Notorious Crimes: New Supervisor: Orchids Gone Wild: Joe Barbosa “the Animal” shot on Joel Engardio’s report on the newly The 63rd Annual Orchid Expo at Moraga 2 appointed Supervisor is featured in Fort Mason begins Feb 19th 9 our Best of the Net series 3 Central Council: Steve Lawrence: Balboa Reservoir, the local fall election Quentin Kopp: Looks into the bloated employee and seismic retrofit 4 The many faces of the idiot culture pool at the SFPUC 6 right here in SF 3

VOLUME 28 • NUMBER 1 Celebrating Our 28th Year Award-Winning Journalism in the Neighborhood www.westsideobserver.com February 2015 Where Can Homeless Shelters Be Placed in San Francisco? City Attorney’s Whistleblower By George Wooding Battle Lands in Court By Dr. Maria Rivero and Dr. Derek Kerr ew citizens know this, but all of San Francisco’s Resi- o City agency admits Fdential Housing with two to retaliating against attached units (RH-2) can be con- Nwhistleblowers. Dennis verted into a homeless shelter by the Herrera insists that firing his for- Planning Department. mer Chief Trial Deputy, Joanne While the City claims it does Hoeper, “was in the works long not significantly add to the capacity before she claimed…that she had of homeless shelters, there is already uncovered a kickback scheme in a severe shortage of facilities. the City Attorney’s Office.” Hoeper Cruel as it sounds, most neigh- charges Herrera with “after-the- borhoods will not want a homeless fact fabrications” to justify her Joanne Hoeper shelter in their neighborhood due removal for exposing shady sewer to the potential for problems with replacement deals. Legally, she must show that whistle- homeless residents and their friends blowing was a contributing factor in her firing. Herrera who visit. establish zoning, open space, and the old homeless shelter ordinance, must provide clear and convincing evidence that she was Last November 25, Mayor Ed Lee parking policies for this use in com- minus some changes in the regula- sacked for cause. Their battle entered Superior Court on proposed an ordinance that would pliance with California Government tions for tourist hotels. 1/7/15. change the definition of homeless Code requirements. It would also The legislation will supposedly After publicly praising Hoeper’s aggressive fraud shelters. The Mayor’s proposal was amend the Administrative Code to allow consistency in reviewing home- litigation in 2003, Herrera says he began doubting her in adopted by the Planning Commission require contracts between the City less shelter applications per the Plan- 2005 for escalating expenses and underestimating liabili- on December 18 and will be heard and shelter operators to contain oper- ning Code. It would: ties. He focuses on 2 out of hundreds of cases handled by before the Board of Supervisors Land ational standards. • Create a definition for home- Hoeper’s team. In the $7 million Lopez settlement against Use and Economic Development The Planning Code currently less shelters in the Planning Code, the School District, the judge rebuked City attorneys who Committee in late February. does not include a definition for reflecting the current implications of “tenaciously fought each stage of litigation and caused delay The proposed ordinance would homeless shelters. this type of use in the neighborhood throughout discovery, which substantially increased the fees amend the Planning Code to define Planning is stating that the new based on the more current trends of and costs.” Hoeper responds that the litigation strategy what a “Homeless Shelter” is and to ordinance will be almost identical to Cont. p. 5 was directed by the client and that Herrera’s “failure to properly staff the case…seriously hampered the defense.” In the $27 million Dominguez verdict for a child killed by a SF Giants Champs! Muni truck, Herrera claims Hoeper called it a “no liability case.” This she flatly denies, as she recommended a multi- SF Taxpayers Chumps! million dollar settlement. By John Farrell irst off, let me wish Once again, taxpayers are footing everyone all the best the bill for a plausible retaliation Cont. p. 1 Fin this New Year. Now, claim. John Keker’s firm, a Herrera campaign where do I start. Most people do not think of our City government as donor, is collecting $850/hour to defend a business. But I do. And if you do then him per a contract: “Expected to exceed you should be very upset, since taxpayers $50,000.” Ethical concerns are rising along- are not treated fairly and equitably and the City is losing hundreds of millions annu- side legal fees. Keker also received a conflict ally. As you know, many decisions are Public Land for Housing: Balboa Reservoir? waiver to represent Herrera, while represent- made, not based on what is best for the By Maya Lekach ing developers who are suing the City. City, but what is best politically for those in office at the time. hen Mayor Ed Lee surveyed San Francisco looking for Herrera asserts that in 2005 several Magistrate Judges unused land that could be repurposed, the site of the Bal- complained about Hoeper’s “intransigence in settlement Wboa Reservoir on Ocean Avenue was one of the first to be discussions and her failure to evaluate the cost-effectiveness Both of these processes considered. of litigation.” Hoeper explains that there were important are still sitting in a test The newly created Public Land for Housing commission held policy reasons to oppose payouts in frivolous lawsuits environment for over the past 10 their first community meeting on the subject of this site on January against police officers. Further, Herrera persuaded the 21st at Lick Wilmerding High School. magistrates that her approach was sound – and told her years gathering dust. You have The meeting and the impending development was advertised as to keep it up. In 2006, an unwritten cost-analysis report- the opportunity to be a pioneer the possibility of 6,000 new homes in San Francisco. While this might edly showed that Hoeper’s team “frequently outspent or just another Assessor warming have held exciting promise in the Financial or SOMA districts of San liability estimates for its cases.” Hoeper retorts that, “the Francisco, where many new residents work and play, the reaction was managing attorneys on the Trial Team” will affirm that the chair and collecting a pay- a resounding difference when the local community came out to speak she controlled litigation costs and check, as your last few predeces- their part at the meeting. pioneered cost-saving measures sors did. You can do it.” Public Land for Housing: The discussion was an exer- for which Herrera “held up the cise in creating a town hall vibe Trial Team as an example of best In October, the Board of Supervi- Pilot Sites in the big city. The attendees practices.” To Hoeper, who served sors passed legislation to legalize short were mostly homeowners from until 2012, Herrera’s excavating term rentals of homes, and in the pro- the surrounding neighborhood, issues from 2005-6 while ignoring cess rezoned the City. Further, the Board namely Ingleside, Sunnyside, “dozens of cases…in which the City rejected approximately $25 million due Balboa Park and Crocker Ama- faced tens of millions of dollars of in back taxes from Airbnb. Let see if the zon. Many came with their potential liability but won” misrep- Treasurer - Tax Collector will do his job neighbors, some speaking for resents her career and “proves that and collect the taxes or just look the other Cont. p. PB City Attorney Dennis Herrera Cont. p. 8 way. Only time will tell. And by the way, this legislation came about only as a plat- form for then-Supervisor David Chiu to Prop 218-SFPUC ...... 4 Around the Town ...... 10 . At the Movies ...... 13 Grief Lessons ...... 15 run for the Assembly. Will Durst ...... 6 . Crime Report ...... 11 On Stage/Theater ...... 13 Then & Now ...... 16 Retirement Fund Gamble . . 7 . Panama-Pacific Expo . . . . 12 Money Matters ...... 14 Kocivar / Education ...... 17 Cont. p. 5 SFPUC Responds ...... 8 Calendar ...... 12 Jack Kaye ...... 15 Real Travel ...... 19 Page 2 February 2015 Notorious Crooks of San Francisco Joe Barbosa, “the Animal” Shot Dead at 25th & Moraga By Paul Drexler

Photo by: Otto Pippenger Balboa Reservoir (Cont. from p. 1) Although the need for housing and public land is real, understanding the feel- those who held less of a grasp on the Eng- ings of the nearby community is crucial n February 11, 1976, when Joe lish language. to taking correct action with this plot of Barboza was shot to death on Before the real hubbub began, project land now that it is in the city’s hands. The OMoraga and 25th Ave., there was manager Jeremy Shaw politely outlined meeting was thus intended as a way for the little speculation about who did it or why. It the plan - both for the meetings and the community to understand the facts but was more “why did it take so long?” development. He stated the planned goals also for concerned parties to help guide Nicknamed “The Animal,” Barboza was of addressing public needs that the com- the process of development from the described by the FBI as “The most vicious mission feels could be solved through the plethora of current options into an actual criminal in New England.” His own lawyer, development of this large patch of land proposal and plan. F. Lee Bailey, described him as “one of the worst men on the face of the earth.” Joe had that has often been deemed an eyesore. To outsiders, of either the city or been a top enforcer for the New England Mafia, but lost favor and was abandoned by the neighborhood, the proposed goal mob when he was arrested on a weapons charge in 1966. of increased moderate income housing seems like a great idea for a city that seems to be bursting at the He became the first participant in the Federal Witness Protec- seams. tion Program and there was nothing a grateful FBI would not While low income housing is often subsidized by the government do for Joe. Although Joe admitted killing 26 people, he was and market rate housing is subsi- given a sentence of one year, including time served. dized by hearty paychecks (or trust funds), it is moderate income hous- He became the first participant in the ing that takes a back seat. If the city Federal Witness Protection Program and carries on at this rate, it will quickly there was nothing a grateful FBI would not become a polarized environment: do for Joe. Although Joe admitted killing 26 the ultra rich and the ultra poor. people, he was given a sentence of one year, Local residents were strongly including time served. The FBI agents he wary of any sort of development worked with also overlooked another of Joe’s that might impinge upon local foibles – five of the six people his testimony character and, most of all, local traf- convicted in the Deagon case were actually fic patterns. Whether those present at the Traffic problems may not seem a good innocent. Joe admitted later that “the Mafia meeting were suffering from a severe case enough reason to maintain a large parking screwed me and I’m going to screw as many of NIMBY (not in my backyard) or if their lot, although it may provide an impetus of them as possible.” concerns were valid arguments amidst for bookmarking some of the space for a Twenty five years later the true facts San Francisco’s rapidly changing urban multi-level parking lot. came out and led to the disgrace and con- landscape is up for debate. Many attendees argued that nothing viction of FBI agents Paul Rico and Dennis As participants broke off into smaller could truly change unless the transit sys- Conden. groups from the nearly 200 who attended, tem was improved, allowing for less car Would you buy a used verdict from this man? personal issues were discussed and priori- traffic and a decreased need for housing ties were ranked, allowing the maximum in some of the hottest spots in the city, Meanwhile, Joe was paroled in March 1969 and told to leave Massachusetts forever. amount of voices to be heard by commis- including this one. He was resettled in Santa Rosa by the Witness Protection program under the name sion proctors. What the traffic debate brings to light of Joe Bentley and enrolled in a cooking Many in these smaller groups voiced is the chicken-and-egg situation prevalent school. He gave up cooking and went concerns over the already intense parking in such parking versus transit issues. The back to his favorite occupation, homi- cide, killing a local criminal named Clay Wilson. Although the FBI did everything they could to get Barboza off, he was convicted of 2nd degree murder and served 5 years in a California prison. He was released with a new name, Joe Donati, and lived with a girlfriend at an apartment at 1250 La Playa Street. Two months later Barboza was murdered outside the apartment of Ted Sharliss, a fellow ex-con, who later pleaded guilty to helping to set up the murder. In 1992 Joe Russo, a notorious hit man from Boston, plead guilty to the murder. By the time of his death Barboza’s stature in the world had gotten somewhat classier. His nickname had changed from “The Animal” to “The Baron.” Balboa Park Station Area Plan is part of a larger SF Planning project. situation in the neighborhood. The influx transit cannot grow without demand as of cars daily for use of the City College students and other city residents continue campus as well as the new Ocean Avenue to use their cars as they wait impatiently Whole Foods is already overburdening the for busses that never arrive and trains that neighborhood for parking. The belief was do not extend to their corners of even this that a loss of this massive parking lot, eye- small city. sore or not, could only harm this problem. To many, increasing public housing Janet Lehr, a City College ceramics seems a band-aid on a citywide problem teacher and longtime neighborhood resi- of poor transportation, causing conges- dent, had much to say on the subject of the tion at certain hot spots. The meeting college itself. heard many a cry of “first the Mission, “We need to recognize the impor- now here!” These BART-adjacent neigh- tance of City College to our community. borhoods have gone from quiet residences [Roughly] 1/7 San Franciscans have taken and ethnic communities to areas highly classes at City College.” Lehr said. And, it sought after by a the new influx of local is true, that many of these student com- elite who would not fit into the description Paul Drexler, Director, Crooks Tour of San Francisco, www.crookstour.com 415-713-3077 mute by car. Cont. p. 14 Page 3 February 2015

Ruminations From A Former Supervisor By Quentin Kopp Best of the Net: www.engardio.com

arl Bernstein is a longtime journalist, known for col- Julie Christensen Is Designer of Change at Sf City Hall laboration with Bob Woodward in the Washington By Joel P. Engardio CPost in 1973 and 1974 to expose Richard M. Nixon’s shoddy conduct in the 1972 presidential campaign with White House staff which the media dubbed “Watergate.” Bernstein was quoted last year in The Dartmouth Review writing this truism: “We are in the process of creating what deserves to be called the idiot culture. Not an idiot sub-culture, which every society has bubbling beneath the surface and which can provide harmless fun; but the culture itself. For the first time, the weird and the stupid and the coarse are becoming our cultural norm, even our cultural ideal.” Proof of Bernstein’s observation exists across our Bay Area tableau. The University of California Bears graduation rate for football players is the lowest among all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I institutions. Other Bears athletic team graduation rates are mainly in the lower tier nationally. The Board of Regents last month considered imposition by U.C. President Janet Napolitano, ex-Arizona gov- ernor and federal Homeland Security director, of new team eligibility requirements based on higher grades. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor demanded even bet- ter academic performance and graduation results. Ultimately, elevated standards were postponed indefinitely, but not before a regent named Eddie Ireland declared openly: “A college degree is not the goal of every athlete who comes to the university.” I kid you not! That’s an ignoramus’ manner of disregarding the taxpayer subsidy of Cal football players and other university athletes. Does the University of California purpose include

Julie Christensen is the recently appointed city supervisor for District 3 Hybrid and electric car usage has also caused declining hen you think about the ways government touches our lives — through revenue for the building and maintenance of roads. You public transportation, its tax and license bureaucracy, how it regulates what don’t pay for roads from income, sales, or property taxation; it’s Wour streets and cityscape look like — the concepts of good form, function illogical to abandon a proven user fee. With surprise and approval, I and design probably don’t come to mind. thus note two Republican Congressmen have proposed consider- We marvel at the beautiful aesthetic the recently appointed city supervisor for and flawless execution of our privately District 3 in North Beach, Chinatown and ation this year of increasing the federal gas tax. The state legislature made smartphones while cursing the line several more neighborhoods. Christensen must also act. Both should include bicyclists who use the gas tax at a government office that still uses paper is a trained painter and sculptor with a products (roads, streets, and even highways), but pay no fee. Our files. Then we curse again, waiting for a prelaw background. She is also a success- public bus that seems to never come. ful entrepreneur who left a major design battered streets and highways need repair and augmentation now. Imagine if City Hall was filled with firm early in her career to start a business politicians who could engineer solutions dedicated to elevating the look and feel of financing future members of professional sports teams? And remember, regents such that embrace innovation and streamline the mundane gadgets in our lives. as Ireland are gubernatorial appointees for 12-year terms. Pity the taxpayers. operations while paying attention to the “The KitchenAid candy apple red In July 2012, the Board of Supervisors and mayor combined to add over $1,000,000 user experience. Maybe there would not mixer is what I’m most proud of,” said to the 2012-13 San Francisco Budget Ordinance to enable each of 11 supervisors to be such an embarrassing gap between the Christensen, who has created the surface distribute $100,000 within his/her district. Thereafter, for example, Supervisor Mark analog way San Francisco is run and its designs for a variety of tech and consumer Farrell conferred tax money upon a treasure hunt at Aquatic Park! Each fiscal year designation as the tech industry’s global goods including computer speakers, since 2012-13, the practice has continued. Former Board member and president Aaron hub. gaming devices, MP3 players, modems, Peskin, who will run again in North Beach and Telegraph Hill this November, stated in Thankfully we have Julie Christensen, Cont. p. 9 2013: “It is the most preposterous piece of public policy…giving themselves $100,000 to hand out in little tidbits to buy political support? It’s like a TV game show.” These same supervisors are paid over $100,000 annually without voter approval needed. Moreover, they receive compensation from membership on a plethora of regional and local government boards, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation Agency, the Peninsula Rail Corridor Joint Powers Authority, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Bay Area Air Quality Maintenance District, the California Coastal Commission, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, and the Transbay Terminal Author- ity. They qualify for the City’s Health Service System and Retirement System. And they call it “public service” to induce taxpayers to believe elected officials are somehow sacrificing themselves for all San Franciscans. A favorite term of City Hall figures is “political family,” which evidently begins with City Hall and operates like family mem- bers who protect each other. It’s supposed to convey togetherness. Maybe it does, but it surely doesn’t include taxpayers. Others rightly label it the “political class.” These days, district supervisors represent only about 75,000 people, unlike citywide supervi- sors of yore. Yet they drew voters a decade ago into granting them a third aide at up to $100,412 per year; and I defy you to telephone a supervisor’s office and be greeted by any human being, let alone a living supervisor. My last example of the accuracy of Carl Bernstein’s observation is the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)’s impending surrender of $70,000 in taxpayer and fare payer money. Last November 28th (Black Friday) the BART system was unlawfully forced to close by protesters of events in Missouri and New York. Police arrested 14 lawbreakers. BART asked the Alameda County District Attorney (Nancy O’Malley) to recover its damages ($70,000) as restitution in the criminal prosecutions. Left wing demonstrators demanded BART dismiss such claims. Last month BART director Rebecca Saltzman introduced a motion to do that, seconded, of course, by San Fran- cisco director Tom Radulovich. BART’s board will vote on the motion February 12. It will tell the Alameda County prosecutor to forget our $70,000 in costs and damages. Such stupidity will thus invite more law-breaking and BART closures in this era of the “idiot culture.” A Los Angeles Congresswoman (Janice Hahn) last December declared that an alternative to the gasoline tax, namely a tax on miles driven, should be considered. I agree. The gasoline tax constitutes a user fee. Many people don’t realize that commenc- ing in 1922, California’s highways, freeways, county roads, and city streets were funded from national and state gasoline tax revenue. The federal rate hasn’t been changed since 1996; the state’s hasn’t since 1994. Current politicians are afraid to increase gaso- line taxation because most lack knowledge of history. They look for legislative “gim- micks” (usually borrowing through bonds) to avoid a user fee increase. Hybrid and electric car usage has also caused declining revenue for the building and maintenance of roads. You don’t pay for roads from income, sales, or property taxation; it’s illogical to abandon a proven user fee. With surprise and approval, I thus note two Republican Congressmen have proposed consideration this year of increasing the federal gas tax. The state legislature must also act. Both should include bicyclists who use the gas tax products (roads, streets, and even highways), but pay no fee. Our battered streets and highways need repair and augmentation now. Retired former Supervisor, State Senator and Judge Quentin Kopp lives in District 7 Page 4 February 2015

