What’s Board of Supes Presi- Quentin Kopp: Vote No on Mayor Lee! dent London Breed Hiding? Quentin’s analysis of the City’s 11 Ballot When the truth is stranger than fiction, Drs Rivero and Kerr wanna know ...... 2 Propositions...... 3 count on Monette-Shaw ...... 4 West of Twin Peaks Council: Sanctuary City Clean PowerSF? San Francisco ‘s “Legacy” businesses and Former Supe Tony Hall looks at all the Lawrence has no confidence that the SF- the Park Budget ...... 3 angles ...... 4 PUC will meet budget...... 5

Volume 28 • Number 8 Celebrating Our 28th Year www.westsideobserver.com October 2015 Natural Areas Plan: Eucalyptus Advocates Fight Back Tenants Misplaced By Nancy Wuerfel, Sally Stephens & Avrum Shepard Mass Evictions Rock Parkmerced t’s hard to believe, but in San Francisco, By Lynn Gavin there are some people who want to cut Idown our healthy forests (and use toxic o date nearly 700 Three-Day Notices for utility herbicides to keep them from re-growing) simply fees (water, sewer and garbage) were issued by because the trees are not “native” enough. TParkmerced Investors Properties, LLC and filed The claims against the trees, most of which with the San Francisco Rent Board. These notices coin- are eucalyptus, have changed over the years. First, cide with the submission of Parkmerced’s application to it was that they will spread unchecked and take San Francisco Planning Department for development of over nearby parkland. Then it was that chemicals its properties. in their leaves kill plants on the ground. Then it No one — not the City Attorney, District Attorney nor was that they are a huge fire risk. Now, it’s that the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) they’re dying due to the drought. Turns out none Cont. p. 8 of these are true. The trees’ real “crime” is that, like many of us, they came here from somewhere else and haven’t has investigated the conspicuous volume of Three Day been here long enough to be considered “native” In the 2003 Scripps Ranch Fire in San Diego, wildfire swept through a subdivision, burning houses to Notices issued for these fees at Parkmerced and their rela- by native plant activists. the ground, but leaving adjacent eucalyptus trees untouched tionship to the development agreement that was intended To be “native,” plants must have been here to keep displacing San Franciscans to a minimum. before Spanish settlers arrived 250 years ago. Then, More perplexing is that, unlike the California Public San Francisco was a barren, wind-whipped place, The NAP Management Plan (its Final EIR will filled with sand and dune scrub, and few, if any, be released soon) calls for the removal of over 18,000 trees. By this definition, nearly all trees are non- healthy, mature trees, mostly eucalypts, because they native to San Francisco. Eucalyptus trees, planted “only”150 years ago are, to native plant advocates, are non-native and so that they can be replaced with Cont. p. 6 native grasses and scrub. No, No, No Density Crowds the City Sometimes togetherness isn’t better By John Farrell No on Prop A - Affordable Housing Bond By George Wooding

f course anyone with a heart will nder San Francisco’s current and proposed planning guidelines, building density now trumps height zoning agree we need housing for our City’s low or character of neighborhoods. Oand moderate income families. This $310M U “Density” is the new altar at which the Mayor, Board of Supervisors, developers, Chamber of Com- Bond to be paid by property owners is to help our City merce, and co-opted City think tanks like SPUR, now pray. All of these groups pay little attention to what the impacted affordable housing needs with the Mayor’s promise of neighborhoods think about on issues that have long ago 30,000 affordable new units by 2020. However, per the their plans to build height or been decided by the Mayor. September 9th Chronicle article “Lee outlines plan to cre- density housing as they see There are currently over 20,000 The Mayor’s office — ate or repair affordable housing” Mayor Lee’s goal now fit, while ignoring neighbor- vacancies. Prop C was supposed to telling the Planning Depart- is to build or rehabilitate 10,000 units for low-income hood input. These groups be used over 20 years to build up to 30,000 ment what to do — has and working class families by 2020. I figure the Mayor also need the money, profit, proposed the adoption of a dropped the units from 30,000 to 10,000 since he has donations, and political con- units. Mayor Lee is trying to build 30,000 State law called the “Density his re-election in the bag and didn’t have to blow smoke tributions that continued units in five years. When the housing bubble Bonus Program” that will anymore. The Mayor is fully aware that less than 10,000 development generates. bursts, the City will be overbuilt.” increase developers size and affordable housing units have been built over the last City zoning changes and bulk limitations if they add ten years and the planning department is backlogged 18 property use changes are routinely ignored or changed. affordable housing to new or existing buildings/housing. months, as frustrated contractors and their clients are Witness The Chronicle’s gigantic Mission and Fifth proj- Affordable housing is designated as “below market fully aware. ect (5M), one of the largest City building projects ever, rate.” The federal government, the City and non-profit that was just turned into a “special use” district. This housing organizations underwrite the development and means almost no standard planning rules will apply to leasing of affordable housing throughout San Francisco. This $310M bond for affordable hous- the project. The new density bonus program wouldn’t apply to ing could be handled with existing and “By fast-tracking the 5M project through the plan- zoning districts that only allow single-family (RH-1) or future City funds if prioritized, without asking ning process through Special Ordinances that exempt three-unit development (RH-2) on lots. Major excep- taxpayers to pay the bill, and save millions in this site from established Area Plans, the City is negating tions to this rule include streets along transit corridors, the hard work of all those involved in the community like Geary, Judah and West Portal Avenue. bond interest payments. planning process by granting exceptions, variances, and Impacted neighborhoods will watch developers In regard to affordable housing, when Mayor Lee privileges through the creation of a Special Use District add two floors of supposedly affordable housing to their was asked in Jan 2014 by Time magazine “Why has San and implementation of a Development Agreement,” neighbors’ homes. When housing costs $800,000 and Francisco been so slow to build,” he replied, “Our city did Gerry Crowley, SF Neighborhood Network founder the family of four moving in has an income of $120,000 pretty good in investing in low-income housing and try- said. “Dismissing the impact of major up-zoning on vul- Cont. p. 14 ing to do as much as we could for the homeless. That was nerable neighboring communities adjacent where our sentiments were … I don’t think we paid any to 5th and Mission Street threatens commu- attention to the middle class. I think everybody assumed nity planning and responsible development the middle class was moving out.” This says it all. in every neighborhood throughout San Our City is flourishing and money is coming in hand Francisco.” over fist and is expected to continue over the coming Several City development projects have years. Our tax revenue has increased substantially due to routinely received height exemptions through transfer taxes, property sales and new construction. And spot zoning variances, such as 1481 Post we are not even bringing in the hundreds of millions that Street and 75 Howard. we can, as I have written in previous articles. The Planning Commission is a seven- Let me just stress the fact that I am a strong advo- member board controlled by the Mayor. Four cate for affordable housing and not just during an elec- of the commissioners are directly appointed tion year. But I am also for accountability. This $310M by the Mayor and give the appearance of hav- bond for affordable housing could be handled with exist- ing no independent free will on large plan- ing and future City funds if prioritized, without asking ning decisions. Citizens wait hours to testify Cont. p. 6 for two minutes at the Planning Commission Page 2 October 2015

London Breed’s Anti-Sunshine Litmus Test Sunshine ...... 9 Dr. Maria Rivero & Dr. Derek Kerr Will Durst ...... 5 Crime Report ...... 10 Jack Kaye ...... 15 Remember When / Open Late 16 or those who are driven to govern, transparency doesn’t come naturally. Housing Crisis ...... 7 Calendar ...... 12 Nudging City governance out of the shadows often relies on open government Money Matters ...... 8 Movies ...... 12 Kocivar / Education ...... 18 Fadvocates. For example, the 2013-14 Civil Grand Jury report, Ethics in the City Around the Town ...... 9 Theater ...... 13 Real Travel ...... 19 – Promise, Practice or Pretense, recommended amending the Sunshine Ordinance to require that Supervisors’ business calendars be publicly disclosable. Since 1999, the that is mandated 2 seats on the SOTF. Still trap by crafting thoughtful, ego-soothing Ordinance had required only the Mayor, City Attorney and department heads to dis- working in the City, both nominees had responses, including, “I would listen to the close who they met, and where. Although the Jury found that “nearly all” Supervisors recently moved to Oakland so they needed advice of the City Attorney” and “I can’t say voluntarily provided their meeting calendars, some officials “failed to list the subject residency waivers from the Supervisors. I’m decided on that.” Incidentally, Breed had matter and the attendee’s names” making it difficult to track lobbying activities and After Hoodline editor Eric Eldon gave been wrangling with the SOTF since June, influence peddling. his presentation, Breed launched a mean- when she was found in violation of the London Breed, who clenched the to separate my public and private calen- dering interrogatory about “conflicts of Sunshine Ordinance for dodging a hearing Board presidency in January 2015, has d a r.” Breed made a motion to withhold interest” when journalists serve on the on her calendar hoarding. viewed requests for her calendars as intru- the location of Supervisors’ meetings and SOTF. Note: voters approved assigning The other SPJ nominee was Mark sions. When sunshine activist Michael to wait for the Department of Technol- 3 journalists to the SOTF: from the SPJ, Rumold, an Electronic Frontier Founda- Petrelis requested them this April, he was ogy to organize their New America Media, tion attorney who litigates transparency initially told the “voluminous” records calendars. Her motion and local press. Breed and surveillance issues in the National would take time to assemble. Instead of died for lack of a sec- wondered if Eldon’s Security arena. After serving on the SOTF delivering the calendars, Breed’s legisla- ond. The Board voted “professional opinion” as for 9 months, he had to resign upon mov- tive aide sent a startling e-mail: “Supervi- 10-1 in favor of dis- a reporter who pursues ing to Oakland. He presented his creden- sor Breed has not maintained a calendar closing its calendars. City records, might tials and goals in a straight-forward way, since February 1st, 2015. Per the charter Breed voiced the sole conflict with “mak- without fawning. Breed didn’t bother to ask rules, Supervisor Breed is not required to “No.” On July 7 the ing the right decision.” him a single question, then groused; “I’m keep a calendar.” board finally, and Unappeased by Eldon’s not completely familiar with Mr. Rumold…” Public interest in Breed’s engage- unanimously, passed ethical strategy for Apparently, he hadn’t kowtowed for her ments peaked this August when her name the amendment. The countering potential blessing before the hearing. To show who’s popped up in the FBI probe of political Mayor signed it into bias, Breed declared, boss, Breed “hesitantly” approved Rumold’s corruption that ensnared Senator Leland law on July 15, but “Let me be more spe- residency waiver. Yee among others. A local entrepreneur Breed’s displeasure cific; I have a different All 3 Supervisors okayed the candi- was quoted as saying he “pays Supervi- smoldered. opinion about the cal- dates, but Katy Tang’s mute passivity was sor Breed with untraceable debit cards for Though not a endar requests…there’s a marked departure from her energetic clothing and trips in exchange for advan- member of the Rules a thin line between obstruction of SPJ nominees in 2013-14. tages on contracts.” Breed denied the Committee (Avalos, public information and Joining a Board vendetta against the SOTF, allegation. Tang, Cohen), Breed being nosey…I don’t Tang had applied her own litmus test: sup- On June 16, 2015 the Supervi- materialized at the Public interest in Breed’s think it’s appropriate plicants had to vow to abide by City Attor- sors amended the Sunshine Ordinance September 10 meeting engagements peaked for the public to know ney opinions in sunshine disputes. She also to require the disclosure of their daily “in place of Supervisor this August when her name my whereabouts 24 imposed a “diversity” standard on SPJ can- appointment calendars - including Cohen.” The agenda hours a day.” Then, didates that she waived for City Hall shills. meeting locations and attendees. Breed included the approval popped up in the FBI probe of the litmus test: “Do Press coverage set off a political imbroglio demurred, “I’m not necessarily a fan of of a journalist and a political corruption that en- you think that public for Tang, and may explain why she ceded this measure.” Surprisingly, the tough- lawyer applying for the snared Senator Leland Yee …” officials should have to this year’s litmus test to London Breed. talking Supervisor who confidently Sunshine Ordinance share their calendars if Dr. Maria Rivero and Dr. Derek Kerr were attends District 5 community gatherings Task Force (SOTF), the 11-member body requested?” Since her question had been senior physicians at Laguna Honda Hospi- cited “concerns about my personal safety” that adjudicates sunshine complaints. affirmatively and legally answered in July, it tal. They repeatedly exposed wrongdoing. and “establishing a pattern of my where- Both applicants were nominated by the was deployed to render applicants into sup- Contact: [email protected] abouts.” Plus, “it took my staff several days Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) plicants. Eldon maneuvered out of Breed’s

