Mayor Newsom, which also Clubhouse, starting at 7:30 PM. didn’t become involved in efforts to stop to the public, and to also close 19.3 acres included former City Attorney Louise Next meeting : Monday, June 26th at 7:30 the transformation of its medical model of of space that is currently used as dog- Renne, chairperson of the Laguna Honda PM at the Forest Hills Clubhouse. Info: care, or efforts to permanently alter LHH’s play areas. He concluded by stating that Foundation, but Sweet makes no mention www.westoftwinpeaks.org. environment. the general public is largely unaware of anywhere in God’s Hotel about Renne’s Correction: last month’s photo of Tony Kelly Sweet acknowledges that the same these issues and that taking down mature meddling in Laguna Honda’s affairs. incorrectly labeled him as a supporter of the disability rights activist lawyers who disas- standing groves of trees to replace them There are a host of other minor errors. “garbage monopoly,” he opposes the monop- trously shut down state mental hospitals with shrubs and small oak seedlings is the oly and supports Prop A. around the country are now the same Cont. p. 6 Page 6 Westside Observer April 2011 Brown-Lee Machine (Cont. from p. 1) Laguna Honda (Cont. from p. 5) … Along With Many Major Errors employee Nicola Moulton exchanged a his deposition whether he had a role in largely faded from memory — or were When Sweet turned her attention to series of e-mails outlining the Prop. D approving Government Computer Sales as never known by voters who weren’t here the U.S. Department of Justice’s first letter ballot initiative and “themes” that might a vendor, replied: “I’m unclear about that. I then, analysts said. to mayor Willie Brown in May 1998, she be used to defeat the measure, including can’t recall a lot of details about that.” “Brown left under “more than a cloud speculates the DOJ had been “tipped off” whether 300 Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s The most extensive examination came — a thunderstorm,” said University of San to investigate LHH. Sweet dissembles, first patients were part of those who would face in 2000 by the Chronicle’s investigative Francisco political scientist Corey Cook. speculating it may have been doctors Kerr discharge if Prop. D passed. Harrington reporters, Lance Williams and Chuck Fin- But now Brown, a Chronicle columnist, or Rivero who contacted the DOJ, before and Miranda had to have known, if Sweet nie, headlined “Willie Brown, Inc.” is a tremendously popular figure in the Sweet then speculates it may have been didn’t, that Health Management Associ- “Corporations and people with close city, viewed by many as an avuncular LHH’s forty-four-year Director of Nurs- ates was a contractor receiving city funds ties to the mayor have received hundreds man-about-town, elder statesman and a ing Virginia Leishman who provided the who had made recommendations in 2005 of millions of dollars in city contracts, uniquely San Franciscan character.” DOJ a tip, an allegation Leishman ada- to alter Laguna Honda’s service mix. They development deals, subsidies and grants, “It’s not the same electorate it was a mantly denies. (Leishman has, reportedly, also had to have known that using a city records show,” the paper reported. decade ago,” Cook said. “The Willie Brown received numerous calls since God’s Hotel contractor to help develop arguments to “In deal after deal, bidders who are they know is the Willie Brown giving them was published, some encouraging her to defeat a ballot measure clearly violated associates of the mayor — or who have movie reviews and restaurant tips. He sort consider a slander suit.) Regardless, there Section 12G. Sweet mentions nothing of retained Brown’s associates as lobbyists or of transcends his last years in office.” is no proof that the DOJ received any tips, this. consultants — have won out over others But if the Chronicle has aided in Wil- and may have launched its investigation Nor does Sweet mention that prior to with less political clout, sometimes after lie Brown’s reinvention, by no means does simply by reviewing sentinel event, or publication of God’s Hotel she had to have intervention by the mayor or his aides.” it follow that Willie Brown no longer does annual inspection, reports. heard news that San Francisco’s Direc- “During the FBI’s corruption investi- business exactly as before. Referring to the same first letter tor of Public Health Mitch Katz had been gation, court records show, agents made Out of office, Brown now enjoys the from the DOJ, Sweet asserts the DOJ was paid $30,000 over a three-year period by inquiries regarding contracts worth more luxury of secrecy denied to officials and initially concerned only about LHH’s Health Management Associates, the same than $1 billion and 63 different companies, lobbyists who must disclose contracts, Nursing department, saying the DOJ firm to whom he had steered a contract. people and other entities, many with con- finances and contacts. blamed Nursing for almost everything, There are other major errors too long nections to Brown.” A hedge on Brown when he was in except LHH’s old-fashioned wards and for this review. Brown Re-Invented (lol) office was the necessity to meet the expec- aging infrastructure. This is also patently Glaring Omissions Now out of office for close to a decade. tations of voters. He needed to deliver – or untrue. The DOJ, in effect, also blamed Sweet mentions nothing about the Brown has reinvented himself, according adjust – to meet the varied demands of San the Department of Medicine, which had closure of LHH’s adult day health care to the Chronicle, which hired him as a star Francisco’s political microclimates. When then rightfully contained the sub-specialty program, nor does she discuss the loss columnist. he went too far in one direction the vot- of physical medical rehabilitation, includ- of 200 to 300 assisted living facility beds In an August 2011 Chronicle article ers would push him back, as they famously ing speech therapy, occupational therapy, planned for the facility. Nor does she dis- that dismissed the likelihood that Brown’s did in rejecting his appointees to the Board and physical therapy, all components of cuss the impact of the loss of LHH’s 420 association would harm Ed Lee, the paper of Supervisors in the 2000 election. physical medicine, for failing to provide skilled nursing beds on the rest of the city, helped ease Brown into his new persona by Ed Lee: The Inside Man specialized rehabilitation therapy. and its effect on discharge locations failing to quote a single Brown critic and Ed Lee became Willie Brown’s Inside As a result of the DOJ’s claim in There is no mention of the $190 mil- treating Brown’s way of doing business as Man almost two decades ago, when 1998, Laguna Honda hired within a year lion in cost overruns of the replacement an irrelevant past. Brown turned to him to approve minor- a new senior physical therapist, an occu- facility, nor the shoddy workmanship “Part of the reason is that the FBI ity contracts for his backers. Lee went on pational therapist, and a speech patholo- in the new buildings (mold in the new probes, patronage and allegations of to hold positions where he could tweak gist charged with developing a functional kitchen is but one problem) that will cost pay-to-play politics that swirled around the requirements for contractors, order maintenance and restorative care program additional millions to repair. Brown’s administration a decade ago have Cont. p. 18 that subsequently hired four therapy aides While Sweet reports doctors Rivero to implement the program, and Kerr had filed a whistleblower com- which initially proved to be a plaint about abuse of LHH’s patient gift success. Doctors were finally fund, Sweet never mentions that following paying attention to writing a long-delayed City Controller’s audit of Summer is super rehab referrals. the gift fund the hospital was eventually Sweet reduces to a single ordered to restore over $350,000 misap- page the 2006 Prop D bal- propriated from patient benefit. fun at OLLI! lot measure to protect Laguna Nowhere does Sweet delve into the Seasoned adults age 50–jump into summer with stimulating Honda for the frail elderly with LHH public relations director’s spin con- courses and exciting activities. Hurry! Classes start June 19. skilled nursing needs, as vot- trol deconstruction; he’s the guy who ers were promised by Prop. A claimed “LHH’s patient gift fund isn’t for Just a few of our many amazing classes: in 1999. Sweet wrongly regur- patients.” Marc Slavin was hired in 2007 to Join us for a free gitates, with no critical analy- • Body Intelligence, Our First Language • Walking the Neighborhoods squelch “negative publicity about LHH” Summer Preview sis, the lies Prop. D opponents to help out his benefactress, former City • The Art of Basketry • Intro to New Communication Tools used to defeat the measure: that Attorney Louise Renee, now head of the on June 13 the proposition would permit • 2012 Presidential Election • Exploring the Presidio Laguna Honda Foundation non-profit the Residential Builders Asso- that refuses to release any details of its • Poetry Circle: The Five Senses • The Art and Architecture of Cuba Meet the faculty ciation (RBA) to build for-profit income and expenses, a fact Sweet must residential care facilities on • Shakespeare's Henry V • Art of the Renaissance have know about for years, but doesn’t and learn city land; would put a zoning address. more about administrator in charge of mak- Slavin is reportedly pursuing a PhD Save the dates! Film Festival on Aging, July 6-8 our summer fun. ing hospital admission deci- degree. While Sweet rightfully wonders Visit www.legacyfilmfestivalonaging.org sions; and would require LHH about efforts to re-brand a public hospi- Wednesday, June 13, 1:30-4pm to discharge 300 Alzheimer’s tal with a new name from which Slavin and AIDS patients — all lies. Downtown Campus had proposed eliminating “hospital,” she olli.sfsu.edu The RBA had no interest in doesn’t wade into whether Slavin’s mar- 835 Market Street building residential care facili- keting efforts over the years were designed 415/817-4243 6th Floor@ Powell Street ties. The land use attorney who to re-frame, for advertising purposes, that the osher lifelong learning institute is funded in part by the bernard osher foundation. crafted the language for Prop. LHH can be used for just about anything, D — being an associate of for- perhaps part of his pursuit of a PhD. He mer City Attorney Louise Renne and Renne are at it again, now trying to who now operates the Laguna re-brand LHH’s patient auditorium into Honda Foundation — slipped a revenue-generating community theater in arcane language thought to to support Renne’s non-profit Laguna be required for planning laws, Honda Foundation. Sweet never addresses but could be twisted into possi- LHH Administration’s ascendancy under bly permitting for-profit private Slavin, and the negative impact Adminis- development. Nothing in Prop. tration has had on patient outcomes, while D allowed private development, casting Nursing and Medicine asunder. but once City Attorney Den- God’s Hotel is certainly no match for nis Herrera wrote that Prop. D Slavin’s considerable skills in on-going would provide a “land grab” by deconstruction, and may be too little, too private interests, the lie stuck, late to stop the transformation in how we despite being a canard uncov- provide “slow medicine” to care for the In celebration of our 25th anniversary, Animal Farm Pet Hospital ered by a respected journalist sick poor. who looked into the issue and Despite errors haunting God’s Hotel, it will be offering 25% OFF on your visits for the month of June. And exposed it as false. may still be worth a read. But save your- to better serve the community, we have reopened Saturday mornings from 9-12. Sweet doesn’t report that in self some cash; check it out from a local March 2006 — despite a prohi- library. Dr. Linda Hall has joined our practice to work Mondays and Saturdays. bition in SF’s Administrative Monette-Shaw is an open-government Code §12G against using city accountability advocate, a patient advo- At Animal Farm, we care about your human/pet bond. We also care about the envi- funds to attempt to influence cate, and a member of California’s First political activity, including ballot ronment. We’re a green business run by solar power with minimal gas consumption. Amendment Coalition. He received the measures — then City Control- Society of Professional Journalists–North- ler Ed Harrington, City Ser- ern California Chapter’s James Madison (415) 333-0813 • www.animalfarmpethospital.com vices Auditor Leticia Miranda Freedom of Information Award. Feedback: in the Controller’s Office, and monette-shaw@westsideobserver Health Management Associates May 2012 Westside Observer Page 7 Lake Merced Update Whistleblower’s War Room Three Strikes and You Are Out Can We Trust the Controller’s By Jerry Cadagan Whistleblower Program? n last month’s update on this endless story, we said that By Derek Kerr, MD and Maria Rivero, MD SFPUC staff planned to take to its Commission on May I8 a slightly revised version of the proposed MOU with histleblower Programs need Rec & Park regarding management at Lake Merced. An ear- solid tips from insiders who lier version had not been acceptable to the Commission last W confront wrong-doing. Two November. We should have come right out and predicted that on May 8 the Com- major barriers for tipsters are the belief that mission would again reject the latest draft. That’s exactly what it did. The attitude nothing will be done, and the fear of retalia- of the Commissioners is best understood in this excerpt from the draft minutes tion. Trust is essential. Do whistleblowers trust the SF Controller’s Whistleblower of the May 8 meeting: Program (SFWP)? “Commissioner Vietor expressed Recreation both do an excellent job at Not Mercedes Hernandez-Bran. In 2004 she became the first SFWP whistleblower. her frustration with the