WEST OF TWIN PEAKS CENTRAL COUNCIL By Mitch Bull Chris Bowman completed the panel and spoke on the demographics of the Why Prop 218 Must NEWS AND VIEWS… WOTP area as compared to the rest of the city. For the election, the WOTP voter Not Be Ignored he November 2014 election, and houses on the Balboa Reservoir, were the big turnout was 60.78% compared to 53% By Brian Browne items discussed at the January meeting of the West of Twin Peaks Central Council citywide and 42.20% statewide. The party Ton January 26th. President Roger Ritter opened the first meeting of 2015 with breakdown for the WOTP is as follows: t is time for the San approximately 25 attendees. Republican 13.08%, Democrat 54.20%, Francisco Public In the committee section Decline to State 28.44% and Other 4.28%. IUtilities Commis- of the meeting, recent meet- Demographic voting numbers were sion (SFPUC), and other ings by the city on uses for handed out reflecting how the WOTP California utilities, to price the Balboa Reservoir were area compared to the other voting seg- water services according discussed, with some groups ments for each of the local and statewide to 1996 Proposition 218, a constitutional such as SF BARF calling for election races. amendment. Water may only be priced at up to 6000 units of housing The final discussions of the evening reasonable cost of service without any non- being built on the site, result- centered on short presentations by Pat- regulatory add-ons. A quote from Howard- ing in density parameters rick Otellini, of the City’s Earthquake Jarvis Taxpayers Association is a powerful that would rival Manhattan. Safety Implementation Program, and statement as to purpose sought by the fram- Although it’s doubtful that Ashley Summers, of Supervisor Katy ers of Proposition 219: anything of this magnitude Tang’s office. “It is the clear position, supported by the would be built, the meetings Otellini spoke of a program that language of Proposition 218, the liberal con- point out that the public has would provide a $3000 grant to 75 struct provision, and the intent of the voters to be involved and vigilant to homeowners (selected randomly from that fees and charges for water service are ensure that constructive pub- applicants) to make improvements to governed by Proposition 218. To the extent lic input is offered and con- Chris Bowman, Dr. Corey Cook and Jim Stearns present analysis of the fall election seismically strengthening their founda- that tier rates are imposed in a manner that sidered by the city planning tions through “bolting and bracing” the deviates from ‘cost of service’ requirements, officials and the SFPUC, which holds the in 2002, and 61% in 2006 and 2010, when home to the concrete foundation. The those rates are in violation of Proposition land entitlement for the reservoir site. the elections had more statewide races to program application period runs from 218. Local governments or special districts A panel discussion followed, featur- generate voter excitement. Within San January 15 through February 15 and cov- which do not abide which do not abide by ing Jim Stearns, Chris Bowman and Dr. Francisco, the West of Twin Peaks area, ers the zip codes of 94121, 94127, 94132, the requirements of the new constitutional Corey Cook, as they recapped the facts the Castro, and Noe Valley were the areas and 94112. For more information on the language do so at the risk of litigation.” and lessons from the November 2014 with the highest voter turnout. program, visit the website, Earthquake- Tier rates are specifically mentioned general municipal election. Dr. Corey Cook, of USF, spoke on BraceBolt.com. above. Unless tier rates perfectly mirror the Stearns opened the discussion with the trends of the last election and how Summers spoke on transit-oriented cost function of producing water, they are an overview on the number and author- the propositions fared in the city and in changes that are being proposed by Muni illegal under Proposition 218. The way the ship of ballot propositions from 1961 to the WOTP areas. Not surprisingly, the in the Westside districts, such as changes two step tier rate program is portrayed by the present time. In those 55 years, 1004 WOTP areas were 13-18% more con- in bus stop and Muni Metro locations. the SFPUC, this seems mathematical impos- propositions have been placed on the bal- servative in their voting than the rest For more information on this, the legisla- sible. The lower rate is based on the earlier lot, with 634 (68%) being approved by of the city. In all but three propositions, tive aide can be contacted at Ashley.sum- lifeline rate and the higher second tier rate voters. Contrary to popular belief, only the WOTP area finished in the lowest 2 [email protected]. is clearly a subsidy to permit a lower priced 145 of the propositions were placed on or 3 districts in supporting the proposi- A motion for adjournment followed tier one. This type rate making is prohibited the ballot by voter driven campaigns. Of tions (reflecting their conservative voting at 9:15 and the meeting was concluded. by Proposition 218 effective back to 1996. these, 73 passed and 72 failed. 715 of the trends.) The Westside did support the The next meeting of the WOTPCC will Not only are tiered rates illegal in California 1004 were placed by vote of the Board of propositions to develop Pier 70 (which be on Monday, February 23rd at 7:30 but a solid body of economic work indicates Supervisors. won); Keep the soccer fields natural grass PM at the historic Forest Hills Clubhouse. they are inefficient and exacerbate the goals The low voter turnout in 2014 was in Golden Gate Park (which lost), and Info:www.westoftwinpeaks.org). of drought pricing. A new consideration also compared to other elections as 53% to establish Transportation Priorities for Cont. p. 7 of voters voted in 2014, compared to 50% MUNI (which lost).

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California Pacific Medical Center sutterhealth.org/sanfrancisco Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation Page 5 February 2015 John Farrell-/ SF Giants v. SF Taxpayers (Cont. from p. 1) and enrolls values once indexed by the predecessors did. You can do it. recorder staff, which revolutionizes the On behalf of all taxpayers in the City appraisal process. We were also ready to and County of San Francisco, Everyone implement an automatic partial ownership should pay their fair share. transfer process. Both of these processes John Farrell Broker/Realtor® – Farrell Real are still sitting in a test environment for Estate, MBA, Former City Asst. Assessor- over the past 10 years gathering dust. You Budget/Special Projects, 5th Generation have the opportunity to be a pioneer or just San Franciscan, Westside resident - far- another Assessor warming the chair and [email protected] collecting a paycheck, as your last few

In November, the San Francisco Pub- one that is unconstitutional, since Con- Wooding / Homeless Zoning (Cont. from p. 1) lic Utilities Commission (PUC) transferred gress does not have the authority to tax shelter operation. they could live successful, productive lives to the Recreation and Park Department the exempt tenants (per Article 1 Section 8 of • Allow this use as a right in certain in the community. Unfortunately, most Francisco Reservoir at 2445 Hyde Street Constitution, which provides the Powers zoning districts, and with conditional people who are homeless lack access to the for $9.9 million. This 3.29 acre property of the US Congress). approval in some other districts, reflecting services they need. expands the existing 0.96-acre park to Due to this unconstitutional loophole, the group housing zoning controls. The number of acute-care psychiatric over 4 acres of public open space. The the City is losing an additional $12.5 mil- • Exempt homeless shelters from open beds in San Francisco are rapidly being PUC sold the property with restrictions, lion from the sale of Lucasfilm to Disney space, car, and bicycle parking, as well as downsized in both the public and private which they did not need to do, which pro- in 2012 (based on a 2.5% transfer tax on impact-fee requirements. More people can sectors. Lengths of stay in acute-care psy- vided the rationale for the appraisal at this a conservative $500 million assessment). be placed in a RH-2 residence if there are chiatric units are dropping. Unfortunately, low $9.9 million sale price; if this 3.29 An ownership transfer in CA includes a no cars or bikes located in the facility. inpatient psychiatric facilities lose money. acre property had been rezoned in accor- lease of 35 years or more. Lucasfilm had a According to the 2013 Homeless California became the national leader dance with the highest and best use in the 66 year lease at the Presidio transferred to Count Report, 7,350 homeless people live in aggressively moving patients from state Russian Hill neighborhood, it would be Disney. Per the CA Rev & Taxation Code, in San Francisco, including sheltered and and county hospitals into the commu- worth well over $100 million. A 2500 sq ft this is a legal transfer which the SBE will unsheltered persons, as well as unaccom- nity. By the time Ronald Reagan assumed vacant residential lot in Russian Hill alone concur. There is no rationale why there is panied children and transition-age youth. the governorship in 1967, California had sells for over $1.5 million. Our water rates no transfer tax imposed, since all other Of these, approximately 59% were unshel- already deinstitutionalized more than half continue to go up and the PUC transfers its ownership transfers in CA pay a trans- tered (about 4,200 people). of its state hospital patients. That same property for pennies on the dollar. This to fer tax. The Assessor should appraise the Current occupants of homeless shel- year, California passed the landmark me is a gift of public funds, even if it is to transfer as is done in all other change in ters include people with disabilities, fami- Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act, which another public agency. ownerships, and a transfer tax bill should lies, the elderly, transient individuals, and virtually abolished involuntary hospital- Our World Champion Giants orga- be issued. people who have mental illnesses. ization except in extreme cases. Thus, by nization’s appeal to reduce its ballpark’s PG&E is getting a minimum $5.2 City planner Kamia Haddadan the early 1970’s by the time Ronald Rea- 2012 value from approximately $196.8 million annual tax break. PG&E’s fran- explains the new homeless ordinance by gan assumed the governorship in 1967, million assessment to $140 million has chise fee is subject to property tax but is stating, “Currently, homeless shelters are California had already deinstitutionalized been postponed until May, per the Assess- not reflected in the annual appraisal by the allowed in many zoning districts.” Where more than half of its state hospital patients ment Appeals Board. The Giants organiza- State Board of Equalization (SBE). If this and how they are permitted depends on if and, bypassing LPS, had made it very dif- tion built its ballpark for over $350 million franchise fee was accounted for, it would they are categorized as a Tourist Hotel or ficult to get patients back into a hospital if in 2000, and pays the Port $1.2 million result in property tax revenue to the City Group Housing, which is determined by the they relapsed and needed additional care. annually under a 66 year lease for the 12.5 of approximately $5.2 million annually Zoning Administrator on a case–by-case Ironically, President Reagan was shot in acre land site. Even though the existing (based on a market franchise fee of 3%). basis. Homeless shelters are categorized as 1986 by John Hinkley, Jr., who was later 2012 value of $196.8 million, least $200 There are numerous companies with fran- Group Housing when the length-of-stay is found to be not guilty by reason of insanity. million under value in my professional chise fees that should also be appraised, a week or more. If the length-of-stay is less The financial burden of mentally ill opinion, resulting in a property tax loss to resulting in addition millions to the City than that, it is considered a Tourist Hotel. patient treatments quickly fell squarely on the city of over $2.3 million annually, the annually. There is also a potential increase The majority of homeless shelters permit- the cities and counties in California. Giants want to further reduce the value to in the existing PG&E franchise fee set in ted to date have been categorized as Group Consequently, San Francisco was $140 million, an additional revenue loss 1939 to fair market, resulting in from $27 Housing, which is allowed in most zoning inundated by mentally-ill patients. Many to the city of over $650,000 annually. The to at least $45 million annually to the City districts including RH-2 with Conditional of these patients currently reside in local Giants have also filed appeals for 2013 and (reflects a 3% to 5% fair market franchise Use (CU) authorization. prisons. Many additional mentally-ill 2014 which have not been scheduled. And fee) compared to the existing payment Haddadan further states, “The pro- patients currently reside in the San Fran- by the way, if the Giants are getting a tax to the City of $5.5 million (based on the posed legislation would not change these cisco community trapped between home- break, what are the Warriors expecting? existing franchise fee of ½% electrical and controls, but it would create a separate lessness and shelters. The mental health As a taxpayer and Giants fan since 1% of gas from P.G&E’s gross receipts). use category for homeless shelters so that problem is exacerbated by San Francisco’s birth, I appeal to the Giants owners and PG&E rates continue to go up and the City each proposal would not need a Zoning inability to provide medication to mental management to withdraw all their assess- continues to give them a tax break. Administrator Interpretation to deter- health patients on a regular basis. ment appeals, which are insulting to the AT&T’s naming rights at the Ball mine the appropriate use category. Also, In 1985, San Francisco voters approved taxpayers of San Francisco, and to con- Park were never appraised by the Asses- the City’s policy towards homelessness a proposition authorizing $26 million in tinue to be the class act that they are. sor’s Office. Pacific Bell paid $45 mil- is to primarily provide permanent hous- bonds to construct a 147-bed psychiatric Without the ballpark, the Giants would not lion for naming rights in 2000 over 25 ing for the homeless population. While facility, the Mental Health Rehabilitation receive its revenues from the tickets, ven- years, which was subsequently trans- homeless shelters are necessary, the City’s Facility (MHRF), on the grounds of San dors, restaurants, advertising, cable TV, ferred to AT&T. If valued accordingly, primary focus will still be on finding per- Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) to etc… In 2013, the year in between World AT&T should be paying the City at least manent housing for homeless individuals keep psychiatric patients in county. Eleven Series wins, the Giants had 3.37 million $525,000 annually (based on a 1.1691% and families.” years later, the “MHRF” opened in 1996. paid attendance, $316 million in revenue, tax rate on a $45 million assessed value). The proposed Ordinance would clar- By 2003, when the City was facing a huge and $53 million in operating income. Per The Assessor’s Office can go back 4 years ify the zoning controls to streamline the deficit, DPH proposed closing the MHRF. Forbes magazine, the Giants club valua- and even longer, since AT&T’s naming review process for any potential future A “Blue Ribbon Committee” eventually tion is worth $1 billion. Its revenues con- rights agreement is unrecorded. Therefore, homeless shelters applications across the split the three-story building into multiple tinue to grow, which is wonderful. But in AT&T should receive tax bills for approxi- City. uses, and today, the MHRF operates only my opinion and experience, the Giants mately $4.2 million, reflecting 8 years of If the City’s CU process were utilized, 24 psychiatric beds. Many of its patients should have never received such a reduc- benefits for the naming rights. What are and the Planning Department wanted to were discharged out-of-county. tion in assessment from the City. these naming rights worth today? Keep in place a homeless shelter in your neighbor- The bond measure was actually passed The City is losing at least $10 million mind that the 49ers/York and Levi Strauss hood, they would need a Planning Com- in November 1987. The voter handbook a year in property tax revenue, and well & Co recently entered into a naming rights mission hearing in order to determine if said 185 beds — not 147 — would be over $100 million from the Presidio Trust agreement for a 20-year, $220 million deal the proposed use is necessary, or desirable, built for a “mental health skilled nursing since inception. due to an unconstitutional at $11 million annually. to the neighborhood, and whether it may facility,” and that the measure would end loophole in the Presidio Trust Act, which But keep in mind, there are many potentially have a negative impact on the up costing $39.7 million, including inter- allows that tenants are exempt from all positives to note. It is good to see that one surrounding neighborhood. est on the bonds. It took 11 years before taxes, except sales tax, and is subject to of the main priorities of our Mayor is now All owners within 300 feet of pro- the MHRF was built and opened in 1996. interpretation. In 1989, the federal gov- affordable housing for the middle class. It posed new homeless shelters will receive Sadly, the MHRF has all but closed, con- ernment closed the Presidio as a military must be an election year. notification of the hearing. The assigned verted to other mixed uses. base. Since the Presidio is no longer for It is also positive to see the current planner will gather comments and con- Chronic homelessness is now a way military use, the federal government trans- Assessor is finally addressing the exten- cerns from the neighborhood during the of life in San Francisco. We cannot neglect ferred jurisdiction to the Golden Gate sive permit backlog costing the City mil- notification period. Neighborhood sup- these people, but we need to understand National Recreation Area (GGNRA) in lions annually by hiring 5 appraisers/ port or opposition will be reflected in why so many mentally ill patients are liv- 1994. Did this transfer to GGNRA end its specialist positions. Funding of $1.285 a staff report presented at the Planning ing on the streets of San Francisco. Home- tax-exempt status and provide for the City million is provided from a State-County Commission hearing, complete with the less shelters can be a good way to help the to now tax private tenants? The City was Assessor’s Partnership Agreement Pro- Planning Department’s recommendation mentally ill remain in the community. told to look the other way by our Congres- gram Grant. for approval or disapproval of the CU. The question is, as always, where sional representative who spearheaded in Keep in mind Madame Assessor, who District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim, who should the mentally ill, transients and 1999 an unconstitutional provision in the I hope is reading this, that your existing helped to introduce the homeless shelter poor families live in San Francisco? The Presidio Trust Act to exempt tenants. This system has the capabilities to direct enroll ordinance stated, “San Francisco has been neighborhoods with RH-2 housing should has resulted in a tax savings to Lucasfilm permits and all transfers, as it currently at the forefront of helping the mentally dis- carefully consider the impacts of homeless alone of over $50 million. I understand does for single family homes. This was abled, but the City has been unable to ade- shelters they add in their communities. the intent of the system. Check the test that the Presidio Trust needed to be finan- quately address mental illness problems.” George Wooding, Midtown Terrace Home- environment. Before the system went live cially independent, but this should have Nearly one-third of people who are owners Association been handled in more of a business fash- in 2000, we set up a streamlining process homeless have mental illnesses. With the ion and not a political one. Especially not which automatically changes ownership appropriate treatment, care and support, Page 6 February 2015 Commentary What’s up with our water, sewer & power people? SFPUC, SF Public Utilities Commission, with about 2300 city employees By Steve Lawrence he Water System Improvement Program (WSIP) is now $4.8 billion, up from $3.4 billion a dozen years ago. The program, Twhich by state law was to be completed this year, is projected to be done in 2019. The largest project, Calaveras Dam, building a new dam downstream to hold the reservoir, continues to be challenging, overrunning in time and cost. Projects severed from the program, recycled water and SF groundwater, have yet to break ground, although the latter is to do so shortly.