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RCFE# 415600867 Page 3 October 2015 West Of Twin Peaks Central Council By Mitch Bull Ruminations From a Former Supervisor By Quentin Kopp . L. Mencken, the literary sage of the 1920s, accurately observed: “Democracy is the theory that the common people Hknow what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard.” That old chestnut, Proposition D is a large building project often repeated over the of the San Francisco Giants on the water- past 90 year or so, char- front near AT&T Park for hundreds of acterizes the November rental units, offices, retail stores, and eight 3, 2015 Municipal Election, which features acres of parks on a cheerless City govern- no contest for Mayor, District Attorney, ment waterfront parcel now used only for City Attorney, or Treasurer. To dispose of parking. I’ve endorsed it, despite its raising those anointments, I declare resolutely to of height limits, because it is now zoned for vote for Dennis Herrera as City Attorney a park with a zero height limit, and under and Jose Cisneros as Treasurer. The Mayor voter-adopted law, any waterfront building and District Attorney have cleverly con- project exceeding current height limits on cealed basic facts from San Franciscans, the waterfront needs voter approval. The including the rising crime rate attributable Giants competed against four other organi- to policies of the California Attorney Gen- zations to rent the parcel for 75 years at cur- eral and San Francisco District Attorney, if rent market value and develop it. There’s no not the Mayor, who may soon be in a pub- public subsidy, and sales and other tax pay- Mark Buhler, SF Heritage spoke about Prop J the Legacy Business Fund lic “tizzy” over alarming crime statistics ments to the City should constitute about of which he has knowledge. Here’s a dis- $25,000,000 per year. he West of Twin Peaks Central Council held its first meeting of the 2015-16 claimer: I am internally discouraged from Proposition E is a wolf in sheep’s cloth- term on Monday, September 28th and the discussions and speakers covered endorsing any of the three candidates for ing. It sounds innocently as a measure to Tmuch of what is special about San Francisco’s neighborhoods and heritage, Sheriff because my criminal defense law- increase “civic participation” by requir- with a question of how to maintain and pay for “heritage” and Parks and Recreational yer son, the estimable Shepard S. Kopp II ing live remote dissemination of Board of needs. Even a discussion on whether bicyclists should have to follow the law was of Los Angeles, represented the incum- Supervisors meetings and all City commis- debated at the WOTPCC meeting. bent Sheriff successfully four years ago in sions, committees, and boards, with enor- WOTPCC President Roger Ritter opened the meeting, spoke about the agenda thwarting the Mayor’s attempt to secure the mous electronic technology expenditures. for the evening, and following the roll call introduced Mike Buhler from the non- incumbent Sheriff’s impeachment at the It purports to increase painlessly electronic profit SF Heritage. Buhler spoke on Proposition J, which would set up a funding Board of Supervisors. display of all their public meetings with mechanism where businesses who apply for “Legacy” inclusion can apply for a grant No such family inhibitions attach to citizen testimony from remote locations, from the city that could help them maintain their particular business look and opera- my evaluation of 11 ballot measures. while pretending to require minimum tion. The grants are predicated on the number of employees, and the length of time the Proposition A is yet another borrowing expenditure. In fact, however, open meet- business has been open in SF. Landlords can also make an application for a grant up to “doozy” from the Mayor and his politi- ing and public record champions oppose it. $4.50 per square foot, with a maximum amount of $22,500 per year. cal allies. It’s a $310,000,000 bond issue The California First Amendment Coalition The hope is to “save” legacy businesses from going out of business or relocating for “housing.” It follows wise rejection in opposes it. Bruce Brugmann, the long-time out of the city. The concept has been tried (successfully) in other cities such as Barce- 2002 and 2004 of similar debt. The ballot publisher of the Bay Guardian and singular lona, Paris, London and Buenos Aires. Buhler gave some startling statistics showing measure is vague; it lacks specificity on advocate of public access to meetings and that over 4000 businesses closed their doors in SF in 2015, compared to just 500 in the how and in what manner $310,000,000 of government records, opposes it. The Ethics year 1992. debt will be spent. It uses the phrase that Commission does not support it. City gov- Delegates asked questions on why the city would use taxpayer dollars to help money “may be allocated” to certain uses; ernment already spends nearly $3,500,000 reward these types of businesses or to incentivize landlords, instead of having the free it avoids promising voters that millions of to broadcast board and commission meet- market approach. Also, it would be up to the Board of Supervisors to set the amount dollars “shall” be spent on specified types ings. This would increase the length of each year that would be applied to each grant request in the formula. Most delegates of housing. In June, 2014, the Civil Grand already unduly long hearings. It’s not fair felt this is not a good use of city funding, although they agreed with the spirit of the Jury reported an abysmal record of new to those who take time to attend a hearing proposition to try and keep legacy (beloved) businesses operating in SF. housing, not just “market rate,” but so- or even to board and commission members Supervisor Mark Farrell called “affordable” housing. Borrowing who would need to delay debate and votes. then spoke about two programs $310,000,000 by floating general obligation It’s sponsored as an advertising promotion that will impact every neighbor- bonds means repaying the $310,000,000 by a man who intends to run for Supervisor hood across the city. The first plus about an additional $275,000,000 in in the Richmond District in two years. As is a ballot measure for the June interest. I strongly recommend a “No on a State Senator, I sponsored State and City 2016 ballot that would set aside a A” vote on this “blank check” to City Hall law permitting public testimony at every $3,000,000 increase in the annual which will otherwise donate our money to Board and Commission meeting. That’s Rec and Park budget. Unlike a its favorite developers. been effective and economical. Proposi- bond measure, this would not Proposition B increases the municipal tion E would be an expensive, unnecessary increase property taxes, but would budget and taxpayer cost by providing 12 time-waster. Vote “no” on E. be used to maintain and enhance or 16 weeks of paid leave for City employ- Proposition F represents an effort to pro- the parks and the park experience ees after the birth, adoption, or foster care tect single-family housing neighborhoods. for everyone. Farrell noted that as placement of a child. It’s a tempting idea for The practice of renting extra rooms in sin- a percentage of the city budget, decent taxpayers to do so, but it’s a benefit gle-family residences is based upon units the expenditure for the city parks generally not duplicated in private employ- illegally converted to serve as hotels. This has dropped from 2.1% to 1.3% of ment at a time in which San Francisco’s City is an Airbnb specialty with about 60 other the budget over the last 15 years, employees exceed a record 28,500. I’m vot- entities promoting use of illegal units for even though the population of the ing “No” on B. commercial purposes, and doing it without city has increased by over 100,000. Proposition C Thanks to former Chief paying the City hotel tax much less regis- When the delegates were asked Deputy Public Defender, ex-Golden Gate tering such “short-term rentals,” as legally what kinds of improvements they University School of Law Dean, and Eth- required. Proposition F requires quarterly would like to see, the following ics Commission member Peter Keane, reports of each such unit’s address and items were suggested: tree main- Proposition C closes a loophole created nights rented with a maximum 75 nights tenance, kids programming, Park by the Board of Supervisors in 2010 when per year after registration and payment Rangers, better lighting and trails, our heroes repealed a law requiring public of the hotel tax. I resent the hundreds of security enhancements, and play- disclosure of lobbyist spending to influ- thousands of dollars spent by Airbnb to ground directors. ence City Government decisions, directly bamboozle voters. As of September 23, it Supervisor Mark Farrell spoke about Parks and playgrounds Playground accessibility was or indirectly. (In establishing the Ethics reported donations of $7,965,000 plus non- the focus of the next item as Farrell discussed the “Shared Schoolyard Project,” which Commission by a charter amendment, monetary contributions of $381,000, a total has raised money and volunteers to open schoolyards throughout the city on week- voters bestowed on the Commission the of $8,346,000! Vote “yes” on Proposition ends. To date, the program has reopened 28 of the 100 schoolyards, and is projecting power directly to submit any tightening of F and thwart the lawbreakers who destroy the reopening of 50 more over the next 2 years. As a result there are more places for ethics rules at City Hall directly to voters residential neighborhoods, including those children to play, and with the fences unlocked and embraced by the local neighbor- without first obtaining Board of Supervi- west of Twin Peaks. hoods, there has been less trash and less graffiti than when the yards are closed and sors affirmation. That’s how Proposition C Propositions G and H now constitute unattended. All of this has been done without taxes being raised for this program. To made the ballot.) Proposition C will apply Cont. p. 6 learn more, go to www.sfsharedschoolyard.org. the same requirements to nonprofit entities The meeting continued with committee reports on updates to the Balboa Res- that are required of all other lobbying prac- ervoir project; Public Health; Open Space and Transportation. More details on these titioners, namely, reporting all money in QUENTIN’S BALLOT GUIDE items can be found at the WOTPCC website. excess of $2,500 spent monthly to influence Prop A Housing Bond...... No In the final discussion of the evening, a resolution was presented by Avrum government decisions. Talk about howling Prop B Paid Leave...... No Shepard to have the WOTPCC send a letter in opposition to proposed advisory legis- like a “stuck pig.” Nonprofit entities under Prop C Lobbyist Disclosure...... Yes lation by the Board of Supervisors (written by Supervisor Avalos) to make the ticket- Proposition C can no longer conceal their ing of bicyclists for failing to stop at intersections the lowest priority of the SF police. expenditures to obtain financial and other Prop D Waterfront Development...... Yes A spirited discussion on the rights of bicyclists and drivers ensued. A vote was even- emoluments from City government under Prop E Remote Public Testimony...... No tually taken and the motion to oppose the legislation passed by a vote of 12-1 with 1 the guise of immunity based upon non- Prop F Airbnb Hotel Taxes...... Yes abstention. profit status which enables such entities to Prop I Housing Moratorium...... No The next regular meeting of the WOTPCC will be on Monday, October 26th 1 at 7:30 pay their administrators salaries in six fig- Prop J “Legacy Business” Fund...... No ures or more. That’s why many nonprofit PM at the historic Forest Hills Clubhouse. For more information see the WOTPCC website Prop K “Surplus” land sales...... No (www.westoftwinpeaks.org). corporations (and their lawyers) oppose Proposition C. Voters should pass it. Page 4 October 2015