amount of time recreational lakes in California. As Director of Human Resources for the Juvenile Probation Department, she reported that the SFPUC has been in discussions There is also possible good news misspent funds, conflicts of interest, altered time-sheets, and the shredding of public regarding the management of Lake Mer- in store for Lake Merced, but with one documents. Once the City Attorney heard about her concerns, she was locked out of ced and the MOU, and doesn’t feel the potential problem currently at hand. her office and her computer was seized. The scandal was widely covered by the Press. MOU is significantly different that was There is a $195 million Parks Bond being But like other high-profile whistleblower cases, it was invisible in the SFWP annual presented in November. She would like proposed for the November 2012 ballot. report. Hernandez-Bran explained: to see an MOU with a tight timeline, a It will provide monies to both Rec & Park “I reported the Chief Probation Officer for collusion and corruption, and I was laid plan that outlines recreational activities, and the Port Commission. Early indica- off as a result. But not before being harassed and investigated… There are so many cases budget numbers, staffing, and details tions are that at least $2 million will be of City employees who have filed whistleblower complaints and then were targeted for how the relationship between the SFPUC ear marked for Lake Merced. However, layoffs. No one trusts this program. The City Attorney protects officials first, then acts and Recreation and Park will work.” we’ve looked at the draft bond ordinance against the informant.” Obviously, the higher the risk for the Another half-a-dozen cases of retalia- City, the higher the risk of buried com- So, the Commissioners at SFPUC have now twice rejected vague proposals for tion were described in the July 2011 Civil plaints, whitewashed investigations, and two-headed management at Lake Merced. Grand Jury report, “Whistling in the Dark retaliation for whistleblowers. Although – The San Francisco Whistleblower Pro- the Civil Grand Jury found that “only g r a m .” Controller Ben Rosenfield was not high-risk” complaints were investigated So, the Commissioners at SFPUC and are very concerned that the language moved. To date, no whistleblower retali- by the SFWP, they did not confirm that have now twice rejected vague propos- is inadequate to assure that bond monies als for two-headed management at Lake can be spent at the lake, because SFPUC, Merced. Hopefully the third strike will the owner of the lake, is not specifically …SFWP … showed that only 16% of all complaints were substantiated. Dur- come if and when staffs of SFPUC and named in the ordinance, as is the Port. ing this period, the Los Angeles program substantiated 23% of all complaints, Rec & Park take another swing at the We urge Observer readers to contact their while San Diego sustained 33%. Notably, both programs had investigated a issue. We have long said that a single Supervisor and specifically request that agency should be fully in charge at Lake the proposed 2012 San Francisco Clean greater share of complaints; 72% for LA and 100% for San Diego, compared Merced. The limited recreational needs and Safe Neighborhood Parks General to 59% for SF.” could easily be taken care of by contract- Obligation Bond make it explicitly clear ing with a professional lake/reservoir that SFPUC may receive bond funds for ation surveys — or even satisfaction sur- all of them were. Potential whistleblow- management company, much as is done expenditure at Lake Merced. veys — have been conducted, though the ers need assurance that serious com- at numerous reservoirs and lakes around Jerry Cadagan is Co-founder of Commit- Controller employs dozens of auditors plaints are actually received, investigated the state. Companies like Urban Park tee to Save Lake Merced and analysts. and substantiated, not just “referred and Concessionaires and Rocky Mountain Short of conducting a survey, whistle- closed.” A Whistleblower Program that blower trust can be estimated from the acts on high-value complaints will be Soccer Project at Beach Chalet (Cont. from p. 3) number of complaints sent by insiders trusted with more of them. That’s another with natural grass and no sports lights, and one user-group, rode roughshod over the — City employees. The SFWP withholds reason why the SFWP should immedi- sharing the rest of the 2008 Bond funding 790,000 people in San Francisco who don’t this information. However, Oakland’s ately contact whistleblowers who submit with other playing fields for kids all over - or can’t - play soccer. In the space of a few Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention High-Risk and Medium-Risk complaints San Francisco. minutes, the Commission overrode the Program reported that in 2011, “City — and again within six months — to There is a big fight going on in the City Master Plan and approved the project. employees generated 44% of the reports… check if they saw results or retaliation. now over the pittance of funding for parks This is the beginning of the end of our the first time that the volume of tips… A program that protects tipsters will in the 2012 Bond. Does the City really have parkland. There are many people who view from the public exceeded those tips from get more who identify themselves. A enough money to throw at one pet proj- parkland as space that is useless unless it is employees.” A decline in employee tips major provider of whistleblower hot-line ect? Of course, project supporters will say built on. Or, in the words of a Rec and Park should be reported to taxpayers. But the services, The Network, Inc., found that that part of that funding will come from Commissioner, it produces “site specific SFWP has a reason to overlook employee requests for anonymity dropped from the Fisher-family-financed City Fields revenue generation.” There will be more participation. 78% to 48% over 20 years, as employees Foundation. An email from Viking Youth development projects, and they will come Over the past three years, complaints became comfortable with reporting. The Soccer League stated that the donor will thick and fast. And each one will look like to the SFWP fell from 465 to 386 to 365, San Diego Fraud Hotline reported that only pay for Beach Chalet or the money a great idea, it will have its own constitu- a 22% drop. Over the past 9 months, only only 46% of callers in 2011 requested will have to be returned. Why is a private ency, and it will be approved, all because 252 complaints came in. At this rate the anonymity. In fact, the SFWP’s own 2008- foundation deciding what happens to our the Recreation and Park Commission does fiscal year could end with another signifi- 2009 mid-year report disclosed that just Parks? Are we so short-sighted as to allow not have the backbone to stand up for our cant plunge. Likely, employee complaints 43% of callers were anonymous. A rise in this leveraged buyout of our parkland, Parks. are falling, too. This steady decline in par- anonymous complaints signals mistrust. when there are other options available for It is a sad day for Golden Gate Park, ticipation has yet to be addressed. Since 2009, the SFWP has withheld the getting kids a place to play soccer? when the City departments charged with A trustworthy program that focuses rate of anonymous tips. The 1998 Golden Gate Park Master stewardship of our parks decide to destroy on serious wrongdoing will attract serious More important, substantiated com- Plan protects parkland for everyone — our crown jewel. tips. From 2004 to 2007 the SFWP tried plaints show that something is being done. old, young, healthy, not so active, of all We still hold out hope for the win-win to do that. True whistleblower tips, about This number was never disclosed — until ages and backgrounds. That is the pur- solution. There are other locations for this fraud, waste and abuse of City resources, 11/22/11 — after the public uproar over pose of Golden Gate Park — active and project — but there is only one Golden were separated from gripes about shoddy the Civil Grand Jury investigation. That’s passive recreation in a natural setting, Gate Park! City services. Consistently, however, true when the SFWP revised its 2010-2011 but open to all. The soccer players claim whistleblower complaints stayed around annual report and showed that only 16% Gregory P. Miller 37 year SF resident, retired one-third of the total. Starting in 2007, of all complaints were substantiated. Dur- 7,000 kids who play soccer. That is great senior financial analyst, US Navy veteran. — and they should have a place to play whistleblower tips were merged a larger ing this period, the Los Angeles program (see the win-win solution above). But at (Editors note: The group SF Ocean Edge is group of minor complaints pouring into substantiated 23% of all complaints, while the Thursday meeting, the Recreation and considering filing an Appeal to the Board of the 3-1-1 call line. This mix created the San Diego sustained 33%. Notably, both Park Commission, in their rush to support Supervisors. Info www.sfoceanedge.org.) illusion that the SFWP was doubly-busy programs had investigated a greater share responding to “whistleblower complaints” of complaints; 72% for LA and 100% for and checking malfeasance. Further, dis- San Diego, compared to 59% for SF. Great Highway Sand Maintenance Project persing whistleblower tips in a sea of In the last half of 2011, the SFWP sub- Annual Sand Maintenance Project to Impact Traffic from Lincoln to Sloat service complaints obscures the drop in stantiation rate climbed to 21% of all com- claims from whistleblowers when they plaints. This increase is linked to a surge Monday, June 4th to Friday, June 8th • 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No weekend work lose faith. of investigations into 71% of all com- Department of Public Works crews will relocate sand on Ocean Beach to reduce In 2011, the SFWP resumed sorting plaints, compared to an average of 51% sand blown onto the Great Highway and the promenade. The sand will be transported out high-value tips about major wrong- for the prior 3 years. Something is being just south of Sloat Boulevard and strategically placed to simultaneously address the doing. The SFWP ranks incoming com- done – but by whom? In our next column problem of erosion and stockpiled sand at Noriega seawall, the seawall area between plaints as High-Risk, Medium-Risk and we will explore how most complaints sent Pacheco and Rivera, and sand at Judah, Lawton, Ulloa, and Vicente. Low-Risk – depending on “the risk of loss to the SFWP are quietly referred back to Southbound lanes at the Great Highway will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to the City.” But the resulting risk-profiles the same City departments named in the on Monday, June 4th through Friday, June 8th. Southbound motorists are advised to are kept secret. High-Risk complaints complaints. take Sunset Boulevard. The duration of the project is estimated to be 5 working days. involve high-level City officials and a risk Dr. Maria Rivero and Dr. Derek Kerr were Southbound traffic will detour to Sunset Boulevard during project hours. Motor- of loss of $50,000 or more. Medium Risk ists are asked to be mindful of neighborhood areas. Northbound traffic will not be senior physicians at Laguna Honda Hospi- complaints implicate mid-level manag- tal where they repeatedly exposed wrong- affected by the sand maintenance project, but can expect minor impacts. ers. Low-Risk complaints involve regular Pedestrian traffic can expect only minor impacts during project hours. doing by the Department of Public Health employees or a sum under $10,000. Note Contact: [email protected] Please visit twitter.com/sfdpw for updates during the project. Email [email protected] with how the risk of loss to whistleblowers has questions, or call 3-1-1. no place in this calculus. Page 8 Westside Observer May 2012 MONEY MATTERS • By Brandon Miller and Joanne Jordan Golden Gate Park (Cont. from p. 8) its own constituency, and it will be approved, all What You Should Consider Before because the Recreation and Park Commission does not have the backbone to stand up for our Parks. Supporting A Family Member Financially It is a sad day for Golden Gate Park, when the City amilies are comprised of people with very different personalities, values, and departments charged with stewardship of our parks financial habits. You may, like many of us, also consider close friends or ex- decide to destroy our crown jewel. spouses as members of your family. There may be high earners, low earners and no earners—and even We still hold out hope for the win-win solution. F There are other locations for this project — but there is those who are currently financially comfortable can hit hard times and need help with their finances. According to recent research afford a nice spring break or pay off following a parental instinct? If your only one Golden Gate Park! commissioned by Ameriprise Finan- a credit card debt may not be a neces- expectations aren’t met, will you be Gregory P. Miller 37 year SF resident, retired senior finan- cial*, more often than not, family sity. If the expense isn’t a basic need, disappointed? If so, it may be better cial analyst, US Navy veteran. members—especially those that are or if you’ve assisted with the same to say “no” than risk damaging your (Editors note: The group SF Ocean Edge is considering fil- part of the sandwich generation— expense in the past, ask yourself if relationship. ing an Appeal to the Board of Supervisors. Find out more at www.sfoceanedge.org.) Consider whether your family member’s circumstances or past behavior indicate that they’ll actually be able to repay you. Also ask yourself whether you’ll be okay — financially and emotionally — if they don’t. When you Quentin Kopp (Cont. from p. 3) come to a conclusion, be sure to clarify with the recipient if the money is a loan or a gift” rate recovery ratio. Only such