San Franciscan’s residential use is below 45 gallons per day per person; ten years ago it was 61. By early Novem- ber we had saved all the water officials asked us to save this past year because of drought.” Between now and August 2018, the includes power generated by large hydro, rate you pay for water will rise by nearly which does not qualify as renewable. half (50%) to help pay for WSIP. As proposed, clean power also includes Water usage is down. The system RECs, renewable energy credits. RECs are expected to deliver 265 mgd (million gal- controversial because they pay for remote lons per day) by 2018. This past year it renewable power; but the power the payer My 2¢ • Will Durst © 2014 delivered 220 mgd, on a downward trend. gets is not renewable. As power delivered San Franciscan’s residential use is below 45 over the grid is fungible anyway, perhaps gallons per day per person; ten years ago it local or remote does not matter; but many THE NEW ICE AGE. was 61. By early November we had saved want actual renewably generated power, “And that’s it for sports.” all the water officials asked us to save this not payment equivalent to indulgences. “Thank you Robert for the fascinating premier of your exclusive past year because of drought. In 2014 Until recently the Mayor has opposed in-depth Channel 7, twelve-part series on underinflated balls, Can’t the system’s wholesale customers (taking launching CleanPowerSF despite a Board wait to see what balls you have for us tomorrow. And now, here’s Wayne about two-thirds of system water) revised of Supervisors that strongly supports with our exclusive Channel 7 Eyewitness Weather and your new up-to-the-minute downward the amount of water they plan the program. For the past six months a national weather report, brought to you by Easy—the drug that will make you never to buy going forward. vacancy on the Commission has gone wonder why. Ever again.” Re sewers, the Sewer System Improve- unfilled as there was little prospect that the “Well, thanks Padma. Hello Foggy Bottom. Batten down the hatches people, ment Program (SSIP), a $6.9 billion, Mayor and BOS could agree on an appoin- because it’s about to get chilly out there. Not just cold. Long Island Ice Tea on a Vermont twenty-year set of projects, is now under- tee. Recently, in response to a report about porch in January cold. Nostril hair cracking cold. Ice cube tray down your pants cold. way. The largest early project replaces Bio- the CleanPowerSF program, the Mayor Tongue stuck to the flagpole cold. Beyonce’s sister talking to Jay-Z cold. solids digesters at the Southeast Plant at switched from opposed to qualified sup- Due to a stubborn high-pressure system emanating from the bases of both the left a cost approaching $2 billion. Engineers port, and he appointed a commissioner to and the right, the immediate political forecast is for a long hard freeze to descend upon have been hired, and early planning—fig- the vacant seat: Ike Kwon, general man- Washington DC and stay there. After that, arctic relations are expected to crystalize, uring out where, what, and how many, and ager of the Academy of Sciences. Now the until all political activity grinds to a halt in the same kind of gridlock that sang the perhaps how deep and high—has mostly Mayor and Board likely differ over how Wooly Mammoths to their rest. been done. Two years of environmen- quickly CleanPowerSF will be launched, tal review starts in July. Construction is and what assurances will be given first. scheduled for January 2018 to June 2022. The power enterprise of SFPUC has Storm clouds are gathering and the Doppler Radar indi- (The Southeast plant treats 80% of SF’s long delivered electricity to MUNI, City cates the Capital climate will become so incredibly frigid, sewage; it is one of three treatment plants.) Hall, General Hospital, and other public There are many smaller SSIP proj- buildings and places. Electricity is cheaply the entire country is at risk of freezing solid over the next two ects. Rates are rising modestly now, but generated downstream from Hetch Hetchy years. And maybe longer, as the tropical winds of compromise will accelerate as SSIP projects really start Reservoir (160 miles east in the Sierras). appear to have been eaten by El Nino. spending. One of the water tunnels needs work likely Both sewer and water projects are to cost half a billion dollars, or possibly The long-term outlook isn’t any rosier. Expect increasing rhetoric with gusts of paid for with bonds. Typically bonds are more. After inspection Mountain Tunnel’s empty blather to result in virtual legislative permafrost. Storm clouds are gathering and sold shortly before funds are needed. Usu- problems should come into sharper focus. the Doppler Radar indicates the Capital climate will become so incredibly frigid, the ally they are paid off over thirty years; the * * * entire country is at risk of freezing solid over the next two years. And maybe longer, as start of pay-off is often delayed by a year or The Mayor’s annual speech announces the tropical winds of compromise appear to have been eaten by El Nino. so. Rates rise to pay off the bonds. his intention to provide rent subsidies in On one side, you have a decidedly frosty GOP Congress promising that anything Quick overview of finances. Let’s look “emergencies,” and eviction defense, to and everything the President sends is DOA. The issue could be the Republican dream at the Wastewater (sewer) division for the avoid evictions; to help rent controlled of tort reform but if it comes from the desk of the Chief Executive-color it El Morte. next ten years. About $5.3 billion will be tenants buy their buildings; and to sell While a distinctly icy Barack Obama has announced he’s prepared to unleash a spent on the SSIP and capital improve- bonds (go into debt) to fund more afford- blizzard of VETOs on any legislation that threatens his legacy. Which theoretically is ment. Approaching $5 billion comes able housing. Public policy used to abhor anything. These two clashing icebox fronts could rival in intensity the cyclonic activity from the sale of bonds (debt), and nearly letting officials give away public funds. that has engulfed the great red spot on Jupiter for over 300 years. half a billion comes from ratepayers (the Favoritism and corruption was thought The two sides are so far apart they can’t see each other due to the curvature of the monthly payments you make). $44 mil- inevitable. Lead not to temptation. New earth. And the lack of even glacial progress insures that snowy drifts of abandoned bills lion comes from capacity fees; these are York City enables tenants to buy build- will accumulate on Congressional desks. So, like normal; only more so. fees developers pay to buy into the sewer ings. (The author knows from personal Folks out there in our viewing area might want to make a quick trip into town for system, using up some of its capacity. For experience.) Is it not odd that those who provisions, because the biting winds and refrigerated relationships are going to make a Water, where the big capital work is mostly for years have benefited from rent control hundred polar vortexes look downright balmy. done, the amount to be spent is much less, then get to cash in by “selling” their rights? With bitterly biting ideological winds, heavy rains of disregard and no relief in sight, about $1.3 billion, and the portion coming Going into debt to build housing that costs the 114th Congress looks destined to earn the nickname of… The New Ice Age. As they from rates is larger, about $440 million; nearly half a million dollars per unit, and say in Game of Thrones: “Winter is Coming!” And not just any winter: nuclear winter. most of the remainder comes from bonds becomes ready only after extended gesta- So there you have it. The new up-to-the-minute exclusive Channel 7 national (debt). tion, seems inefficient. Future generations weather report, brought to you by Easy—the drug that will make you never wonder Power. CleanPowerSF is controver- are burdened while today’s politicians why. Ever again. Stay tuned as Heather unveils exclusive footage of how a rescue of baby sial. It would sell “clean” power, compet- strut and crow at ground-breakings. More kittens from a discarded piano makes for beautiful music. And cute too.” ing with PG&E. The challenge has been and more, might makes right in the world Will Durst is an award-winning, nationally acclaimed political comic. Go to willdurst.com to sell what reasonably can be called clean of civic affairs. Will public policy rise again to find about about his new one-man show “BoomeRaging: From LSD to OMG,” and info power at rates not too much above what (from the dead)? about the San Francisco premier of the documentary film “3 Still Standing,” @ the Marines PG&E charges for its electricity, which is Steve Lawrence is a Westside resident and Memorial Theater. about one-quarter renewable. “Clean” is a SF Public Utility Commission stalwart. less desirable category than “renewable;” it Feedback: [email protected] Award Winning News for the Neighborhood — Society of Professional Journalists Homeowner Renovation Opportunities PO Box 27176, SF 94127 • 415 517-6331 Contributors: Lynda Ayres-Frederick, Brian Browne, Mitch The SF Board of Supervisors has voted to reinstall its residential Property Assessed www .westsideobserver .com Bull, Julie Casson, Matt Davies, Paul Drexler, Will Durst, Joel Engardio, Clean Energy Program (PACE), which enables property owners to make energy and Publisher: Mitch Bull John Farrell, Flora Lynn Isaacson, Jack Kaye, Dr. Derek Kerr, Dr. Carol Koci- water efficiency upgrades to their homes, and pay for the upgrades through their prop- [email protected] var, Quentin Kopp, Steve Lawrence, Anise J. Matteson, Barbara Mesku- erty taxes for up to 20 years. PACE has proven an effective policy to help homeowners Editor: Doug Comstock nas, Brandon Miller, Don Lee Miller, Patrick Monette-Shaw, Sergio Nibbi, make efficiency upgrades affordably, and for cities to create jobs and reduce greenhouse [email protected] Dr. Maria Rivero, George Wooding. Photos: Doug Comstock. gas emissions. The vote revives a program called GreenFinanceSF that will give home- Ad Sales • Mitch Bull 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 owners access to Home Energy Renovation Opportunity (HERO) and two other PACE publisher of this paper. The Westside Observer is a free monthly newspaper serving the entire West of Twin Peaks area of San Francisco. providers. Payments are made through the property tax bill for up to 20 years, and 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 interest is tax-deductible. Applications start in spring 2015. INFO: HeroProgram.com the West of Twin Peaks area, as well as libraries and other key drop-off points (see westsideobserver.com/hardcopy.html). Page 7 February 2015 Gambling With City Employees’ Retirement Fund Prop 218 (Cont. from p. 4) raised in this article is that complex and opaque financial Looming Fiasco: Hedge Funds “Wealth Transfer” gamesmanship of shifting the debt forward to future rate- payers, in high probability, offends Proposition 218. It is By Patrick Monette-Shaw time to view Proposition 218 constraints in the future as well as the present. ayor Ed “Sharing Economy” Lee just proposed in his State-of-the-City speech Utilities develop a rate structure to cover their pro- sharing prosperity by tapping into City retiree funds for use in his down payment duction costs. This is called the revenue requirements Mloan assistance program. approach to ratemaking. The two main components of How benevolent of him. Retiree’s must be thrilled an SFERS investment in DLAP. Cohen’s office has been most utility cost functions are operation and mainte- that he wants to “share” their pensions so untold recipi- advised that a SFERS staff decision may perhaps be made nance and external capital costs such as revenue bonds. ents can obtain mortgages. in February 2015. Finance costs are all costs related to the issuance and Despite recent warnings from billionaires War- A separate records request on January 22 to Olson repayment of debt, mainly revenue bonds in the case of ren Buffett and George Soros against investing public Lee, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Com- the SFPUC. The SFPUC has issued $4,039,972,895 for employee pension money using hedge funds, some mem- munity (MOHCD) Development for any correspondence their Water System Improvement Program in 10 different bers of San Francisco’s Public Employees’ Retirement between Supervisor Cohen and Olson Lee uncovered a sets of bond sales. The 76.39 percent actually flowing to System (SFERS) board of directors and SFERS’ “chief series of 16 e-mails between Maria Benjamin, Director projects seems low. This requires additional analysis. investment officer” appear to know more than Buffett of Homeownership and Below Market Rate Programs in and Soros. MOHCD and Bob Shaw, SFERS’ Managing Director of Uses Total Percent SFERS continues to consider investing in hedge Public Markets. The e-mail traffic dating back to June 18, Costs of Issuance 7,830,791 0.19% funds, after a state pension fund (Calpers) and a Danish 2014 between Ms. Benjamin and Mr. Shaw is troubling. Underwriter’s Discount 24,992,730 0.62% pension fund pulled out of their respective hedge-fund Shaw indicated on June 18 that SFERS “will eventu- investments during the past two months. ally need to review all of the loans that have been origi- Debt Service Reserve 153,804,276 3.81% That’s why 81% of the City’s 23,000 City retirees nated under the DALP,” but requested “a ‘test’ set [of loan Capitalized Interest 416,844,265 10.32% who have a monthly pension of less than $2,500 (under information] to determine what [SFERS’s staff would] Projects 3,086,022,222 76.39% $30,000 annually) rightly need for our initial financial due worry about investment diligence.” Shaw recommended Commercial Paper Refunding 350,478,511 8.68% decisions made on their The plan beneficiaries were looking at one specific year that Contingency 100 0.00% behalf, without significant warned by Matt Taibbi in his Sep- was “reasonably seasoned,” and Total $4,039,972,895 100.00% means to influence those tember 2013 article “How Wall Street asked for DLAP loan informa- investment decisions. tion for 2010 because it involved They have good reason Hedge Funds Are Looting the Pension “a relatively small (17) set of loans, Direct O&M costs are probably easier to monitor than to worry about decisions Funds of Public Workers,” that Wall Street but should provide [him] with the capital costs. Even this monitoring or oversight has affecting their retirement firms are making millions in profits off of ability to understand the DLAP become a near impossibility in San Francisco in that all income, since there are mul- program.” attempts at independent oversight have been hijacked. tiple plans to tap into the public pension funds nationwide. “Essen- By October 17, Shaw indi- People who think monitoring SFPUC-O&M costs is dif- retirement fund, including tially it is a wealth transfer from teachers, cated SFERS staff had completed ficult will find trying to monitor and understand what the a claim presented by Mayor cops and firemen to billionaire hedge analysis of the sample set and financial types are really doing with billions of revenue Ed Lee during his State of funders,”. while results seemed promis- bond money is exponentially more trying to decipher. the City speech on Janu- ing, staff needed to examine the Bailing out the “too big to fail” financial intermediaries ary 15 to tap $100 million from the retirement fund for full set of loans, apparently to see if the results from the sent the wrong message to these gamers. Financial games a down payment loan assistance program that appears to small sub-set reviewed are representative. Shaw indicated were encouraged rather than discouraged. As a member be a premature claim, devoid of details. that would be critical to any proposal submitted to the of the Revenue Bond Oversight Committee (RBOC), I Normally, investment advisors and trustees of pub- Retirement Board but indicted it was too early to deter- always felt the invisible hand that was blocking real regu- lic pension plans with fiduciary obligations — such as mine when SFERS’ staff could present an analysis to the latory reforms, dictated by an understanding of orthodox the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Employ- Retirement Board, since staff still had due diligence work economics and the real mandates of the RBOC’s enabling ees’ Retirement System (SFERS) — whose clients reject to complete. legislation, was coming directly from the financial types. investment recommendations, have an ethical obligation On December 3, Ms. Benjamin submitted additional To repay, in level annual amortized payments, the to back off. data to Shaw, providing active and repaid loans made $4,039,972,895 currently issued in SFPUC-bonds, for a SFERS Commissioners are considering both various since 1998 with our DLAP funds. It’s not known whether term repayment term of 30 years and a coupon rate of proposals to sink $3 billion or more of the Pension Fund’s Shaw has completed an analysis of the data Benjamin 4.5 percent, the SFPUC would need to blend into its rate $20 billion portfolio into hedge funds, and worse, are provided on December 3. structure an annual cost of capital amount of approxi- being asked by the mayor to eventually consider allocat- But from data MoH has provided to SFERS, it is clear mately $250,946,083. Over 30 years these payments would ing $100 million to a new proposal to support Mayor Ed that should SFERS fund the DLAP program — as the amount to $7,528,382,495, comprised of interest pay- Lee’s call to use the retirees’ pension funds for problematic Mayor hopes SFERS’ Board will eventually do — it is very ments of $3,488,409,600 and principal of $4,039,972,895, down payment loan assistance programs administered by clear that investing retiree funds in down payment loans all in nominal or dated dollars. the troubled Mayor’s Office of Housing. would be highly illiquid with an unknown rate of return Traditionally, utilities capitalize interest on work- Despite a resounding 2,300 signature petitions, on any such investment. in-progress and then amortize, as plant goes on line, the e-mails, and letters from current and retired City employ- Whether the retiree’s pension fund will involve total amount into level annual payments that are repaid ees objecting to investing in hedge funds that were sub- wealth transfer to hedge fund managers or will be tied up in equal amounts in the rate structure. This is both trans- mitted to SFERS’ Board members prior to its December in illiquid down payment loans, Plan beneficiary oppo- parent and an accepted way of sharing costs between 3 meeting, SFERS’ Board continues to consider investing sition to both programs continues to grow, opposed as present and future generations for large, long-lived capi- in hedge funds that Plan beneficiaries strongly object to, Plan beneficiaries are to the Mayor’s “shared prosperity” tal items. The diagram below shows how the $4.04 billion ignoring their fiduciary duties to honor objections raised agenda using their retirement funds. dollars would have been passed through to the ratepay- by beneficiaries. The plan beneficiaries were warned by Matt Taibbi ers with a well planned and normative WSIP production Wealth Transfer in his September 2013 article “How Wall Street Hedge schedule. Remember the run up to the 2002 votes on Although Mayor Lee indicated in his State-of-the- Funds Are Looting the Pension Funds of Public Work- funding? The SFPUC stated: we have a plan. Fund us and City speech on January 15 that Supervisor Malia Cohen ers,” that Wall Street firms are making millions in prof- we will deliver on time (2015) and on budget ($3.6B). and the Retirement Board staff have been “hard at work its off of public pension funds nationwide. “Essentially it The impact on wholesale rates of annually passing for months,” developing a proposal, in fact SFERS has is a wealth transfer from teachers, cops and firemen to through the $250,946,083, at a system reliable delivery made no decision on whether to invest Pension funds billionaire hedge funders,” Taibbi noted. “Pension funds of 239 MGD, equals approximately $939 per acre ft, and in the Mayor’s down payment loan assistance program are one of the last great, unguarded piles of money in this Cont. p. 17 (DLAP). The Mayor clearly reached a premature con- country, and there are going clusion that SFERS’ Board would approve of such an to be all sort of operators investment. that are trying to get their The Mayor claims this will help up to 1,500 families hands on that money.” buy a first home in San Francisco, but he made no men- It’s not just about teach- tion of “sharing prosperity” for people who are single, and ers, cops, and firefight- the 66% of San Francisco residents who rent, and are not ers. It’s also San Francisco interested in home ownership. The Mayor may only be employees who are nurses, interested in families, not people who choose to remain librarians, secretaries, jani- single. tors, and bus drivers who Indeed, in response to this author’s January 19 rightly worry about the records request to Supervisor Cohen for any and all pro- sticky fingers trying to gain posals she may have presented to either SFERS’ staff or to access to their SFERS retire- SFERS’ Board to allocate any of SFERS portfolio toward ment fund. DLAP, Cohen’s office responded on January 20 indicating Monette-Shaw is an open- that she had only made a verbal request to SFERS staff government advocate. He at a Retirement Board meeting last year for SFERS’ staff received the Society of Pro- and the Mayor’s Office of Housing to evaluate and study a fessional Journalists–North- possible $50 million investment in DLAP. ern California Chapter Cohen’s office indicated that the two departments James Madison Freedom are still in the process of reviewing and analyzing the of Information Advocacy City’s current portfolio of loans and have not made any Award Feedback: monette- recommendation to either Cohen or the Retirement shaw@westsideobserver. Board. Once the two departments conclude their evalu- ation, Cohen will reportedly then decide whether or not to move forward with a specific proposal to pursue Page 8 February 2015 WHISTLEBLOWER (Cont. from p. 1) Westside Drinking Water: SFPUC Responds Since Herrera was running for Mayor, she asked about her Steven Ritchie, Assistant General Manager, Water SFPUC future if he won. She recalls that Herrera pronounced her rian Browne’s December 2014 article, “SFPUC Don’t position secure and encouraged her to stay. So she declined the Experiment with Our Drinking Water,” is inaccu- State job offer. She concludes that Herrera either lied while secretly Brate and misleading to all San Franciscans. San Francisco’s Regional Water System is a critical devising her ouster, or axed her for exposing the sewer scheme. regional asset for the San Francisco Bay Area. We serve 2.6 he terminated her for reasons other than her the State job offer. She concludes that Her- million Bay Area residents. We take that review the more job performance.” rera either lied while secretly devising her responsibility seriously every minute of than 10 years of Herrera states he then supervised ouster, or axed her for exposing the sewer every day. detailed work Hoeper more closely – but without using scheme. Groundwater Mr. Browne has failed and studies Annual Performance Appraisals. These In late 2011, Herrera’s Executive Team to follow the more than ten years of plan- related to this require a dialogue and written employee met without Ms. Hoeper to prepare a ning, environmental review, community groundwater responses to supervisors’ critiques. Her- report titled: Possible Leadership Changes involvement and water quality investiga- project at sfwa- rera’s spokesperson, Matt Dorsey, told 2012. It’s undated, except for 12/21/11 tions that are the foundation of the San ter.org/groundwater. the Observer that executives like Hoeper scribbled in a corner. The actual date is Francisco Groundwater Supply Project. Obligations to our Wholesale Customers aren’t subject to formal annual appraisals. important because Hoeper’s sewer investi- This project will add up to 4 million gal- Mr. Browne also inaccurately represents Instead, in 2007, her supervisor Therese gation also began in late December 2011. lons per day of reliable local drinking our obligations as a regional water pro- Stewart wrote a private appraisal – solely The 2-page memo is entirely redacted save water into our San Francisco system at a vider. As a wholesale water agency serv- for Herrera. It lauded Hoeper: “She gives 2 sentences: “Put Danny in charge of Trial reasonable cost. With wells in operation ing the San Francisco Bay Area we have 100% of herself to the Office…tremendously Team (for 2 years)” and “Maybe you could dedicated. She is very loyal. She is extremely get Gascon to hire Jo to be Chief of Civil confident in herself…and that…serves us Litigation for the DA’s Office.” Matt Dorsey Our Groundwater Project will create a diversified blend of up well in litigation.” In counterpoint: “Culti- told us that the date on this memo, and on to 15% groundwater from the Westside Groundwater Basin vates a pugilistic style of litigating, tending Hoeper’s 2007 performance review, were to polarize deputies and opposing lawyers, added after they were written “to reflect the in San Francisco mixed with Regional Water System water – adding making settlement more difficult and pos- documents’ actual dates.” Notably, “Danny” to San Francisco’s current blend of surface water from Hetch Hetchy sibly resulting in underestimation of…risk was not given Hoeper’s job as proposed. reservoir and our reservoirs in Alameda and San Mateo counties. and exposure.” Hoeper maintains she was It took more than 18 months of never told her performance was unsatis- “actively searching” to find Hoeper’s suc- every day, we will be diversifying our sup- binding legal agreements which provide factory. Rather, Herrera repeatedly assured cessor. Supposedly, “the only factor holding ply to serve our drinking water needs and the assurance of water delivery in perpetu- her “that he valued her work and wanted up the process was finding the right person.” have reliable, tested facilities in place to ity to our wholesale customers, including her to continue…as Chief Trial Attorney.” Strangely, the search was covert – with no serve us should an earthquake or other provision for reductions during times of Though certified as “very loyal”, Her- job announcements. For Hoeper, “It defies disaster sever deliveries from the Regional drought. Just as the SFPUC serves the resi- rera claims that, “With her subordinates, belief that the City Attorney was unable Water System. Many of our neighbors dents, businesses, and visitors of San Fran- Ms. Hoeper openly disparaged the input of to find highly qualified candidates…who to the south – Daly City and San Bruno cisco, these agencies serve their individual Mr. Herrera and Ms. Stewart, encouraging would not leap at the opportunity to be the to name two – and over 80% of Califor- communities. They equitably pay for their an ‘us versus them’ mentality.” One alleged City’s Chief Trial Deputy.” Yet, just 2 months nians rely on groundwater for part of their use of the system, which includes two- taboo was calling her Trial Team “the real after speaking out, Hoeper was out. She drinking water supplies. thirds of infrastructure upgrade costs for lawyers” and the Executive Team “the describes a blitz to install her replacement Our Groundwater Project will create regional water facilities. And just as San front office.” Hoeper calls such allegations - a surprised deputy “who had been in an a diversified blend of up to 15% groundwa- Francisco has a phenomenal track record “completely false”, noting how she lobbied office just down the hall from (Herrera) ter from the Westside Groundwater Basin of conservation and wise water use, so do Herrera to “address the morale issues… during most of his fruitless search.” Still, in San Francisco mixed with Regional many of our wholesale customers. Some that plagued the City Attorney’s Office” by Herrera denies retaliation as he “made the Water System water – adding to San Fran- are now using even less water per capita recognizing deputies who did a good job - decision to terminate Ms. Hoeper’s employ- cisco’s current blend of surface water from than San Francisco! “something the City Attorney was not in the ment before she launched the investigation.” Hetch Hetchy reservoir and our reservoirs Safe Water Every Day Now and in The habit of doing.” As for the 18 month gap between his “deci- in Alameda and San Mateo counties. Future Despite Mr. Browne’s allusion to the In 2008, Herrera restructured the Trial sion” and her removal, Herrera admits, “… Every day we test and monitor all of failures of other water systems, there has Team, thereby reducing Hoeper’s duties. the poor judgment she exercised during that our water sources and throughout the dis- never been a case of waterborne illness in Herrera ties this decision to Hoeper’s investigation only served to confirm (his) tribution system to ensure we meet and the history of the San Francisco Regional “rebuffing” his guidance and “stoking decision to terminate her employment.” exceed all state and federal water quality Water System. Nor has there been a case divisions.” However, Hoeper recalls that Once again, taxpayers are footing the requirements. We have spent more than where we have completely run out of Herrera assured his staff that the change bill for a plausible retaliation claim. John 10 years studying the Westside Ground- water thanks to our responsible planning, reflected shifting priorities, rather than Keker’s firm, a Herrera campaign donor, water Basin, its historical use, current investments and management of our finite performance problems. Despite what Her- is collecting $850/hour to defend him per capacities, water quality, and potential water supplies. We’re proud of our history rera announced publicly, she worried that a contract: “Expected to exceed $50,000.” for salt water intrusion. All of our work and track record. We have delivered safe the reorganization related to her work, as Ethical concerns are rising alongside legal supports the quality of this water source water to our customers for almost 100 she was undergoing chemotherapy. So she fees. Keker also received a conflict waiver and its viability to address our continued years, and with the San Francisco Ground- asked him directly and quotes his reply, to represent Herrera, while representing need to deliver safe, high quality water in water Project and other efforts to improve “You’re invaluable to the Office. Do not mis- developers who are suing the City. This San Francisco. It is not “recycled brine” the reliability of our water supply, we plan understand what I’m doing. It has nothing conflict has churned Herrera’s staff, per as Mr. Browne suggests. And if you don’t to continue delivering safe, high quality to do with your job performance.” an anonymous tipster. A Keker partner, trust our word, I encourage any interested water well into the future. Contending that he remained “dis- Benedict Hur, chairs our Ethics Commis- party to learn more about the project and satisfied with Ms. Hoeper’s performance,” sion that unfailingly denies whistleblower Herrera reportedly sought to replace her retaliation claims. Herrera’s Office is one in late 2010 with a partner from Keker & of 4 venues for whistleblower complaints, Proudly Serving The Families of West of Twin Peaks Van Nest, the law firm now defending him. along with the Ethics Commission, the Over the next year, surreptitiously, other Controller’s Office, and the DA’s Office. attorneys were reportedly approached, but Because these agencies reflexively shield “Caring Service none wanted or fit the job. Ironically, in City departments, Jo Hoeper had to seek May 2011, Hoeper herself was recruited for redress elsewhere. is our a high-level State position. Since Herrera Dr. Maria Rivero and Dr. Derek Kerr were Highest Priority” was running for Mayor, she asked about senior physicians at Laguna Honda Hospi- her future if he won. She recalls that Her- tal where they repeatedly exposed wrong- rera pronounced her position secure and doing by the Department of Public Health. encouraged her to stay. So she declined Contact: [email protected]