Sanctuary City Mayor’s “Affordability Agenda” Inequities By Former Supervisor Tony Hall Don’t Re-Elect Mayor Ed Lee he Sanctuary City movement grew out of efforts by churches By Patrick Monette-Shaw in the 1980’s to provide sanctuary to mainly Central Ameri- Tcans who were fleeing violence and political and religious persecution in their countries. ver since being appointed Mayor five years ago in Janu- Innocent and law abiding aliens who non-compliance with some or all of the ary 2011, Ed Lee has distinguished himself as a court arrived in our country to escape persecu- detainers issued by ICE. Ejester, often favoring his billionaire backers. tion should be provided with some form According to the Center for Immi- Do San Franciscans really need, let Examiner on August 5, they were roundly, of immigration status until a path to citi- gration Studies, from Jan. 1 to Aug.31, alone want, another four years of his so- and uniformly, shocked to read an exposé zenship was established. Like most Ameri- 2014, 8145 criminal alien offenders were called “consensus leadership” skills on top of allegations of public corruption, fea- cans, I am sympathetic to the plight of released because Sanctuary Cities refused of the five years we’ve already suffered turing photos of Mayor Lee and Board of those who come to escape persecution, are to cooperate with detainers from ICE. through? Supervisors president London Breed, plas- law abiding, and demonstrate in their per- Of the 8145 released, 63%, or 5,131 As part of his jobs-jobs-jobs agenda, tered across the front page. sonal lives and work ethic that they truly were previously convicted, or charged with Lee appears to have potentially been on a The story’s headline on page four want to become citizens for the betterment a serious crime — “Public Safety Concern.” City-jobs buying binge. reading “Mayor allegedly took bribes in of themselves and their families. Of the 8145 released, 25%, or 2036 Given his plunging approval ratings, exchanges for favors” came as a complete However, the prevailing sentiment of were already felons at the time of release. voters would be wise to elect anyone-but- shock to most San Franciscans, despite tolerant Americans in the ‘80s was a clear Of the 8145 released, 25% went on to Ed-Lee, or cast no vote for mayor. There’s rumors of City Hall corruption that have signal to the political “intelligencia” of San commit an additional 4300 serious crimes. plenty of upside in withholding your vote circulated for decades. Francisco who sensed an opportunity to Of these recidivists, 60% are still at large. for mayor. Evidence presented in the racketeer- show the world just how wonderful and Since Aug 31 of 2014, the number of In just a short two-year period, Mayor ing prosecution of Raymond “Shrimp concerned they were about the plight of criminal aliens released by sanctuary juris- Lee’s approval rating plunged nearly 30%, Boy” Chow reportedly alleged implication refugees. As a result, they passed a 1989 dictions has exceeded 17,000 with 60% from 65% favorable approval in 2013 to of a wide array of City and State leaders, just 38% as late as April 2015. Concomi- including Mayor Lee, involving alleged tantly, his disapproval ratings have soared bribery schemes, pay-to-play plots, cam- …the Supervisors, supported by the current Mayor…severely by almost 20%, from 28% in January 2013 paign contribution money laundering, limiting the ability of local authorities to honor any requests to 46% April 2015. For all anyone knows, and state construction contract rigging, from Immigration and Customs Enforcement his approval ratings may have plunged according to a filing in Federal court the even further since last April. With num- day before by “Shrimp Boy’s” attorneys. law called the City and County of Refuge still at large. bers like these, who would vote for him? “Shrimp Boy’s” attorneys requested ordinance, which went so far as to prohibit Sanctuary City policies actually hin- “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs”: Patronage City Jobs? the case against him be dismissed due to city employees from helping federal immi- der the ability of local law enforcement to Between the time Lee was appointed the alleged selective prosecution of him, gration enforcement efforts unless com- protect society because information, such Mayor at the half-way point in FY 2010– but not prosecution of Mayor Lee, among pelled by court order or state law. as provided in detainers, is ignored. 2011 and the end of others. The court fil- In 2007, then San Francisco Mayor Advocates often promote the “myth” FY 2014–2015 in June ing quotes and refer- Gavin Newsom, never one to pass up a that society is safer because thepolicies 2015, the City’s payroll Let’s hand Ed Lee far ences FBI wiretaps, political grandstanding opportunity, reaf- allow illegal immigrants to cooperate with increased by a stagger- body wires, agents firmed that no city employee would be law enforcement. But federal “U Visas” ing 13.1%, from 34,576 fewer than the 59,775 and sources. Then allowed to help in any “way, shape or form” already afford illegal aliens protection in employees to 39,122 votes he garnered during the San Francisco Human with immigration enforcement. 1 cooperating with law enforcement. employees, an increase first round of ranked choice Rights Commis- In 2013, the Supervisors, supported I am sure there have been abuses by of 4,546 additional sioner Nazly Mohajer by the current Mayor, unanimously passed ICE agents whereby innocent and law City employees, which votes in 2011. Maybe that will was recorded on tape a Due Process for All Ordinance severely abiding aliens have been deported. A par- added over a half-bil- send him a signal he needs to explaining how she limiting the ability of local authorities to tial solution to this problem might be the lion dollars in total pay rapidly become the “people’s laundered Lee’s cam- honor any requests from Immigration and creation of a federal judge or magistrate excluding increases in mayor,” not the “developer’s paign money. Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold sus- system that would review individual illegal benefits and retirement The next day, on pects up to 48 hours beyond their sched- immigrant data and recommend deporta- costs over the five fiscal mayor.” August 6, we were uled jail release without a court order, tion proceedings where warranted. years during his tenure. even more shocked to except for those convicted of a violent The present immigration system is Cushy Management Positions read Jonah Owen Lamb’s hardcopy article felony within the previous seven years. wholly mismanaged and underfunded. Digging deeper looking into the City in the Examiner, which reported “Mayor It’s hard to believe that this Ordinance They cannot even keep up with the track- Controller’s payroll database, it turns out Ed Lee knew his underlings were arrang- was passed in the wake of the horrible ing and deportation of some 60% of exist- that of the addition 4,546 employees, ing campaign money laundering schemes, 2008 SF Bologna family murders, where a ing illegal alien felons who have been fully 2,971 (65.4%) are employees earning and they were caught saying as much on mother lost a husband and two sons to a released into society by sanctuary cities. over $100,000 annually Those 2,971 new FBI wires …” In addition to Mohajer, known illegal criminal alien, who should To make matters even worse, earlier employees suck $491,869,027 (94.1 %) of former Human Rights Commission staff have been deported before the murders this year the Obama administration gave the increased $522,510,769 in increased member Zula Jones was also caught on but was protected under sanctuary laws! 2 sanctuaries free rein to ignore detainers by payroll costs during Lee’s tenure. They wire saying Lee “knew he was taking the No matter how well intentioned a law ending the successful Secure Communities represent 64.5% of new hires, but gobble money illegally.” may be in its creation, to enforce it in real- Program (SCP), replacing it with the Pri- 94.1% of the increased payroll. Reportedly, Lee met with an under- ity often brings unwanted consequences. If ority Enforcement Program (PEP) which Why did the Mayor need to hire cover FBI agent April 6, 2012 and discussed city employees and local law enforcement explicitly allows local agencies to disre- 1,265 more employees earning between the first $10,000 illegal “straw donor” con- agencies are forbidden from cooperating gard ICE detainers of deportable aliens in $149,000 and $199,999 plus another 559 tributions to break up one person’s con- with ICE unless such cases involve a court their custody, and replacing detainers with more employees earning $200,000 and up? tributions exceeding donor limits into order, they can easily ignore the primary “requests for notifications” which contain Combined, the 1,824 additional employees smaller contributions. During an April tool that ICE uses to initiate deportation no information about the alien in question earning over $150,000 cost $345,405,936, 25, 2012 phone call, Mohajer spoke ill of proceedings against illegal criminal aliens. or provisions for enforcement. fully 66% of the $522.5 million increase in the Mayor, saying she found San Francisco A detainer is the primary tool used by ICE If local or state laws forbid compli- the City’s payroll. politicians are extremely corrupt and that to notify another law enforcement agency ance because of Sanctuary City policies, The data shows that between citywide Ed Lee “is worse than all of them.” that ICE intends to take custody of crimi- the agency should be able to communicate senior managers and senior managers at On August 14, Jonah Owen Lamb nal aliens for deportation. The detainer with ICE by phone, email, or other means MUNI, the Mayor added 129 such posi- reported in the Examiner that “Shrimp includes information on the alien’s crimi- to coordinate a custody transfer. tions, at a cost of $30 million, including 31 Boy” Chow’s August 4 motion also asserted nal history, immigration violations, and The solution is for Congress to additional Deputy Directors and Depart- that Annemarie Conroy — who is cur- potential risk to public safety or security. revamp our federal immigration system to ment Heads at a cost of $7.5 million. Why rently in charge of External Affairs for the By forbidding City employees from insure fairness to those law abiding aliens did Mayor Lee need another 31 deputy U.S. Attorney’s Office and has connections cooperating with Immigration authori- who seek citizenship, and at the same directors and department heads to run to San Francisco City politicians — “used ties without a court order, our “leaders” time spell out in federal law that local law City government? her position of influence to cull political have now created a more serious problem. enforcement agencies must cooperate with Since 2003, when former City Super- figures out of the prosecution, and selec- By not allowing cooperation, detainers ICE detainers regarding serious criminal visor Tom Ammiano first identified a tively prosecute others.” In other words, are ignored with the result that the more offenders or face sanctions from certain problem with just 2,918 then-City employ- Mr. Lamb reported Ms. Conroy appears to serious illegal criminal offenders can be kinds of federal funding. ees earning greater than $90,000 annually, have spared prosecution of Mayor Lee. shielded under Sanctuary City laws from Instead of creating laws that obstruct, we now have 11,886 more employees who By August 27, the Examiner carried its deportation proceedings. Why would any- wouldn’t it be unique if our leaders actu- do — yes, nearly twelve thousand more — “Broke-Ass Stuart” (a.k.a., Stuart Schuff- one not want to have the information pro- ally expended effort in trying to fix or costing $1.7 billion more than in 2003. man) columnist’s article on how to fix San vided in detainers readily available to local repair our broken immigration system, so Also since 2003, the City hired or Francisco’s corruption problem. Stuart — authorities sworn to protect society? that those who deserve to stay here have promoted 620 senior managers citywide, who is running for election as mayor in Certain opportunistic politicians have a chance versus those who have dem- including an additional 124 deputy direc- November — observed: found it rewarding to pander to a specific onstrated that they should be deported tors and department heads, costing an “The corruption in this town has constituent base without thinking through because of their criminal activity. additional $100 million annually in sala- become unbearable. It’s so blatant that it’s their affect on the public safety. Sanctuary Tony Hall served twice as Supervisor for ries alone. Can anyone explain why San hit a point of arrogance. The mayor and his policies, while purporting to protect the District 7 Francisco needed 124 more deputy direc- cronies feel untouchable and because of this, innocent and law abiding, actually gives tors and department heads, 25% (31) of things are getting worse, far worse.” cover to illegal criminal aliens. 1.www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/New- whom were added during Lee’s five-year Upside in Not Voting for a Mayor As of last year, 276 jurisdictions som-pledges-to-make-SF-a-sanctuary-for- tenure? I recommend that you cast no vote across the country have adopted some illegal-2600279.php Allegations of Corruption for mayor at all. This will not only send a form of sanctuary policies that encourage 2. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Ramos When San Franciscan’s reached for signal to Lee that voters totally disapprove their morning copy of the San Francisco Cont. p. 7 Page 5 October 2015 Commentary Power and Housing By Steve Lawrence ince 2002, when the electorate relieved SFPUC (water, sewer, power) from the need to obtain voter approval for its bond Sfunds, SFPUC has been expanding. Need money? Most city agencies must ask voters for it; not SFPUC. Long after the public officials strut and crow, CleanPowerSF will be building away. One hopes the resulting facilities will economically gener- ate electricity. If not, you’ll be reading about another city “boondoggle.” While its $4.7 billion water program money has been fronted for startup.) is unfinished, and SFPUC is just getting What would build-out of renewable under ground on its $6.9 billion sewer generation facilities cost? That is the big program, next year SFPUC will open a question. Mid-range estimates are that 56 retail power sales business. Called Clean- megawatts of solar might be put up for • © 2015 PowerSF, it will sell electricity in competi- $173 million, a bit over $3 million capital My 2¢ Will Durst tion with the much-despised PG&E. Juice cost per megawatt. For wind, the estimate flows in the Spring. is $732 million for 328 megawatts, or about GREED NOT GOOD. Part of this new endeavor is more $2.25 million per megawatt. Geothermal et this. And get it straight. Gordon Gekko was wrong. Greed ambitious than merely poking PG&E in its is penciled in at considerably more. Solar is not good. Greed is bad. Greed eats away the core of soci- bread basket. CleanPowerSF plans to build prices have been declining. Wind is draw- Gety like a golden parasitic leech the size of Manitoba. Or Sas- local and regional renewable power- gen- ing more attention because of bird and bat katchewan. One of those Provinces or Territories or Protectorates or whatever they use erating facilities. kills; will its cost rise accordingly? in Canada to keep their license plates distinct. At first CleanPowerSF will buy much Although no schedule is yet firm, $200 of the power it will sell, including renew- million of bonds might be sold during the …when a man who sucks up to bigots and racists calls you able energy, on the open market. The hope first five years, documents show. Build-out is to gradually generate ever more renew- should begin in year two, with some roof- shameless, it’s definitely time to rethink your priorities.” able power itself. In this way residents will top solar in year one as well. The build-out And practicing and/ or defending how much is your life worth? Half of what be put to work. The electrical workers schedule will be dependent on finances, greed makes you nothing but a blood- you own? Everything? Your first born? union, which belatedly is on board, looks still a big question mark. sucking tick no matter how fancy a suit Gilead Sciences is publicly traded, but forward to build-out work. Costs can easily multiply. Clean- you’re wearing. Or size of the diamonds Turing Pharmaceuticals has no stockhold- What is the plan? Competitor PG&E PowerSF will charge the cost of SFPUC around your wrist. Or how free-range the ers to report to. Just Shkreli, the former is under much pressure to supply an ever employees who work on the matter. It organic heirloom Chicken Florentine is on hedge fund manager. A group known for higher percentage of renewable energy. must obtain environmental clearances, or your plate. having the same conscience as starving There is demand aplenty. Why hasn’t that pay a private contractor to do so. It will be The movie “Wall Street” came out in hyenas in heat. These guys make a safari of demand been sufficient to motivate the using land for two purposes, instead of just 1987. And after Vietnam and Watergate lion-killing dentists look cuddlesome. building of the renewable generation facili- the one now involved (say water transmis- and an oil embargo and 4 years of scolding Remember the traders who advised ties CleanPowerSF plans? Are the projects sion). It must connect up to the grid, or by Jimmy Carter, a little irrational exuber- clients to buy stocks that they themselves CleanPowerSF plans economical? Clean- bring power to the city directly. There are ance may have seemed warranted. But that were getting rid of? Them’s our boys. The PowerSF must keep its prices comparable always changes and claims. For the water was 30 years ago. Too much is no longer mindset of a hedge funder is whatever it to PG&E’s, or its customers will bail. program, now four-fifths done, these have not enough. Too much has gotten way out takes to make the most money: lie, cheat, CleanPowerSF does start with some increased costs more than twenty percent of hand. Today’s too much is much much steal and worse. They rewrote the book on advantages. The City has already built (and not all are solved). too much. worse. solar on rooftops of Moscone Convention Supervisors keen to take a poke at In his UN address, the Pope said it And now that worse includes letting Center, and other public buildings around PG&E are cheering on CleanPowerSF. best. “A selfish and boundless thirst for people die for profit. We’ve moved beyond town. That power gives CleanPowerSF a Even the mayor has come around to sup- power and material prosperity leads both taxing hedge fund managers at the same head start. porting what had been viewed as a dubi- to the misuse of available natural resources rate as real humans and moved into decid- Going forward, CleanPowerSF plans ous endeavor, financially dangerous. Long and to the exclusion of the weak and dis- ing how long the season should be for to site renewable generation at properties after the public officials strut and crow, advantaged.” You know what; he’s right. hedge fund manager hunting. Bows? Shot- owned or controlled by SFPUC. Using CleanPowerSF will be building away. One Got to love Papa Frankie. The guy is like guns? Anti-tank guided weapons? property for a second purpose, Clean- hopes the resulting facilities will economi- a slightly older more lovable Argentin- What’s to keep these guys from cre- PowerSF may not need to pay full freight. cally generate electricity. If not, you’ll be ian Bernie Sanders. With the crank dialed ating diseases for which their companies Such projects will probably be built and reading about another city “boondoggle.” down to a manageable hum. conveniently have the antidote? Ethics? operated by a contractor pursuant to a * * * Let’s be honest; what we’re really talk- How often have Republicans lectured us: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) under Returning to the stoop: SF’s afford- ing about here is that idiot CEO, Martin there is no ethical consideration, only which all power generated will be sold able housing policy. While there are a wide Shkreli who raised the price of the life- business. to CleanPowerSF at a given cost for a set range of numbers, among the latest is Lee’s saving drug, Daraprim, from $13.50 a Speaking of ethically challenged, even number of years. 10,000 affordable units by 2020, 2000 per pill to $750 each, because, and I quote, he Donald Trump called the price hike a dis- Consultants have recommended year. “needs to start making a profit.” A 5,455% grace and said Shkreli should be ashamed where CleanPowerSF can build renewable But not counted, nor seemingly con- increase: which if produce distributors did of himself. And when a man who sucks up generation. Solar, wind and geothermal sidered, are affordable units taken off the to onions would make a side of rings about to bigots and racists calls you shameless, it’s facilities are likely to be built. Over fifty market. Some go Ellis Act; some may go 3 grand. definitely time to rethink your priorities. megawatts of solar is said to be possible, because they have been “affordable” for the This rapacious price gouge follows in Will Durst is an award-winning, nationally located in Sunol Valley, SFO (parking lot), agreed number of years, usually twenty- the carnivorous footsteps of Gilead Sci- acclaimed columnist and comedian. Go to Hunters Point, at various reservoirs and five, which are up. Are we not interested ences who developed a drug called Solvadi, willdurst.com for info about his new one- water storage facilities around town, and in adding units, net? Why not follow the a cure for Hepatitis C. The treatment regi- man show “BoomeRaging: From LSD to at Piers 90-94. Wind generation could pro- change in the number of affordable units. men consists of 84 pills. Each one costing OMG,” and the documentary “3 Still Stand- vide up to over 300 megawatts, almost all The population of SF is increasing on the 1000 dollars. That’s right. 84 thousand dol- ing” premiering at the Roxie in SF on Oct. 9. at regional sites, including Walnut Grove, order of 10,000 per year. What percentage lars. But then you’re cured. And after all, Montezuma Hills, Sunol, Altamont Pass, of newcomers require affordable units? At Tesla and Oceanside water facilities. Small 2000 per year, are we getting ahead or fur- Award Winning News for the Neighborhood hydro projects, and a geothermal expan- ther behind? — Society of Professional Journalists sion, may also be pursued. Better yet, review housing policy. For How this ambitious building program years city government led the way towards Correction: A photograph of Supervisor Jane Kim was incorrectly identified as plays out is anyone’s guess. CleanPowerSF affordable housing. Is it succeeding? If not, Supervisor Katy Tang in the September edition. We regret the error. is looking to invest “profits” from early perhaps a course change is indicated? How sales in its build-out program. Also, bonds about zoning rationally, and unleashing www.westsideobserver.com will be sold to fund the build-out. While no the private market? Sure, in the short-term PO Box 27176, SF 94127 • 415 517-6331 Contributors: Linda Ayers-Frederick, Mitch Bull, Julie Casson, Matt voter approvals are needed to sell bonds, the new housing built will be luxury. But in Publisher: Mitch Bull Davies, Will Durst, John Farrell, Lynn Gavin, Flora Lynn Isaacson, Jack CleanPowerSF must convince creditors the longer run the full spectrum of demand [email protected] Kaye, Dr. Derek Kerr, Dr. Carol Kocivar, Tony Hall, Quentin Kopp, Steve that it is a worthwhile credit risk. This is should be balanced with supply. We have a Editor: Doug Comstock Lawrence, Anise J. Matteson, Barbara Meskunas, Brandon Miller, Don a new venture. Consultants believe SFPUC housing policy that has not worked, is not [email protected] Lee Miller, Patrick Monette-Shaw, Sergio Nibbi, Dr. Maria Rivero, Avrum has the expertise to go into business, but working, and yet our leaders clamor for Ad Sales • Mitch Bull Shepard, Howard Strassner, Sally Stephens, Peter Warfield, George it lacks a track record and is unproven. As more. What’s the definition of insane? Wooding, Nancy Wuerfel. . 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 an enterprise department, taxpayers are Steve Lawrence is a Westside resident and publisher of this paper. The Westside Observer is a free monthly newspaper serving the entire West of Twin Peaks area of San Francisco. not to pay; revenues generated are to cover SF Public Utility Commission stalwart. Circulation is 18,000 copies, distributed 10 times a year. 16,000 are distributed -to-door, 2000 are distributed via free distribution racks in the West of Twin Peaks area, as well as libraries and other key drop-off points (see westsideobserver.com/hardcopy.html). costs. (However, six million dollars of City Feedback: [email protected] Page 6 October 2015 No, No, No - Farrell (Cont. from p. 1) rejected the 8 Washington project which Eucalyptus(Cont. from p. 1) the Oakland fire – dry, hot temperatures taxpayers to pay the bill, and save millions wanted to increase the height limit to 130 unwelcome immigrants. after a prolonged, deep winter freeze – do in bond interest payments. Further, there ft but provided no affordable housing on The question facing San Francisco not occur in San Francisco’s moderate, are also balances as of June 30, 2015 in site. The Mission Rock Initiative by the is: Do we really want to see most of the foggy climate. Eucalypts are not the fire two existing City trust funds for affordable Giants organization is asking for a height trees on Mount Sutro and Mount David- danger here that we’ve been told. housing totaling approximately $95.7 mil- increase of buildings up to 240 ft (24 sto- son cut down because of the preference of It is ironic that native plant advocates lion that are unencumbered. ries), and is way out of line (Just think of some people for the former, treeless San cite fire as a reason to cut down non-native I can’t get over that the Mayor’s the 18 story Fontana West at the end of Francisco? Do we, as a City, really want to eucalyptus trees since they want to replace FY2015-16 budget of $8.96 billion is $1 bil- Van Ness Ave and picture it 1/3 or 6 stories support an ideology that says arbitrarily the forests with native grassland. Grass lion more than it was 2 years ago and City higher). But that is my opinion. I’m just a defined natives are “better” than more ignites easily; trees don’t. Replacing euca- Hall is still asking homeowners for more. fool who loves this City and doesn’t want recent arrivals, even those who have been lyptus forests with native grassland may Something is really wrong here. City Hall another eyesore on our City landscape, here for over a hundred years? actually increase the fire danger to sur- must be made accountable. No on Prop A. especially not on our waterfront. No on Let’s look more closely at the argu- rounding homes. No on Prop D - Mission Rock Development - The Prop D. ments against eucalypts. What about the drought? Is it killing SF Giants organization wants to transform By the way, if you added all the heights For years, native plant advocates said the eucalyptus? Jake Sigg, a well-known a 28-acre industrial site on Port property, of the eleven buildings and divided by eucalyptus trees were highly “invasive” and native plant advocate, has called for cut- currently used as a surface parking lot for eleven and made adjustments for the bases would spread uncontrollably if left alone, ting down blue gum eucalyptus in city Giants games, into a mixed-use, 11 build- of the buildings than you would accom- and, therefore, should be cut down. The parks for over a decade. He has cited all the ing $1.6 billion development featuring modate all the space needed for the project California Invasive Plant Council (Cal- reasons debunked above. Now he’s claim- waterfront parks, 1500 rental units with with building heights of no more than 150 IPC) originally agreed. But last March, ing that in the next few years, all the euca- 33% of affordable housing, retail and 1.5 feet (15 stories). But that is my opinion. after significant criticism of that position, lyptus will be dead from the drought. million sq ft of office space, a new parking That’s a win win. Cal-IPC took another look at eucalypts. As Sigg claims that epicormic sprouts, garage and the restoration of historic Pier No on Prop I - Suspension of Market Rate Mis- a result, they have downgraded the inva- an unusual growth of leaves, have recently 48 for a new Anchor Steam Brewery. sion District Housing - If passed the City siveness of blue gum eucalyptus trees from been seen on eucalyptus in San Francisco, The Mission Rock Initiative on the would suspend the issuance of permits “moderate” to “limited.” and are a sure sign the trees will soon die. November ballot would allow the Giants in the Mission District for market rate Just look at Mount Davidson, half cov- Except, that’s not true. Epicormic sprouts to increase the existing height limit of 40 housing for 18 months and develop a sta- ered in a eucalyptus forest, and half cov- are a survival mechanism for eucalyptus feet on waterfront land to 90 to 190 feet for bilization plan. The Mission District has ered in grassland. The borderline between trees. Sometimes, they’re a response to office and retail uses and 120 to 240 feet gone through a dramatic change due to the two halves hasn’t changed significantly stress, but other times they’re just part of for rental housing, with 33% of the units gentrification displacing lower income in over 100 years. Eucalypts are not the the normal growth cycle of the tree. The dedicated for affordable housing. residents and small businesses. Without invasive threat we’d been told they were. epicormic sprouts Sigg is seeing are actu- If this was another developer besides gentrification we wouldn’t have the Cas- Native plant advocates then tried to ally a sign the trees are coping with the the Giants I believe they wouldn’t even tro, Noe Valley, Alamo Square and other claim that eucalyptus leaves that fall to drought, not necessarily surrendering to it. consider going to the voters asking for neighborhoods that were rundown and the ground contain chemicals that kill Ironically, the drought is not the only such a large increase in the height. The people came in and fixed up the properties all other plants, turning forest floors into environmental stressor facing the euca- only reason that this initiative is being put increasing the value of the neighborhoods. ecological deserts or “mono-cultures” to lypts. Over the past few years, thousands to the voters is because of the increase in The Mission has been up and coming for justify cutting them down. However, labo- of the trees have been cut down in San the waterfront height limits as required by the last 50 years and was considered a ratory studies and inventories of plants on Francisco to “thin” the non-native for- Prop B. Prop B was approved by the vot- tough neighborhood and rundown. It is the ground around trees have largely dis- ests. Thinning changes the environment ers in June of 2014, which prevented the now becoming a chic neighborhood due proved this old wives’ tale. Indeed, as part in which the remaining trees live – more City from allowing any development on to gentrification. The problem is not gen- of its re-evaluation of eucalypts, Cal-IPC light, more wind, less fog drip, herbicides Port property to exceed the height limits in trification; the problem is no vision from removed most references to eucalyptus use, etc. – all of which can trigger the effect as of January 1, 2014 unless the City’s the government to provide affordable leaf litter killing plants on the forest floor. trees’ protective response of epicormic voters approved the height limit increase. housing for low-income and middle class. The Cal-IPC re-evaluation also noted sprouting. Over the next month, the Giants There is also a problem with quality of life that eucalyptus trees provide needed habi- Academic foresters and professional organization and its political allies will issues which is not even being addressed. tat for raptors, owls, and other animals. arborists who have looked at eucalyptus in stress the affordable housing, job cre- No on Prop I. They are one of the few sources of nectar San Francisco city parks say the forests are ation, waterfront parks, and transforming John Farrell Broker/Realtor® – Farrell Real available during winter months for bees, largely healthy, even with the sprouts, and a parking lot into a neighborhood asset. Estate, MBA, Former City Asst. Assessor- hummingbirds, and monarch butterflies. they expect the trees to live another 200 Which is fabulous and needed. But if they Budget/Special Projects, Westside resident Turns out, cutting down eucalypts won’t years. really care, then drop the height more. Isn’t - [email protected] help forest biodiversity. This discussion about eucalyptus trees it deceiving that Prop D is about height Searching for a new justification, isn’t just academic. The San Francisco Rec- limits but is not mentioned in any of the native plant advocates then seized on the reation and Parks Department has a Natu- Yes on Prop D ads. But that’s politics. FARRELL’S BALLOT GUIDE idea that the trees present a significant fire ral Areas Program (NAP) that plans to The 40 ft height limit was set to pro- Prop A Housing Bond...... No danger. This grew out of the 1991 Oak- convert existing habitat (including euca- tect the waterfront. The voters approved Prop D Waterfront Development...... No land Hills firestorm, in which eucalyptus lyptus forests) in one-quarter of the City’s the Pier 70 development project which Prop I Housing Moratorium...... No trees (along with nearly everything else) parkland to a native plant gardens. The increased the height to 90 ft. The voters burned. Native plant advocates told us that NAP Management Plan (its Final EIR will had the eucalypts not been there, the trag- be released soon) calls for the removal of Quentin Kopp (Cont. from p. 3) J. Sloane, the Flytrap, Hungry i, and Capp’s edy might not have happened. over 18,000 healthy, mature trees, mostly Corner come and go. If an enterprise is But there have been other urban wild- eucalypts, because they are non-native and ballot “litter.” G is sponsored by Electrical genuinely “healthy,” to use City Hall’s bal- fires in which eucalyptus trees did not so that they can be replaced with native Workers Local 1245, which is in bed with lot argument, it will continue to exist. Why burn. For example, in the 2003 Scripps grasses and scrub. On Mount Davidson, PG&E in trying to delay so-called “clean” should taxpayers subsidize landlords and Ranch Fire in San Diego, wildfire swept for example, 1,600 trees are slated for energy like sun and wind power. The businesses like Boudin Bakery or Recol- through a subdivision, burning houses to removal. union abandoned Proposition G a month ogy, which are the largest donors? I’m vot- the ground, but leaving adjacent eucalyp- NAP also endorses the repeated and ago, and Proposition H is now the favorite ing “no” on Proposition J. I strongly urge tus trees untouched. Clearly, at Scripps large-scale use of the toxic herbicides of City Hall. You can play their silly games readers to do so, too. Ranch, fire plus eucalypts did not equal (such as Roundup, recently classified as a by not voting on either or voting for Prop Proposition K Lastly, Proposition K sig- disaster. probable carcinogen) in its “natural” areas. H and against Prop G. nifies yet another City Hall effort to con- The Oakland fire occurred after a The herbicides, applied to eucalyptus Proposition I is essentially in the same trol who receives the benefit of taxpayer prolonged, deep winter freeze in the East stumps, are the only way to prevent felled “silly” league. It’s an effort by the most left assets, in this instance taxpayer-owned Bay. According to a FEMA analysis, the trees from re-sprouting. wing San Francisco Supervisors to stop real estate deemed surplus by City Hall freeze caused many plants to die and euca- San Francisco will soon have to decide housing construction in the Mission Dis- bureaucrats. It establishes a percentage lypts to drop more leaves than usual onto if it really wants to decimate its urban trict for 18 months. I’m voting against it. quota for the always-clamoring subsidized the ground. The increased ground litter forests in the name of native plant ideol- Proposition J sorrowfully is an “only in housing parasites instead of simply selling and dead vegetation was never cleaned ogy. No one is saying that dead trees or San Francisco” measure. It establishes a taxpayer-owned assets for market value. up and contributed more fuel to the fire branches should not be removed to protect Legacy Businesses Historic Preservation The city budget for 2015-2016 is almost than would normally have been found in the public. That’s not what this “debate” Fund, which will cost taxpayers $3,700,000 $9,000,000,000. It exceeds Los Angeles, a eucalyptus forest. about eucalypts is about. this year, rising to as much as $94,000,000 which has a population of approximately Generally speaking, wildfires start in San Francisco has significantly fewer annually by 2040. It allows businesses and 4,000,000 people, by several million dol- grass or in litter on the ground, as hap- trees than most cities our size. Mature even their landlords, once nominated by lars. That’s chiefly due in our city of pened in Oakland. Grass fires spread trees scrub carbon dioxide out of the any supervisor or the Mayor to obtain 850,000 residents to financial disregard quickly, but, on their own, tend to stay atmosphere, helping reduce the effects of taxpayer money. Not even the “People’s and catering to special interests, whether close to the ground and don’t burn hot climate change. We need more trees, not Republic of Berkeley” gives away tax- technology billionaires or nonprofit City enough to ignite trees. It’s only if the grass less. payer money to pay landlords and keep Hall regulars. Proposition K is yet another fire moves into shrubs and bushes that it Our choice – protect healthy trees that certain (but remember, not all) businesses instance in which “pork barrel” projects begins to burn hotter and higher. Accord- may have originated somewhere else but in existence. Proposition J enables City will be enriched by the proceeds of surplus ing to wildfire experts at the US Geologi- have thrived here for over a century, or Hall-chosen businesses and their land- public land sales. Taxpayer-owned land cal Survey, only 3% of fires in California cut them down in service to an ideology lords to secure annual taxpayer grants should be sold at market value, not for sub- involve trees. that says anything not native is bad simply even though, as the Libertarian Party of sidies. That’s why I urgently recommend What ignites trees in a wildfire is wind. because it hasn’t been here long enough. San Francisco notes, they “make a lot of a vote against Proposition K. In Oakland, a strong, hot, dry wind pushed Nancy Wuerfel served on the Park, Recre- money on their own . . .” As many as 300 To summarize, it’s “Yes on Proposi- the fire. When wind whips up a grass fire, ation and Open Space Advisory Committee businesses will be eligible annually for tax- tions C, D and F and “No” on A, B, E, I, J it can burn everything in its path – grass, for nine years. Sally Stephens is Vice-Pres- payer money. Grants to landlords could and K. Don’t waste your time on G and H. shrubs, trees, and, tragically, homes. ident of the West of Twin Peaks Central reach $63,000,000 annually by 2040, says Retired former Supervisor, State Senator The fear-mongering that warns of an Council. Avrum Shepard is a Past-President the City Controller. Businesses open and and Judge Quentin Kopp lives in District 7 Oakland-style firestorm in San Francisco of the Greater West Portal Neighborhood close. Businesses are successful and unsuc- ignores an important fact – San Francisco Association. cessful. Businesses like the City of Paris, W. is not Oakland. The conditions that caused Page 7 October 2015 Drought Forum Our Intractable Housing Crisis San Francisco Tomorrow and the Potrero Hill Demo Club present a forum on the impact of the worst drought in By Howard Strassner 1300 years on the Bay environment and residents of the city. Are we - our governments, and our water agencies - doing enough to prepare for and deal with drought, especially given the realities of climate change? Tues, Oct 6, 7-9 PM • Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 DeHaro Street (Take 19-Polk to Southern Heights) an Francisco has a housing crisis as indicated by the low- Panelists include state as well as local experts on drought, climate change, and the Bay, including Adam Scow, est Housing Affordability Index in the country. The Index Food and Water Watch,Jennifer Clary, Clean Water Action, Barry Nelson, Western Water Strategies Scompares the median household income with the income needed to purchase a median-priced house. For many of us the Vote No on Mayor Lee (Cont. from p. 4) Index is just a number and the crisis is one that many of us want of his performance, it will also help make initiatives on future ballots. because it means that the price of our house will continually increase. But, for someone placing citizens signature petition initia- But if you feel compelled to vote for who makes just about the median income and needs a place to live, the crisis is real when tives for future municipal elections easier. a candidate for mayor, remember that the they are compelled to move for a very long buildings. Some of us wanted to preserve election is ranked choice. Consider vot- commute, or pay a rent that is so high that our views, or keep our curb side parking Consider this: In the November 2011, ing for these three candidates, in ranked they can have no expectation of saving space, or just maintain the best compro- only 197,242 of 464,380 registered San order: #1: Francisco Herrera, #2: Amy enough to ever own a place of their own or mise possible with our ideal of suburban Francisco voters bothered to vote. Voter Farah Weiss, and #3: Stuart Schuffman. Or helping a child to get an education. living. turnout in 2011 was just 42.47%, up from you could write yourself in (or anyone) as The reasons for this crisis are easily This is not a new phenomenon, San 35.6% voter turnout in the November 2007 a write-in candidate for Rank #1, and not understood if one considers that our Plan- Francisco has been trying to avoid this election when only 149,465 ballots were cast any votes for Ranks 2 and 3, if you’re ning Code limits housing to one or two crisis and provide affordable housing for cast by then 419,598 registered voters. really compelled to vote for someone. units per lot for about 20 square miles of over seventy years. First we used federal Given election results in the election Just don’t vote for Ed Lee, who needs our City. The rest of our 48 square miles funds to build low rise projects for war of Gavin Newsom for mayor in 2007, just to be sent a message voters have com- is: commercial; industrial; public space; workers, and then we used these projects 7,168 valid signatures of registered San pletely had it with his housing policies that high rise residential; and thankfully, many and others for our most needy. That just Francisco voters were required in 2011 to favor speculators and developers, which is small and few large parks. The short- concentrated problems, and poor manage- qualify a proposed signature petition ini- fueling massive displacement of long-time age of space allowable for dense housing ment by a City agency made things worse. tiative for the ballot, since City Charter San Franciscans. is compounded by the great number of But, it was politically acceptable because §14.101 stipulates the signature threshold After all, the Mayor’s dismissive very well- compensated jobs in the Bay not too many voters lived nearby. Next we is based on 5% of the entire vote cast for all remark that requiring 33% of new hous- area. In economic terms there is a lot of tried a mild form of rent control, which candidates for mayor at the last preceding ing to be affordable is merely a “sentimen- money seeking the limited supply of exist- was acceptable because not too many vot- regular municipal election. Based on the tal number” is insulting to those who’ve ing or possible new housing. Mean while ers knew investment property owners and turnout for Ed Lee for mayor in 2011, the already been displaced out of town, and to the median income, which is based on it didn’t apply to new construction. Mean- signature threshold climbed to 9,862 for those who soon will be. employment in most fields, is much lower while zoning controls were imposed, by the November 2014 election, an increase Let’s hand Ed Lee far fewer than the than highly-compensated lawyers, bank- popular demand of Nimbys, over most of of nearly 2,700 additional signatures to 59,775 votes he garnered during the first ers, and techies who bid up the price for the City, to limit most new housing sites qualify an initiative for the ballot. round of ranked choice votes in 2011. the limited supply of housing. This sup- to single family and low rise. There was Notably, under ranked choice vot- Maybe that will send him a signal he needs ply and demand scenario is further com- strong political support to just ignore the ing, if you skip filling in a ranked choice to rapidly become the “people’s mayor,” pounded in a City with very desirable, housing demands of people who wanted to slot, a quirk in San Francisco election law not the “developer’s mayor.” climate, scenery, and culture. share our very desirable, climate, scenery, transfers your ranked choices. When first- An expanded version of this article will The problem today is that our Plan- and culture, unless they were very wealthy. choice ranking is skipped as required, San appear on www.stopLHHdownsize.com. ning Code was established by a demo- Of course this deepened the afford- Francisco Charter Sec. 13.102 states: “If a Monette-Shaw is an open-government cratic process, over many years, which ability problem, so we moved on to man- voter casts a ranked-choice ballot but skips accountability advocate, a patient advocate, included the approval of elected Supervi- date that a portion of all larger new housing a rank, the voter’s vote shall be transferred and a member of California’s First Amend- sors and Mayors. Or another way to say projects be affordable to those earning less to that voter’s next ranked choice,” whether ment Coalition. He received the Society of this is that in the past most of us wanted than our median income. This attempt at that’s what you intended to do, or not. Professional Journalists–Northern Califor- to limit opportunities for new dense hous- a solution during the early stages of the Simply by not casting any vote for nia Chapter’s James Madison Freedom ing near where we live because we didn’t affordability crisis had some good features. mayor in November 2015, you will help of Information Award in the Advo- want the shadows from the tall buildings, Developers provided some affordable drive down the number of signatures cacy category in March 2012. Feedback: or to think about who might live in the Cont. p. 19 required to place citizen signature petition mailto:monette-shaw@westsideobserver.