inefficient agencies as AC Transit and the Valley Transportation Authority in Santa oblige when a family member is short you are enabling irresponsible finan- The most important question to Clara County report lower fare-box recovery ratios, on cash. Of 1,000 baby boomers sur- cial behavior. ask yourself is, “How will this affect about 20% for AC Transit and 12% for Valley Trans- veyed, more than half (58%) report Loan vs. Gift my own financial well-being?” It’s portation Authority bus service and 17.1% for its unsuc- assisting their aging parents in some Often family members who ask crucial to take a look at your short- cessful light rail operation. MUNI’s cable car service, way, and most (93%) report provid- for financial help expect to be able to and long-term goals and determine if with its $6 fare, reaches a 47.6% fare-box recovery. ing financial support to their adult pay you back, but unfortunately these you can really afford to help. It’s natu- (The most efficient transit agency in the Bay Area is children. good intentions don’t always mate- ral to want to provide support, but BART with a 66% fare-box recovery including a 95% Helping family is admirable, but rialize. Consider whether your fam- don’t let a struggling family member ratio on its San Francisco International Airport service.) boomers may be failing to recognize ily member’s circumstances or past jeopardize your own financial secu- The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation the impact this support can have on behavior indicate that they’ll actually rity, especially if you’re approaching District, which socks it to toll-payers and uses proceeds their own retirement security. Only be able to repay you. Also ask your- retirement. By prioritizing your own to subsidize its bus and ferry services, secures 15.6% of one-in-ten (10%) admit that help- self whether you’ll be okay — finan- financial goals and stability, you may its bus operating expenses from fares, while recovering ing their parents has slowed down cially and emotionally — if they don’t. even have the ability to comfortably 47.1% of expenses from ferryboat riders. The best fer- their retirement savings; one-third When you come to a conclusion, be help family members in the future. ryboat operation in the Bay Area is Vallejo, with a 60% (34%) feel the same about the support sure to clarify with the recipient if the Making financial decisions can fare-box recovery, followed by Alameda at 55%. And they’ve provided their adult children. money is a loan or a gift, and decide be difficult—and communicating SAMTRANS achieved 48.5% on the Cal Train opera- It can be difficult to turn down a if you will charge interest on the loan about finances can be even more tion, but a sad 17.9% of its bus operation costs. family member who needs support, and if you’re willing to continue pro- challenging when you have a family Having already urged passage of state Proposi- but before you say “yes,” think care- viding financial support in the future. member in need. Consider working tion 28 to change term limits, I reiterate my opposition fully about your ability and willing- Expectations vs. Reality with a financial advisor who can help to Proposition 29 only because cigarette tax proceeds ness to provide financial support. It can be easy to say “yes” to a you set goals, track your progress and belong in the state general fund, not allocated to various Want vs. Need request for financial help, only to include any support you’d like to give special uses in defiance of sound governmental excise When it comes to living expenses, to family members into your overall tax principles. I add a recommendation of a vote for have mixed emotions down the road. th there is an important difference Consider your own feelings and ask financial plan. James Pan for the 19 Assembly District. He’s an hon- between a true need and a perceived yourself if you’ll resent your deci- Brandon Miller, CFP and Joanne Jor- est real property appraiser with the highest reputation need. If you are hesitant to help, con- sion—or your family member—in the dan, CFP are financial consultants at in the community for truth and veracity. He is also a sider how critical the request really is. future. Are you expecting the person Jordan Miller & Associates, A Private Democrat. Ensuring that a family member can to respond in a certain way, such as Wealth Advisory Practice of Ameri- Retired former Supervisor, State Senator and Judge Quen- make their rent payment or buy gro- with appreciation or reciprocity? Are prise Financial Inc.* in San Francisco. tin Kopp lives in District 7 ceries is critical—but helping them you doing it to feel needed or simply
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)(+'(&j^7l[$"IWd GGSN9012-08 Stonestown Galleria 10x16ad.indd 1 5/18/12 3:03 PM Page 10 Westside Observer May 2012 John Kirkpatrick Presents... JUST SOLD JUST SOLD JUST SOLD COMING SOON 67 Cityview Way 169 Marview Way 47 Cityview Way 8 Dellbrook Avenue 2BR/1BA 3BR/3BA 2BR/1BA 2BR/1BA Asking $599,000 Sold for $830,000 Sold for $700,000 $625,000 John Kirkpatrick Interested in learning more about these properties? (415) 412 - 0559 Connect with me on Curious about what your property is worth? DRE# 00921345 24/7 Service and Results For a free consultation, contact: www.johnkirkpatrick.com [email protected] Voted Best Romantic Restaurant Spring at the Cliff House Warm & Cozy Inside – Amazing Views Outside New in Sutro's! Monday Evenings in Sutro’s at the Cliff House Three-Course Prix Fixe Dinner – $39 with Wine Pairings – $55 Cliff House Weekly Favorites • Wine Lovers’ Tuesday – Half Priced Bottled Wines • Bistro Wednesday Nights – $25 Three-Course Prix Fixe • Friday Night Jazz in the Balcony Lounge • Sunday Champagne Brunch Buffet 1090 Point Lobos 415-386-3330 www.CliffHouse.Com Joyous Pride Celebration! St John’s United Church of Christ A progressive Christian community welcoming all ms-0219_localvore_ad.indd 1 11/21/11 8:43 PM 501 Laguna Honda Blvd at Woodside www.sfstjohnsucc.org 415- 731-9333 Forest Hill Muni Metro Station K,L & M lines Muni bus lines #43, #44, #36, & #52 Don’t Miss Per Another Issue! $ Year Mail your check to: 15. OBSERVER POB 27176 • SF, CA 94127 www.westsideobserver.com SUBSCRIBE or E-mail: [email protected] May 2012 Westside Observer Page 11 Go ahead and get nosy. Finally nd out what the neighbor's house really sold for. Register a free account to search active and sold properties. Only on zephyrsf.com. zephyrsf.com CASTRO NOE VALLEY PACIFIC HEIGHTS POTRERO HILL UPPER MARKET WEST PORTAL t’s hard to believe, but it is already June 1st and with that a California Primary Election. Due to the timing of the California Primary, many pundits feel that the primary election Imeans little in the scope of the “national political scene.” On the local level, each vote could be very important as this election could have a big effect on the Bay Area and California. The voters will be making history on several fronts. With the passage of the “open primary” concept, the “top 2” finishers (regardless of political party affiliation) in primary elections will face off in the November General Election for the first time. Combined with the realignment of Assem- San Franciscans also are voting on two Mea- bly and State Senate Districts, passed previously sures, the first, Measure A would change the way as Proposition 11, this election could very well that Garbage and Recycling is handled within the impact our legislative representatives for the next city; the second, Measure B proposes to limit use 12 years. As many as one-half of the seats in the of the dollars gained by the concessionaires at 80-member California Assembly could change Coit Tower to the maintenance and restoration of DALY CITY BURLINGAME hands due to existing term limits and the afore- the landmark, not for other city projects. It should 239 Lake Merced Boulevard 1209 Howard Ave mentioned redistricting. Several of our local be interesting to see how the voters respond, but Westlake Shopping Center Suite 100 elected officials are at the ends of their terms and however you feel, please make the effort to vote as (650) 757-ENVY (3689) (650)392-ENVY (3689) are running in “new” districts for other offices. In we do have the power to affect change and make M-F 8–10, SAT 8-8, SUN 10–7 M-F 8–10, SAT 9–9, SUN 10–8 all, voters in SF will have the choice of candidates our voice heard. in two Congressional Districts, a US Senate Race, a State Senate District, three State Assembly Dis- Bits and Pieces….on a sad note, we lost MassageEnvy.com • Franchises Available • Convenient Hours • Open 7 Days tricts, and of course the Presidential Primary. two friends last week. Bill Kruse, an avid golfer and family friend, and Dante Santora, who both *See Clinic for details. Changes to term limits in California is on passed away last week at the age of 96. I had the families. They will be missed and remembered. the ballot (Proposition 28) enabling an elected pleasure of Bill’s company for years, and what- Congratulations…. To everyone associated with the West of official to serve 12 years in the Assembly, instead ever the season he always asked how I thought th of the current six year ceiling. Senators are still the 49ers were going to do this year. Dante was a Twin Peaks Central Council, which will celebrate its 75 Anniversary of representing the citizens on the Westside. There will be a celebration limited to eight years. Prop 28 applies to officials former catcher in the SF semi-pro leagues and a th elected for the first time this year. Officials pre- retired longshoreman. He loved the game of base- party at their next meeting, Monday, June 25 at 7:30 PM at the Forest viously elected would have their “year count” ball and was a long-time fixture in the SF baseball Hills Clubhouse. start anew. A much publicized additional tax on community as he still followed the game and was Do you have an interesting story, idea, or some insights you’d like to get cigarettes for Cancer Research (Proposition 29) is always seen in his SF Giants World Champion in the paper? Just drop it to us in the mail, or email me at: mitch@West- also on the ballot. jacket. Both men were in (relatively) good health sideObserver.com. Check out www.WestsideObserver.com, or on Twit- until recently and enjoyed their friends and ter @ Twitter!@WestS_Observer and Facebook. Page 12 Westside Observer May 2012 MAY THU • Kindergarten Prep workshop Thu • Sunset Dist Coalition meeting neighborhood organizations. 4th Mon- Every • Sunday Farmers Market Thu Jun 7 | 5:30–7pm | Ocean Viw Branch Thu Jun 14 | 7 pm–9 pm | Meets 2nd day each month. Forest Hill Clubhouse, 381 Magellan. See page 5 for minutes of Farmers Market |Every Sun | 9 am–1pm | Library presents a workshop to prepare Thu each month. Info or to be added last meeting. Stonestown back parking lot: at Stonestown your family for the kindergarten step. to the agenda please call Susan at 345 Randolph St. (at Ramsell) 355-5615. Galleria (19th Avenue @ Winston) 415.586.8103 or [email protected] M ON • SHARP THU • Author Al Barkow Taraval Police Station, 2345 24th Ave Every • MOnday Diabetes seminars Mon Jun 25 | 7 pm | Sunset Heights Thu Jun 7 | 7 pm | Author Barkow discuss Thu • C. W. Gortner Assoc. of Responsible People. Last Mon St. Mary’s Medical Center |Every Mon | 4pm The Upset: Jack Fleck’s Incredible Victory each month 1736 9th Ave. ( Moraga) Free weekly classes on diabetes care. Level Thu Jun 14 | 7 pm | Author will read Over Ben Hogan at the U.S. Open. Book- from The Queen’s Vow: A Novel of Isabella Thur • OMI Nia C Mercy Conference Rm, Hayes at Stanyan St. Shop West Portal, 80 West Portal 564-8080. Info 800 444-2303stmarysmedicalcenter.org Castile. One of history’s most famous Thu Jun 28 | 7 pm | Ocean View-Merced THU • Taraval- Parkside Merchants and controversial queens. She united Heights-Ingleside Neighbors in Action Special Nights at Que Syrah Thu Jun 7 | 7–8:30 pm | Meet up with a fractured country, her reign gave rise 65 Beverly, Temple Methodist Church Happy Hour Every Tues | 4–8 pm | Que Syrah. your fellow merchants of Taraval St. and to the Inquisition, and the visionary [email protected]) Take $1 off each glass, 10% off of each bottle of who sent Columbus to the New World. Parkside. Taraval Police Station, 2345 Have a local event? Contact: wine consumed at the store. 24th Ave. First Thursdays. Contact: Yumi B ookShop West Portal, 80 West Portal Tapas Every Thur & Fri | 5:30-9 pm Sam [email protected] 564-8080. [email protected] Family Winery Tasting Sat Jun 9 | 5pm Mon • Sunset-Parkside Meeting Iberian Wine Tasting Sat Jun 30 | 5pm TUT E • NeR – Disaster preparedness Mon Jun 18 | 6 pm | SPEAK aims to edu- 230 West Portal Avenue 731.7000 Sun Jun 10 | 2–3:30 pm | Neighbor- hood Emergency Response Training at St cate Sunset/Parkside residents on pub- AMERICANA JUKEBOX Every • Thursday–Nightlife Aidan’s Church, 101 Goldmine Dr. RSVP to lic safety, zoning, planning etc. 3201 Hillbilly Music For The 21st Century! 6 pm–10 pm | Every Thur night, the Academy of [email protected] or call 415 970-2024 Ulloa St. (Grace Lutheran) 3rd Mon each Sat | Jun 9 THE TWANG BANG! Featuring: Sciences is transformed into a lively venue filled to register. month. [email protected] The Dirty Hand Family Band with music, provocative science, mingling, and TUT E • NeR – Disaster preparedness Tue • Special Community Safety Meeting The Famous -post punk Americana cocktails. GG Park/Tickets $12 ($10 members). Tue Jun 19 | 7 pm | Taraval District Police The Shants - slow burning Americana Tue Jun 12-Jul 17 | 6:30–9:30 pm | calacademy.org/nightlife. 