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Mail to the Westside Observer with your check to: VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER ACCEPTED POB 27176 SF, CA 94127 dugansserra.com • driscollsmortuary.com • sullivansfuneralandcremation.com or e-mail [email protected] Page 9 February 2015 63rd Annual Pacific Orchid Exposition A Jungle Blooms his year’s theme, “The Thrill of Discovery,” provides an exciting atmosphere and urges guests to venture beyond the wall of exotic tropical treasures at the T63rd annual Pacific Orchid Exposition, happening February 19-22, at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco—a world of rare orchids seldom seen in the U.S. This year’s show will feature a 18 foot wide by 9 foot tall curved plant wall of orchids and tropicals on display at the Fort Mason entrance. Chris Bribach of Plants On Walls will erect a Florafelt Pro Ver- tical Garden System for the show. His patented system uses recycled plastic water bottles to create a non-toxic grow- ing medium to grow organically. The living wall will feature over Photo: Gregg Case 500 tropical plants and orchids. the Pacific Orchid Exposition will feature several special variet- Behind the plant wall you’ll find a captivating world of discovery all with orchid ies of orchids never before seen in the United States oddities, waterfall and jungle noises. For its 63rd annual show, the Pacific Orchid Exposition will feature several special varieties of orchids never before seen in the United States The Pacific Orchid Exposition kicks off with the wildly anticipated Gala Benefit Who: San Francisco Orchid Society Preview, February 19th from 6:30-10:00pm. The Gala Benefit gives attendees the first What: 63rd Annual Pacific Orchid Exposition, chance to view and purchase some of the best orchids in the world. “The Thrill of Discovery” Guests can also enjoy delicious gourmet hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings from some of California’s premier wineries, including winners of the San Francisco Chroni- When: Gala Benefit Preview: Thurs, Feb 19, cle Wine Competition, the larg- from 6:30pm – 10:00pm est competition of American General Show: February 20-22, 2015 wines in the world. They can Fri. 10am-6pm, Sat. 9am-6pm and bid on fabulous auction items Sun. 10am-5pm which will include artwork by Where: Fort Mason Center’s Festival Pavilion, renowned water color artist, San Francisco, Calif. Sally Robertson, orchid greet- ing cards by Lydia Faiella, bot- Tickets: Gala Benefit Preview: $43 online; $50 at tles of wine, ballet tickets, trips the door and much more. General Show: $14 online/$15 at the The general show follows door, February 20-22 and boasts Seniors (65+): $11 online/$12 at the over 150,000 beautiful orchid door flowers from across the globe. Photo: Gregg Case Weekend Pass with Gala: $60 Throughout the weekend there will be docent tours, orchid potting demonstrations 3 Day Pass without Gala: $25 and much more.

Best of the Net / Supervisor Christensen (Cont. from p. 3)

But life is not a tableau. It is a parade. We can’t stand frozen and expect everything to stay frozen around us.” washing machines, desk lamps and even in November. Pyrex tops. “A new library and better transit Christensen’s re-examination of the shouldn’t be controversial,” Christensen lowly mixer changed people’s relationship said. to it, boosting KitchenAid’s mixer sales “But the same forces vilifying me nearly 40 percent. Perhaps this is what now have been fighting against common- we need when it comes to all the lowly sense improvements for a long time. I am aspects of government we are forced to flummoxed by the resistance they have to endure. change.” “My design career requires me to At 61, Christensen said she is a good imagine things that don’t exist, and that choice to help manage San Francisco’s prepares me for my civic work,” Chris- inevitable evolution because she has tensen said. “I got into civic work for the been around long enough to appreci- aesthetics — this park is ugly and we can ate the past her critics are holding on to. make it beautiful. I stayed when I saw the Yet Christensen has continually adapted impact of building a neighborhood.” to change, from an early divorce to bold Christensen has spent 30 years run- career choices to remarriage and becom- ning her company while giving back ing a stepmother in her 40s. to her North Beach and Chinatown “I leaned in,” she said. communities. She led efforts to plant The newest addition to her life is a hundreds of new street trees, replace a 3-year-old Aussie shepherd-hound mix dilapidated library, renovate a century- named Cooper. old playground and organize support for “Change is frightening for people the Central Subway extension to North who can’t imagine things another way,” Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf. said Christensen, who grew up in Loui- While historically significant, North siana and came to San Francisco in the Beach is becoming more isolated and 1970s when her generation was trans- irrelevant compared to today’s popular forming The City into its own preferred SoMa and Mission neighborhoods. That’s paradise. why Christensen calls the subway exten- “But life is not a tableau. It is a parade. sion a “savior.” By making all of District We can’t stand frozen and expect every- 3 accessible to the rest of San Francisco, thing to stay frozen around us.” it will allow small businesses and startups The Best of the Net is a feature in which to fill empty second-story office space we present an outstanding journalistic while providing an influx of customers effort to assure that our readers are the for a renaissance of ground floor restau- best informed in the City. Our choice is Joel rants and retail. Engardio’s blog. Joel ålives west of Twin However, critics driven by nostalgia Peaks. Follow his blog at www.engardio. versus a need to plan for the future want com. Email him at [email protected]. to keep Christensen from getting elected Page 10 February 2015