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California Pacific Medical Center Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation sutterhealth.org/sanfrancisco Page 8 October 2015 Parkmerced (Cont. from p. 1) employees deprived residents of needed Money Matters By Brandon Miller Utilities Commission has investigated this assistance, and the SFPUC squandered issue. The SFPUC does not regulate resell- taxpayer funds that were needed for low- A Reminder That Markets Move up ing or third-party billing of its water. The income residents. What has Mayor Lee City owns the water through the SFPUC. done about the misappropriation of tax- and Down The City and County of San Francisco, the payer dollars among SFPUC employees? Mayor’s Office, SFPUC General Manager What measures has he instituted to ensure t’s happened many times before, but when we experienced a seri- and SFPUC Commissioners all have a fidu- it will never happen again? ous downward move in stocks in late August, it caught many investors off guard ciary role in the reselling of San Francisco’s There are low-income residents at Isince we hadn’t been through such a shift for quite some time. Beginning on water. Have violations of the law occurred Parkmerced who need assistance with utili- August 18 and ending on August 25, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost nearly regarding third-party billing for utilities at ties. Why is there no outreach to them? San 1,900 points or more than 10 percent of its value — a significant drop in a condensed Parkmerced? Francisco is a sanctuary city. Why did the period of time. At the close on August 25, 2015 the Dow Jones Index actually fell more Some residents at Parkmerced are SF Board of Supervisors not pass any leg- than 14 percent from the year-to-date high it reached in mid-May. proposing a utility party, a meeting of resi- islation or resolution regarding the utility More surprising than the drop itself may be that it had been roughly three years dents to analyze the charges for utilities. issue? Why has there been no elected offi- since the U.S. stock market experienced a correction of at least 10 percent.2 Histori- Some worry that the cloud of shame would cial advocating for the residents at Park- cally, such corrections tend to happen more frequently — on average once every two prevent residents from sharing as a com- merced? Why have the major newspapers years since 1932.2 munity the different charges for the same not reported on this issue? They have cus- Markets move in unexpected ways utilities. In order to determine that rates tomers who reside at Parkmerced. Stock markets are notoriously unpredictable in the short term. The events of are fairly charged, ask how many people Through the contractual agreement August 2015 are a reminder that the markets can move quickly with little or no warn- reside in your apartment and what you are with Parkmerced the City and County is ing. Nobody can say with certainty what will happen to stocks over the next week, being charged for utilities. Residents can responsible for the infrastructure at Park- month or even over the next year. For example, by early March of 2009, U.S. stock blackout their name and address on the merced. A law suit has been filed against markets had lost more than 50 percent of their value over an 18-month period. The utility bills to prevent Parkmerced’s bully- the City and County of San Francisco, Dow Jones Industrial Average bottomed at 6,547 and fears were running high. At that ing and intimidation. As a former resident SF Board of Supervisors Eric Mar, Malia point, many investors likely didn’t think they’d see the Dow Index around the 18,000 myself, I was issued two Three-Day Notices Cohen, Scott Wiener, Assemblyman David level that it reached this year in May of 2015. with different amounts. It does not take Chiu, Assessor Carmen Chu, Mayor Lee, It’s not about the markets — it’s about you an accountant to analyze the utility fees City Attorney Dennis Herrera, District It is important to look beyond the headlines and instead keep the focus on what charged to residents on file with the San Attorney George Gascón, SFMTA and the you are trying to accomplish with your investments over time. Short-term market Francisco Rent Board; anyone can see that SFPUC regarding the fiduciary responsi- fluctuations are a fact of life, but they should not drive investment strategy. It is impor- the numbers simply do not add up. bility regarding the issuance of Three-Day tant to assess your willingness to accept investment risk in conjunction with the goals There are frequent rumors of pay to Notices at Parkmerced. you are trying to achieve. A market correction may be a good time to step back and play politics in the City. “Money Changes A utility party will answer some of re-assess what you are trying to accomplish with your portfolio. Here are some things Everything,” as the song by Cindy Lau- these questions but not all of them. Vot- to consider: per asserts. Passage of the Parkmerced ers must hold elected officials accountable. If you have years to let your money grow Development Agreement and approval Many of the issues raised in this article can If you are still several years from retirement, there may be less reason to be con- by the Mayor created a contractual agree- only be answered in a court of law. cerned with short-term market swings. Make sure your portfolio is positioned in the ment between Parkmerced and the City The San Francisco Gray Panthers will most effective way to achieve your long-term goals consistent with the amount of fluc- and County. The equity firm partner with have a meeting on Sunday, October 18, tuation you are willing to accept over shorter periods. If you don’t feel your portfolio is Parkmerced Investors Properties, LLC paid 2015 from 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm. It will be at aligned with your goals given the recent bout of volatility, it may be time to work with the City nearly $400 million dollars for the the Main Public Library in the Koret Audi- a financial professional to reposition it. development agreement contract. Is Park- torium on the lower level. The meeting will If you are investing regularly in the market (such as contributions to your work- merced too big to investigate? Could this be titled “Utility Party.” San Franciscans place retirement plan or an IRA), the volatility could work in your favor through dol- be the reason why the SFPUC is silent on who pay third-party utility fees are invited lar-cost averaging. This is a method of investing that helps reduce the risks of market the utility issue at Parkmerced? to the meeting. There will be guest speak- timing by investing a fixed amount at regular intervals. When prices are low, your A recent scandal involved SFPUC ers to discuss this important issue – bring investment purchases more shares. When prices rise, you purchase fewer shares. Over employees who abused a program designed your utility bill! time, the average cost of your shares will usually be lower than the average price of for low-income San Franciscans offered by Lynn Gavin is a former Parkmerced resident. those shares. It does not assure a profit or protect against losses in a declining market. the SFPUC, though they did not qualify However, over longer periods of time it can be an effective means of accumulating for the low-income program. In short the shares. Investors should always consider their ability to continue investing through periods of low market prices. If retirement is drawing near Those who are within a few years of retirement tend to be more sensitive to short- term market moves and may want consider making some adjustments to their port- folios. This could include keeping more of your assets in less volatile investments that can help diversify stock market risk. Yet it’s still important to balance the need for growth opportunity as well as less volatile assets with the likelihood that your retire- ment could last for two-to-three decades or longer. Your next move really depends on what stage of life you are in and how close you are to retirement. Now would be a good time to talk with financial professional about your portfolio. The outlook? More unpredictability If there is one thing we can count on in the days ahead, it is more speculation about where the stock market may be headed. Various experts will voice different opinions about whether a further correction is in the cards or a major rally is on the horizon. Don’t be overly concerned with what you may read about in the papers or hear from TVProduction pundits. Specifi Your cations own: financial goals and the time you have to invest should guide yourPublication: investment Westside decisions. Observer BrandonMedia Unit: Miller, 5” x 4” CFP Horizontal is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group, A Private Wealth AdvisoryBleed Area: Practice None of Ameriprise Financial Inc. in San Francisco, specializing in helping Printing: Full Color LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals

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JML Contact...... Michael Padgett Client Name ...... Janet Moyer Landscaping Print - Westside Observer EST: 1990 Contact Phone ...... 415-821-3760 Job Title ...... Contact Email...... [email protected] Description ...... 5” x 4” Horz - Specialists Ad Page 9 October 2015 New Complaint Procedures Defeat Sunshine By Peter Warfield

he City’s official check on open government compliance, the Sunshine Ordi- nance Task Force, has been considering changes to their “Public Complaint TProcedure.” The group’s Chair, Allyson Washburn, said at the last meeting that she wants final decisions about the complaint procedure at the October 7 meeting. It has never been easy for a member that the level of support from other city of the public to bring, and win, a com- departments be as is called for in the Sun- plaint at the SOTF, but even more so after shine Ordinance: a “full-time staff person” Supervisor Scott Wiener made sure, sev- from the Clerk of the Board of Supervi- eral years ago, that not a single member sors and “an attorney from within the City of an excellent, but independent, Task Attorney’s Office … [who] “shall serve Force was re-appointed after he and sev- solely as a legal advisor and advocate to OCTOBER 2015 eral other supervisors were found by the the Task Force.” Or by referring all failures then-existing SOTF to be in violation of to comply, with SOTF orders to comply elcome to October, the time of change as summer fades away and the the law in their handling of Parkmerced- with the law, to the “district attorney or the changing colors of the leaves signify autumn and the move towards shorter related legislation. attorney general” within 5 days (Sunshine Wdays. October also means baseball playoffs (although not for our lads this After a period of many months dur- Sec. 67.21(e)). year), the frenzy of football (a mixed bag for Bay Area teams) and of course the election ing which the SOTF was unable to meet No, it appears the SOTF’s solution to season as we gear up for the local election on November because the Supervisors had also refused the backlog will be to squash complaints 3rd. Agree with him or not, in this issue our erstwhile col- to reappoint the only handicapped mem- via proposed changes to its Complaint umnist and political pundit Quentin Kopp offers his take ber, and the law requires that there be at Procedure, by discouraging, preventing, on the many propositions and items on the ballot. all times such a member present, new and even tossing out complaints from This month also features the bewitching day of Hal- members were appointed. Unfortunately, the public that come in over the transom. loween on the 31st, but we got an early taste with the lunar the SOTF has not dealt publicly with These proposed changes would throw eclipse on September 27, which featured a “blood” or red how to catch up on the resultant backlog major obstacles in the path of anyone moon; where the sun’s rays are diffracted by the earth to of cases by, for example, discussing the complaining about violations of the law, give the illusion that the moon has turned red. Out here problem at a meeting. Or by scheduling and give a great deal of powerful new on the edge of the world, we were privileged to have a good additional meetings until caught up, say discretionary actions to an already over- view of the phenomenon. meeting twice a month instead of only worked and under-staffed “staff” rather once a month. Or by stricter, prompter, than the Task Force or even its chair. Halloween Celebration… The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will be holding and clearer enforcement of the law, so that The new rules would allow the a spooky Halloween event at the St. Finn Barr Community Room on October 31st from violators are not encouraged to repeat by SOTF “staff” not to accept complaints at 11:30 – 2:00 PM. Food, fun enjoying endless delays on hearings, mul- all, unless the staff determines that cer- and much “spookiness”. The tiple hearings at various subcommittees, tain minimum criteria have been met. cost is $5 for kids to attend. and unclear Orders of Determination that The complaint would be reviewed, by fail to spell out precisely what action(s) staff, to determine whether it is under La Boulange of San Fran- caused what violations. Or by insisting Cont. p. 14 cisco? - It has been reported that La Boulange founder Paid Political Advertisement Pascal Rigo has agreed to reopen 6 sites of the shut-

tered chain under a new enterprise “La Boulange of San Francisco”. The six sites do not include the location on YES on A: San Francisco Affordable Housing Bond West Portal Avenue, but … is “Lemonade” on the horizon? New affordable and public housing without raising property taxes Los Angeles-based Lemonade, a fast casual chain that in YES on D: Approves the Giants' Mission Rock/Pier 48 Mixed-Use Project the words of its marketing department is “part lemonade YES on K: Expands Use of Surplus City Land for Affordable Housing stand, part grade-school cafeteria,” is reportedly in talks to set up shop in former La Boulange spaces. Unfortunately, website Eater SF reported (on 9/30) that while Lemonade is indeed taking over three of NO on F: Reduces Legal Home-Sharing Days the former La Boulange sites, the West Portal location is not on the list, so the future of Takes income from homeowners and renters, costs millions in lost taxes the property remains a mystery. NO on I: Places Moratorium on Housing Construction in the Mission Stops all housing production, driving housing costs higher Beach Chalet Field Appeal Denied…the First Appellate District Court of San Francisco Vote YES on H and NO on G has ruled against the Sierra Club’s appeal of the renovation of the Beach Chalet Soccer SF Forward – the Political Action Committee (PAC) of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce – is the fields. Recreation and Parks General Manager Phil Ginsberg released a statement say- political voice for businesses and residents who support sound economic policy and an exceptional quality ing, “This project is fundamentally about letting kids play. Through this renovation we of life for all San Franciscans. sfchamber.com/sf-forward Paid for by San Francisco Forward, sponsored by San Francisco Chamber will add 14,000 hours of play to our system each year. This victory is not just a court of Commerce. Financial disclosures are available at sfethics.org. victory, it’s a victory for San Francisco’s kids.

Phil’s Coffee Break… drop in and see Assemblymember Phil Ting in the Richmond for a coffee break to share your ideas and questions concerning the state budget and Proudly Serving The Families of West of Twin Peaks legislation. Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Garden House Cafe at 3117 Clement Street. “Caring Service Covered California Health Enrollment…Join Assemblymember Phil Ting November 1, is our also in the Richmond District for a Covered California Enrollment Fair- Covered Cali- fornia1 is the state’s online health insurance marketplace where you can compare health Highest Priority” plans and choose the one that’s best for you. Under the law, no one can be denied cov- erage for having a pre-existing condition. Representatives will also be present to help enroll individuals into Medi-Cal or Healthy San Francisco2. Sunday, November 1, 2015 from 1-4 pm at the Richmond Recreation Center, 251 18th Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome; however, pre-registration is encouraged. For more informa- tion and to pre-register for enrollment, please call (415) 557-2312 or online.3 The Bud Duggan Family Serving the Bay Area Since 1903 New Ingleside Library Garden unveiled…District 7 Supervisor Norman Yee, City Librarian Luis Herrera and public officials from San Francisco Public Works, San Fran- Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, Daly City 415 587-4500 FD1098 Driscoll’s Valencia St. Serra Mortuary, SF 415 970-8801 FD1665 cisco Public Utilities Commission and San Francisco Recreation and Parks, cut the Sullivan’s Funeral Home, SF 415 621-4567 FD 228 ribbon Thursday Sept. 24, on the newest public open space in the Ingleside neighbor- hood. The Ingleside Branch Library’s courtyard merged with what was undeveloped San Francisco Public Utilities Commission land to offer up a community space. The Parking Available at all locations new garden and play-to-learn area offers an expansion of reading area for library patrons Most Convenient San Francisco/Peninsula Locations and the public in general to enjoy. Traditional and Cremation Services The total budget for the project was $550,000, jointly funded by San Francisco Pub- Contact our Pre-Arrangement Department for your lic Utilities Commission, the Library and Supervisor Yee’s office. FREE Personal Planning Guide “My Funeral, My Way Do you have any information, news, or other tidbits that you would like to share with the neighborhood? Just drop a line to me at: mitch @westsideobserver.com 1. CoveredCA.com VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER ACCEPTED 2. healthysanfrancisco.org/participants/time-to-renew/necessary-documents-to-enroll/ dugansserra.com • driscollsmortuary.com • sullivansfuneralandcremation.com 3. lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ADInfo/einvites/AD19/449_Covered_California_Enrollment_Fair.html Page 10 October 2015 legs. Her neighbors jumped in to immo- and several other passengers assisted in bilized the suspect until the police arrived. making sure the suspect got off the bus. The suspect was arrested. Officers detained and cited for the battery. Tuesday 9/8 Robbery Shoplifting – Arrested 10:05 am | 400 Orizaba St 5:39 pm | 3200 20th Ave The victims were sitting in a vehicle when An employee saw the suspect select numer- two suspects, one with a gun, approached ous items from the store and put them in them and demanded their property. The TARAVAL STATION Crime Report his pockets, then left the store without pay- victims complied and the suspects fled. ing. The officer was unable to confirm his Suspect – Black male :: 20-23 years :: 5’10” n the past 7 weeks ordered the suspects to stop, two of the identity therefore the suspect was arrested. tall :: 200 lbs :: black hair I have been a busy suspects fled and the third suspect was not Shoplifting – Cited Suspect – Black male :: 18-20 years ICaptain. I have located. Witnesses identified the suspects 9:00 am | 100 West Portal Ave Sunday 9/13 spent much of that and both had stolen property in their pos- An officer was in the store when he Battery – Resisting or Delaying Officers time, getting to know session. The suspects were arrested. observed a suspect take packages of cof- – Under the influence of Alcohol the hard working offi- Suspect 1 & 2 – Arrested fee grounds and putting them in his pants. 6:56 pm | 2300 Taraval St cers of Taraval Station Suspect 3 – Hispanic male :: 18-25 years :: Failing to pay for the merchandise before Two suspects matching a description of a and worked very closely 6’00” tall :: 170 lbs :: black hair he left the store, the officer detained the fight at a bar were walking away. Officers with the community to Saturday 9/5 suspect and he was cited. told them to stop. One complied, the other address concerns of Burglaries, Auto Bur- DUI Traffic Violation – Arrested Wednesday 9/9 suspect continued to walk away. The vic- glaries and Traffic Enforcement. Although 1:19 pm | 1800 19th Ave Robbery – Traffic Collision tims (bartenders) said suspects attempted being a captain of a station has its’ chal- A vehicle made an illegal left turn, and to punch the victims. One suspect was lenges, interacting with the community is 7:47 pm | 800 Ulloa St officers made a traffic stop The driver who Three men approached a victim at a gas arrested for resisting and delaying. Both one of the most rewarding things I get to smelled of alcoholic beverages and showed were arrested for being under the influence. do in my role as Commanding Officer. station. They asked first for directions, signs of intoxication with slowed speech then for money, which he gave. When they Battery …I have to give special thanks to all the and watery, bloodshot eyes. The officers 9:52 am | 300 Plymouth Ave members of Taraval Station. In my short demanded his iPhone, the victim punched conducted a field sobriety test which the one man who leaned into the open car The victim, a bus driver, picked up the sus- time as the Commanding Officer, I have driver failed. He was arrested pect at BART Station. Throughout the ride, witnessed dedicated officers doing out- window. The victim panicked and pressed Burglary – Arrested on the gas causing a collision with another he was screaming profanities. The driver standing police work. Your ability to meet 12:47 am | 2300 Noriega St told the suspect to be quiet or leave the bus. daily challenges, rise above expectations vehicle. The suspects fled the scene. A witness said that they saw the suspect Suspect – Black male :: 20-25 years :: 5’9” He punched the driver and exited the bus. and your understanding the community enter the pharmacy section of a Safeway Suspect – Black male :: 30-40 years :: 5’09” where you work, is to be commended. The tall :: 170 lbs :: black hair by climbing into the window’s gate. The Suspect – Black male :: 20-25 years :: 5’9” tall :: 160 lbs :: bald Taraval SIT( Station Investigative Team) intrusion set off the alarm and the suspect Monday 9/14 is one of the best in San Francisco. Their tall :: 190 lbs :: black hair attempted to flee the scene but an employee Suspect – Black male :: 20-25 years :: 5’7” Robbery effort to address crime within the district and security guard were detained him. does not go unrecognized. To all the mem- tall :: 140 lbs :: black hair 5:07 am | Ocean Ave & Westgate Dr After a review of security footage, the sus- Suspect vehicle silver Hyunda Sonata A victim, walking down the street heard bers of Taraval, I am honored to be your pect was arrested. Commanding Officer and look forward to Robbery – Fraud someone running up from behind. The DUI – Traffic Violation – Arrested 7:42 pm | Moncada Way & Cedro Ave suspect hit him on the back punched him working with you!! 11:29 pm | Kirkham St & 20th Ave NOTE: Not all crimes are reported in A suspect told the victim her wallet was in the face and stole his cell phone. A driver was passed out inside a motor the weekly reports—this is a truncated stolen and she needed her check cashed Suspect – Hispanic male :: 25-30 years :: vehicle that was still in a traffic lane. version. because her rent was due. The victim 174 lbs :: black hair Responding officers observed that the agreed to help. Another suspect joined Thursday 9/17 Tuesday 9/1 driver was indeed unconscious, had the them and both suspects demanded she Assault – Threats Battery – Cited smell of alcohol and the keys in the igni- take her own money out of the ATM. 2:41 pm |100 West Portal Ave tion, the vehicle in gear and still running. 11:30 am | 19th Ave & Wawona St Intimidated, she took out some money and The victim got off the 28 bus when he was A victim stated that she was walking down After the driver was revived, a field sobri- gave it to the suspects. choked and cut in the shoulders and stom- the street when suddenly a suspect hit her ety test confirmed the driver’s state. The Suspect – Black female :: 32 years :: 5’4 tall once behind the head and continued walk- driver was arrested. ach area. “Never come back to this location :: 130 lbs :: brown hair again” suspect told victim, he ran home. ing. The victim pointed out to where the DUI– Traffic Violation – Arrested Suspect – Black male :: 30-35 years :: 5’7” suspect was. The suspect was cited. 1:53 am | Sloat Blvd & 19th Ave Suspect – white male :: 20-30 years :: 6’00” tall :: 190 lbs :: black hair tall :: 140 lbs :: black hair Robbery with Force When officers responded to a second Saturday 9/12 12:11 am | 1500 45th Ave report of a driver that was passed out NOTE: Crimes are reported as space is A fight on the street was reported, the vic- inside a motor vehicle which was still in Sexual Battery available, this is not a complete report, nor is tim said he had been walking down the a traffic lane, the driver was unconscious 16:02 pm | 19th Ave & Judah St the report online at taraval.org, but that site street when the suspect suddenly came with the keys in the ignition, the vehicle in The victim said the suspect grabbed her is a more complete source. from behind, punched him in the face and gear and still running. The driver smelled behind. The victim yelled at the suspect unsuccessfully tried to pull his backpack of alcohol. After the driver was revived a off. The suspect ran away when someone field sobriety test revealed the driver was called out, but the suspect was able to steal drunk. He was arrested. the victim’s cell phone. Sunday 9/6 COMFORT + STYLE Suspect #1 – Black male :: 5’10” tall Marijuana Offense – Arrested Suspect #2 – unknown male 2:43 pm | 700 Irving St Wednesday 9/2 The manager of a coffee shop witnessed NO COMPROMISE Robbery two males yelling and pushing each other. 3:40 pm | 500 Faxon Ave and called the officers when the remaining An elderly victim stated that she was walk- suspect refused to leave. A computer check ing home when someone suddenly pulled revealed that the suspect had a warrant on her purse which caused her to fall back- for his arrest. A search of the suspect also wards and hit her head on the ground. A revealed marijuana and a marijuana pipe. + MANY MORE BRANDS INCLUDING EARTH, ERIC MICHAEL, TAOS, ZIERA suspect then pepper sprayed her and ran The suspect was arrested. off with her items. Assault with force Suspect – hispanic female :: 15-17 years :: 2:00 am | 3000 San Jose Ave MEN’S + WOMEN’S 5” tall :: 170 lbs :: blond hair A clerk for 7-11 was stuck in the head and Suspect – hispanic female :: 15-17 years did not know what had happened. A wit- CCiittiiSShhooeess Suspect – white female :: 15-17 years ness stated that two suspects were argu- Thursday 9/3 ing with the victim over scratcher tickets. 751 Irving Street San Francisco

Assault with Weapon – Battery After the argument, the victim went out- Mon-Fri 11 a m -7pm Sat 10am-6pm

side to have a smoke. Once outside, one Sun 11 a m -6pm Phone: 415.665.6112 8:30 pm | 1500 Sloat Blvd A man was walking towards a restau- of the suspects punched the victim on the Bring in this ad for a FREE GIFT with your next $50.00 purchase. rant when he encountered a suspect yell- head and both suspects ran into a waiting ing obscenities at him for no reason and vehicle that a third suspect was driving. came at him aggressively, raised a canister Suspect 1 – Hispanic male :: 25-30 years :: Serving Food As Good As Our Prices Are Low of mace and spayed it at the victim. After 5’11” tall :: 150 lbs :: black hair they wrestled for a few minutes, the sus- Suspect 2 – Hispanic male :: 20-30 years :: pect left the scene. Officers arrested the 5’07” tall :: 150 lbs :: black hair suspect for the assault. Suspect 3– Unknown Vehicle Burglary – Resisting /Delaying – Suspect Vehicle – Black Honda Accord 6:35 am | Quintara St & 22nd Ave Robbery Three suspects were looking into vehicles 7:43 pm | Alemany Blvd & St Charles Ave with a flashlight. The witness gave the A woman was holding on to her cell phone description and direction the suspects when the suspect suddenly snatched it were heading. Arriving officers located from her hand. She started yelling and two vehicles that had been broken into and chasing and grabbed one of the suspect’s

Next Taraval Community Meeting: Wednesday, Oct 21, 2015 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center / 650 Capitol Ave, SF Where Friends Meet Page 11 October 2015

As our Mayor, Ed Lee got it done.