3rd Tue of the month. The June meeting The Rogers - Americana - with a groove. Daughters of Norway Demonstrations will ber at the Minnie and Lovie Ward @ The Great American Music Hall 859 O’Farrell E VERY • Friday Night Day-come and learn about Norway’s REc Ctr at 650 Capitol Ave. Meet with $13 adv / $15 door / 7:30 doors / 8:30 show / Friday Night Jazz Fri | 7–11 pm | Cliff House, Heritage! (free to the public, with special Captain Curtis Lum. 759-3100. all ages Balcony Lounge – 1 Seal Rock. Performances: interest to those of Norwegian/Scan- www.cliffhouse.com/home/jazz.html dinavian Heritage) Grace Evangelical Wed • Health and Healing with Music Fri | Jun 15 URBAN HILLBILLY Featuring: E VERY • Friday Night at the Deyoung Lutheran Church 3201 Ulloa Street. Wed June 20 | 7–8:30 pm | Sharon Car- T.V. Mike and the Scarecrows And Eight Belles 5–8:45 pm | Live music, poetry, films, dance, Wed • Central Corridor Plan en’s Free Health and Healing Through tours, and lectures. Cafe: special dinner, no- Music and Sound, a discussion with @ Café Du Nord 2170 Market Street, 8 PM Wed Jun 13 | 6 pm–8 pm | Central Sub- Dave Crimmen, 35 year Musician at Flo- doors/ 9 PM show / $10 adv /$12 door / 21+ host bar. Art-making for children and adults. de way planning includes this Central Corri- Young Museum, GG Park. www.deyoung.famsf. reys Books, 2120 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica. Fri Jun 15 BLUEGRASS BONANZA! Featuring: dor Plan, a public meeting at SPUR, 654 Info 650-355-8811 The Creak org/deyoung/calendar/category/89 Mission St. THU • Author Alan Furst The New Thoreaus TU E • Free Day Conservatory of Flowers @Plough & Stars, 116 Clement Street, SF. 9pm Wed • GG Bridge on the Silver Screen Fri Jun 22 | 7 pm | The New York Times Tue Jun 5 | 9 am–4:30 pm | First Tuesday Wed Jun 13 | 7 pm | Merced Arts & Cul- doors / 9:30 show / $6-$10 sliding scale / 21+ of each month is free at the Conservatory bestselling author and “modern-day ture Salon. The Bridge has starred in master of the genre” (New York’s News- Fri | Jun 22 OZARK MOUNTAIN MUSIC SHOW of Flowers, Special Exhibit fees, if any still more movies than any other American apply. JFK Dr. Golden Gate Park. day) has written a gripping novel of The Chapmans architectural icon. From Dark Passage espionage and deception Mission to @Plough & Stars, 116 Clement Street, SF. 9pm T ue • Greater West Portal-GWPNA (1947) to The Rise of the Planet of the Paris. B ookShop West Portal, 80 West doors / 9:30 show / $6-$10 sliding scale / 21+ Apes (2011). Jim Van Buskirk, author of Tue Jun 5 | 7:30 pm | West Portal Play- Portal. The Music Store • 66 West Portal Ave, SF Celluloid San Francisco, (and former SFPL ground Clubhouse, 139 Lenox Way. First 415-664-2044 • 11-8pm librarian). Merced Library, 155 Winston. Mon • Central Council Meeting Tuedays. The “Western Heart” of SF. www.themusicstoresf.com gwpna.org Mon Jun 25 | 7:30 pm | West of Twin Peaks Central Council | A resource for http://shelbyashpresents.net/ May 2012 Westside Observer Page 13 Now At the Movies • By Don Lee Miller Chloë Grace Moritz are eccentric misfits. There’s also handyman Willie Loomis: Jackie Earle Haley with TH E BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL guest appearances from Clarney: Christopher Lee and Alice Cooper performing for the senior prom. Angelique is around to make life hell for the Collins family in every way she can as they get their canning A motley bunch of Brits fly to Jaipur, lured to retire in a luxurious hotel by the business back on track. Director Tim Burton adds his gothic touch, while failing with his impersonal misleading brochure produced by the owner of the title hotel, Sonny: Dev (Slum- approach and story momentum, to the screenplay: Seth Grahame Smith and story: John August +2. dog Millionaire) Patel. Narrator widow Evelyn: Judi Dench; upbeat Douglas: Bill Adult themes. Vampires: blood. Sexual content. Profanity. Nighy, henpecked by his bitchy wife, Jean: Penelope Wilton; cautious sourpuss MarvEL’S THE AVENGERS 3-D Muriel: Maggie Smith who “won’t eat anything I can’t pronounce” and brings jars of her favorite foods; Graham: Tom Wilkinson, a retired judge who wants When Loki: Tom Hiddleston and his thugs threaten world security, Nick Fury: Samuel L. Jackson, the to look up the lover he left behind 40 years ago; and Norman: Ronald Pickup & director of the global peace-keeping agency S.H.I.E.L.D., summons all the superheroes to save Earth Madge: Celia (Una in Bridget Jones movies) Emrie, who are both searching for love, all encounter an from the impending tragedy. This includes Tony Stark/Iron Man: Robert Downey Jr. and his secretary “assault to their senses” amid the colorful historical setting. They soon realize that Sonny has oversold Pepper Potts: Gweneth Paltrow; Steve Rogers/Captain America; Chris Evans; Bruce Banner/The Hulk: his bedraggled rundown, in need of many repairs, residences. Muriel is there for a needed cut-rate hip Mark Ruffalo; Thor: Chris Hemsworth; Natasha/Black Widow: Scarlett Johansson; Clint Barton/Hawk- replacement. Director John (Shakespeare in Love, The Debt) Madden and screenwriter Ol Parker move eye: Jeremy Renner. Selvig: Stellan Skarsgard assists Fury. This is THE action thriller of the year—a the location from Bangalore in a 2004 novel by Deborah Moggach. must see! The massive destruction within Manhattan is not to be believed; this is the central point of the warfare. Joss Whedan directs his screenplay from a story by Zak Penn + 3. World-wide grosses have By the end, most have adjusted to their compatriots and surroundings. Profanity. Sexual content. already topped $1-billion! Sci-fi violence and action. Mild drug references. CORIOLANUS MEN IN BLACK III 3-D Director Ralph Fiennes has updated this Shakespearean tragedy for modern times. As the title char- Agent J: Will Smith must travel back in time to 1969 to save the life of Agent K: Tommy Lee Jones when acter, he has created a very complex military officer with complicated familial ties. His manipulating he first encountered Boris, the Animal at Cape Canaveral. Boris has escaped from a satellite prison and power-behind-the throne mother, Volumnia: Vanessa Redgrave and his red-headed wife, Virgilia: Jes- decides to travel back to get his severed arm. J protects Young Agent K: Josh Brolin, much more jovial sica (The Help) Chastain do little to make his life easier. And then there’s his adversary, Aufidius: Gerard than the sour K. Not much new here from the last one, except a new boss, Agent O: Emma Thompson. Butler in another of his bloodbath roles. Senator Menenius: Brian Cox stands out. This one is the horror Good special FX. Sci-fi action violence. Suggestive content. of fighting men/ground forces that face tanks and artillery blowing them to bits. Screenwriter John (Hugo, Gladiator) Logan sets his tale in Rome, though it was filmed in Serbia. Highly recommended! NEOBODY LSE BUT YOU Bloody war violence. Profanity. A best-selling crime novelist, David Rosseau: Jean-Paul Rouve, is desperately seeking a new story DARKS HADOWS and hones his focus on an apparent suicide of an aspiring blond starlet, Martine Langvine/Candice Lecoeur: Sophie Quinton, who thinks she is the reincarnation of Marilyn Monroe. She has been filming In 1752, the Collins family with young son, Barnabus, sail from England to Maine. Years later, Barnabus: TV cheese commercials, topless, in the small French town of Mouthe. Quinton has the figure of MM. Johnny Depp breaks the heart of witch Angelique Bouchard: Eva Green, who curses him, turns him French with subtitles. Extreme violence. Blood and gore. into a vampire and buries him alive. Suddenly freed from his entombment, he finds himself in a very different 1972. Not only is his mansion a mess; his relatives aren’t in much better shape. To help the THE PIRATES! BAND OF MISFITS troubled matriarch, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard: Michelle Pfeiffer, she has a full-time live-in psychiatrist, The cutthroat competition for Pirate of the Year is here. Competitors crossing swords include the Pirate Dr. Julia Hoffman: Helena Bonham Carter. Both Roger Collins: Jonny Lee Miller and Carolyn Stoddard: Cont. p. 15 AT THE THEATER • By Dr Annette Lust and Flora Lynn Isaacson Be rkeley Rep’s In Paris nonetheless endured. strong static enig- A European Multimedia Visual Chal- a cab, see a movie, go to Montmartre to Expertly directed by Carey Perloff, matic moments, as lenge In Paris, based on a short story by dance and drink, and then return home to and well performed by René Augesen, the one in which after Ivan Bunin and staged as a multimedia remain together. Prompted to search for Anthony Fusco, and Annie Purcell, this 25 Hamm dismisses production, moves at a slow pace deploy- the protagonists’ subconscious motives, minute introductory play sets the stage for Clov from his ser- ing Russian and French dialogue with the spectator participates more actively. one of Beckett’s major works, requires the vice and Clov appears English subtitles, music, song, mime, Strong visual elements are the expres- spectator’s collaborative efforts to discover with his valise and video, and several rapid dance moments sive movement (and sometimes the still- its meaning. coat to watch Hamm In Beckett’s longer End Game that ring the bell he used magnificently performed by Baryshnikov ness) of both Baryshnikov and Anna Dr. Annette Lust as the male protagonist. In this 1930ties Sinyakina and the other cast members, opened in London in 1959 in French, we when he was needed. piece, we watch the former principal Kirov along with Alexiei Ratmansky’s chore- see the master Hamm (Bill Irwin), blind And Clov stands Ballet dancer navigate with elegant ease ography, the imaginative surrealist love and immobile in his chair, his crippled ser- there as if stuck to as the retired Russian general seeking the scene, and the elegant scenic and costume vant Clov (Nick Gabriel) hobbling about, the ground. If Clov company of a young waitress (Anna Sin- designs of Maria Tregubova. Added to this Hamm’s father (Giles Havergal), and his leaves will this mean yakina), also looking for love and a com- are the songs and music of Dimitry Valko, mother Nell (Barbara Oliver) locked in a despairing suicide panion. After the young waitress attends a Baryshnikov‘s dynamic (but all too short) garbage cans. Being miserably stuck is the for Clov and death movie and spends the night with the older dance numbers, and Tei Blow’s accom- theme reiterated here in Hamm’s immo- for Hamm? Or will man, their search to fulfill their mutual plished audio and video designs. bility, Clov’s inability to leave Hamm, and they continue a love- loneliness is for a time resolved. The stark simplicity of the produc- Hamm’s parents locked in garbage cans. hate relationship of The sober simplicity of the dramatic tion thus serves the visual lyricism of this The title and play’s content suggest that it mutual torture? Flora Lynn Isaacson action in this eighty minute piece, directed challenging crossbreeding of postmodern is the end game of a miserable life. At one Director Carey by Dimitry Krymov, sparks the curiosity elements depicting two lonely beings in point Hamm relates to Clov that one day Perloff’s Endgame communicates the of the spectator from the opening cari- search of love. It is a unique Russian styled he will undergo that “miserable end of infi- meaningful content of Beckett’s oeuvre cature of a male protagonist, who repeat- postmodern experience and a rare Euro- nite emptiness and be like a little bit of grit performed by four of our most dynamic edly picks up his overcoat and hat that fall pean theatre conception that should not in the middle of the steppe.” local and national American actors. from hooks, and in the following scenes as be missed. This production of Endgame deepened For information about Play and Endgame, Beckett’s piece on absurdity that Beck- he pursues the young waitress. Although For the upcoming Berkeley Rep production performing through June 3, and upcoming the spectator does not share the thoughts ett described as a “despairing play about productions visit ACT-SF.org or call 415- of Eve Ensler’s (author of The Vagina Mono- despair.” Although I missed Bill Irwin’s and emotions of the protagonists, he is logues) Emotional Culture, June 14 to July 749-2228. Annette Lust intrigued as the protagonists climb into genius for physical movement, it offered 15, visit www.berkeleyrep.org A Behanding in Spokane at S.F. Playhouse Recalls Commedia Lazzi. Bec kett’s Play and Endgame at ACT Martin McDonagh’s black comedy is hands at one another, and the play turns In Beckett’s Play, a male and two that has failed. about a killer searching for his missing left into a hilarious farce. females are trapped in funeral urns up to As in Beckett’s other plays, these char- hand lost when a gang of ruffians forced If one can view the play with a their heads, rapidly babbling with search acters are trapped and in this case unable him to have it chopped off by a train run- detached sense of humor and not take the lights on each one as he or she speaks. to move in their funeral urns as they ning near Spokane, Washington. Twenty exaggerated use of blood curdling violence When we hear such lines as “Get off of me!”, repeat the grim memories of their rela- seven years later he meets a couple who seriously, but rather accept it as a good the- “Finally it was too much” and “Maybe we tionship. This familiar Beckett absurdist take advantage of his mania to locate his atrical device, this dynamically staged and can be friends” we suspect they are speak- theme depicts the hopeless human condi- severed hand by claiming they have found acted play is very enjoyable. In fact The ing about a conflict between these charac- tion that leaves one inert before the sordid- it. The dramatic action happens in the Lieutenant of Inishmore and the Behand- ters or others in an intimate relationship ness and senselessness of life that has to be main protagonist’s (Carmichael played ing in Spokane recall the crude buffoonery by Rod Knapp)) dingy hotel room where at the basis of the lazzi (comic routines) he deals with the low-life Lisa (Melissa of the Commedia dell’Arte, the most vital The College of Liberal & Creative Arts Quine) and her black boyfriend Toby dramatic form in Western Theatre. Carmi- (Daveed Diggs) who want cash for having chael calls to mind the Commedia Panta- and the California Music Center