Hand-crafted cocktails, retro “dives” and home-based enter- taining have made a comeback. Throughout the city there are wonderful “throwback” types of “gin-joint” that are excelling at producing cocktails of days gone by using old recipes and creating new blends of deli- cious libations. But can you do this at home? The answer is yes, and if you are into cocktail chemistry, the place you have to visit is called “BittersandBottles.” Located just down the road at 240 Grand Avenue in South San Francisco, the store, located in a wonderful 100+ year old storefront features every type of artisanal spirits, bitters, mixers and cocktail making hardware, and most interesting glasses, too. Owners Joe Viva 2015… the holidays are behind us and it’s time to move forward into 2015, and and Meredith have created a great supply house for bartenders or home-based “faux there’s a lot on the agenda. The city is always changing and flexing, retail spaces open up bartenders. “ Check them out at BITTERSANDBOTTLES.COM, or by calling them and someone comes along to fill them in, no matter for how long. at 918.232.1373. Cheers! Late January saw the return of SF Restaurant Week (remember Dine About Town), with fixe prix menus to bring people to locations that they wouldn’t normally try. Our own West Portal Avenue is home to wonderful spots such as Orexi, Bursa, El Toreador, The best chocolate you’ve yet to discover… Paradise Pizza and Pasta, Spiazzo, Roti, Ristorante DaVittorio, Fuji and others. Throw sometimes we just need a sweet, and if you’re in other nearby favorites such as Villa D’Este, Chiaya and Val’s and we have a multitude a chocoholic, check out the website: www.Phil- of gastronomic proportions. ipMarksChocolates.com. This Brisbane-based I highlight these wonderful places as they are all dependent on locals crossing their chocolatier is creating chocolate delights that thresholds, and the stakes have never been higher. With the most recent election, SF voters are really, really good. Dark chocolate, milk approved the raise of the minimum wage to $15 per hour. Combined with the sky-high chocolate and white chocolate Phil is doing it cost of rent, and the mandatory health care surcharges that each restaurant has to levy, the all. Try them out! margin between success and failure has never been tighter. I expect that prices will have to increase, but even that may not be enough. Many long time favorites in SF disappeared in 2014: Fleur de Lys, Woodward’s Garden, Chez Papa Bistrot, Café des Amis, Joe’s Cable Coastal Italian fare… while I love all Car, Market and Rye (WPA), Joe’s Of Westlake and the Empress of China are just several of the restaurants in West Portal, some- of the dining spots that have turned out the lights for the last time. Let’s support our local times I’m not in the city. If I happen to favorites and enjoy their hospitality; after all, these really are the “good old days.” be down the coast in Pacifica, and crave Italian, then Paisano’s is the place to go. West Portal’s own music Located in the Manor Shopping Center, impresario, the Music Store’s owner Joe Murillo has opened a comfort- Shelby Ash, brings San Francis- able locale that is great with a date, or sit at co’s newest music festival, Hill- the counter and watch the Warriors bring billy Robot, back for round two forth another win. But it’s the food that throughout February. The festival, sets this place apart. Osso Bucco, Spa- we mean event, runs every week- ghetti Carbonara (to die for), Gnocchi like end in February and features a (my friend’s) Nonni used to make…and variety of urban-flavored Ameri- the panna cotta…delightful. So if you find cana, from classic country to alt- yourself down Highway 1 on a nice day, drop in, say hi to Joe and tell him you heard country to traditional bluegrass to about it in the Observer. Or you can check it out at www.PaisanosPacifica.com. outlaw bluegrass to raw-rock-n- roll blues to indie-pop with hints Casey Neill performs with the Norway Rats at Hillbilly Robot of twang. No matter what your Do you have an event, a neighborhood fact or just an observation to share? Drop us a listening pallet may be (city or line at [email protected]—share your ideas or let us know what you think. country), there’s a little something for everyone. So break out your “bestest” overalls, spit-shine your boots, and head on down to Hillbilly Robot for some good old-fash- ioned downhome music. Shelby Ash Presents HILLBILLY ROBOT #2 An Urban Americana Music Event *Every Weekend in February 2015* www.shelbyashpresents.net • www.facebook.com/hillbillyrobot At the Merced Branch Library Chase Away the Winter Blues Children’s Programs: Toddler Tales & Playtime – Mondays, with Three Cliff House Favorites February 2, 9, & 23 at 10:15 a.m. Rhymes, songs, and books. For ages 16 Wine Lovers’ Tuesday months to 2 years and their caregivers. Every Tuesday bottled wines are half price* Music with Keenan Webster – Tuesday, all day with purchase of an entrée! February 3 at 4:00 p.m. Hear the beautiful West African harp (kora) and other instruments of African The Bistro Wednesday Night Prix Fixe origin and play some too! For children of all ages and their caregivers. Three courses for $28.00 4:30 – 9:00 pm Baby Rhyme & Playtime – Thursdays, February 5, 12, 19, & 26 at 10:15 a.m. Rhyme, rhythm, and song. For infants up to 18 months and their caregivers. Live Jazz in the Balcony Lounge Adult Programs: Every Friday night from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Merced Book Club – Tuesday, February 3 at 7:00 p.m. Visit cliffhouse.com/home/jazz.html Join us for a lively discussion of James McBride’s novel, The Good Lord Bird, win- for more information. ner of the 2013 National Book Award for fiction. New members are always welcome to the Book Club, which meets bimonthly. For more information or to locate a copy Valet parking every night after 5:00 pm. *Some restrictions apply. of the book, please contact library staff at 415.355.2825. Promotions are not valid on holidays and Valentine's Day. A Question of Color: John Harris vs. Sutro Baths – Wednesday, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. 1090 Point Lobos 415-386-3330 www.CliffHouse.com Ranger Rik Penn discusses an 1897 case when John Harris, an African Ameri- can, sued Adolph Sutro, the former mayor of San Francisco, charging that he was not Serving Food As Good As Our Prices Are Low allowed in the pools at Sutro Baths solely on the basis of his race. This story illumi- nates a pivotal moment in race discrimination and civil rights law. Emancipation Proclamation: Race, Image, and Sound: From Minstrel Coon Songs to Negro Spirituals – Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. For Black History Month, Bill Doggett showcases audio and video samples of rare Serving Food As Good and famous Minstrelsy Coon Songs and Negro Spirituals that he places in the context As Our Prices Are Low of American social and cultural history. Birds—Near and Far – Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m. Sidney Hollister raises awareness of the birds that are around us and what roles they play in our world. Bird behavior, which can sometimes be comical, usually has a serious purpose. ALL PROGRAMS AT THE LIBRARY ARE FREE Merced Branch Library,155 Winston Dr. (at 19th Ave)355-2825, sfpl.org Where Friends Meet Not in SF, but interesting nevertheless… I recently experienced three places that I think our readers will enjoy. Page 11 February 2015 tricked into buying these cards and giving- account through an ATM. up “codes” that enabled the fraud suspect Vandalism to add value to his prepaid credit card. 11:24 am • 40th Ave and Judah St Suspect: male; “Alex Martin” A man walked into Taraval station to Theft report a vehicular vandalism. He returned Reported at 7:51 pm • 2400 41st Ave to his parked and unattended car and saw A woman reported a package that was it had scratch marks on the sides. delivered to her doorstep and left unat- Vandalism tended was stolen. 12:05 pm • 2200 40th Ave TARAVAL STATION Crime Report Threat to Harm Officers responded to a report of a Not all crimes are reported in the weekly reports. Reports below are partial excerpts from www.taraval.org 8:50 pm vandalism. An unknown person broke a 1800 20th Ave victim’s home window. Daily Crime Report : Fri – Jan 30, 2015 teenager’s delinquency. The teenager had A man walked into Taraval Station Fraud Home Invasion Robbery overdosed on drugs. The teenager had to report a threat to harm. A vehicle was 2:20 pm • 1200 Monterey Blvd 9:55 am •100 Farallones St been coming home drunk or under-the- parked in his driveway without permis- A woman walked into Taraval Station Officers responded to a report of a influence. The man believed the person sion. The car was towed. Later two men to report a fraud. She received a phone call home invasion robbery. Two suspects dating his teenage child had supplied illicit knocked on his door and threatened to from a company claiming she owed them entered a victim’s home, tied her up, hit drugs. harm him or his spouse or cause property money. She did not have any dealing with her, and demanded the whereabouts of her Suspect: White male; 21 years; 5’10” damage because their vehicle was towed. or connection to this company. valuables. They claimed their actions were tall;160 lbs; black hair; brown eyes Suspect #1: Middle Eastern or East Suspicious Occurrence-Found Vehicle in retaliation on behalf of a third suspect Theft from Vehicle Indian male; 30-40 years old; 5’11” tall; 190 5:32 pm •Juan Bautista / Burcareli Dr who was not present in the house. The sus- Reported at 7:49 am / 1100 Moraga St lbs; black hair Officers responded to a report of a pects ransacked the home and stole valu- / 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Suspect #2: Middle Eastern or East robbery. A possible suspect vehicle was ables. They told the victim to not contact Reported at 8:36 am / Vicente St and Indian male; 30-40 years old; 6’00” tall; 190 stopped and the suspects were detained. the police and then fled. The victim was 15th Ave / 1999 Honda Accord lbs; black hair A victim refused to cooperate. The vehi- able to free herself and dial 911 from her Reported at 9:50 am / Ashton Ave and Vehicle: Black 2009 Mini Cooper cle was reported stolen and it was subse- neighbor’s phone. Ocean Ave / 2003 Honda Accord Theft from Vehicle quently towed. The possible suspects were Suspect #1: White male; 6’00” tall; Reported at 10:17 am / 30th Ave and Reported at 10:22 pm / 400 Faxon Ave released since they could not be positively 170 lbs; LSW yellow sweatshirt, blue jeans, Quintara St / 1999 Honda CR-V / 2013 Scion xB identified. black beanie Reported at 11:30 pm / 1900 31st Ave Reported at 8:35 pm / 100 Saint Burglary Suspect #2: Hispanic female; 5’5” tall; / 2005 Infinity FX35 Charles Ave / 2009 Dodge Charger 8:59 pm • 3200 20th Ave 175 lbs; brown hair; LSW black sweater, Daily Crime Report : Thurs – Jan 29, 2015 Daily Crime Report : Wed – Jan 28, 2015 Officers responded to a report of a blue jeans, sunglasses; walks with a limp Theft Vandalism burglary at a store. An employee said two and uses a cane 12:21 am • 00 Josepha Ave 8:38 am • 600 Eucalyptus Dr suspects took merchandise and fled with- Suspect #3: Hispanic female; 5’4” tall; Officers responded to a report of a Officers responded to a report of a out paying. Officers determined the sus- black hair; thin build theft. A victim befriended two men he met vandalism. A grounds manager saw graffiti pects had intended to commit the theft, Theft over the internet. He invited them over on the outside wall of his church. therefore committing a burglary. 9:26 am • 2400 41st Ave to his home. The victim left the two men Mental Health Detention Suspect #1: Black male; 6’2” tall; 215 An Adult Protective Service (APS) alone and took a shower. When the victim 10:35 am • 1300 48th Ave lbs; LSW: Black overcoat,black slacks. worker walked into Taraval Station to left the men alone to take a shower, the two Officers responded to a report of a Suspect #2: Black female; 5’7” tall; report a theft on behalf of an elderly cli- men took his belongings and fled. person lying on the sidewalk. Officers brown hair; LSW: Dark coat, cornrow hair ent. The elderly client’s bank notified the Suspect #1: White male; 5’10” tall; 150 determined she was gravely disabled and style. APS worker about a suspicious transfer of lbs; brown hair; brown eyes; moustache; therefore unable to care for herself. She was Under the Influence of Alcohol in a funds from the elderly client’s account to a LSW black baseball cap, black shirt, black transported to a mental psychiatric center. Public Place-Arrest medical marketing vendor. The elderly cli- shorts with white lines, red tennis shoes; Fraud 11:12 pm • 100 Bright St ent did not recall purchasing or receiving “Mike” 10:40 am • 1600 Ocean Ave Officers responded to a report of a any service or product from that medical Suspect #2: White male; 6’1” tall; 190 A man walked into Taraval Station to person screaming and fighting. A aggres- marketing vendor. lbs; blond hair; brown eyes; moustache; report a fraud. He checked his records and sive man appeared to be under the influ- Assault with a Deadly Weapon LSW tan baseball hat, white T-shirt, dark saw an unauthorized ATM withdraw. An ence of alcohol. He was arrested for the 11:55 am • 2300 24th Ave jacket, blue jeans; “Tony” unknown suspect took money out of his above violation. Officers were flagged down in front of Theft-Cited Taraval Police Station regarding an assault. 12:29 pm • 1100 Ocean Ave A woman had been beaten unconsciously. Officers responded to a report of a She had voluntarily ridden in a vehicle shoplifting. An employee saw a man con- with three men. The men tried to coerce ceal merchandise items and exit without her into working for them as a prostitute. paying. The employee detained the man When she refused, she was kicked and and placed him under citizen’s arrest. Offi- beaten into unconsciousness. She was cers took custody of the suspect. He was found by a good samaritan at 20th Ave and cited and released. Vicente St. Burglary Suspect #1: Black male 4:43 pm • 2600 Great Highway Suspect #2: Black male Officers responded to a report of a Suspect #3: Black male burglary. A victim left his shared garage Burglary locked and secured. Upon return he saw 6:11 pm • 00 Cambon Dr the garage door broken, belongings miss- Officers responded to a report of a ing, and his garaged vehicle damaged. An burglary. A victim went to her storage unit unknown suspect gained entry by break- and saw its entry was damaged and opened. ing the garage door. The suspect took Two of her belongings were missing. belongings without permission and dam- Theft aged the victim’s parked car. 7:05 pm • 1200 Irving St Battery An officer responded to a report of a 5:22 pm • 200 Gonzalez Dr shoplifting. A known shoplifter was seen Two women walked into Taraval Sta- concealing merchandise items and exit tion to report a battery. The two women without paying for them. and their third roommate lived in the same Suspect: Black male; 40-50 years; 5’6” home. The women and the third room- tall; 150 lbs; black hair; brown eyes; LSW mate got into a fight. The third roommate blue/black coat with a hood, black sweat- then fled in a car driven by a friend. pants, black shoes, short dreadlocks Suspect: Asian female; 21-22 years; Attempted Robbery 5’5” tall; 136 lbs; black hair 7:06 pm • 1200 Irving St Theft-Possession/Controlled Substance www.sfbiztax.org or call 311 Officers responded to a report of 6:31 pm • 200 Winston Dr a shoplifting. Employees confronted a Officers responded to a report of a known shoplifter who had merchandise shoplifting. Employees saw a man conceal items in a bag. He was asked to empty merchandise items and exit without pay- Los impuestos a los negocios de SF the bag and leave the store. The shoplifter ing for them. He was detained and placed están cambiando. Entérese! however pulled-out a pocketknife. The under citizen’s arrest. When the employees employees feel threatened. The suspect searched the suspect for hidden merchan- 三藩市商業稅正在改變 . 了解變化！ then emptied the bag and exited without dise, they found a suspected controlled the merchandise. substance. Officers took custody of the Nagbabago ang mga Buwis ng Negosyo sa SF. Suspect: Black male; 40-50 years; 5’6” suspect arrested him for the violations. Alamin Ang Pagbabago! tall; 150 lbs; black hair; brown eyes; LSW Fraud black/blue coat with a hood, black sweat- 7:15 pm • 1800 25th Ave pants, black shoes A woman walked into Taraval Sta- Contributing to Delinquency of a Minor tion to report a fraud. She attempted to get 7:13 pm • 100 Riverton Dr a personal loan. She was in contact with A man walked into Taraval Station someone from a loaning institute. She was to report that the person who is dating told to pay a loan service fee by buying his teenage child is contributing to the preloaded credit cards. The woman was Page 12 February 2015 talk includes a discussion of World’s Fairs prior to 1915 and is illustrated 5th Annual San Francisco History Expo using photographs, stereoviews, postcards, maps, newspaper illus- trations, architectural renderings, and lantern slides. Ms Ackley holds graduate degrees in architecture from Har- vard and University of California- Berkeley. An undergraduate course in cultural landscapes sparked her interest in the Panama Pacific International Exposition. Her SAT FEB 28 • 11AM - 5PM / SUN MAR 1 • 11AM - 4PM book, San Francisco’s Jewel City: More than The Panama–Pacific International sixty local histori- Exposition of 1915, will be available cal organizations, for purchase at the February meet- small museums, 1915 WORLD’S FAIR • TUE FEB 10 - 7:30PM • THE OLD MINT • 88 5TH ST ing, and also at a special event on genealogical Illuminating the Jewel City: Spectacular Lighting at the Panama- March 3, 2015 at The Book Passage groups, and more Pacific International Exposition in Corte Madera. See the Book Pas- are scheduled to sage website for details. participate in the Enjoy a nighttime tour of San Francisco’s beautiful 1915 World’s Fair. We Program is free to current Fifth Annual San will explore how Illuminating Engineer Walter D’Arcy Ryan implemented SFMHS members. Admission is Francisco History Expo at the Old Mint. groundbreaking lighting effects like The Great Scintillator and The Electric $10 for non-members ($5 for stu- For more information, including a list of participat- Kaleidoscope in the face of tremendous skepticism. Learn about the more than dents, K-12 teachers, seniors, and ing organizations, and a schedule of local and nationally 100,000 large, cut-glass Novagems that adorned the Tower of Jewels, how the San persons with disabilities) Please use renowned speakers and raconteurs who will be present- Francisco fog facilitated “The Devil’s Fan” and “Fighting Serpents and Octopus,” side entrance on Mint Plaza. Info: ing at the Expo, visit sfhistoryexpo.org and the Expo’s and how Ryan’s advances permanently affected how architecture is lit. Ackley’s www.sfhistory.org Facebook Page. Sat-Sun Feb 14-15 | 10 am - 6 pm | Chinese New Wed Feb 25 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm | A worldly singer wit- Year Flower Fair is the weekend before the holiday. nesses a mob crime and must hide out in a San Fran- Grant Ave from Clay to Broadway, Pacific Ave from cisco convent: Whoopi Goldberg and Maggi Smith at Kearny to Stockton. FREE. Enjoy Chinese dance, music West Portal Branch Library, 190 Lenox Way C A L E N D A R and cultural displays. EVERY SUNDAY • FARMERSFebruary MARKET confidently? Sunset Heights Assoc. of Responsible THU • AUTHOR MATT RICHTEL Farmers Market | Every Sun | 9 am–1 pm |  People. Last Mon of each month - sharpsf.com for TUE • ASTRONOMY LECTURE Thu Feb 26 | 7pm | The Doomsday Equation Stonestown rear parking lot: at Stonestown Galleria details. 1736 9th Ave @ Moraga. Tue Feb 17 | 7 pm |  SF Astronomical Assoc. hosts from the Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times (19th Ave @ Winston). leaders in the fields of astronomy, physics and related journalist comes a pulse-pounding technological MON • SAINT JUNIPERO SERRA? fields. Free Observation Post, Building 211, the Presi- thriller—in which one man has three days to prevent EVERY TUE • COMPUTER SKILLS Mon Feb 9 | Rcptn 5:30 pm - 6 pm | The mission dio. Lecture starts at 8. annihilation: the outbreak of World War III. Bookshop Tue | 1:15-2:45 pm | Come get help with setting up system and Serra’s role in the abuse and death or West Portal, 80 West Portal. email accounts, word processing and other basic com- 65,000 Indians at the missions. Author Elias Castillo, TUE • COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETING puter related tasks. Most Tuesdays at this time. Ask three-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and the winner of Tue Feb 17 | 7 pm | Meet with Captain Curtis Lum. THU • ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD questions and learn the basics of using a computer! thirteen journalism awards, will discuss “A Cross 3rd Tue of the month. Taraval Police Station 2345 24th Thu Feb 26 | 6:30 pm |Orpheus and Eurydice gets a Main Library, 100 Larkin St. of Thorns: The Enslavement of California’s Ave. 759-3100. fresh retelling and this revealing account from Larry Indians by the Spanish Missions.” Members Oppenheim (Kensington Symphony) makes Offen- EVERY TUES • QUE SYRAH HAPPY HOUR free $20 nonmembers, $7 students. Info/tickets: com- FRI • DINNER & MOVIE bach’s opera enjoyable—even if you don’t like opera. Every Tue Happy Hour | 4–8 pm | Que Syrah Wine monwealthclub.org/events. Commonwealth Club, Tue Feb 17 | 5 pm | OMI Family Resource Center West Portal Library, 190 Lenox Way. Bar. Take $1 off each glass, 10% off each bottle (con- 555 Post St. invites you to their free monthly dinner and movie sumed on site). 230 West Portal Ave 731-7000 night at Minnie & Lovie Ward Rec Park, 650 Capitol THU • OMI NEIGHBORS IN ACTION WED • OCEAN AVE. CORRIDOR DESIGN Ave. RSVP required - call Priscilla 406-1370 Thu Feb 26 | 7 pm | Meets last Thu each month. This EVERY THURS – NIGHTLIFE Wed Feb 11 | 6:30 - 8 pm | The Ocean Avenue Assn. meeting is at Temple UMC 65 Beverly/Sheilds Street. Every Thu | 6–10 pm | The Academy of Sciences & the SF Planning Dept’s final open house for the WED • THE BIRDS AROUND US brings live music, science, mingling and coctails. GG Ocean Avenue Corridor Design Project. Lick-Wilmerd- Wed Feb 18 | 7 - 8:30 pm | Sidney Hollister brings SAT • THE BEATLES CHOIR SINGALONG Park $12 ($10 Members). calademy.org/nightlife. ing High School, 755 Ocean Ave to improve connec- the birds we live with to life, including two short films. Sat Feb 28 | 9:30 am | Take a sad song and make it tions between the Commercial District and Balboa Merced Branch Library, 155 Winston Dr. better! The Beatles Choir brings cheer to the residents JAZZ FRIDAYS @ THE CLIFF HOUSE Park Station. Final designs will be unveiled: Ocean SUN • ACADEMY OF SCIENCES FREE DAY of Laguna Honda Hospital. Come and join in the songs Every Fri | 7–11 pm | The Balcony Lounge at the Ave between Phelan Ave and San Jose Ave: Ocean Sun Feb 22 | 11 am - 6 pm | GG Park’s world class and be part of the event. LHH 375 Laguna Honda Blvd. Cliff House hosts jazz every Fri night. 1 Seal Rock. cliff- Ave between San Jose and Mission Street: Geneva Ave scientific and cultural institution, the California house.com/home/jazz.html. between Phelan Ave and I-280: Gateway Nodes along SUN • ASIAN ART MUSEUM FREE DAY Academy of Sciences will be free all day. First-come, Ocean Ave & Proposed streetscape amenities. Public Sun Mar 1 | 10 am-5 pm | Every first Sunday is free FRIDAY NIGHTS @ THE DEYOUNG first-served. Possible wait at the door - come early. 55 at the Asian Art Museum (save $12) -17,000 artworks welcome to view project materials, ask questions and Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park. Every Fri | 5–8:45 pm | Music, poetry, films, dance, give your feedback. Info: Lily Langlois (415) 575-9083 spanning 6 thousand years. Special exhibitions may tours and lectures. Cafe: special dinner, no-host bar. MON • CIVIL GRAND JURY / SHARP require separate charges. 200 Larkin St. Art-making children/adults. deYoung Museum, GG WED • FREE E-BOOKS DROP-IN Mon Feb 23 | 7 pm | Civil Grand Juror and SHARP Park. deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/fridays Wed Feb 11, 18, 25 | 1:30-2:30 pm | Do you have SUN • HILLBILLY HOOTENANY WEST SIDE vice-president Charles Head will convene fellow an eReader? You can check out more than 40,000 Sun Mar 1 | 7:30 pm | Country and Western, Hill- FRIDAYS @ OFF THE GRID/FT. MASON electronic books for free. Bring your Kindle, Nook, iPad members of the 2013-14 San Francisco Civil Grand billy, Bluegrass, Honky-tonk, Americana and old-time Every Fri | DJs 5-7:30 - Live Bands 7:30-10:30 pm or other eReader — we will show you how to use it to Jury to present evidence from their 2014 report, “Eth- night at the Riptide, 3639 Taraval St. Free. | Off the Grid: Over 32 food trucks and street food carts download books and other materials from the Library ics in the City: Promise, Practice or Pretense.” Sunset in a huge circle with a full bar and bands in the mid- website. W. Portal Branch, 355-2886, 190 Lenox Way. Heights Assoc. of Responsible People. Last Mon of TUE • LEGION OF HONOR FREE DAY dle? Now that’s a party. Ft. Mason Ctr. Marina Blvd. each month - sharpsf.com 1736 9th Ave @ Moraga. Tue Mar 3 | 9:30 am - 5:15 pm | 4000 years of WED • AUTHOR LEE BRUNO MON • CENTRAL COUNCIL ancient and European art in the exquisite Beaux- MON • SCHOOL BOARD INTERVIEW Thu Feb 12 | 7 pm | Panorama: Tales From SF’s 1915 Arts building in an unforgettable setting overlooking Mon Feb 9 | 7pm | Inside the SF School Board: Pan-Pacific International Exposition. It’s the 100th Mon Feb 23 | 7:30 pm | West of Twin Peaks Central Golden Gate Bridge. Lee Hsu Interviews School Board Members Emily anniversary and this fully illustrated coffee table book Council meets to discuss topics of interest to Westside Murase and Rachel Norton. Every two years, voters focuses on the exhibition and its fascinating partici- residents. Meets the last Monday each month. Forest Local event? [email protected] are asked to choose candidates for the School Board. pants. Bookshop West Portal, 80 West Portal. Hills Clubhouse, 381 Magellan Ave. But how many of us know enough about it to choose Priority: Westside Events SAT/SUN • FLOWER FAIR CHINATOWN WED• SISTER ACT Don’t Miss Another Issue! Per $15. Year