The strong economic foundation Mayor Ed Lee. he helped build funded affordable housing, transit improvements and Working for West of Twin Peaks social programs. Now he’s working every day to and all of San Francisco. keep San Francisco a place where everyone belongs.

PLEASE JOIN ASSESSOR-RECORDER CARMEN CHU, LT. GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM IN SUPPORTING MAYOR LEE’S RE-ELECTION.

MAYOR LEE IS ALSO SUPPORTED BY:

Elected Officials: Supervisor Jane Kim Political Clubs and Organizations: Governor Jerry Brown Supervisor Katy Tang Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club Senator Dianne Feinstein Supervisor Norman Yee Asian Pacific Democratic Club House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi Supervisor Scott Wiener District 5 Democratic Club Congresswoman Jackie Speier California Democratic Party Chair John Burton FDR Democratic Club Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom Mission Democratic Club Unions: Attorney General Kamala Harris Raoul Wallenberg Jewish Democratic Club International Federation of Professional and Controller Betty Yee San Francisco Democratic County Central Technical Engineers Local 21 Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma Committee Laborers Local 261 Assemblymember David Chiu San Francisco Young Democrats Municipal Executives Association Assemblymember Phil Ting SF Moderates Police Officers Association District Attorney George Gascon SF Tech Dems San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Treasurer José Cisneros SFSU College Democrats Service Employees International Union Local 87 Assessor-Recorder Carmen Chu Westside Chinese Democratic Club Teamster Joint Council 7 Board of Supervisors President London Breed Willie B. Kennedy Democratic Club UA Local 38, Plumbers & Pipefitters Supervisor Julie Christensen United Educators of San Francisco Supervisor Malia Cohen United Food and Commercial Workers Local 648 Supervisor Mark Farrell

PAID FOR BY ED LEE FOR MAYOR 2015, FPPC #1373497 Paid Political Advertisement. Financial Disclosures available at sfethics.org Page 12 October 2015 San Francisco Walk for Farm Animals Sat Oct 17 • Little Marina Green • 10 am Meet Gene Baur national bestselling author and Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder. His new book Living the Farm Sanctuary Life (watch him on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart1). Time Magazine calls Gene “the conscience of the food movement” and he is widely recognized as one of the most influential social justice activists of the 21st century for his work to change the way society views and treats farm animals. It’s a hot topic, especially in light of new Federal dietary recommendations that Americans eat less meat for health and environmen- tal reasons. Celebration: After walking, celebrate with vegan food, drinks, live music, prizes, and more! Rain or shine. $15 register online2, $25 at event. (Children under 18 free, Dogs welcome). 1. cc.com/shows/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart/interviews/rcpf6c/exclusive-gene-baur-extended-interview 2. events.walkforfarmanimals.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=684 October C A L E N D A R EVERY SUNDAY • FARMERS MARKET Tue Oct 6 | 9:30 am - 5:15 pm | 4000 years of ancient Farmers Market | Every Sun | 9 am–1 pm |  and European art in the exquisite Beaux-Arts building Stonestown rear parking lot: at Stonestown Galleria in an unforgettable setting overlooking Golden Gate (19th Ave @ Winston). Bridge. 100 34th Ave. Free first Tues. EVERY TUE • COMPUTER SKILLS TUE • AUTHOR MEG WAITE CLAYTON Tue | 1:15-2:45 pm | Get help setting up email Tue Oct 6 | 7 pm | NY Times bestselling author of The accounts, word processing & basic computer related Wednesday Sisters, returns with a transportive World tasks. Most Tuesdays at this time. Learn the basics of War II novel inspired by real frontline stories about SAT -You’ll learn test strategy to help you score high, middle class. Little does she know that this self-heal- using a computer! Main Library, 100 Larkin St. two American female journalists who, together, race how to tackle the toughest trick questions, and how ing journey brings her face-to-face with inner demons the Allies to occupied Paris for the scoop of their lives. to put it all in context. This class will take place over fed by the domestic violence, addiction and poverty of EVERY TUES • QUE SYRAH HAPPY HOUR Bookshop West Portal, 80 West Portal Ave. four weeks leading up to an actual SAT/ACT adminis- her youth—a­ spiritual path of ultimate transforma- Every Tue Happy Hour | 4–8 pm | Que Syrah Wine TUE • DISABLED HOUSING tration. Register online at edupath.org/sf/ West Portal tion. Bookshop West Portal, 80 W. Portal Ave. Bar. Take $1 off each glass, 10% off each bottle (con- Branch, 190 Lenox Way. Tue Oct 6 | 1 pm | Reasonable Accommodations in SAT • NATIVE PLANT SALE sumed on site). 230 West Portal Ave 731-7000 Housing Seminar will address fair housing for people SAT • GERMAR THE MAGICIAN Sat Oct 24 | Afternoon | The CPNS annual native EVERY THURS – NIGHTLIFE with psychiatric and/or developmental disabilities. Sat Oct 10 | 2 pm | This incredible comedy-magic plant sale will be at the Miraloma Park Improvement Everyone is welcome. People With Disabilities Foun- show includes the production of 2 live birds, a real Clubhouse. 350 Oshaughnessy Blvd. at Del Vale. Every Thu | 6–10 pm | The Academy of Sciences dation. Koret Auditorium, SF Public Library, 100 Larkin. brings live music, science, mingling and coctails. GG bunny, awesome magic tricks, music, and lots of help from the audience. West Portal Branch, 190 Lenox Way SUN • WALK TO END LUPUS Park $12 ($10 Members). calademy.org/nightlife. WED • GWPNA MEETING Sun Oct 26 | 9 am | Walk to End Lupus Now will raise TUE • FILLMORE’S CABLE CARE JAZZ FRIDAYS @ THE CLIFF HOUSE Wed Oct 7 | 6:30 pm | Greater West Portal Neighbor- money for lupus research and education programs, hood Assn meetings are open to all members and to Tue Oct 13 | 7:30 pm | The Unique Fillmore Street increase awareness of one of the world’s cruelest, Every Fri | 7–11 pm | The Balcony Lounge at the the public, first Wed each Month. Playground Club- Cable Car System was built in 1890s, a new unpow- most unpredictable and devastating diseases. Reg- Cliff House hosts jazz every Fri night. 1 Seal Rock. cliff- house ,131 Lenox Way. GWPNA.org ered cable counterbalance system whereby one cable ister from7:30 am, GG Park, Music Concourse lupus. house.com/home/jazz.html. WED • SUNSHINE TASK FORCE car could pull another up the steep grade between donorpages.com/SanFranciscoWalk2015/ FRIDAY NIGHTS @ THE DEYOUNG Green and Broadway. 455 Golden Gate Ave. $10 non- Wed Oct 7 | 4 pm | Consideration of changes to the members ($5 students, teachers, seniors, disabled). MON • CELL PHONE RADIATION Every Fri | 5–8:45 pm | Music, poetry, films, dance, complaint procedures. ( See page 9) City Hall, Rm. 408. Mon Oct 27 | 6:30 pm | Mobilize: documentary TUE • SUCCEED AT WELLNESS GOALS tours and lectures. Cafe: special dinner, no-host bar. SAT • RESILIENT SUNSET explores the long-term health effects from cell phone Art-making children/adults. deYoung Museum, GG Tue Oct 13 | 6:30 pm |Designing your personal well- radiation, including brain cancer and infertility. Q&A Park. deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/fridays Sat Oct 10 | 9:am | Reduce the impact of threats, ness strategy Sylvia Doss will lead your own strategy after. West Portal Branch,190 Lenox Way. such as earthquakes and tsunamis, as well increase its so you leave with a plan crafted especially for you. FRIDAYS @ OFF THE GRID/FT. MASON ability to respond and bounce back to times of stress – Sylvia Doss is a wellness expert and founder of Open TUE • WOMEN’S BOOK SHOWCASE Every Fri | DJs 5-7:30/Bands 7:30-10:30 pm | Off with a strong focus on protecting our most vulnerable Circles (OpenCircles.net) with 25 years experience Tue Oct 29 | 7 pm | The ultimate writer’s resource: neighbors. Grace Evangelical - 3201 Ulloa St the Grid: Over 32 food trucks and street food carts in with effective fitness and nutrition habits. An adjunct author Martha Conway, Thieving Forest, has been a huge circle with a full bar and bands in the middle? TUE • BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS DROP-IN faculty member at GG University. This part of the Self called “extraordinary” and “hypnotic.” Author Carole Healing Series at West Portal Library. 190 Lenox Way. Bumpus, a retired family therapist, novelist. A Cup of That’s a party! Ft. Mason Ctr. Two Marina Blvd. Every Sat Oct 10,17, 24, 31 | 2 – 4 pm | Drop-in Redemption: an elderly woman’s search for a father TUE • DE YOUNG FREE DAY and get one-on-one help with a teen tech savvy vol- THU • DOWNTOWN PLAN AT 30 she never knew. Lisa Alpine, author of Wild Life: Travel unteer! Bring your laptop, e-readers, gadgets, digital Tue Oct 6 | 9:30 am - 5:15 pm | Art from the 17th Thu Oct 15 | 6 - 7:30 pm | Our City is vastly different Adventures of a Worldly Woman has won many awards cameras, tablets, cell phones. We will try to help you than it was in 1985, but our plan for the downtown for travel and her many short stories. Bookshop West -20th centuries, and native Americas, Africa, & Pacific. figure it out. West Portal Branch, 190 Lenox Way. community remains a generation behind. Join us to Portal, 80 West Portal Ave. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. Free first Tuesdays. discuss the future of this urban landscape, how we SAT • 10 HOUR INTENSIVE SAT TEST MON • CENTRAL COUNCIL TUE • LEGION OF HONOR FREE DAY move people from point A to point B, and its increas- Sat Oct 10, 17, 24 | 10 am | For the new “redesigned” ing role as a central social district. SF Public Library’s Mon Oct 26 | 7:30 pm | West of Twin Peaks Central Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St. Council meets to discuss topics of interest to Westside SUN • AUTHOR ANNIE BARROWS residents. Meets the last Mon each month. Forest Hills Clubhouse, 381 Magellan Ave. westoftwinpeaks.or Holiday Parties at The Cliff House Sun Oct 18 | 11 am | 6th Annual Ivy + Bean Week- end with Special Guest Annie Barrows, an American TUE • LEARN TO RIDE A BIKE The Terrace Room author best known for the Ivy and Bean series of chil- Tue Oct 27 | 8 pm | Intro to Urban Bicycling - how dren’s books, but she has written several other books Offering sweeping views of the Pacifi c to pick the right bike, the rules of the road and route for adult as well. Bookshop, West Portal, 80 W. Portal. planning. Considering bicycling, or looking to brush Ocean, historic ambiance and delightful TUE • COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETING up on skills. No bicycle, or experience is needed. Reg- cuisine, the Terrace Room is a truly unique ister: sfbike.org/edu. Sunset Library (1305 18th Ave) Wed Oct 21 | 6 pm | Meet with Captain Denise Fla- private event venue for groups up to 120. herty. 3rd Wed of the month. Minnie and Lovie Ward THU • OMI NEIGHBORS IN ACTION Private Events Direct 415-666-4027 Recreation Center / 650 Capitol Ave. 759-3100. Thu Oct 29 | 7 pm | Meets last Thu each month. This [email protected] WED • FILM: FED UP! meeting is at Temple UMC 65 Beverly/Sheilds. Wed Oct 21 | 6:30 | See the film the food industry SUN • ASIAN ART MUSEUM FREE DAY The Lands End Room does not want you to see! If Congress says pizza is a Sun Nov 1 | 10 am-5 pm | Every first Sunday is free vegetable, then what else is going on? Features Oprah Located in the Sutro's Restaurant the at the Asian Art Museum (save $12) -17,000 artworks Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Katie Couric, and Gary Taubes. spanning 6 thousand years. 200 Larkin St. Lands End Room is a semi-private Popcorn! West Portal Branch,190 Lenox Way. THU • AUTHOR DAVID TALBOT space for smaller parties of 17 – 49 THU • HAMLET / SF SHAKESPEARE Thu Nov 5 | 7 pm | The Devil’s Chessboard: Allen offering California cuisine, awesome Thu Oct 22 | 6:30 pm | Hamlet - A live performance ocean views and Sutro Baths history. Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America’s Secret Gov- by The SF Shakespeare Festival. One of his finest com- ernment from the founder of Salon and the author Large Parties Direct 415-666-4005 mentaries on morality and the human condition. Our of the NY Times bestseller Season of the Witch. Allen one-hour touring production travels to you with a cast [email protected] Dulles, who transformed the CIA into the most pow- of professional actors in costume, with set, props and erful and secretive colossus in Washington reveals the Call soon to book your event! live music. West Portal Branch, 190 Lenox. rise of the security state and the battle for America’s THU • AUTHOR SAEEDA HAFIZ soul. Bookshop West Portal, 80 W Portal Ave. 1090 Point Lobos Thu Oct 22 | 7 pm | The Healing - a young African- 415-386-3330 American woman signs up for lessons in yoga and Local event? [email protected] www.CliffHouse.com cooking as a symbol that she has now entered the Priority: Westside Events Page 13 October 2015