present found his hand that is black and, counter- lone, the older clown who ends up as the ing Carmichael’s doubts, is dark colored butt of the jokes of the younger characters. The 27th annual Irving M. Klein because it is 27 years old. Bill English’s attractive set of a cheap In A Behanding director Dusi Dami- hotel could be tawdrier. Miyuki Bierlein’s International String Competition lano cleverly brings out the comical costumes suit the characters. Michael aspects of the somewhat less gory but Palumbo’s lights and Jacquelyn Scott’s One of the world’s most prestigious classical music competitions, nonetheless sadistic elements of the play. props serve the play well. The Klein features outstanding young string players from around the The shots Carmichael takes at the young A Behanding in Spokane that mixes globe, vying for more than $20,000 in prizes and performance contracts. couple, so comically portrayed by the actor elements of Commedia with those of Irish as an eccentric clown, and the couple’s storytelling is a playfully imaginative pro- Semifinals, June 9, 10am-4pm innocence and fear of him as he attempts duction with an enigmatic ending that $10 general–$5 seniors–FREE students/youth to blow them up with a lit kerosene hat, are poses the question “why search so ardently Finals, June 10, 4pm funnier than they are scary. Added to this for what we may already have?” $20 general–$10 seniors/students/youth are the moronic reactions of the desk clerk A Beheading Plays until June 30th. For infor- Knuth Hall, San Francisco State University Mervyn (Alex Hurt) in the midst of all this mation call 415-677-9596 or visit SFplay- violence and the angry throwing of human house.org.Annette Lust Purchase tickets ahead and save– up to 33 percent discount for a weekend pass The Night of the Iguana at RVP- A Night to Remember kleincompetition.org At the Ross Valley Players, an impres- Ross Valley Players are celebrating Tennes- sive set by Malcolm Rodgers of La Costa see Williams’ 100th birthday with its own TICKETS–CREATIVEARTS.SFSU.EDU • Buy tickets ahead and save • 415/338-2467 Verde Hotel in Puerto Barrio on the West spin on the popular play and movie. Coast of Mexico in 1940 greets us. The Cont. p. 15 Page 14 Westside Observer May 2012 Jettison Ethics (Cont. from p. 4) The Commission’s fines for lobbyists and politicians aver- blowback of retaliation and retribution.” Controller proposed a new definition of “minor amounts.” age between $5,000 and $6,000 annually. These low fines Between 1989 and 1993 the Whistleblower program That annual $2.3 million might be better spent fixing pot hardly inspire honesty and certainly don’t collect enough was introduced by Mayor Art Agnos and administered by holes or our parks or Muni, or allocated to schools. The to “offset” costs. then City Administrator Ed Lee. The Ethics Commission costs of the Ethics Commission has not been “offset” by The City’s Sunshine Ordinance is not being enforced. took over between 1993 and 2003, but did such a bad job the paltry $5,226 in fees and fines collected in 2010. Between October 2004 and December 2010 the SOTF that a large part of the whistleblower responsibilities were The Mirkarimi Case Ross Mirkarimi — as a private citi- referred 18 cases to the Ethics Commission for enforce- taken over by the Controller’s Office in 2003 following zen long before he was ever elected — was one of 53 peo- ment of proven “willful failure and official misconduct” passage of Prop C. ple who signed a paid Voter Guide argument in favor of allegations. In all 18 cases the Commission took no action, The splitting of the whistleblower program respon- Prop K. The same ballot argument was also signed by City dismissing all 18 cases. This lack of enforcement neuters sibilities between Ethics and the Controller’s Office has Attorney Louise Renne, the Alice B. Toklas Lesbian/Gay the Ordinance and is an embarrassment to transparency. created such a poor program that the Grand Jury noted, Democratic Club [which Wiener has co-chaired], Super- All of these Sunshine cases had some degree of merit, but “[the] whistleblower program has failed in its mission to visors Angela Alioto and Terence Hallinan, Congress- were dismissed without any public hearings. promote the identification of waste, fraud, and abuse.” woman Nancy Pelosi, and David Pilpel [the latter was just Ethics isn’t the only entity ignoring the SOTF’s The Ethics Commission is not worth saving. Its appointed to serve on the SOTF by Supervisor Wiener]. requests for enforcement: Of all the cases referred to the only defense? They don’t have the money to do a good Ironically, Mirkarimi will now be tried under the system Supervisors for action, they have held no hearings on job (apparently its average $2 million annual budget isn’t he encouraged be created. Careful what you ask for. violations. enough to satisfy them). An in-house analyst indicated Deputy City Attorney Peter Keith, representing Since December 2010, there have been at least six last year that the 16-person agency would almost need to Mayor Lee in Ethics’ “kangaroo trial” of Mirkarimi, other official misconduct complaints referred to the Eth- double its staff to handle the agency’s current workload; wrote a letter to the Ethics Commissioners delineating ics for enforcement; Ethics has taken action on only one the analyst neglected noting this may add another $2 what their legal role will be. “The commission does not case. In my own case, George Wooding vs. the Recreation million in staff costs on top of the current $2 million in participate in the investigation conducted by the Mayor and Park Department (RPD), I requested documents salaries and benefits in the current fiscal year. Who needs and the City Attorney. The commission is an adjudicator, from the Phil Ginsburg, Sarah Ballard, Mark Buell, and a political bureaucracy costing $4 million annually that and does not make prosecutorial decisions.” In stark con- Olive Gong which they denied they had. and the SOTF favors politicians over citizens? trast, Ethics is not supposed to re-adjudicate cases previ- ruled in my favor. It would be much easier, and cheaper, to go back ously heard by SOTF, but is must simply enforce referrals One small problem for RPD: I already had the docu- to the pre-1993 days when San Francisco didn’t have a involving official misconduct ments that I requested, so it was relatively easy, though “politically correct” Ethics Commission. This would cer- Keith continues, “The commission must hold a painfully slow, to prove withholding of public records. tainly be as good as what we have today, may possibly be hearing on the charges, make a recommendation as to This episode is a case study in the total eclipse of Sun- much less expensive, and perhaps might lead to meaning- whether they should be sustained, and transmit that rec- shine enforcement in the City and how one poorly man- ful enforcement of ethics laws. After all, we could save $2 ommendation and full record of the hearing to the Board aged and dysfunctional City department, the RPD, tried million annually by jettisoning the Ethics Commission. of Supervisors.” to stifle public dissent. Not surprisingly, no RPD employee And some of that savings could be better spent on Yawn. Regardless of how you feel about Mirkarimi, was fined, suspended, or faced any disciplinary action. strengthening our Sunshine Task Force, our only local the Commission’s real job is to make Mayor Lee’s decision Ethics has postponed a hearing date on my case while agency that exposes misconduct of City officials. to fire Mirkarimi look justified, then make Mirkarimi they are drafting newly-proposed guidelines for Sunshine George Wooding lives in Midtown Terrace. Feedback: look bad enough to have the Board of Supervisors uphold violations referred for enforcement. My case will be heard [email protected] the firing. as soon as these new regulations have been developed and There is no Perry Mason drama here. The Mayor adopted. This may be a very long wait, since wants Mirkarimi gone and the Commission’s role is to prosecution of Mirkarimi’s so-called Ethics help get rid of him. If the Mayor wanted to keep Mirkarimi violations has interrupted the workload. around, there wouldn’t be a trial. The complete lack of Sunshine enforce- Does anyone remember the ethics trial after Gavin ment by the Ethics Commission — just one Newsom’s admitted substance abuse problems, and sleep- official misconduct case upheld by Ethics ing with his best friend’s wife while she was working for of at least 25 cases over a 20-year period — him in the Mayor’s office? Selectively, there was no ethics lets every City Department know they don’t trial of Newsom. really have to be honest or forthcoming about public transparency or public information. Voters Hoodwinked The Board of Supervisors propo- San Francisco’s government has failed its citi- nent argument in the 1993 Voter Guide: “We recognize zenry in very fundamental ways. that the people of San Francisco are in danger of losing The Ethics Commission won’t begin any faith in our city government. Every few weeks another investigation until the District Attorney and scandal arises and public confidence sinks to new lows.” City Attorney have decided not to pursue a A separate paid argument in the voter guide noted above given case, even though the Grand Jury noted further said: “Proposition K will put teeth into San Fran- that Ethics does not have to wait until either cisco’s Ethics laws, ensuring that they are some of the agency completes its investigations. Conse- toughest in the country.” quently, there are almost no proactive inves- News flash: The people of San Francisco are still in tigations regarding ethics violations. danger or losing faith in our City government after two Ethics commissioners are appointed decades of the Commission’s squalid track record. by elected officials. In turn, they scrutinize Supervisor Kevin Shelley wrote in 1993, “San Fran- expenditures and activities of those same cisco is long overdue for serious ethics reform. That’s why officials. The Civil Grand Jury felt this leads I wrote Proposition K. The city must get tough on politi- to the appearance of impropriety, or very real cians who break the rules.” impropriety. Kevin Shelley became Secretary of State in 2002 and was then accused of “abusive behavior toward his under- Whistleblower Program The Civil Grand lings,” Shelley was later accused in 2004 of receiving Jury’s second report on the Ethics Depart- $125,000 in laundered state grant funds for his Secretary ment in 2011, titled Whistling in the Dark: of State Campaign. The San Francisco Whistleblower Program, State Attorney General Bill Lockyear publicly exoner- said “The existing whistleblower program ated Shelley, of any wrongdoing. SF community activist deals with mostly low-level issues, does not Julie Lee, who made donations to Shelly, was designated foster transparency, lacks a comprehensive to be the “fall guy;” she was convicted of five counts of tracking system, angers and confuses whistle- mail fraud and three counts of witness tampering. blowers, lacks an appeal system, and fails to Then State Senator Quentin Kopp’s paid argument create effective and independent oversight.” against Prop K said that creating an Ethics Department SF’s whistleblower program has inad- would “create a useless layer of bureaucracy.” Now almost equate protections against on-the-job retali- 20 years later, Kopp has been proven right after SF wasted ation for whistleblowers. Judging from the over a $19 million on this useless bureaucracy over the experiences of past and current whistleblow- years. ers, it is a very bad career move to become a Prior to the creation of the Ethics Commission, the whistleblower. District Attorney and the City Attorney enforced laws If you’re a City employee and your boss regulating campaign contributions, conflicts of interest, is stealing, or your Department is cheating, and lobbyists. The Mayor’s office investigated complaints wasting tax dollars, or committing fraud, of improper activities by officials and employees (whistle- look the other way or face career suicide. blowing). The Registrar’s office kept campaign finance The City will protect your Department and reports. The Board of Supervisors held ethics trials. supervisor; they won’t protect you. Had all these agencies kept their respective responsi- Whistleblowers “protected” by the Ethics bilities, San Francisco would have been better off. Commission are routinely fired, suspended, laid-off, shunned at work, demoted, or Why not put the Commission on trial? In 2011 the treated as traitors, regardless of the value they Grand Jury’s report, San Francisco’s Ethics Commission: provide to the City as dedicated public ser- The Sleeping Watchdog, focused on the Commission’s vants. Retirement and Social Security ben- investigations. These included fines and enforcement efits have been denied. Many whistleblowers irregularities; the arbitrary method by which fines are end-up suing the city for retaliation. The City determined; failure to provide adequate transparency; the loses many lawsuits, costing unknown mil- excessive influence of Executive Director, John St. Croix, lions of dollars annually, to settle. over commissioners, leading to abdicating their responsi- A whistleblower said: “I assure you, bilities to serve as our independent watchdog; and staff’s the next time I witness somebody dipping investigations. their hands into public funds to steal money The Commission fines miscreants just two to three intended to serve the disabled I will certainly percent they could assess. Being fined by the Ethics Com- not stick my neck out by blowing the whis- mission is financially analogous to having to buy lunch. tle and being left abandoned to suffer the May 2012 Westside Observer Page 15 At the Movies/Don Lee (Cont. from p. 13) SHARON THE HEALTH / By Sharon Caren Captain (voice of Hugh Grant) with his wacky scalawags; Cutlass Liz: (v.o. Salma Hayek) Music’s Healing Power and Black Bellamy: (v.o. Jeremy