Mail your check to: POB 27176 SF, CA 94127 Page 13 February 2015

By Don Lee Miller At the Movies / AMERICAN SNIPER Vanessa Redgrave has Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle: Brad- three short scenes; one ley Cooper distinguishes himself with 160 actually has dialog! The confirmed kills in his four tours of duty in wrestling scenes are quite San Francisco’s Iran. He’s home for the conceptions with good, Director Bennett his wife Taya: Sienna Miller but not the Miller used only two writers: E. Max Frye SOURDOUGH PIZZA births. His close combatants are Mark Lee: and Dan Futterman. Some drug use. A Luke Grimes and youthful Goat-Winston: scene of violence. since 1975 Kyle Gallner. Director Clint Eastwood Awards: 5 AA noms.: Actor: Carell, gets to the nitty-gritty from writer Jason Sup. Actor: Ruffalo, Dir., Orig. Scrnplay., Hall and the book by Chris Kyle, Scott Makeup/hair styling. Cannes: Best Dir. McEwen, and James Defelice. DIA Agent Won Gotham Awards: Best Ensemble. Snead: Eric Close (Without a Trace, 2002- THE IMITATION GAME 09) has a ten-minute cameo midway. Teen Alan Turing: Alex Lawther ages Strong and disturbing war violence. Pro- to mathematician Benedict Cumberbatch fanity throughout including some sexual who builds the first computer to solve the references. Nazi Enigma code with a team of British Awards: 6 Academy Awards (AA) mathematicians including Hugh: Mat- Join “Goat Hill Rewards” nominations: Best Picture, Actor, Adapted thew Goode and Joan: Kiera Knightley. Free delivery! Screenplay, Editing, Sound Mixing, and The group reports to Stewart: Mark Strong Sound Editing. Won AFI Award: Movie who is under an impatient CDR Dennis- Order online - www.goathill.com of the Year. Won Broadcast Film Critic ton: Charles Dance. Well played by the cast Assn. Award: Best Actor in an Action as they slowly get through WWII. Some Movie: Cooper; nom. Best Action Movie. sexual references. Mature thematic mate- Won Natl. Board of Review: Best Director: SOMA Potrero Hill West Portal rial. Historical smoking. Delivery Pick up Dine in Pick up Counter Service Delivery Pick up Eastwood, and Top Ten Films. + 11 other Awards: 8 AA noms.: Pic, Actor: noms. 171 Stillman St 300 Connecticut St 170 West Portal Ave Cumberbatch, Sup. Actress: Knightley, 415-974-1303 415-641-1440 415-242-GOAT (4628) BIG EYES Director: Tyldum, Adapted Screenplay: Burton and his screenwriters take Graham Moore, Orig. Score: A. Desplat, on the true life of Margaret Keane: Amy Film Editing, Prod’n. Des. 3 SAG noms.: ORDER ONLINE Adams and her tumultuous marriage Best Ensemble, Cast; SAG Best Male Actor www.goathill.com with Walter Keane: Christoph Waltz. Her in a Leading Role, Film: Cumberbatch. paintings of big-eyed children were widely Producers Guild nom.: Best Pic, winner: popular from the late 1950s for years. Zanuck Producer of Year Award. Directors Margaret’s problem was she was not given Guild nom.: Best Dir. credit for having painted them; Walter saw INTO THE WOODS At the Theater / Flora Lynn Isaacson and Linda Ayres-Frederick to that as he promoted and sold them… There are multiple storylines which taking full credit himself. culminate with a curse by the Witch: Meryl IMPRESSIONISM a journey through which Dick Nolan: Danny Huston and Streep. First, there’s Cinderella: Anna Ken- Enrico Banducci: Jon Polito provide sup- Strong Cast and Direction Steers a love story shows Katha- drick (who has a fine voice). Her wicked Impressionism at RVP. The New Year gets rine and Thomas that, just port. Director Tim Burton rarely delves stepmother: Christine Baranski and step- beneath the surface of what could have off to a great start at RVP with the roman- like the impressionist art sisters: Florinda: Tammy Blanchard and tic comedy Impressionism by Michael on the walls, the more they been more interesting, particularly if his Lucinda: Lucy Punch keep her working Flora Lynn Isaacson reigns on Waltz hadn’t snapped so early Jacobs and directed by Billie Cox. Impres- step away from the canvas their bidding. Her Prince: Chris Pine uses sionism raises the question: Does art imi- of their lives up to now, on. Adams acts circles around his hami- the crystal slipper to find her. The Baker: ness. Even when angry, she maintains tate life, or does life imitate art? the more they realize their James Corden and his wife: Emily Blunt The playwright, Michael Jacobs has future together might hold her control. She leaves their luxurious are having problems becoming parents Woodside home, the SF gallery behind her written for Broadway and television. For more depth than the past so the Witch tells them the four items many years, Director Billie Cox has been that has led them to each and moves to Hawaii where she contin- she needs to make her furtile. They pro- ues painting and sues Walter for divorce. a director, playwright, composer, lyricist, other. ceed to seek the missing links. Little Red and sound designer. The two lead actors, The court gives them an hour paint-off Linda Ayres-Frederick Riding Hood: Lilla Crawford encounters The setting by Malcolm Rodgers is Tom Reilly and Mary to prove who is the real Keane painter. the Wolf: Johnny Depp on her way to Adams evolves from mousey to gutsy and a small art gallery of Katharine Keenan Ann Rodgers, give professional perfor- Granny’s: Annette Crosbie. Jack: Daniel (Mary Ann Rodgers) where Thomas mances. They’re supported by an out- Margaret develops a movement, leading Huddlestone and his mother: Tracey Ull- women to find their inner power. The- Buckle (Tom Reilly) has been employed standing cast, including Ellen Brooks, as mann must deal with the female Giant: for the past two years. Thomas brings Julia Davidson; Phillip Percy Williams as matic elements. Brief profanity. Frances de la Tour when the planted beans Awards: Academy Awards (AA) Katharine coffee each morning and tells Chiambuane, and also as Mr. Linder; Dale instantly grow a tree to the heavens. Then her his stories. These stories lead to flash- Camden as Douglas Finch; James Mon- nominations: GG win: Best Actress, Com- there’s Rapunzel with the long hair: Mack- edy: Adams. Won Capri Actress Award: backs that have led to the present state, as tellato as Ben Joplin; Alana Samuels as enzie Mauzy with her handsome Prince: well as a relationship to the art that hangs Nicole Halladay; and Elena Gnatek (Juli- Adams. Women Film Critics Circle Billy Magnussen. Everybody is singing Awards – noms. Amy Adams: Karen Mor- in the gallery. Both people use the gallery ana Postrel and also alternating as young Stephen Sondheim’s score. Some have bet- as a “hiding place” to separate themselves Katharine). ley Award, Invisible Woman Award, Worst ter voices than others. Act One is followed Male Images in a Movie. from a world which has wounded them - Impressionism is a gentle romantic fairly faithfully; but Act Two suffers from Thomas, by his time as a world-traveling comedy which weaves a spell that will EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS cuts…when the Witch sings her Still Mid- photojournalist, and Katharine, by many remain with you long after you’ve seen Moses: Christian Bale leads 600,000 night song, where are the three Midnight failed relationships. the show. Impressionism runs January 16 Egyptians, slaves and prisoners on foot songs that preceded it? It lacks power In Impressionism, we’re informed through February 15, 2015, with perfor- across the Red Sea to escape the tyranni- though Streep is melodious. Thematic ele- by artwork wonderfully projected onto mances on Thursdays at 7:30pm; Fridays cal reign of Seti: John Turturro. On Seti’s ments. Fantasy action and peril. Some sug- the gallery’s rear wall. Katharine can’t and Saturdays at 8:00pm; and Sundays at death, Moses’s half-brother becomes Phar- gestive material. bring herself to sell her merchandise, and 2:00pm. Please note there will be no mati- oah Rameses: Joel Edgerton. Moses leads Awards: 5 AA noms.: Sup. Actress: Thomas is a photographer who seems to nee performance on Super Bowl Sunday, his people in their flight from the terrify- Streep (has 3 AA’s), Prod’n. Des., Costume be suffering from the photographer’s ver- February 1st, and there will be two perfor- ing cycle of deadly plagues. If Bales’ Brit- Des., sion of “writer’s block.” mances on February 14th: at 2:00pm and ish accent isn’t enough, God appears as a SELMA In the end, the audience is taken on 8:00pm. All performances take place at 10-year old boy with the thickest British This story of Martin Luther King’s the Barn Theatre, accent this side of Liverpool. The spectacle march from Montgomery to Selma, Ala- home of the Ross of the statues, buildings, etc. being built bama falls short, as if it’s missing a spark Valley Players, 30 under the whip of Viceroy Hegep: Ben plug. There are numerous walk-outs. Sev- Sir Francis Drake Mendelsohn becomes disconcerting. Nun: eral people told me they found it boring. Blvd. in Ross Ben Kingsley offers spiritual guidance to Personally, I didn’t; I just kept expecting CA. To order tick- Moses. Tuya: Sigourney Weaver appears it to come alive but it didn’t. I don’t fault ets, telephone 415- briefly. The hard work of director Ridley David Oyelowo, who is actually quite 456-9555 ext. 1, Scott and writers Adam Cooper, Bill Col- good as King; I only wish the film could or visit www.ross- lage, Jeffrey Caine, and Steven Zaillian has have been made while Paul Winfield was valleyplayers.com produced some memorable images. Pro- still living…he would have been terrific! Coming up next at fanity throughout. Some sexual content. Familiar faces populate the cameos: Pres. Ross Valley Players Violence including battle sequences and LBJohnson: Tom Wilkinson, Annie Lee is A Month in the intense images. Cooper: Oprah Winfrey (also Producer), Country, a tragi- FOXCATCHER Gov. George Wallace: Tim Roth, James comedy adapted The 1988 U.S. Olympic wrestling team Bevel: Common (who co-wrote Glory), by Brian Friel from is sponsored by wealthy John DuPont: Lee White: Giovanni Ribisi, J. Edgar Turgenev, from Steve Carell with huge putty nose. The Hoover: Dylan Baker, and Fred Gray: March 13 through stars are the brothers team of Mark Schultz: Cuba Gooding, Jr. Brief Strong Profanity. April 12, 2015. Channing Tatum and David: Mark Ruf- Disturbing thematic material including Flora Lynn Isaacson falo, a family-man. Mother Jean DuPont: Cont. p. 17 Page 14 February 2015 Money Matters By Brandon Miller Choosing between prioritizing local residents’ traffic and Managing Your Taxes in 2015 parking concerns, the need for City College expansion here’s one thing you can count on as we kick off a new year – changes to and maintenance, urban beautification, and the pressing need the tax code. While there are few major new laws affecting taxpayers in for more housing can’t possibly be an easy task for those in T2015, it is important to understand how any adjustments to tax rules or your income might affect your tax liability. It is a critical aspect of your overall financial plan and can help charge of the commission.”. you avoid any surprises when you file your 2015 tax return next year. Balboa Resevoir (Cont. from p. 2) can’t possibly be an easy task for those Be aware that new laws can be imple- Pay attention to a new limit on IRA in charge of the commission. Faced with mented during the year. Congress has the rollovers IRA contribution limits remain the of moderate income. the option of sectioning off the land into ability to adjust tax laws and even do so ret- same for 2015, but there is an important rule Discussions of housing and parking small parcels for each initiative or prior- roactively. The tax code in place at the start of change for IRAs. Now, tax laws allow only made earlier ideals of creating an open itizing some over others will be certain 2015 could be altered before year’s end, with one rollover from an IRA to a different IRA space and public activity space seem like to anger members of the community. those changes being made effective for the in a 12-month period. The “one rollover per more of a utopia amidst more pressing It is these difficult decisions, how- whole year. year” limit applies in circumstances where city needs. Although arguments for a ever, that need to be made in order for Here are some important tax consider- you withdraw money from an IRA, but then development that focused on sustain- progress to be made. Much ink has ations for the New Year: roll it to another IRA within 60 days to avoid ability, even going so far as to request an been spilled over those who want the Get health insurance or pay The individual any current tax or penalty consequences. actual reservoir be created on the land city to remain the same amidst the sea mandate under the Affordable Care Act that Direct transfers from an IRA with one trustee for which it was originally intended, of changes, but what is most important took effect January 1, 2014 requires most to an IRA with another can happen as often were hard to ignore. now is how the city will respond to new individuals to obtain a qualifying level of as you wish. Unless it is absolutely necessary, Despite smiling in the face of criti- needs and create new solutions. health insurance or be subject to a fee. In you want to avoid taking IRA distributions cism, the planning commision faced a This meeting was the first of a series, 2015, the fee has increased to the higher of: prior to age 59-1/2 to eliminate the risk of variety of voices - many of them strong - with the next arriving in Spring 2015. As • 2% of your yearly household income incurring a penalty. It’s best to talk with a tax in regards to what their priorities should San Francisco takes it’s next steps, this is (capped at a certain level); or professional before doing an indirect rollover be for the space. perfect opportunity to have your voice • $325 per person ($162.50 for a child to make sure you understand all the rules. Choosing between prioritizing local heard and shape the future of our city. It under 18), with a family maximum of $975. Account for inflation in tax rates and your residents’ traffic and parking concerns, is these decisions that will affect the city If your employer provides health cover- income Tax brackets are adjusted yearly for the need for City College expansion for years to come. age, you do not have to purchase additional inflation. In 2015, the income thresholds and maintenance, urban beautification, Maya Lekach is a local journalist insurance on your own. Those who don’t have for each bracket were raised by about 1.5%. and the pressing need for more housing employer coverage can review options avail- The standard deduction amount (used if able from the health insurance exchanges. Visit you don’t itemize deductions) and the per- www.healthcare.gov for more information. sonal exemption amount are also adjusted Take advantage of tax savings by deferring for inflation. It is important to be aware of income how all of these factors might affect your If you typically “max out” your work- tax liability. On the other side of the coin, if place retirement plan contributions, you you receive a salary increase and/or bonus are able to adjust those deferral amounts to in 2015, it could impact your tax bill. Work a higher level in 2015. The elective defer- with your tax advisor to help determine if the ral limit for employees has risen to $18,000, amount of tax withheld from each paycheck $500 more than in 2014. Those 50 and older is sufficient to avoid an under withholding can make an additional $6,000 in contribu- penalty. tions ($500 more than 2014) to their 401(k), Brandon Miller, CFP is a financial consul- 403(b) or federal government Thrift Sav- tant at Brio Financial Group, A Private Wealth ings Plan. Remember that for every dollar of Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Inc. income you defer into your retirement plan in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT on a pre-tax basis, you reduce your current individuals and families plan and achieve their tax liability. financial goals Photo: Heidi Alletzhauser