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Now At the Movies• By Don Lee Miller At the Theater / Flora Lynn Isaacson BLACK MASS the Manhattan background. Whitey Bulger: Johnny Deep barely Profanity. Sexual content. Extended! recognizable with a balding skull cap and MAZE RUNNER blue contacts, plus added makeup appli- No running of the maze Fantastic Production of The Oldest Boy ances, help him resemble the real Boston in Maze Runner, but there are lots of agents criminal he’s playing. Deep choses to make of World in Catastrophe Killzone Depart- arin Theatre Company has just opened its 49th Season Flora Lynn Isaacson Whitey more of a Nosferatu ghoul, an inhu- ment (aka WCKD, or “wicked,” of course). with the West Coast Premiere of Sarah Ruhl’s The Old- man freak. In Boston, the families are large, The Gladers (teenaged guys) run from zom- Mest Boy. An American woman (in a moving performance by Chris- whether by birth or, as here, by acquisition. bie-like critters called cranks; they run from tine Albright) and her Tibetan husband (a sympathetic Kurt Uy) are making a life As Whitey rises up the black ladder, brother the threatening superstorms that strike rap- together in the United States with their son, Tenzin, who has just turned 3. When a Billy: Benedict Cumberbatch does so by idly in the futuristic post-apocalyptic Earth. monk (Wayne Lee) and a Lama (Jinn S. Kim) arrive on their doorstep with the rev- winning elections, navigating a straight path After running and running, they wind up elation that the toddler may be a reincarnated lama, the ultimate test of a mother’s to State Senator. When Mafia elements start nearby. There are few exciting action inci- love may be her ability to let him go. Interspersed with Tibetan Buddhist ritual invading Whitey’s territory, he finks to the dents. Every so often, an old familiar actor and dance, and featuring renouned Berkeley-based Tibetan artist Tsering Dorjee FBI, getting ten years for his confession. will pop up in a cameo for a couple of min- Bawa, the play is as powerful as it is beautiful. The little boy is a puppet manipu- Director Scott Cooper fills in the minor parts utes, Lili Taylor, Patricia Clarkson, Giancarlo lated by three pupeteers (Jed Parsario, Melvign Badiola, and Tsering Dorjee Bawa with known actors: FBI agent, a friend from Esposito and Aidan Gillen who deserves the as the voice of the little boy). The play began its run at MTC childhood, John Connolley: Joel Edgerton, clap for being able to say the full WCKD This will be the second production on September 10th and has now been who not only manages the Boston accent, but name with a straight face. Director Wes of the The Oldest Boy, which premiered EXTENDED to October 11th at the his good intentions go wrong; Charles: Kevin Ball supplies some style, but he would have off Broadway at the Lincoln Center’s home of the Marin Theatre Company, Bacon; Lindsey: Dakota Johnson; Brian: been helped by a more interesting plot. Well Mitzi E. Newhouse Theatre in Novem- 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. Peter Saarsgaard; Robert: Adam Scott and filmed but too busy. Extended sequences of ber 2014. This play was a recipient of All evening shows are at 7:30 p.m., Mrs. Connolley: Julianne Nicholson. Bru- violence and action. Some thematic elements the Theatre Communication Group’s Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, tal violence, profanity throughout, especially and substance use. Profanity. 2014 Edgerton Foundation New-Play and Sunday. lots of “f**king”. Some sexual references and THE VISIT Award. The play’s wonderful Director, Remaining matinees are: brief drug use. Teenagers Becca: Olivia DeJonge and Jessica Thebus, is Associate Professor of Sat. October 3rd at 2:00 p.m. GRANDMA Tyler: Ed Oxenbould spend a week on their Theatre at Northwestern University and Sun. October 4th at 2:00 p.m. Grandma: Lily Tomlin learns her grand- grandparents’ (Deanna Dunagan, Peter directs its Director Program. Sat. October 10th at 2:00 p.m. daughter : Julia Garner needs an abortion. McRobbie) farm whom they’ve never met. Scenic Designer Collette Pollard Sun. October 11th at 2:00 p.m. All day they try to scrounge the necessary The latest from M. Night Shyamalan is sillier cleverly designed two sets. Act I is a liv- Purchase tickets online at www. cash. Judy: Marcia Gay Harden, Olivia: Judy than it is scary. Granny runs nude through ing room cluttered with toys, and Act II marintheatre.org or from the Box Office Greer, and Carla: Elizabeth Peña round out the night; who cares? There are a couple of is a beautiful Buddhist Temple. Fumiko at 415-388-5208 Tue–Sun between 12 the cast. Writer-director Paul Weitz pulls a cheap scares and a creepy foreboding. Bielefeldt’s costumes included colorful p.m. and 5 p.m. sassy dramatic portrayal from Tomlin. The Disturbing thematic material includ- Tibetan clothing, and Composer Chris Coming up next at MTC will be other ladies are all well cast. Profanity. Some ing terror and violence. Some nudity. Brief Houston’s Sound Design and music Elizabeth Irwin’s My Mañana Comes drug use. profanity. were imaginatively incorporated and from October 29 through November 22, LEARNING TO DRIVE A WALK IN THE WOODS striking. Other particularly notable 2015. Flora Lynn Isaacson New York book critic Wendy: Patricia Author Robert Redford is joined by contributions to this production include RVP Opens 86th Season with Clarkson accidentally leaves a package in a down-on-his-luck friend Stephen: Nick the magical boy-puppet design by Jesse the back of the cab driven by Darwan: Ben Nolte, of many years when he decides to Mooney-Bullock; excellent dramaturg Glorious! Kingsley, a Sikh about to take a trip down the hike the Original Appalachian Trail, a mere by Julie McCormick; and lighting by The True Story of Florence Foster arranged marriage path. When he returns 2,200 miles, going from Georgia to Maine Jeff Rowlings was effective and always Jenkins, the Worst Singer in the World her parcel, Wendy notices that Darwan also at roughly 20 miles a day. Bill’s wife: Emma appropriate. Ross Valley Players theatre is proud gives driving lessons. She enrolls and the two Thompson and Jeannie, a waitress: . There are The Oldest Boy is extremely imagi- to open its new season with the hilari- cultures meet, sometimes more affably than a couple of large bears and an incident with a native throughout, and hypnotically ous and heartwarming comedy, Glori- others. Spanish-born director Isabel Coixet ten-foot cliff, otherwise they plod along day beautiful. This is a gorgeous produc- ous! based on the real story of Florence brings out the riches from her characters and after day. Profanity. Some sexual references. tion, not to be missed. Cont. p. 18 Page 14 October 2015 Density (Cont. from p. 1) the answer. We need to be concerned great until you have to live in a 288 to expanded in-law units in Weiner’s Dis- per year the house is really for moderate- about quality of life and living space. 1,200-square-foot apartment, or pay one- trict and tossed in Supervisor Julie Chris- income people. Moderate-income people Marsha Maloof, the President of the half of your salary to live with two other tensen’s District 3. need help with housing as well. Bayview Hill Neighborhood Association, people. You had to sell your car, the last In November 2014, citizens passed Can developers who build the density thinks concentrating low-income and two buses were late, and both were full. Proposition K, to 1) Address the current be trusted to use the bonus building capac- affordable housing does not work. Many single people who recently came housing affordability crisis; and 2) Support ity favors correctly? How can we be sure “When you concentrate all affordable to the City will leave when their jobs disap- production of 30,000 units of new hous- that a City with such a checkered past on housing in one area you get uninspired pear, they start a family, or simply get tired ing —one-third of those affordable to low- building oversight will do a good job mea- housing that turns into raggedy housing of living like a hamster in their overpriced, and moderate-income households. suring square footage? Time will tell. over time. Not to mention, making the shared apartments. At the moment there is This Policy has been the platform The one great thing about the Bonus average household income levels of the still a housing crisis in San Francisco. for several bad planning decisions. Please Density Program is that it will force the surrounding area unattractive to retail and In June 2014, our Board of Supervi- note, that 90% of the Planning Depart- City to better use its inclusionary hous- many other businesses. sors approved two significant pieces of ment’s revenue comes from developer ing program. Planning Code Sec. 415 or “San Francisco is on the right track legislation that support accessory dwell- fees. Between the money donated to local the Inclusionary Affordable Housing Pro- with mandating and incentivizing devel- ing units (ADUs), also known as “in-law” politicians by developers and the Planning gram, requires residential developments opment to include a reasonable number or secondary units. The first, introduced Department’s development fees, develop- with 10 or more units to pay an Affordable of low-income and affordable units. How- by Supervisor Chiu and passed in 2014 ers and their lobbyists have become have Housing Fee. Project sponsors may apply ever, to allow developments to shift this enables existing illegal units to be legal- become the new “kings” of San Francisco. for an alternative to the fee in the form of requirement from the building site to alter- ized. The second, introduced by Supervi- Perhaps it is time to apply the pro- providing 12% of their units on-site or 20% nate locations is not good for residents, sor Wiener allowed construction of new posed “Density Bonus Program” to the of their units off-site as affordable to low- neighborhoods, or the economic develop- accessory dwellings in his district. City Hall building, the Planning Depart- to moderate-income households. ment of the City.” Chui’s legislation has been an absolute ment building, and the SPUR office build- Once the City receives the inclusion- Maloof concludes, “Let’s not allow the failure because the cost of renting second- ing. Each structure could use an additional ary housing money no one really knows ‘NIMBY’ attitude or developer greed to ary units too high. Once rented, it became two stories of luxury condominiums. The what happens with the funds that the replace good common sense.” a rent-controlled unit. Planning Department would have no Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOHCD) will The Census Bureau reports SF’s popu- In March, Sunset Supervisor Katy problem changing each structure’s zoning receive. For example, the 75 Howard Street lation grew 4.6 % from 2010 to 2014. At Tang, asked the City Attorney to craft a requirements. Gentrification and changes project paid $9.8 million to the City so that current projected growth rates, it will grow law to legalize backyard cottages in single- to “character of neighborhood” should they could build 133 luxury-housing units by 5.6% from 2010 to 2015. Interestingly, family zones. According to the Examiner, not be a problem, nor should changing and no affordable housing. Where is the 53.8% of the growth is from single, white The Sunset has “many homes that have the affordable condominiums into luxury money going? people. 41.2% of these Caucasians live large backyards that could accommodate” condominiums. In 2012, voters passed Prop C creat- alone (elderly people and young people). additional dwelling units, Tang said. George Wooding was recently elected presi- ing an enormous housing slush fund and There are 2.31 people living in the average No more backyards in the Sunset… dent of the Coalition for San Francisco the State decided to shut down redevelop- household in 386,564 housing units. Tang was appointed by Mayor Lee. Neighborhoods ment agencies. The City will transfer over Single people, not families, are fueling Just recently, the Supervisors $1.5 billion from the General Fund to the our rapid growth from 805,195 in 2010 to MOHCD over the next 20 years. But rather an estimated 852,469 in 2014. Sunshine (Cont. from p. 9) confusion. than placing redevelopment funds into the New young residents with money have the jurisdiction of the SOTF, a function Citizen activist and retired attorney General Fund, the City created the Hous- driven up housing prices and contribute to done previously by the full SOTF. And Allen Grossman1 sent the Task Force a list ing Trust Fund (HTF) with MOHCD’s the displacement of longtime San Francis- among the worst proposed changes, “With of problems with the proposed changes. “sole discretion” over how the fund will be cans, gentrification of neighborhoods, and approval of the Chair of the SOTF, the The SOTF should shine a light on, and expended. What happened to that money? housing density development. [staff would] ensure that complaints are help fix, problems with open government, There are currently over 20,000 vacan- The SF rental market continued to be not duplicative of previous complaints or taking more seriously its role as guardian cies. Prop C was supposed to be used over the most expensive in the country, reach- subject matter.” Would repeat City viola- of Sunshine for the public and those who 20 years to build up to 30,000 units. Mayor ing an all-time high of $3,530 for a 1-bed- tors get off scot-free? Almost any com- come before it hoping for a measure of Lee is trying to build 30,000 units in five room apartment. While prices in New plaint could be considered “duplicative” of justice. years. When the housing bubble bursts, the York City remained largely flat at $3,000, some other complaint filed in its 20-year Peter Warfield, Director, Library Users Assn City will be overbuilt. last month SF increased 1.5% per month history. And allowing “similar” complaints We need more equally dispersed and 3.3% over the last quarter. to be “combined” could lead to enormous 1. westsideobserver.com/pdfs/Grossman.pdf affordable housing. Building density isn’t Mayor Lee’s density policies sound #1 Agent in West Portal Shameran Anderer

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* Based on MLS Data July 2014 - July 2015 District 4T. Includes Company Representative Buyer Sales. BRE# 01259825 Recent Sales West Portal *34 Madrone 72 Allston Way 33 Allston Way 2730 15th Avenue 38 Allston Way 15 Allston Way 2459 14th Avenue 2530 14th Avenue 2151 16th Avenue 12 Madrone Avenue 2471 16th Avenue 2539 16th Avenue Page 15 October 2015 Second Thoughts / By Jack Kaye Do you have a pinched nerve? We can help. Dear friend, Many people are beginning to under- Private and Public Ownership It’s hard to believe, I know, but it’s true. stand that health comes from within. This is or thousands of years, the notions of private property and Last year more Americans were killed by pre- why chiropractic helps so many people. You ownership have been basic to Western Civilization, beginning scription drugs than by guns, AIDS, suicides see, your body can heal itself. Your body before the Old Testament and reinforced again in the New Tes- and terrorists combined...But we’ll get to that doesn’t need any help; it just can’t have any F in a minute. interference. With chiropractic, we don’t add tament. We own many things. Our possessions include our real estate, cars, furnishings, and clothing, as well as less material things like our names, our memories, our talents, Let me start by explaining the photo in anything to the body or take anything from our personality, our reputation, our thoughts and, to some degree, other living beings, this letter. You know when it. We find interference in the like our loved ones - human and otherwise. I meet people in town they nervous system and remove There is also the notion of public own- future fringe benefits like a good pen- usually say, “ Oh yeah, I know it thus enhancing the healing ership. Citizens are part owners of their sion, with some getting 90% of their pay you, you are Doctor Meakim. capacities of the body. homeland, and residents are part owners in retirement, and a Cadillac health plan. You have been on the cor- We get tremendous of their public spaces like parks, highways There also is the satisfaction of serving the ner of Beach and Jones for results... it really is as simple and bridges. Those who pay for, use, and public to help make life that much more years…… “ Well, that’s me. as that. depend upon public facilities have a vested pleasant for the people affected by their I’m also the woman hugging For the past eight years, interest in their continued availability. Citi- services, e.g., police officers save lives and her niece at the jersey shore in people from San Francisco zens elect representatives to not only make arrest criminals; firefighters save burning the picture. and the surrounding area have and enforce policies for the greater good, buildings and rush people suffering ill- 17 years ago something come to see me with their but also to properly maintain our public ness or injury to the hospital; nurses and happened that changed my pinched nerve problems. property. social workers help those in greatest social life forever. I was a young • Headaches • Migraines • The private sector which affects the or physical need. Public sector gardeners woman living in Philadelphia when it hap- Chronic Pain • Neck pain • Shoulder/arm flow of private property is driven by the can provide the community with beautiful pened. I was driving with a friend when she pain • Whiplash from car accidents • Back- profit motive, enlightened self-interest. In spaces filled with nature as relief from the missed a stop sign and rammed into the side aches • Numbness in limbs • Athletic injuries our western, capitalistic society, the bank- concrete and metal that surrounds us. of another car. We were all shaken up. The just to name a few. ing industry controls the flow of capital - While we each can encourage our pri- police were called and we all went to the hos- Here is what some of your neighbors the cause and effect of private ownership vate sector by making wise purchases that pital. No one was bleeding, so the doctors have said: - by deciding to whom to lend money and reward quality, value and creativity, we took some x-rays of our neck, gave us pain “I had back pain for 15 plus years and for whom to deny it. Private sector activity must motivate our public service sector by meds and sent us on our way. The next day two back operations. Now I play tennis, sit at is monitored and impacted by the appropri- treasuring our public property and insist- I woke up with pain everywhere and it just my computer and enjoy an active pain free life! ate government agencies - the public sector ing that it be maintained. Just as we should kept getting worse. For years I tried every- Thank you Dr. Meakim!” — A. McGrath - as well as by shareholders, the media and take good care of our private possessions, thing that I could find. For an escape from “All possible medicines and doctors, by the consumer. we can also take that the pain, I went to medical doctors, physi- you made a miracle taking away my pain!! Private sector same responsibility for cal therapists, acupuncturists, I tried special I am a happy wife and mother again!” — L workers are primar- our public property. pillows, and anything I thought might help. Igudesman ily motivated by the Your sidewalk or road Do you see a pub- I spent a lot of time and money. Along the “I have had chronic neck, shoulder and same profit motive as was not made for sleep- lic garbage can with way I had two more car accidents and the arm pain for the last 4 years. After seeing Dr. is their industry. In ing on and humans deserve a its door flung open pain kept getting worse and worse. I had Meakim I can now twist off caps, button/zip this sector, in order by someone who had developed fibromyalgia, neck pain, mid-back my own pants and there is no longer a need for to ensure maximized better place to sleep. been digging in it for pain and low-back pain with tingling and me to ice my arm in the morning and night! I profit, employees are food or recyclables? numbness down my right arm and leg. I was feel more energetic, and can move my arm and evaluated based on their ability and effec- Stop and close it back up. It’s your can on scared that something was really wrong with neck pain free!” — C. Brubaker tiveness. Just as private sector firms are your property. me. This could not be normal. I was only Now…Find out for yourself and ben- competitive, so are their employees. Only Do you see someone sleeping on the 33 years old and felt like I was 100. That is efit from an AMAZING OFFER- Look, It the best survive. The better you do, the bet- sidewalk or in the road? See if the person when someone told me about a chiropractor should not cost you an arm and a leg to cor- ter you do. needs help or call the number to get city that they thought could help. As a matter of rect your health. You are going to write a The public sector is controlled by services for the person. Your sidewalk or fact, after the first person told me about him, check to someone for your health expenses, government agencies to provide for the road was not made for sleeping on and two more people did that same week. So I you may as well write a lesser on for chiro- efficient and effective distribution of pub- humans deserve a better place to sleep. made an appointment with the chiropractor. practic. AniI know you’re smart. You want lic services to create and maintain public Have you noticed that they stopped Thank goodness that they took the time to to get to the cause of the problem, and not property. The goal is not maximizing profit. work on a street repair leaving everyone to help me! I went to his office where he asked just cover it up with drugs. When you are one me about my problems, did an exam, and of the first 20 people to call and schedule a In the public sector, workers are moti- navigate their way over wooden planks and th vated by a love of service to the community large barriers? Contact the appropriate city took some x-rays of my head and back. After new patient exam (by August 15 ) you will and/or by the comfort of knowing that their agency to get the work started again. that he pointed out where my nerves were receive that entire exam for $37. That’s with jobs are safe and that their performance This just happened in Pacific Heights pinched and adjusted them. The adjustment a consultation with the doctor, examina- will not be used for or against them when it at a busy intersection. Workers began was so light I barely felt it. I began crying as I tion and x-rays... the whole ball of wax, and comes to raises and promotions. This envi- replacing the four corner curb cuts but left felt the pain leave my body for the first time there are no hidden fees. But call right away ronment can foster a spirit of cooperation the job unfinished and never came back, in years. It may sound strange, but I was so because we expect to be flooded with calls as rather than the competition found in the leaving wooden planks and large plastic happy and grateful for the relief that I still this exam costs $437.Again there are only 20 private sector. But it can also cause some to road barriers behind. This absence went on thank him every day! After that, I knew what of these slots so don’t miss out. I hope that become less enthusiastic about doing much for almost a month and during that time it I had to do. I had to become a chiropractor, there’s no misunderstanding about the qual- at work since it makes very little extrinsic appears that only one person called in to and that’s how it happened! ity of care just because I have a lower exam difference. have the job completed. Hundreds of peo- I have adjusted many children within fee. You’ll get great care at a great fee. I just We see this in education where inade- ple passed by this unfinished work every- the first 15 minutes after birth. They obvi- offer that low exam fee to help more people quate teachers who have seniority and ten- day. Shop owners saw it. Shoppers saw it. ously didn’t complain of neck pain or back who need care. ure don’t have to worry about losing their Police officers saw it. And yet only one per- pain; I adjust them to keep them healthy... as My qualifications: jobs because any layoffs that occur will son called in and had it finished. with all the hundreds of children I care for in I am a graduate of Palmer College of affect the least senior teachers, no matter It was “the Emperor’s New Clothes” in my office. Chiropractic, I have published articles in how excellent their work has been. reverse with only one person declaring that You see, it’s not normal for kids to get leading chiropractic journals and taught chi- We see this in our city’s and prob- the emperor (intersection) has too many ear infections, asthma, allergies or a number ropractic to chiropractors! I’ve been helping ably our state’s civil service system. Public clothes (obstacles). of other illnesses we see clear up in our office your neighbors in San Francisco since 2004. employees testing for promotional oppor- Neighbors saw their park being everyday. I’ve been entrusted to take care of tiny babies tunities are not judged on any of their past neglected by Recreation and Park person- When the nervous system is working to athletes that you may know. evaluations (if there are any), no matter nel. Weeds were everywhere, trees were correctly your internal resistance and healing My assistants are Marcy and Raquel how behavior-based, because they could be dying, park benches were battered, ciga- powers are enhanced. and they are friendly and helpful and ready subjective. The promotion must be based rette butts were everywhere in this “no A healthy family does NOT rely on to assist you to set up an evaluation. Our on seniority as well as the results (subjec- smoking” area that lacked proper signage medication to make them well. My family clinic is both friendly and warm and we try tive and/or objective) of a standardized oral or enforcement, and the pavement was does not turn to medication to seek health our best to make you feel at home. We have or written examination. Seniority and test- cracked. After many years of passive accep- and we don’t have a “medicine chest” in our wonderful service at an exceptional fee. Our taking ability can become more important tance by most park visitors, a few con- home. Due to years of advertising satura- clinic is called San Francisco Family Spinal criteria than actual past performance. cerned public property owners have begun tion from the pharmaceutical companies Care and it is at 505 Beach Street (we are at The same is true in many public sec- work to redo the park. They meet with most Americans do seek health from out- the corner of Beach and Jones on the edge tor agencies where transfers to other units their district supervisor and with park offi- side- in and most families have a “medicine of North Beach). Our phone number is 415- are granted based solely on seniority of the cials to motivate them to do what is needed chest” filled with an average of 16 different 771-7071. Call today for an appointment. We requester, and the request. to fix the park and then to properly man- medications. can help you. Thank you. — Dr. Christina The effect of this difference in private age it. These neighbors are exercising their In an average year, the World Health Meakim D.C. and Dr. Gigliotti D.C. and public sector performance is striking. ownership of the park. Organization (WHO) reports over 1.5 mil- P.S. When accompanied by the first The private sector employee is moti- So just as we need the public to keep the lion hospitalizations due to medication. Last family member, I am also offering the second vated by fear of job loss and by an ambition private sector from its potential excesses, year the WHO reported 350,000 deaths due family member this same examination for to succeed, as well as any intrinsic motiva- we need private individuals to keep the to medication people took... and 160,000 only $17. tions that might be involved such as pride public sector from its potential shortcom- were when the drugs were prescribed cor- P.P.S. Can you imagine not having to in one’s work, wanting the organization to ings - inefficiency and ineffectiveness with rectly. More people died last year from medi- wait at a doctor’s office? Well, your time is as succeed, being of service, and a nice work- the strong scent of impunity cation than at Pearl Harbor and Vietnam. valuable as mine. That’s why we have a no- Amazing huh? wait policy. You will be seen within minutes ing environment. Feedback: [email protected]. The public sector employee can enjoy If drugs make people well, then those of your appointment. job security and excellent present and who take the most should be the healthiest, P.P.P.S. Of course, all people respond dif- but this simply isn’t the case. ferently to care. Page 16 October 2015 WEST OF TWIN PEAKS PROPERTIES SOLD SINCE 9/1/15 FACT: INVENTORY HAS NEVER BEEN LOWER WHEN COMPARED TO BUYER DEMAND ADDRESS TYPE BEDS BATHS PK ASKING SOLD %OF ASKING 533 Wildwood Way Westwood Park 2 1 2 699,000 875,000 125.1 220 San Marcos Ave Forest Hill 4 4 2 2,295,000 2,338,000 101.87 129 Dellbrook Ave Midtown Terrace 2 1 1 899,000 1,225,000 136.26 80 Terrace Dr St. Francis Wood 4 3 1 2,198,000 2,830,000 128.75 661 Laguna Honda Blvd Forest Hill Extensio 3 2 2 1,195,000 1,480,000 123.85 JENNIFER ROSDAIL 40 St Elmo Way Monterey Heights 3 2.5 2 1,750,000 1,805,000 103.14 DRE# 01349379 370 Valdez Ave Westwood Highlands 3 2 1 1,500,000 1,500,000 100 415.269.4663 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. Remember When?