Piven). They encounter Charles Darwin (v.o. David Ten- nant), who likes the Captain’s “big-boned” parrot, Polly, actually a dodo, and the pirate- hen you’re feeling down or blue, have you hating, evil Queen Victoria (v.o. Imelda Staunton). With Wallace & Gromit to their ever noticed how comforting it is to listen animation credit, they add another bone to the flag of directors Peter Lord & Newitt and W to a favorite CD? writer Gideon Defoe. Rude humor. Profanity. Music is Healing for all ages The music groups reported 19 to 25% WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING Everyone from tiny infants to octoge- less depression than the control group. There are a few laughs here and there in director Kirk (Nanny McPhee, Waking Ned narians experience little miracles everyday The music groups reported feeling 9 to Devine) Jones’ movie inspired by Heidi Murkoff’s book published in 1985. Several with the power of music. Some are healed, 18% less disabled than the control group. women seem to get pregnant about the same time so their deliveries will (impossibly) some are given a few moments of relief The music groups felt they had 5 to coincide. There’s TV fitness expert Jules: Cameron Diaz and reality show partner, Evan: from pain, and others are comforted in 8 % more power over their pain than the Matthew (Glee) Morrison, who confront her pregnancy with busy schedules. Photogra- passage to the beyond. We find this type control group. pher Holly: Jennifer Lopez and her husband, Alex: Rodrigo Santoro give up trying after of therapy in alternative health practices. In a press release after the study, Dr. years and decide to adopt in Ethiopia. The owner of a breast-feeding boutique, Wendy: Unfortunately, our western medi- Sandra L. Siedlecki, nurse researcher at Elizabeth Banks and husband, Gary: Ben Falcone have been trying for some time. Rosie, cine health care system has a hard time the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio, 20-something: Anna Kendrick and Marco: Chace Crawford, ex-high school classmates, acknowledging the therapeutic benefits of stated, “Our results show that listening to now competing food truck owners, slipped up one night. Brooklyn Decker and Dennis music. There is much anecdotal evidence music had a statistically significant effect Quaid host a hilarious backyard Bar BQ. Daily park meetings of fathers with baby car- that music heals but medical establish- on the two experimental groups, reduc- riages (Chris Rock, Ron Huebel and Thomas Lennon) who chat about guy stuff are the ments will argue that there isn’t scientific ing pain, depression and disability and males in this ensemble cast. Crude sexual content. Profanity. Thematic elements. proof of the efficacy of music. Only about increasing feelings of power. There were 15% of American hospitals employ this some small differences between the two At the Theater(Cont. from p. 13) method and it’s not covered by insurance. music groups, but they both showed con- In the exotic world of the Mexican at the end of his rope. Williams mixes Healing isn’t about science, it’s about sistent improvements in each category coastal jungle, Williams has given us an these characters into a steamy, passionate people. Many people everyday are expe- when compared to the control group. exotic collection of characters in search and dramatic search for redemption. This riencing very real results from the heal- “Non-malignant pain remains a major of redemption. Shannon (Eric Burke) had metaphor is intensified when Shannon ing power of music in relieving anxiety health problem and sufferers continue been an Episcopalian clergyman but has tears at his golden cross on his neck, lac- and stress. This is happening more often to report high levels of unrelieved pain fallen from grace and is now a tour guide erating himself as if to free himself from its through the efforts of volunteers in hos- despite using medication. So anything that in a second rate Mexican travel agency. constraints. pices, senior centers, and in cancer wards can provide relief is to be welcomed.” Shannon abandons a bus full of 20 Sensitively directed by Chris Cassell, and children’s wards. Stress is the number Co-author Professor Marion Good American Baptist women and seeks ref- this production has outstanding perfor- one indicator of heart attack or stroke over from the Frances Payne Bolton School of uge in a cheap hotel near the coast run by mances by Eric Burke as Lawrence Shan- diet, family history or weight. That favorite Nursing at Case Western Reserve Univer- Maxine (Cat Bish), a fading recent widow non, Kristine Ann Lowry as Hannah Jelkes CD might be doing more than we thought! sity in Ohio added, “Listening to music has who still holds a large appetite for a male and Wood Lockhart as Nonno. They were Music therapy is an allied health pro- already been shown to promote a number in her life. New arrivals there are Hannah ably supported by Cat Bish as Maxine, fession and one of the expressive ones. It of positive benefits and this research adds (Kristine Ann Lowry), a younger artist Sandi Rubay as Miss Fellowes, the leader consists of an interpersonal process where to the growing body of evidence that it who tries to sell her paintings, and Nonno of the Baptist women tourists, and Kushi a trained music therapist uses music and has an important role to play in modern (Wood Lockhart), her grandfather who is Beauchamp as Charlotte, a young girl who all of its facets (physical, emotional, men- healthcare.” a poet. Tied to a post in the yard is a cap- has a crush on Shannon. tal, social, aesthetic, and spiritual) to help Music for Life tured iguana—like the others, seemingly Special mention should be made of clients improve or maintain their health My husband, a professional musician Billie Cox’s sound across various domains such as cognitive and entertainer, says music is his healing design and the light- functioning, motor skills, emotional and modality. “The music comes from my Concrete Foundations ing design by Ellen affective development, behavior and social heart and when I’m hired to perform, folks Retaining Walls & Drainage Brooks of the incom- skills, and quality of life. They use musical of all ages smile and move to the beat. Their ing storm. Michael experiences like singing, songwriting, lis- body’s frequency is raised through sounds Earthquake & Soft Story Upgrades A. Berg deserves tening to and discussing music, and mov- resonating with musical notes bringing the credit for his out- ing to music to achieve treatment goals listeners joy no matter what is going on in • Full Service Design & Build standing costume and objectives. It is considered both an art life.” Dave plays his music in Senior Cen- • Structural Engineering Consulting design. and a science, with a qualitative and quan- ters and outdoor Concerts where there are • Additions and Garages This was truly a titative research base. many who come in with wheelchairs and FREE ESTIMATE! night to remember! Music therapists work in nearly every walkers. “Some actually forget…get up area of the healing. Some commonly found and dance without the walkers. It’s won- Are you worried about your old brick, Night of the Iguana 20 Years derful to see.” crumbling concrete footings, or living runs May 17-June 17 practices include developmental work like Experience! Going to concerts, the opera, sym- spaces over your garage (Soft Story) at Ross Valley Play- communication and motor skills of indi- We specialize in earthquake retrofitting! ers’ Barn Theatre at viduals with special needs, songwriting phony, ballet or any live musical venue is Marin Art and Gar- and listening in reminiscence/orienta- very uplifting for the spirit. This type of Safe Engineering Construction den Center. RSVP tion work with the elderly, processing and event can provide healing energy for your 415-456-9555x1 visit relaxation work, and rhythmic entrain- physical and emotional body as well. Try 415-747-1000 www.rossvalleyplay- ment for physical rehabilitation in stroke playing music in your home or car if you [email protected] Lic #564297 Engineer Lic. #43437 ers.com Flora Lynn victims. Music therapy is also effective in don’t already, to see if you feel a difference. www.SanFranciscoFoundationConstruction.com Isaacson hospitals, cancer centers, schools, alcohol Also, find some soft, relaxing music like and drug recovery programs, psychiatric you might experience when receiving a hospitals, and correctional facilities. massage. Get in a quiet place alone, put it Proudly Serving The Families of West of Twin Peaks Journal of Advanced Nursing report on, close your eyes and use it as a medita- “Effect of music on power, pain, depres- tion time. sion and disability.” June, 2006 No matter what type of music you Researchers conducted a controlled enjoy and whether you play it soft or clinical trial with 60 people who were loud, try it sometime when you are feeling recruited from pain and chiropractic clin- stressed, anxious or upset. I’d like to hear ics in Ohio. The participants were suf- how your music therapy works for your fering from a range of painful conditions personal healing. If you have questions or “Caring Service including osteoarthritis, disc problems would like more information and ideas on and rheumatoid arthritis for an average of how to use music for healing please come is our Highest six and a half years. to this discussion group: Participants were divided into three Join us on Priority” groups of 20. Wed. June 20th | 7:00 to 8:30 PM Two of the groups listened to music nd on a headset for an hour a day. 2 of a 12 month series on The third group did not listen to music and served as the control group. Heath and Healing Sharon the Health presents All three groups kept a pain diary. The first music group chose their Discussion of Music & Sound Healing The Bud Duggan Family Serving the Bay Area Since 1903 favorite music to listen to. Choices Special Guest included pop, rock, slow, melodious and Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, Daly City 415/587-4500 FD1098 nature sounds. Dave Crimmen, Musician of 35 years Driscoll’s Valencia St. Serra Mortuary, SF 415/970-8801 FD1665 The second music group was given Florey’s Book Company Sullivan’s Funeral Home, SF 415/661-4567 FD 228 relaxing music selected by the researchers. 2120 Palmetto Ave. Parking Available at all locations Before the study began, the partici- Pacifica, CA 94044 Most Convenient San Francisco/Peninsula Locations pants reported their average pain to be just under six on a zero to ten scale, with RSVP SOON as space is limited! Traditional and Cremation Services their worst pain exceeding nine. 90% Call Sharon 650.359.6579 Contact our Pre-Arrangement Department for your experienced pain in more than one part Or email [email protected] FREE Personal Planning Guide of their body and 95% said their pain was “My Funeral, My Way” continuous. VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER ACCEPTED Results of the Study “The views expressed are those of the writer. duggansserra.com driscollsmortuary.com sullivansfuneralandcremation.com The music groups reported a 12 to If you have any questions about your health, 21% reduction in pain. The control group you should always consult with your doctor. reported pain had increased by 1 to 2%. Feedback: [email protected] Page 16 Westside Observer May 2012 Remember When? Partly constructed Golden Gate Bridge deck hung from steel cables. Not dated. Permission: San Francisco History Center. The Forever Bridge he Sierra Club opposed the Golden Gate bridge. So did prominent San Fran- ciscans—on esthetic, safety and financial grounds. Even the War Depart- Tment doubted for a time; would a fallen bridge block entry to the Bay? Now the elegant bridge is universally admired. What more defines San Francisco? The bridge is one of the best known structures in the world. Phyllis’ Findings / Phyllis Sherman Color schemes for the bridge ranged from fog 270 million pounds each. The stats gray to black. One color not proposed was Interna- go on and on. an Francisco is a wonderful place to live. Did tional Orange, now the bridge’s trademark. It came No bridge like the Golden Gate you know it boasts the second most expensive about accidentally. Primer happened to be that had ever been built. Mathemati- Shousing in the U.S? What’s first? No, not New color, and it worked. Another color not proposed, cians who helped design the bridge did so without York...Honolulu! And because housing is so expen- and of course not used: gold. the aid of any computer; all calculations were by sive, the gasoline companies decided we can afford to pay more for gas than they pay in Los Angeles. They attribute the increased cost to the fact that the people here are more affluent than in L.A. One color not proposed was International Orange, now the bridge’s trademark. It came about and we do less driving. So with the increased cost of living here, accidentally. Primer happened to be that color, and it worked. Another color not proposed, and of who’s for moving to Los Angeles? Unless you want to break into course not used: gold.” the movie business, better stick around S.F. If you really want to make lots more money, go to Korea. I hear that teachers of E.S.L. can command $100 or more per hour. Of course you have to learn Twice the bridge has been in danger of coming hand, on paper. how to teach E.S.L. first, but if you have a smattering knowledge of down: once during its construction, and again in While today we know the bridge as graceful Ebonics, you’ll find a job. the early 1950s. Both times wind, and a harmonic and beautiful, that was not preordained. An early ******************************************************* vibration that wind can cause, was the threat. design was called “an upside down rat-trap.” Diets, diets, diets...I’ve tried several..even sent for some on-line Yet the bridge has lasted through war, earth- Forgotten today are the battles of personali- product which promised a size 12 in twelve days or something