NEW BUS ROUTE: THE 55 16TH STREET This new service is part of Muni Forward, an initiative to create a safer and • Weekdays and more reliable transportation system. weekends from approximately The 55 16th Street makes it easy to connect from 16th Street Mission (BART) 6 a.m. to midnight to UCSF Mission Bay Campus and the new UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay seven days a week. • Service every 15 minutes on ROUTE MAP: MISSION TO MISSION BAY 19 T weekdays, 20 minutes on 12 UCSF MISSION BAY

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19 CAMPUS weekends 10 27 16TH ST 16TH ST • For transit 55 33 22 schedule and stop

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33 17TH ST UCSF BENIOFF CONNECTICUT ST CONNECTICUT

VERMONT ST information, visit M KANSAS ST HOSPITAL ISSION ST 9 www.sfmta.com

33 9 L 18TH ST

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Second Thoughts / By Jack Kaye Senior Smarts By Anise J. Matteson Hopes and Expectations - Learning from Grief Gratitude and Entitlement he subject of grief is emotionally challenging and explains the deficiency in fam- ily pre-needs planning. few years ago, comedian Lewis Black had a routine about our T Being a health care professional does not lessen coping with the loss of a expectations. The upshot was that we should start lowering our loved one. A expectations. Clergy were contacted for contribu- Anticipatory grief is the intellectual We should lower our expectations of you a lot of unnecessary, but predicable, tion to this article, but did not respond; and emotional responses and behaviors by our elected representatives with Congress disappointment. therefore, the article addresses the subject which individuals (families, communities) hitting a new low of 9% approval rating. While we are told of the advantage of grief from a medical terminology per- work through the process of modifying Rather than serve the public, many poli- of diversity, we are painfully aware of its spective. For specific questions and advice, self-concept based on the perception of ticians want to serve their party even if it many downsides. Remember the Tower of please contact your health care profes- potential loss. hurts the country as a whole. Babble. It was not created to make humans sional. If you require legal advice, you It is characterized by sorrow; guilt; We have been forced to lower our more productive. It was not a reward. should seek the services of an attorney. anger [choked feelings]; denial of poten- expectations of organized religion with I have decided to cultivate hope and As an advocate for National Health- tial loss; denial of the significance of the years of revelations about the corruption I believe that expectations are to entitle- care Decisions Day (April 16), I encour- loss; Expression of distress at potential of the Catholic Church and the violent ment (if not disappointment) as hope is to age you to discuss advance care planning loss, [ambivalence, sense of unreality]; misunderstanding of Islam by millions of gratitude. and complete an Advance Directive form bargaining; Alterations in activity level, its believers. I hope for the best in everything I do so that your representative can speak for eating habits, sleep patterns, dream pat- We have been forced to lower our but have no expectations. you should you become unable to speak terns, libido. expectations about our banking sector Having had a very successful career as for yourself. This will facilitate the griev- Dysfunctional grieving is the after the unbridled greed of Wall Street an analyst, I send suggestions to our repre- ing process [in the event of a death in the extended, unsuccessful use of intellectual traders led to the near collapse of our sentatives in the hopes that they will read family]. and emotional responses by which indi- economy in 2008. them and use them to help the affected Words of Wisdom viduals (families, communities) attempt We have been disappointed in our population. But I don’t expect them to Say ‘I love you’ and ‘goodbye’ every to work through the process of modifying public education system, losing our con- even read them. I would be grateful if they day to your loved ones while they are alive. self-concept based upon the perception of fidence that students will get an excellent did, but I don’t feel that I am entitled to Keeping secrets from adult children potential loss. education that will prepare them to suc- their attention. complicates the grieving process. The off- It is characterized by Persistent anxi- ceed in the future. It seems that families I have suggested a way to avoid the spring need this information, especially if ety; Depression; Altered activities of that can afford it are putting their children massive foreclosures that occurred in 2008 they are the executor of the estate. daily living; Prolonged difficulty cop- in private or parochial schools rather than and continued for years. I could not get a Your age and the length of time you ing; Loss-associated sense of despair; having them suffer through years of inad- response from any of our representatives, knew the deceased affects the grieving Intrusive images; Feelings of inadequacy; equate education. even though my idea would have saved process. Decreased self-esteem; Diminished sense We have had expectations of our thousands of people their homes and Read books on the subject to know of control; Dependency; Death anxiety; mainstream media. We expected them to would have prevented, or at least eased, the what to expect as you go through the Self-criticism. be objective, thorough and responsible. collapse in housing values. I now believe grieving process. Risk for dysfunctional grieving is the Instead we find subjective, sensational- that they knew my idea but wanted to give People will take advantage of your vul- at risk for extended, unsuccessful use of ist and superficial reporting. We didn’t billions to homeowners. (I wrote to the nerability (e.g., before your loved one has intellectual and emotional responses and been buried: a realtor solicits you to sell behaviors by an individual (family, com- your house; a neighbor wants to buy your munity) following a death or perception President Obama campaigned on the prospect of hope. house for an offspring). These actions are of loss. He said that we can hope for a better future that includes disrespectful to the griever! Risk factors include Preloss neuroti- Your coworkers are not your grief cism; Preloss psychological symptoms; greater prosperity for a larger share of the population. The opti- companion. Limit your discussion. They Frequency of life events; Predisposition for mism he espoused has drowned in a sea of partisanship, ego, will ask probing questions, listen, share anxiety and feelings of inadequacy; Past and limited intellect. ‘their loss’ story, and then complain to your psychiatric or mental health treatment. supervisor about having the conversation. (Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical expect stories to drag on daily for weeks CEO of the largest lender with my idea. He Death changes relationships. Not Dictionary) and months with the very coverage incit- had the executive in charge of the bank’s everyone you know has a need to know of Disenfranchised grief is losses that are ing the news segment. Coverage of the mortgage program respond, telling me your loss. not socially recognized or sanctioned and four month-long protest riots in St. Louis that that option had been available from Take enough time off from your job. given status of culturally recognized losses; is just the latest example. It’s as though the the start, but it was never mentioned or The first 60 days following the death therefore, they are not publically mourned. press is saying “giving us more dirt for our publicized. That was unexpected.) of a loved one are the most crucial. Impor- Formal rituals are limited or nonexistent. report. The more outlandish the better, the I have recently suggested a way to save tant decisions have to be made that cannot It may also occur to professional caregiv- longer the better.” the Affordable Care Act by eliminating the be postponed and require discussion with ers after the death of a patient. (La Grand, And it’s gotten down to the individual need for it to be mandatory for individu- an attorney. Any irreversible decisions p. 189) level. We have been disappointed by our als, have penalties for non-compliance, should be postponed and decided after Ambiguous loss involves a lack of cer- colleagues, employers, friends, acquain- or provide tax credits to subsidize the considerable thought and discussion with tainty that a loved one has died. May be tances and family members. Promises are insurance companies by allowing them to an attorney. psychological as well as physical (addic- broken and truth gets lost in the shuffle. charge higher rates knowing that the cus- If you are experiencing medical com- tions, Alzheimer’s disease, comas caused It seems that we no longer know what to tomer will get a tax rebate. My idea is so plaints, you should seek medical care from by accidents). (La Grand, p. 196) expect or whom to trust. obvious and so much better than the cur- a medical doctor who recognizes your PHYSICAL RESPONSES OF GRIEF A recent poll taken by the media rent plan you would think that the many symptoms as part of the grieving process Dr. La Grand describes the physical asked Americans if they still believe in the great minds that engineered this impor- and prescribes an appropriate treatment responses of grief as thus: “Sadness and American dream. Half of those surveyed tant legislation would have also come up plan. sorrow will be expressed throughout the said “no.” We’ve lowered our expectations. with it. Yet, I still hope that a decision In time, you will be able to adjust to body in painful ways. Headaches, diges- President Obama campaigned on the maker will read my plan and make good a new chapter in life’s journey—planning tive disturbances, stress-related disorders prospect of hope. He said that we can hope use of it. But I don’t expect it. Just because I for new goals, cherishing the memories of sleep and fatigue, and various aches and for a better future that includes greater am a constituent and supporter, a taxpayer and finding hidden gifts. Those gifts may muscle pains are not uncommon when prosperity for a larger share of the popu- and a neighbor, I don’t feel myself entitled be hidden amongst the clutter. grieving. The degree of physical discom- lation. The optimism he espoused has to their response, but I’d sure appreciate it. DEFINING GRIEF fort is directly proportional to the con- drowned in a sea of partisanship, ego, and I write a column and a blog that is also Grief reaction is a bereavement by the stant sad and hopeless thoughts you dwell limited intellect. available on Facebook. I write in the hope death of, or separation from a significant on without deliberately deciding to take a I have realized that expectations can of helping people by stimulating thought person which may be first expressed by bre a k .” lead to disappointment because we are and conversation about issues that I think feelings of numbness and later by profound EMOTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH GRIEF not all the same. We do not share the same are important. I hope that people will read yearning for the lost one, restlessness and Emotions associated with grief values and beliefs or cultural identifica- and appreciate my ideas. But I don’t expect psychophysical responses. It may also include: sorrow, longing (to see them tion. Our goals and objectives are differ- it. I would hope to get feedback from my be related to matters of importance such again), guilt, numbness, anger, hopeless- ent, as are our talents, abilities and ethics. readers and am grateful when I do. I don’t as enforced retirement or loss of home. ness, loneliness, and despair. (www.coun- “Do unto others as you would have them think that I am entitled to thoughtful (Understanding Medical Terminology) selling-directory.org.uk/bereavement. do unto you” ( creating an expectation response from my audience. Facts about grief response html) and possible disappointment) should be I hope that this very column will be Louis E. La Grand, PhD explains grief HOW WE GRIEVE changed to “do unto others in the hope read and be helpful to a number of people. response in Healing Grief, Finding Peace: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, MD explains that they will do that unto you, but with- Feedback: [email protected] • Grief is your response to deep love— how we grieve in her book, On Death and out expectation of that happening,” saving an essential of life. Dying: • Grief is exclusively individual. Children • A condition—legitimate suffering. Young children have different con- • In the mourning process we start a cepts of death, and they have to be taken Don’t Miss Another Issue! transition, in effect to build a new persona into consideration in order to talk to them Per and way of life. and to understand their communication. • Healing grief is a natural process. Children will react differently to the Year Types of grief death of a parent… $ Chronic grief is the unresolved denial Adolescent Mail to the Westside15. Observer with your check to: of the reality of a personal loss. Also called Things are not much different than dysfunctional grieving. POB 27176 SF, CA 94127 or e-mail [email protected] Cont. p. 18 Page 16 February 2015 WEST OF TWIN PEAKS PROPERTIES SOLD SINCE 12/5/14 FACT: INVENTORY HAS NEVER BEEN LOWER WHEN COMPARED TO BUYER DEMAND ADDRESS TYPE BEDS BATHS PK ASKING SOLD %OF ASKING 62 Castenada Ave Forest Hill 2 1.5 1 1,635,000 1,750,000 117.06 159 Castenada Ave Forest Hill 3 2 1 1,495,000 1,850,000 123.75 55 San Benito Way St. Francis Wood 3 3 2 2,150,000 2,430,000 113.02 135 San Leandro Way St. Francis Wood 4 2.5 2 2,475,000 2,908,000 117.49 225 San Anselmo Ave St. Francis Wood 5 4.5 2 2,995,000 3,817,000 127.45 JENNIFER ROSDAIL 14 Southwood Dr Westwood Park 2 1 2 798,000 1,085,000 135.96 DRE# 01349379 2730 15th Ave West Portal 3 2 2 1,189,000 1,354,000 113.88 415.269.4663 www.Living415.com LIVE BETTER BY MAKING GREAT DECISIONS ABOUT REAL ESTATE. [email protected] PUT MY MARKET KNOWLEDGE, NEGOTIATING SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU. 啐en & Now

A Stitch in Time is What You’ll Reap I am four words Though there appear to be three Two ways of pronouncing Three spellings there be. The first is a manner of indicating, a case being such, or therefore, or a measure of degree. The second is a pig, female you see. The third is also on a farm, a manner of planting of seed. The fourth is to stitch, to hold fabric together, indeed.

Can you tell me now, what word

could this be?

nine” and “you reap what you sow”) you what reap “you and nine”

and sow appear in proverbs (“a stitch in time, saves saves time, in stitch (“a proverbs in appear sow and

The title is a reference to the fact that both sew sew both that fact the to reference a is title The

Sew.

Sow

Sow

So

In order of appearance: of order In Answer

View from Cliff House 1865. Printed with permission, SF History Collection, SF Public Library

Rules: Each puzzle is a 9 by 9 grid of squares divided into nine 3 by 3 square blocks, with some of the numbers filled in for you. The Object: Fill in the blank squares so that each of the numbers 1 to 9 appears exactly once in each row,column and block. Answer: The answer appears below.

Become a friend Follow us on Congratulations toJulie Casson — her Open Late is celebrating it’s 6th Twitter!@WestS_Observer anniversary at the Westside Observer. This is the very first one she did for the on Facebook paper. Check out her entire collection: westsideobserver.com/julieComics.html Production Specifi cations: Publication: Westside Observer Media Unit: 5” x 4” Horizontal Bleed Area: None Printing: Full Color

Page 17 February 2015 Education What Have You Done for Me Lately? By Carol Kocivar ©2014

EST: 1990

Francisco. In 1897, Phoebe Hearst contributed to the establish- ment of the National Congress Specialists in Residential of Mothers, which evolved eventually into the National Urban Landscaping Parent-Teacher Association. This was a BIG event. Janet Moyer Landscaping specializes in the creation of custom residential The PTA was created when landscapes that address the unique challenges posed by San Francisco’s women did not have the right climate, terrain and architectural constraints.

to vote and social activism was Irrigation Association Certifi cation Award winning design not popular. Certifi ed Irrigaton Contractor, Certifi ed “Outstanding Achievement Award” Irrigation Designer, Certifi ed Landscape California Landscape Contractors It was created when our Irrigation Auditor Association, 2007 - 2009, 2012 & 2013 country was feeling the enor- mous impact of the Industrial 415 - 821 - 3760 . 1031 Valencia St., San Francisco . jmoyerlandscaping.com Revolution. An immense wave Landscape Contractor License 853919 . Pest Control License 36389 of immigration was flowing into the country. Children worked in factories, in mines, organizationJML_Specialists_p2_WestsideObser1 in the nation, PTA 1 is the con- schools throughout the City8/29/2014 for reaching11:57:27 AM and in the streets of the cities. science of the country for children and deep into their own pockets to help sup- Some could not attend school youth issues. JML Contact...... Michael Padgett port ourClient schools Name ...... as. . . theJanet Moyerstate Landscaping of California Print - Westside Observer or obtain enough food to eat. WeEST: can1990 traceContact Phonea lot. . . . of. . . 415-821-3760the improve- continuesJob Title to . . .underfund ...... our schools. (No 5” x 4” Horz - Specialists Ad Phoebe and PTA co- ments to the livesContact of Email children...... [email protected] to the advo- boastingDescription about. . . . .being . . . . . 46th in the nation in was in the back of the room at a par- founder Alice McLellan Birney believed cacy of PTA: education funding.) ent meeting at Burton High School mothers would support their mission to Creation of Kindergarten classes And we can thank our parents for sup- I last week and thinking that Phoebe eliminate threats to children, and in early Child labor laws porting our teachers and our administra- Hearst must be smiling. 1897, they started a nationwide campaign. Public health service tors and school communities. It is not often that I think of Phoebe. On Feb. 17, 1897, more than 2,000 Hot and healthy lunch programs And that group of parents at Burton But about once a year — in February, people—mostly mothers, but also Juvenile justice system High School? my mind wanders to a San Francisco his- fathers, teachers, laborers and legisla- Mandatory immunization They were there to start a new PTSA torical fact. tors—attended the first convocation of the Arts in Education to help their school. They were there to California State PTA Historical National Congress of Mothers in Washing- School Safety continue the legacy of activism to improve Briefs ton, D.C. If we just look to San Francisco, we can the lives of children that we can trace back 1897 — California Home and School In 1970, the National Congress of Par- thank the PTA for those yellow pedestrian to San Francisco. Child Study Association organized in San ents and Teachers (National PTA) and the sidewalks near every school, for helping So I am guessing—Phoebe must be Francisco. National Congress of Colored Parents and children get library cards, and for cam- smiling. And why was I thinking of Phoebe? Teachers (NCCPT)—founded by Selena paigning for funding that provides the arts, Carol Kocivar is former President of the Well—we can look back to 1897 and Sloan Butler in Atlanta, Ga.—merged to librarians, and physical education in all California Parent Teachers Assn. and lives trace the world’s largest advocacy associa- serve all children. San Francisco schools, and for pre-school. in the Westside. Feedback: kocivar@west- tion for children back to Phoebe and San As the largest volunteer child advocacy We can thank PTA volunteers in sideobserver.com