simi- quake, terror danger, and even the weight of cel- ties, and financial interests. Ferry companies were lar...although size 12 was from yesterday...size 12 these days is consid- ebration. It has lasted more than seventy-five years. obvious losers. Shipping interests feared that larger ered size 9 or so. The first dose I tried provided a hallucination effect, The bridge is an assemblage of statistical ships would not clear the bridge. Bankers took which was disconcerting to say the least. Now something new is on the wonders. Over a million rivets, placed white hot, big risks, and collected 5.25% interest, too—an market...the Baby Food Diet. Have to check that out. They do say it’s a heated by coal fired forges. Eighty thousand miles amount considered high, and, by some, unwar- bit of a problem getting the vodka into the juice box. of spliced wire formed into strands and compacted ranted. Challengers sued—and lost. into cables capable of supporting 400 million Should the reader wish to delve into the build- ******************************************************* pounds. Two hundred and fifty pairs of vertical ing of the Golden Gate bridge more deeply, read On the film front, I highly recommend “A SEPARATION.” This steel rope supporting the roadway. Towers rising Golden Gate: the Life and Times of America’s tightly wound, complex drama is from Iran, and a couple’s marital cri- 746 feet above the water, taller than the Washing- Greatest Bridge, by Kevin Starr. sis reveals a division of class, sex, age and ideology. It’s directed and ton Monument. One hundred and thirty thousand When asked how long the bridge would last, written by Asghar Farhadi and he achieves the pace and suspense of a cubic yards of concrete poured. A south pier more its promoter, Joseph Strauss, replied, “Forever.” thriller, and the psychological depths and social insight of a good novel than a thousand feet offshore, built despite ripping May he be close to right. in this Oscar-winning film. tides of five to seven knots. Anchorages weighing ******************************************************* You’ll also like “THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, whic“THE FIVE YEAR ENGAGEMENT” with Jason Segal and Emily Blunt is a fun, if somewhat inconsequential movie about a couple whose matrimonial plans encounter various complications, some Country Anagrams The following are anagrams of countries. Can hilarious, some wrenching, in this genial comedy directed by Nicholas you decipher all of them? Stoller from a script he wrote with Mr. Segal. No great surprises, but 1. Glib Emu 3. Age Lens 5. Serial the supporting cast including Alison Brie as Ms. Blunt’s chatty, fertile 2. Neat Grain 4. Dark Men Answer sister are worth your time. ******************************************************* 4. Denmark 4. 2. Argentina 2. A magazine, doing research, goes into a rest home asks a 95 year 5. Israel 5. 3. Senegal 3. 1. Belgium 1. old lady, “What’s the best thing about being 95?” “No peer pressure.” Feedback: [email protected] May 2012 Westside Observer Page 17 SECOND THOUGHTS / By Jack Kaye Summertime Surely, Their 15 Minutes Are Up By Carol Kocivar ©2012 always liked Andy Worhol’s idea that everyone wanted and eventually got hen the fog rolls out and the sunny days their 15 minutes of fame. One of the current news shows now has a seg- make their fleeting appearance in San I ment called “Your 15 Minutes Are Up.” I think that this good idea should WFrancisco, I hear the sound of summers gone by. be applied more broadly. The media should stop quoting certain people who I grew up in a small town. Let me start over. I grew up near a village have long since been irrelevant. Here are some suggestions: with miles and miles of open spaces and a pond across the street. In the field loosely called “entertainment” side of an issue, let it be respected experts with Summer was little league base- Now multiply this by year after we have already seen some famous quotables dis- no political axe to grind. It makes no sense to ask ball and visits to the library and year of no summer learning. appear from the public eye and ear. Remember lobbyists or politicians who have a clear bias to tell hour after hour sitting by a lake “By the end of 5th grade, the Paris? Remember Nicole? Remember Brittany? us the way it is when we know that these people hoping a fish would find the bait on cumulative learning loss means that No? See how it works? So how about no more sto- have lost their integrity years ago. Do we believe the end of the hook dangling in the low-income children are more than ries about Lindsay, Charlie, Ted, the Donald, Jes- Paul Ryan, John Boehner, Eric Cantor or Mitch water. 3 grade-level equivalents behind sica, Kim or Khloe? Aren’t their 15 minutes way McConnell? Really? Do we respect Paul’s grasp It was discussions about cat- their more affluent peers.” more than up? Who are they and what do their of macroeconomics or John’s emotional facial fish and bass, of double plays and “Middle income and low- lives have anything to do with us? Why should expressions and his imitation of penguins walk- singles. But most of summer was income children progress at about we care what they were or weren’t wearing? Why ing or Eric’s denial that he was adopted or Mitch’s a time of dreaming with a pile of the same rates during the school need we know what they did wrong lately? Why impression of Tommy Turtle or Huckleberry books from our local library. year. But the research found that are they getting paid for being celebrities? Last Hound that he offers up daily to distract us from It was a special trip—about while middle-income children on year while 13 million Americans were unem- his real intent? Clearly Speaker Boehner should three miles—to that small village average increase their reading level ployed, Kim made more than $10 million. For never play poker, because he has no poker face — library and the corner where I knew a small amount in the summer, What? For whom? Let us live without major news it reacts badly every time he lies and the cameras they had all the editions of the Oz children from low-income fami- stories about these celebrities in name only. If we seem to always catch it because of its frequency. Books. No movies. No videos. Just lies are losing more than 2 months want to hear about them, we can tune in to our And must we be subjected to John McCain insist- books with wonderfully colored in reading achievement levels. The favorite celebrity gossip show, but let’s keep them ing that we go to war — with everyone: Libya, pages and stories that went on and gap widens every year.” 3 off the Nightly News, please. They are narcissists Egypt, Syria, Iran, Russia and soon maybe North on and on. This is a BIG DEAL. and coverage only encourages them. Korea, China and all of Africa? Is Randy New- This was way before Summer Our schools have cut sum- But what about politics? We have forgotten man’s “Let’s Drop the Big One” Mr. McCain’s in the City1 or Hot Fun in the Sum- mer school. Our schools have cut Spiro, most former House speakers, many for- favorite song? When grapes turn sour and bitter mer Time.2 instructional days. mer mayors, almost every unsuccessful candi- must we still be expected to swallow them? The Beach Boys had not even Silence on this is not golden. date for Vice President and even some villains When interviewing political figures, report- found their groove. Take a moment and see what you from the previous administration like Rummy, ers can start not only quoting their sometimes Wolfowitz, Perl, Gonzales and Ashcroft. Can we absurd comments or answers, but also challeng- start forgetting to mention people like Karl Rove, ing them. When the Republicans in the House the research found that while middle-income children on aver- Dick Cheney, Sarah P. (or her family), Michele B., were trying to blackmail the President into con- age increase their reading level a small amount in the summer, Newt, Herman, Glenn, Sean, Rush, Rick P., Rick cessions in exchange for raising the debt ceiling, children from low-income families are losing more than 2 months S. and most of the Fox News cluster of political their leaders said that it was a balanced approach hacks? Must we continue to hear hatred and dis- and was needed to force cuts in our bloated bud- in reading achievement levels. ” information from a group that claims to represent get. They said that we have kicked the growing a part of our country that should not be encour- deficit down the road too long. The press should But imagination and the free- can do to help. Communities aged? Do we think that they will someday say or have asked if they remembered that at the end of dom to read, to find out more and throughout California are taking do something that seems honest or intelligent? the Clinton administration in early 2001, we were more about a world outside of a action. Will you join? Really? Let’s try to name one thing that any of running surpluses and planned to eliminate the little village—that was the summer The California State PTA has a them ever said that reflected intellect, education, accumulated deficit by 2003. They could have after summer that I remember. great set of resources for PTAs: You wisdom, insight, decency, kindness, goodness or asked if the GOP members remembered what I was thinking of this as I can find them under Summer Mat- read the recent reports on sum- ters on the state education page. mer learning loss and the efforts to http://www.capta.org/sections/ My hope is that the majority of freshmen members of the House are encouraged to rush back make summer count. programs/education.cfm to their lives of obscurity and let us hear from intelligent, responsible representatives whose New research points out Let’s make sure all our kids cumulative summer learning have time to read, to dream, to integrity is still intact. But an informed electorate is dependent upon accurate information. loss—especially for low-income be involved and engaged every The mainstream media could take it upon themselves to change their ways and begin students—makes a significant con- summer. tribution to the achievement gap. 1 Lyrics by Lovin Spoonful focusing on serious reporting.” So how does this happen? 2 Lyrics by Sly and Family Take a student who starts out Stone compassion. Give up? Let’s try to remember why happened to derail that prospect and drive us behind others in kindergarten. 3 National Summer Learn- these political prostitutes ever got our attention. into $15 trillion in debt. They could have asked Even if that student shows a year’s ing Association, Research Brief: Can we? So let’s not quote them anymore. Their him how it was balanced when the debt had to worth of progress at the end of the “Doesn’t Every Child Deserve a views will always be welcome on their party’s offi- be raised as it had eight times under the previ- school term, that student is still Memorable Summer?” www.sum- cial propaganda network of fixed news. Let that ous administration as it had been without debate behind. And then if learning is not merlearning.org be the quarantine of their hypocritical negativity. dozens of times in the recent past. continued during the summer, that [email protected] They too are narcissists and coverage only When the very unsuccessful candidate for student falls further behind. encourages them. President in 2008 said that we could not deport What would our daily news be without sto- people here illegally because they were G-d’s chil- ries and opinions involving the above mentioned dren, why didn’t every reporter, or at least one, THE REAL ESTATE ANSWER MAN By Kevin Birmingham who are well past their 15 minute time limit? The ask him that with that logic aren’t all creatures news could be about important issues of the day. G-d’s children and if so how can we go to war The news could avoid hyperbole and easy fixes with them or put them in prison when they com- Q: Before selling, how does one decide on by not interviewing the brave souls who survive mit crimes? When this same candidate accused what to remodel some of the natural disasters that are occurring Barack Obama of wanting to use taxes to redis- Alan Chu almost weekly now. “It was a miracle that even tribute wealth, why didn’t the media point out A: Remodeling can be very expensive and does though we lost everything, no one was killed and that that was the very function of government not always create a great return on investment. Generally the best thing you can do is get rid that’s all that matters.” We know and appreciate and always has been. When the press is given a of the clutter, refinish hardwood floors, replace your faith and courage, but we have heard it a photo of a crime victim to show on T.V. and real- worn carpet, and apply fresh interior paint. Also ize that instead of being of a 17 year old football million times. We can live without reporting on it is a good idea to obtain a pest report to see if player who is over six feet tall, it is of a small 12 tragedies night after night until we no longer care. there is dry-rot damage that should be cleared. We could live without interviews of people on the year old, they could demand a more up-to-date street to get their views. We don’t care. picture. Q: I am trying to sell my property with a bad So what could the mainstream news be like? This November, we will be given an opportu- section 8 tenant inside; she intimidates all buy- It could be like the PBS Newshour which briefly nity to tell many members of Congress that their ers by asking for drivers licenses from buyers and agents covers the day’s events but then focuses on three 15 minutes are up. My hope is that the majority of Bill or four stories to get an in-depth analysis of each freshmen members of the House are encouraged A: Do not do anything further without hiring an attorney that special- issue and its context. There should be a mini- to rush back to their lives of obscurity and let us izes in landlord-tenant disputes. The value of an income property is based mum of speculation which almost always turns hear from intelligent, responsible representatives on location, condition of the property and the inhabitants. The tenant you out to be completely wrong — more about the whose integrity is still intact. But an informed are describing will have a serious impact on the value of this property. You speculator than the speculation. Many reporters electorate is dependent upon accurate informa- may want to take the property off the market until the issue is resolved. are timid and they propose timid concerns rather tion. The mainstream media could take it upon than facts and figures. themselves to change their ways and begin focus- Q: We are looking to buy a single family house with an unwarranted “in We could be given more facts and figures ing on serious reporting. If a candidate being law” unit. Will we get in trouble for renting it? rather than a lot of adjectives and adverbs. If we interviewed is saying something that doesn’t make Ms. Holman hear a report about a labor dispute, give us the sense, the reporter must pursue it. “What does A: “In law” units are generally un-permitted units. The building depart- numbers. How much do they make now and how that mean?” or “Could you be more specific?” or ment can come in and require the kitchen be removed if a violation is much do they want? If we are talking about unem- “Can you give me an example?” or “Do you want reported. Keep in mind that when you rent an In-law unit, the Rent Board ployment tell us who the unemployed are: what is to listen to the tape yourself to hear what you said considers the property to be multiple units even if it is a single family the percentage of the 12.5 million by age group, ten minutes ago?” or even “Are you kidding?” or home. While single family houses are exempt from rent control, multi- educational status and type of work. That way finally, “Are you crazy or something?” unit buildings are not. we can start focusing on the solution instead of I could say so much more about this, but I’m thinking it is happening everywhere, to everyone. afraid that my 15 minutes are now up. Kevin Birmingham is a licensed real estate broker, have a question for the Real Estate Answer Man? Submit them to [email protected] When inviting experts to represent each Feedback: [email protected] Page 18 Westside Observer May 2012 Real Travel By Sergio Nibbi A French Kiss e arrived in Villefranche Saturday at 11 a.m., giving us a chance to enjoy a leisurely breakfast while our captain battled two other ships for a closer Wspot to anchor. Our captain bravely fired two shots across their bow, one of scotch and one of bourbon, but the cowards didn’t respond so we declared victory, dropped anchor and made our way to the tenders and floated quietly to shore. Villafranche is picture post card perfect, and But before that we did visit the cathedral where being Saturday the mood was calm and relaxed. Princess Grace is buried and took a walk past the Our plans were to take the train to Monaco and castle with its smartly-dressed guards. The old then backtrack to Nice. With two other couples, cannons, with the stacks of cannon balls welded we walked the long block to the train station and together, look so ancient and helpless, their days then the fun began. Next time we are going to select of glory long gone. We finally got the ticket buy- our friends by the languages they speak. We have ing down pat, six fingers for the six tickets and one English, Spanish and Italian but where’s the guy that finger for the one-way ride back. Grabbed the first speaks French? Trying to buy two one-way, senior non-smoking car and we were off to Nice, which discount tickets for the six of us, charged to our Visa was one stop past Villafranche, but during the short Brown Money (Cont. from p. 18) and trying to figure on what side of the track we hop back we talked ourselves into the fact that we “re-evaluations” where necessary, even reverse his staff and his own need to be on was fodder for a Laurel and Hardy were all too tired to visit Nice, so we jumped off earlier findings on behalf of contractors tied to Brown. movie. at Villefranche and spent some time exploring the Some of those instances were reported during the 2011 mayoral We missed the first train but managed to catch quaint little village that it is. campaign or were seized on by Lee’s opponents. They ranged from the next one just a few minutes later only to find out contracts awarded for computer services later determined to be fraud- that we were in a smoking car. Fortunately, it was ulent to contracts at the airport to a bidder that twice failed to get top only a 15-minute ride to what turned out to be the ratings to a “nonprofit” that didn’t actually exist and that federal offi- most beautiful station I have yet to see. The train cial ordered its grant returned to the city. station in Monaco is about two blocks long, newly By 2011, when Ed Lee became the Interim Mayor, many of the build, well lighted, well marked and the only sta- economic engines that powered Willie Brown’s machine had peaked tion where you go down instead of up to get out. or soon would. Just imagine what they could do if they collected income taxes! The Best of the Net is a monthly feature of the Observer in which we In two weeks the Gran Prix hits Monaco and present an outstanding journalistic effort of particular local interest in from what we saw, they’re ready for it. We walked our effort to assure that our readers are the best informed citizens of San Francisco. Our featured story is from www.citireport.com. If you have out into a jungle of scaffolding, bleachers, tires a suggestion for our “Best” feature, email: [email protected] bolted together to create monster bumpers and steel railing that ran on forever. The only thing missing was the roar of those jet fuel-fired engines propel- ling sleek, brightly colored cars racing just inches apart around those narrow roadways. We’ve gotten good at the business of exchang- Our exercise for the day took us to the top of ing money for each country: $20 to $40 dollars is A place to share and care. the mountain where the castle and cathedral sit. enough for the incidentals; the rest is all done by The endless steps finally took us to breathtaking credit card or use of the good old sawbuck. We’re views of the city up high with the recently reclaimed very proud that our purchases have been limited to land down below. The last time we were here we a few label pins, a doll or two and a ship in a bottle they were filling in the ocean, and since then they — which should all fit in our suitcases very easily, have built a new city of its own. which incidentally, have to be packed and by our At the top we took a 30-minute elephant train cabin door by tomorrow night. Our cruise seemed ride that took us through the major sites, including more like 12 hours instead of 12 days. Let’s start the casino. Off the train and off to lunch, plus a taste planning the next one. Assisted Living | Memory Care of the local gelato to give us strength for the trip Feedback: [email protected] back down and our struggles with the ticket agent. Dementia Caregiver’s Support Group Join our expert team—Janice Wallace,The Eldercare Coach; Dr. Sashi Amara, Board Certified Internist; and AVSF staff members Ashley Hill, Memory Care Director and Tracy Castle, Marketing & Sales Director—as they share valuable information and strategies on caring for dementia patients. Wednesday, June 20th | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Please RSVP to this free event at 415-337-1339. Production Specifi cations: Publication: Westside ObserverOne Thomas More Way Media Unit: 1/8 Page Horizontalin San Francisco Assisted Living | Memory Care Live Area: 5.0” x 4.0” Bleed Area: None almaviaofsanfrancisco.org Printing: BW AlmaVia, an Elder Care Alliance community, a nonprofit organization, is cosponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas West Midwest Community & the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. RCFE Lic # 385600270. What’s next Get inspired & 1205115-ECA-AVSF-WestsideObserver-0601-4x6.indd 1 5/23/12 4:27 PM in your life? envision your next steps! Find your passion and chart your path EST: 1990 to a fulfilled future throughComing of Age programs, workshops & volunteer opportunities for people 50+! “Explore Your Future” workshops are scheduled for San Francisco Janet Moyer One of the Award winning design - and the East Bay. Visit Landscaping is a “100 Fastest Growing “Outstanding www.ComingofAge.org/BayArea full - service Private Companies” Achievement” Award landscaping company in the Bay Area California or call (888) 308-1767 for more info. specializing in SF Business Times, Landscape Contractors sustainable landscapes 2008 & 2009 Association, 2007 & 2008 Capturing the Talent, 415-821-3760 . 1031 Valencia Street, San Francisco . jmoyerlandscaping.com Energy & Expertise of People 50+ Landscape Contractor License 853919 . Pest Control License 36389 JML_Print_Brand_WestsideObserver1 1 12/14/2009 4:42:10 PM Contact...... Michael Padgett Client Name ...... Janet Moyer Landscaping EST: 1990 Contact Phone ...... 415-821-3760 Job Title ...... Print - The Westside Observer Contact Email...... [email protected] Description ...... 1/8 Page Horiz. May 2012 Westside Observer Page 19 From the Border Hilary Gordon Wednesday At A Time By Hilary Gordon©2012/Photos: Blair Randall ne day at a time is a slogan used by Omany ambitious people, such as athletes, business entrepreneurs, and politi- cians. It conveys the wisdom of breaking up a difficult or prolonged task into manageable parts. Many religions and philosophies also emphasize that the present moment is all we have to work with. At the Garden for the Environment beautiful, and take home the inspiration to this phrase takes on a special meaning, plant natives in their own backyards. since we have really only one day to do Another crew broke out the big tarp the basic maintenance of the garden areas and turned the compost pile. Our middle Every Wednesday the volunteer “crew” gathers prior to breaking up into smaller work groups at the Garden for the Environment and vegetable beds. On Wednesday every bin was up to about 110 degrees, full of inside the garden?” “I saw the article in As the garden empties of volunteers, the week, a dedicated group of volunteers happy red worms, but it had cooked down Sunset magazine and I thought this was the birds begin hopping in the paths and feed- and interns show up by ten in the morn- to half it’s original size. Compost decom- garden they meant.” “How close can you ing in the shrubbery. One final sweep of ing and for the next four hours, we break poses fastest in a large pile, ideally about plant strawberries?” “What is the name of the native hillside turns up a few tools into crews to weed, prune, compost, and a 3x3 foot cube. So we incorporated the that purple plant?” Next comes our neigh- that got left behind, and I stand for a quiet fertilize. This is the day that sets the stage newly chopped, unprocessed compost bor, the nicest guy you’d ever want to meet, moment, entranced by the rich bloom of for the school field trips on Tuesdays and into the hot pile, in order to get them both who politely asks if we can prune the giant Ceanothus and the buzzing of so many Thursdays, and for all the wonderful Sat- cooking faster. Now we have an almost bush that’s starting to block his driveway. different pollinators nectaring in the fra- urday programs, from the adult classes and empty bin to start building a new pile in! Loppers and wheelbarrows and away we grant drifts of blossom. class series to the harvest program. Another crew took a walk around the go! One Wednesday at a time, it somehow Today was a typical Wednesday in the garden to see what work needed to be done Suddenly it’s two o’clock already and all gets done. garden, and by ten the crew was ready to in the veggie beds. Some winter greens folks are starting to head home. The gar- Hilary Gordon A life-long gardener, work. One group went up the hillside to were bolting and had to be pulled and com- den quiets slowly as the tools come back trained at the City College Horticulture the newly improved native plant pathway. posted. Many spring planted starts were into the tool shed and get cleaned. The program, she has worked as a professional Here they weeded and mulched the native ready for fertilizer, and the squash seed- tarp is folded up and the compost educa- landscape gardener from 1984 until the plants, and watered the newly planted ones. lings in the greenhouse were calling out tion center is tidied. The greenhouse seed- present. Have a question? Meet her in the Many of to be planted. One of our irrigation valves lings get a last watering, and we turn the garden Wed 10-2 and Sat 10-4. the plants hasn’t been working properly, so we pulled water off. Traffic is picking up on Seventh on this out the hose, and hand-watered. There was Avenue as the afternoon commute starts. p at hw ay some dog damage and some theft of plants now have to be dealt with as well. The beauty and the l a b e l s challenge of caring for a public garden is thanks to that everyone can use it! the work Suddenly here comes a preschool field of this trip, and the kids are full of questions. crew, so What are you doing? Why are you pulling visitors to those plants? I want to hug you! Next thing the gar- you know, an intern is getting multiple kid den can hugs and beaming like spring sunshine! see native Throughout the day individuals, cou- p l a n t s ples, and small groups of friends wander bloom- though the garden. “Can you believe I’ve ing and lived here for ten years and never come TAKE IT OFF. ON US. Enjoy touchable skin and all-over body smooth. Photo by Steve Peixotto Only European Wax Center offers Comfort MEET DAWN DOLCINI OF TULLY DOLCI ORGANIC FARM & her pasture raised eggs Wax™. A revolutionary, soothing alternative to What does “cage-free” really mean??? What about “free-range”? 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