Movies (Cont. from p. 13) some of the men survive for 47 days until they are ‘rescued’ by the Prop 218 (Cont. from p. 17) Japanese navy. They are thrown into a Japanese prison camp and violence. A suggestive moment. tortured on an almost daily basis for more than two years. The for their non-sustainable delivery of Awards: AA noms.: Pic, Song: Glory. GG nom. Best Director: battle is just to survive. Louis’s torturer Watanabe: Takamasa Ishi- 265 MGD the cost per acre ft is $847 (lst African – Am. woman: Ava DuVernay) + win: Song. Critics hara was also an Olympic runner in Berlin who must have invented per acre ft. This is only for wholesale Choice Awards: Song. the term ‘sore loser’. Other prisoners are: Phil: Domhnail Gleeson cost increases as a function of their TAKEN 3 (About Time), Fitzgerald: Garrett Hedlund, and Mac: Finn Wit- WSIP fix-up (currently issued bonds) Ex-government operative Bryan Mills: Liam Neesom is trock (Noah). Director Angelina Jolie brings it all together with program. It does not include any other accused of the murder of his ex-wife, Lenore St. John: Famke Jans- an uncanny knack. War violence including intense brutality. Brief costs. The SFPUC has large amounts sen. She is found with her throat slit in his apartment. Her hus- Profanity. of capital in accounts earning less than band Dougray Scott had asked her not to see Bryan, even though Awards: 3 AA noms.: Cinematography, Sound editing, Sound 1 percent (0.75%) that must at some they share a teen daughter, Kim Mills: Maggie Grace. Kim is very mixing. SAG win: Action performance by a stunt ensemble in a point be fully capitalized and amor- devoted to her dad. When the cops, headed by Franck Dotzler: For- motion picture. AFI movie of the year award. AAFCA: won 7th tized into the rate structure. est Whitaker, close in on Bryan, he ducks under a vehicle and drops place in Top Ten Films of 2014. National Board of Review, New The SFPUC is paying approxi- into the sewer below. He meets with Kim in a place where he never York Film Critics: Breakthrough Performer: Jack O’Connell. Heart- mately 4.5 percent for these funds th expects cops to find him. By back-tracking Lenore’s last few hours, land Film: won Truly Moving Picture Award: Angelina Jolie, Direc- while earning an estimated 7/10 of he sees a tattoo that leads him to a culprit. He has an intricate net- tor. Another 10 wins and 22 noms. one percent in these “liquid” funds, work of friends who aid him in eluding Dotzler and other officers. WHIPLASH a swing of 3.75 percent that must be picked up as the real cost for this The tension is as taut as in the first two Takens. Bryan brings his Tyrannical orchestral prof Terence Fletcher: T.K. Simmons liquidity. In a WSO article with Tony unique sense of justice to the killers. Intense sequences of action browbeats his students, especially 19-year old drummer Andrew Hall in 2014, we identified the SFPUC and violence. Brief profanity. Neiman: Miles Teller, who practices until his hands bleed. He wants as having well over one billion in liq- to be the best; that means not only studying with Fletcher but being THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING uid assets, costing the ratepayers net a member of his jazz ensemble, which represents the conserva- Cambridge student Stephen Hawking: Eddie Redmayne meets about 3.75 percent. A check in 2015 tory at jazz festivals. This means enduring Fletcher’s provocations Jane Wilde: Felicity Jones and they start dating. He soon learns indicates a like amount remains liquid and artistic torment. His dad Jim Neimann: Paul Reiser is a failed about his illness and is given only two years to live. Still they marry with no date certain as to when this teacher. Director/writer Damien Chazelle presents his character and his determination gets him his doctoral degree. He turns his liquidity will be amortized into the study with warts and all, no holds barred. Strong profanity. Sexual interest to cosmological physics. Jane stands by him as his illness rate structure. references. progresses, impairing his speech, swallowing, locomotion, and bal- The current confusion and addi- Awards: 5 AA nom.: Pic, Sup. Actor: Simmons, Adpt. Scrn., ance. They produce two children as his work begins receiving rec- tional costs incurred as a function of Editing, Sound Mixing. GG win: Sup. Actor: Simmons. SAG Best ognition. When Jane begins to drift, her mother suggests joining actual bond revenues collected for the Male Actor in a Sup. Role, Film: Simmons. Another 52 wins and the church choir. WSIP program and the failure to keep 72 noms. The choir leader, Jonathan, takes an interest in Jane and vice 2002 promised completion dates (50% versa. They are together at the same opera as Stephen when he has WILD by 2010 and 100 percent by 2015) a seizure, resulting in Jane having to give permission for a trache- Cheryl Srayed: Reese Witherspoon, an ex-heroin addict with seems clearly in the reach of Propo- otomy, knowing with his atrophied muscles it could save his life. It zero-hiking experience sets off on the Pacific Crest Trail from the sition 218. These items also concern will also make him difficult to understand. The children are Robert desert northward 1,100 miles to Oregon. Her drama is based on me as to the efficacy of their rate fore- Hawking, age 17: Tom Prior, Lucy Hawking, age 14: Sophie Perry, her autobiography of the experience. Although her difficult solo casts. I am concerned that dampening and Timothy Hawking, age 8: Finlay Wright–Stephens. Support- trek will interest most viewers, some may be unmoved by the excel- down rate increases may be a function ing players include Dennis Sciama: David Thewlis. Director James lent narration and interesting scenery along the way. Witherspoon’s of current political expediency? We Marsh brilliantly presents this biography of Anthony McCarten’s comprehension of her role is beyond reproach, flawlessly acted. really do need to know what is hap- screenplay based on Jane’s book. The tale is enlivened by her memories of her mother, Bobbi: Laura pening with future as well as current Awards: 5 Academy Awards (AA) nominations: Pic, Actor, Dern, as well as the men Cheryl encounters along the trail, Paul: water-rates. Actress, Adpt. Scrn. Original Score. GG wins: Actor Drama: Red- Thomas Sadoski, Leif: Keene McRae, Jonathan: Michiel Huisman, Brian Browne was coauthor of 2002 mayne, Original Score. SAG Best Male Actor in a Leading Role, and Frank: W. Earl Brown. Director Jean-Marc Vallée and writers Film: Redmayne. Another 15 wins and 78 nominations! Prop P and former member of the Nick Horby and Cheryl Strayed respectfully attack Cheryl’s trek on Revenue Bond Oversight Committee it UNBROKEN film. Sexual content, Nudity, Drug use. Profanity. created. Record-breaking runner at the 1938 Berlin Olympics, Louis Awards: Academy Awards (AA) nominations: Best Actress: Zamperini: Jack O’Connell later joins the armed forces in WWII Witherspoon, Sup. Actress: Dern. and finds himself flying over the Pacific. The plane crashes and Page 18 February 2015 Grief (Cont. from p. 15) moving on). Grief companions are people who will Write your “specific” goals, either the Bereavement Counseling stand with you, listening to the pain being night before or the first thing in the morn- with an adult. The loss of a parent, in addi- Bereavement counseling is designed to experienced and expressed. ing. Identify exactly what you want to get tion to adolescence, is often too much for help people cope more effectively with the GRIEF COUNSELOR through and how you will do it as the day them to endure. death of a loved one. Specifically, bereave- Grief counseling is a form of psycho- unfolds. (pp. 105-108) Adults ment counseling can: therapy that aims to help people cope WORDS OF CONSOLATION Five Stages of Grief • Offer an understanding of the with grief and mourning following the “After the funeral, after the depar- Denial and Isolation: Denial is usu- mourning process. death of loved ones, or with major life ture of relatives—family members feel ally a temporary defense and will soon be • Explore areas that could potentially changes that trigger feelings of grief (e.g., most grateful to have someone to talk to, replaced by partial acceptance. prevent you from moving on. divorce). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ especially if it is someone who had recent Anger: When denial cannot be main- • Help resolve areas of conflict still Grief_counseling) contact with the deceased and can share tained any longer, it is replaced by feelings remaining. CHAPLAIN anecdotes of some good moments towards of anger, rage, envy and resentment. “Why • Address possible issues of depression A chaplain is accountable as part of the end of the deceased’s life. This helps the me?” or suicidal thoughts. a professional patient care team; provides relatives over the shock and the initial grief Bargaining: An agreement which may Bereavement counseling aims to get supportive care through emphatic listen- and prepares him for gradual acceptance.” postpone the inevitable from happening. you to a point where you can function ing, demonstrating an understanding of (Kübler-Ross, MD, p. 184) Making a bargain with God in exchange normally—however long it takes. (www. persons in distress; provides grief loss care; RESOURCES: GRIEF COUNSELING/ for some additional time. Sets an imposed counselling-directory.org.uk/bereave- designs and leads religious ceremonies of SUPPORT GROUPS deadline (e.g., an offspring’s wedding). ment. html) worship and rites (memorials and funer- San Francisco Suicide Prevention. Depression: A sense of great loss Bereavement Support Groups als). (www.healthcare chaplaincy.org/ www.sfsuicide.org. Crisis Line: (415) replaces anger and rage. Bereavement support groups provide userimages/professional-chaplaincy-its- 781-0500 or (800) 273-TALK (8255). Cri- Reactive depression: Depression that opportunities for you to discuss your expe- role-and-importance-in-healthcare.pdf) sis Lines are for anyone experiencing cri- is usually self-limiting following a serious riences and learn about grief with others HEALING sis, grief or distress. Grief Support Group: event such as a death in the family, the loss who have experienced loss. (http://www. Dr. La Grand explains how grief helps Eight week peer led (not clinical) support of a job, or a personal financial catastrophe. ucsfhealth.org/education/bereavement_ you heal and be at peace with the loss: groups for people who have lost a loved The disorder is longer lasting and more services _and_information/bereavement_ To successfully heal from suffering one to suicide. For information, call (415) marked than the usual reaction. (Taber’s) resources_and_services/) the death of a loved one is peace of mind 288-7105. Preparatory depression: Is taking into For a list of support groups, see “Senior through radical acceptance. St. Mary’s Cathedral. www. account impending losses. Preparatory Smarts: Coping with the Holidays During To help yourself experience inner stmaryscatheralsf.org. Sessions provide grief. Preparing for final separation in Bereavement” (December 2014) at www. peace: increase your ability to relate to oth- information on grief process, and tips order to facilitate the state of acceptance. westsideobserver.com/health.html. ers with courtesy, respect and humility, on coping with loss of a loved one. Third Acceptance: Almost void of feeling. MOURNING even as you grieve. Wed., 10:30 am-noon. Contact: Sr. Esther (pp. 52, 63, 93, 97, 124, 185.) Mourning is normal grief produced by A crucial task of grieving is to estab- McEgan, RSM, (415) 567-2020, ext. 218. DEFINING BEREAVEMENT the death of a loved one. It is an important lish new routines; create a nurturing sup- Institute on Aging. Center for Elderly Bereavement is the time we spend part of bereavement. Mourning involves port network; recognize when denial has Suicide Prevention and Grief Counseling. adjusting to loss. The period of grief and rituals—funerals, wakes—allows us to say run its course; “bad days” are normal; www.ioaging.org/ collaborations-elder- mourning we go through after someone goodbye. honor your spiritual self; start loving in protection/center-for-elderly-suicide- close to us dies. The expected reactions of Cyber mourning is the use of social separation; never self-pity. prevention/grief-services. 8-Week Basic grief and sadness upon learning of the loss media by mourners to express their GRIEF JOURNAL Traumatic Grief Group, 8-Week Advanced of a loved one. condolences. Dr. La Grand explains: Traumatic Loss Grief Group, Monthly Stages of Bereavement RITUALS Writing is a major therapeutic release. Traumatic Drop-In Grief Group, Satur- • Accepting that your loss really Formal and informal ritual promotes Writing a journal serves as tool for day morning Drop-In Grief Group, and happened. connection to the deceased and helps managing the pain of grief. It helps you Individual Trauma Loss Grief Counseling. • Experiencing the pain that comes survivors by giving support, facilitating gain perspective and understanding of life Contact (415) 750-4111 for more informa- with grief. transition, and providing comfort. Ritual that you did not possess previously. tion or to enroll. • Trying to adjust to life without the connections help establish an important Write in the journal at a selected Life Transitions Network (LTN). person who died. pathway to accepting loss, establishing a time each evening or whenever you feel www.transitionalworkshops.com. (415) • Putting less energy into your grief new relationship with the deceased. overwhelmed by feelings that need to be 263-4822. Moving Through Loss and and finding a new place to put it (i.e., GRIEF COMPANION expressed. Cont. p. 19 TRACKWAY IMPROVEMENTS

Twin Peaks Tunnel Community Meeting

Please join us to discuss the Twin Peaks Tunnel Trackway Improvements project on Tuesday, March 3 at 7 p.m. The meeting will take place in the West Portal Playground Clubhouse at 131 Lenox Way.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) will provide further information and address your questions and concerns at the meeting.

For more information and updates in the meantime, please visit www.sfmta.com/twinpeaks.

Summary: SFMTA, which operates Muni, is replacing the light rail tracks along the entirety of the Twin Peaks Tunnel in an effort to keep the Muni system in a state of good repair, allowing trains to move faster through the tunnel and improve travel times. Additional work to the tunnel’s infrastructure will take place at the same time as the track replacement.

The tunnel connects Castro Station to West Portal Station and carries a number of the light rail lines, including the K, L and M. Page 19 February 2015

Real Trav el By Sergio Nibbi When the Wall Came Tumbling Down We moved ith the price of gasoline in the tank, and the ruble in freefall, I couldn’t help but think about our first trip to Russia. It Wwas in June of 1990 and the Berlin wall was coming down. Our trip started from London on Royal Cruise Lines’ Crown Odyssey into our new space as we journeyed through the Kiel Canal Empire. Next was a photo-op in front of the and its many locks, taking us through a statue of Lenin, as we were reminded that Disneyland-like sojourn of small villages, between 1924 and 1991 the city bore the beautifully decorated homes, and acres of name of Leningrad. A drive by the Admi- and love it. agricultural flatlands. Our first stop was in Hamburg, Germany where we visited the major tourist spots, You will too! enjoyed lunch with our tour group at a beautiful local restau- rant, and boarded a bus that was to take us to the outskirts where a barbed wire fence still remained, which in fact was an extension of the Ber- lin wall. The guards were no longer armed, and in fact greeted us graciously as we passed through the wire ralty Building and it was time to head back gates, walked around, and even allowed to the ship to enjoy our lunch. No food in us to have our passports stamped from town because as they told us at the time, their side of the border. Still visible were “we only have one doctor aboard the ship.” the sand dunes and trenches that sepa- (Considering some of the outbreaks lately rated the two opposing sides. Each night on these cruise ships we might have been the sand would be raked smooth so that better off eating in the city!!) The after- noon bus ride brought us through the more residential areas, where I noticed that most of the buildings were desperately in need of repair. The traffic was light and the people standing in endless lines for food and clothing. By mid-afternoon we were treated to a shopping spree at the Beriozka, the State-run retail store that accepted credit cards and hard currency. We did buy a few Russian boxes and other trinkets but shop- any footprints found the next morning ping there was certainly not as much fun would be indications of individuals trying as haggling with the street venders who to make it across. had Russian boxes and Russian watches From there our next stop was in for a fraction of the retail prices. Gdynia and Gdansk, where again our tour A brief stop at The Cathedral of Our bus took us through the major areas where Savior of Spilled Blood to admire the more we saw high-rise residential buildings that than 7,000 square feet of mosaics, and ran for blocks and were built after the Sec- then it was off to the Hermitage, where ond World War to house the survivors of we enjoyed endless rooms full of priceless this horrible conflict. We also visited the art from the old masters such as Picasso, main tourist area of the old town. Nar- Rubens, Titian, Rembrandt, and beautiful row, tall buildings had not only interesting paintings from the French Impressionists. architecture but years of history to tell. It was certainly a full and memorable From Poland it was day, and not at all like our off to Leningrad, for- second trip to St. Peters- merly known as Petrograd burg in 2006 where democ- and now St. Petersburg. racy was in full swing and Although we were there capitalism the rule of the for only one day we were day. The funniest part of greeted warmly by our tour the trip was going through guide and spent both the Passport Control in San morning and afternoon Francisco where the cus- touring the usual tourist toms officer, after seeing 348 attractions. our passport stamped from Our first stop was at East Germany, asked us the Bronze Horseman, a with a stern face, “Where monument to Peter the have you been?” We have Great, followed by a quick since gotten a new passport. 239 tour of Palace Square, the main square of the Russian

Lessons from Grief (Cont. from p. 18) West Portal Transition workshops provides a safe place to share your story, fully experience your feelings and learn new approaches to coping with losses and obstacles of all kinds 415.795.2002 RESOURCES: BOOKS Available at San Francisco Public Library: How we grieve: relearning the world. Thomas Attig (1996). Bereavement: counseling the grieving throughout the life cycle. David A. Cren- shaw (1990). The Mourning Handbook: The Most Comprehensive Resource Offering Prac- Walter tical and Compassionate Advice on Coping with All Aspects of Death and Dying. Helen Fitzgerald (1995, c1994). Death and the family: the importance of mourning. Lily Pincus (1974). Anise Matteson is an elder care consultant, retired Registered Health Information Technician, writer of reference books for seniors, forum host Caring for an Aging Loved One (forums.delphiforums. com/ elder_care)—[email protected] F R A M I N G Page 20 February 2015

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