Eureka Valley 1884. Permission: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

City and County of San Francisco Department of Elections Election Day Tuesday November 3 Vote at City Hall October 5 – November 3 Vote by Mail requests by October 27 Vote at Your Polling Place on Election Day

Register to Vote by October 19

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in San Francisco

Patrick Moore Senior Customer Care Implementation Manager ingleside ResidenT I work in energy efficiency and help customers in San Francisco save energy and money every day. It’s nice getting to help my family, friends and neighbors save while also helping our environment. “PG&E” refers to Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation. ©2015 Pacific Gas and Electric Company. All rights reserved. Paid for by PG&E shareholders. All facts 2013/2014 unless otherwise noted. otherwise unless 2013/2014 facts All shareholders. PG&E by for Paid reserved. rights All Company. Electric and Gas Pacific ©2015 Corporation. PG&E of subsidiary a Company, Electric and Gas Pacific to refers “PG&E”

At PG&E, our customers are our neighbors. The communities we serve as See The FaCTS PG&E employees are where we live and work too. IN SaN FraNCISCO That’s why we’re investing $5 billion this year to enhance pipeline safety and Replaced approximately 28 miles strengthen our gas and electric infrastructure across northern and central of gas transmission pipeline California. It’s why we’re helping people and businesses gain energy efficiencies to help reduce their bills. It’s why we’re focused on developing the next Invested more than $443 million generation of clean, renewable energy systems. into electrical improvements

Together, we are working to enhance pipeline safety and strengthen our gas Connected more than 5,100 and electric infrastructure—for your family and ours. rooftop solar installations

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PGE_10x16_SF_WSide_Patrick_0429.indd 1 5/15/15 3:58 PM Page 18 October 2015 Education Theater (Cont. from p. 13) Foster Jenkins. Peter Quilter recreates this exuberant “soprano” So How Well Are They Doing? in his play while she sings and screeches her way through perfor- By Carol Kocivar © 2015 mances for her enthusiastic audiences, who mostly fall apart with laughter. still have that wooden yardstick attached to the Language Arts/Literacy and According to the play’s director Billie Cox, she actually knew wall in our hallway. At the top are my two kids’ Mathematics people like Florence, who were simply not very good but loved I names. Guess what? Not every child is above average. what they did with a transcendent passion. Lines in colored marker show just how tall each Some kids (and schools) did better than oth- As Florence Foster Jenkins, Ellen Brooks brilliantly evokes was at every birthday celebration. ers. A broad generalization but here goes: poor the excruciatingly awful singing of a woman who has little sense (Well, almost every birthday.) Some years we kids did not do as well as kids from higher income of pitch or rhythm and is barely capable of sustaining a note. She cheated a bit and did a mid-year measurement. backgrounds. is a singer whose pianist makes adjustments to compensate for her They are now grown up. San Francisco again did better than other urban tempo variations and rhythmic mistakes. She shrieks, squeaks, If I put a yardstick today over the top of each school districts and the state average. and screeches – but so what, she loves it! head, it would balance almost perfectly. While they Half of the S.F. students hit proficiency levels. Quilter’s play, brilliantly directed by Billie Cox provides an grew in bits and spurts…one a little taller than the A couple of things to know: interesting portrait of an eccentric American woman who, despite other at various times….now they are just about even. Tests are just one small measure of student her lack of ability to sing, was firmly convinced of her greatness as Last month, I did a double check on the yard- progress. a soprano. stick. My grandchildren (almost one and almost six) Our schools and teachers are transitioning to The play is set in the year 1944, the last year of Florence Foster were visiting. How did they stack up? new standards designed to prepare children for col- Jenkins’ life. While nations are embroiled in WWII, Florence is We all do a bit of measuring. lege and careers. These emphasize skills in problem busy recruiting a new pianist, Cosme McMoon (Daniel Morgan), Are my kids on track? When do they start to solving, communication, and analysis. to accompany her in forthcoming performances and recitals. crawl? When do they start to walk? While “ Run Comparing this year’s test scores to those in the Maria (Maureen O’Donoghue), her housekeeper, is a Span- Jane Run” probably isn’t the first sentence they will past won’t work. They measure different skills. ish woman with whom she cannot communicate (neither speaks read, I am interested in all these little milestones. The first year of a new test is the base line. We the other’s language), and her the sentimental friend Dorothy (I put my internet search engine on private need to see how well schools and kids do over time. (Eileen Fisher), together with her supportive husband St. Clair, browsing so no one will know how many times I visit Not all kids start at the same place. Poverty, a bearded-British-Shakespearean actor (Mitchell Field), serve to the Child Development site to see what kids are sup- health, and a sense of security play a huge role in how accentuate Florence’s bizarreness. Ellen Brooks is terrific as she posed to do at each age.) well kids do. Measuring student growth over time is emulates Florence Foster Jenkins, a soprano diva who is at once And that brings me to those new assessments in essential. both a ridiculous and fascinating subject. Jackie Blue portrays our schools. We have a new yardstick in California. Let’s Mrs. Verrinder-Gedge, Florence’s nemesis, who comes up from the What do they mean? How well are our kids make sure we keep an eye on what it measures. And audience and hurls insults at her. doing? yes, just like our kids, growth will probably come in This great cast is aided in no small measure by Ron Krempetz’s Regardless of your political leanings on testing, fits and spurts. magnificent set, which should have equal billing with the actors. it is important to be able to assess in some way if our I hope that years from now, when all the colorful Before the play opens in Florence’s apartment, we see a vintage kids are measuring up. marks are on this new yardstick, that California will 1940s black and white movie of New York City traffic, projected This past month, California rolled out the results proudly display this on its the wall to show how well on a wide screen. Special mention should be made of Michael A. of new assessments based on new education stan- our kids have grown. Berg’s costumes. dards: The Common Core. You can find more detailed information about Glorious! is well worth the price of admission because of Billie (There are two NEW things happening at the Common Core standards and Student testing on Cox’s superb direction as we’re guided through Florence’s charity same time. (1) New Standards – Common Core, www.Ed.100.org recitals, extravagant balls, bizarre recording sessions, and ultimate and (2) a new assessment, called Smarter Balanced 9.3 Tests triumph at Carnegie Hall. “SBAC”, to measure these standards.) 6.1 Great Expectations: How Do Common Core This hilarious play will continue through Oct. 18:Thu., 7:30 Schools now have a SBAC report that helps them Standards Work? pm, Fri.–Sat., 8 pm. Tickets: rossvalleyplayers.com or 415/456- understand how students are meeting those new Carol Kocivar is former President of the California 9555, ext. 3. Ross Valley Players, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. standards. Parents receive individual student scores. Parent Teachers Assn. and lives in the Westside. Feed- Coming up next at RVP will be The Ladies of the Camellias by (You can find the school and district results by past- back: [email protected] Lillian Groag and directed by Julian Lopez-Morillas, running Nov ing this in your browser: 2015 Results for English 20 through Dec 20. Flora Lynn Isaacson

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the New de Young

Please join us Saturday October 17, 2015 10 am–10 pm All exhibition spaces and events are free and open to the public.

Sponsors: Hanson Bridgett, PG&E, and Swinerton. Community Partners: BiRite Foodservice Distributors, Drew Altizer, Design Build Solutions, NorCal Printers, Maruca Design, Pacific Coast Trane Service, and Popcorn Movie Posters Company.

Golden Gate Park • 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco • deyoungmuseum.org

PHOTO: GREGORY BERTOLINI Page 19 October 2015 Real Travel By Sergio Nibbi Amazing Grace quarter of a century ago Ken Burns produced a critically acclaimed documentary on the American Civil War. Now, 25 years later, A KQED is once again showing this remastered copy, and with both local and national elections on everyone’s minds the program is certainly apropos. The horror of war, any war, is pure hell, but this one was especially brutal with countrymen fighting countrymen and in the end thousands of young lives lost and countless cities destroyed. It’s still blue against red, and have we not learned anything in all these years? In 2001 we had occasion to go on a called, and head for Savannah. Rainbow row in Charleston Cruise with the San Francisco Giants to By the time I drove the car around and promptly at noon Ray picked the Caribbean, but before heading to Fort the corner from the Inn’s parking lot to us up and off we went. During the Lauderdale and boarding the Grand Prin- the front door, Maurice had our luggage short ride we found out from Ray, a cess we spent a few days in Charleston and on the curb and ready to load. After a few rather large man and a real Redneck, Savannah. more “Yes Sir” and “Thank you Sir” we that he was a Free Mason, a native-- Charleston is on a peninsula with the drove off for Savannah, a two-hour one his family tree took up two volumes Ashley River on the west and the Cooper hundred mile drive. About half-way down and he still doesn’t carry five-dollar River on the east. About 3 blocks north is Beaufort, a sea town not unlike Carmel bills in his wallet. As he reminded us of where we stayed is the City Market with except for the flat marshes surrounding it. “they came down here, we didn’t go 4 or 5 blocks of stores, restaurants and a On the way we passed Beaufort Marine up there.” huge shed housing every conceivable craft Air Base, and about 15 miles out of town A church steeple in Savannah After our 7 day stay in the area it and junk store imaginable. On our first is Parris Island, the Marine training area was quite obvious that not much has day we chose to head south towards The where years ago the Marines had a tragic from the past when cotton was king, and changed in the 150 years since Rob- Battery, stopping along the way to gaze at accident during night training exercises. I endless references to books and souvenirs ert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant mentioned this to a couple on “Midnight in the Garden of Good and at the McLean house in Appomattox. Our of the locals but they either Evil.”— a great book but a lousy movie. stay was pleasant, the people polite, kind forgot or did not want to One interesting thing we saw was a trundle and accommodating but still very much remember. bed that had rope strung around the frame Southern and as we were taught to say: The Atlantic is just to hold up the mattress. On the side was “Y’all have a good day.” a stone’s throw from the a wooden handle to tighten the rope. The Feedback: [email protected] town, and the boats and old saying “Sleep tight and don’t let yachts would make any area the bedbugs bite” came from there. proud. We had a pleasant We had learned earlier that the mat- lunch under green-colored tresses were made from horsehair or umbrellas, took in a few of Spanish Moss, which had bugs in it. the local sites and headed To celebrate our last night in town towards Savannah. A few we found and very much enjoyed miles before our final des- an Italian restaurant called Il Pastic- tination we traded South cio. Enough Southern cooking for a Carolina for Georgia and while although the Grouper that I after crossing a spectacu- ordered was delicious. Slave school house lar stayed cable suspension Salvatore, the night clerk at bridge we arrived in Savan- the Inn, who by the way worked the endless rows of gracious old homes nah, Georgia. Fortunately for us, the city in Naples, Italy until just 4 months from the past. The Battery is a lovely is laid out in a simple grid and very easy before, had made taxi reservations park-lined area with Magnolia trees and to navigate. There is a total of 22 Squares for the ride to the Amtrak station, Gastonian front in Savannah waterfront paths, but it still has scores and each has houses, churches and busi- of cannons, mortars and guns used to ness all with their own style and person- Housing Crisis (Cont. from p. 7) and demand, simply stated, is: if demand defend the city during its many conflicts. ality. Unlike Charleston, Savannah was housing with 12% of their project on site, increases with a constant supply the price We could easily see Fort Sumter, which not burned down during the Civil War, or subsidized about 20% off site in smaller will increase, and vice versa, if the demand was first fired upon when the Confeder- and as a result of its surrender to General projects, so the affordability problem was decreases or the supply increases the price ate artillery fired on the Union Garrison, Sherman it was spared the fate of so many not concentrated. This method was politi- will decrease. Normally a price increase starting the War Between the States. The other Southern cities and many of the old cally acceptable because a portion of the will induce some increase in supply; but, history of the area is fascinating, and we mansions still exist today. It was General subsidy came from higher prices on the as shown above, not in San Francisco, were told how Charleston had been under Sherman who gave Savannah to President market rate portion of these projects, because of our Planning Code. But this bombardment for over 550 days from the Lincoln for a Christmas Present. and that automatically raised the price of may be ready for a change. I can see a small Northern troops, more than any other city The next day we headed for the City every other house in the City. This has led number of people interested in commu- in history. Eventually we made our way to Market area, a district of shops and res- to neighborhoods where the insurance nity, rather than constant price increases, the Heyward-Washington House, which taurants reborn from old produce and fish replacement cost of the existing building is getting together with a larger group who is one of many mansions open for public vending areas. The streets in this area are only 20% of the selling price of the house hope to profit from changes, and the very tours, most of which are owned and oper- still paved with the old cobblestones that and land together, whereas for most of our many for whom change is absolutely nec- ated by the Charleston Museum or the were used for ballast in the old sailing ships country the land is only 20% of the selling essary if they are ever going to be able to Preservation Society. The most amazing and are extremely difficult to navigate. We price for a house. buy housing in San Francisco. Next month part is finding out how many of the locals made our way to the house of Juliette Gor- Currently there are construction I will suggest a method of increasing the signed the Declaration of Independence or don Low, the woman who started the Girl plans to build 30,000 new units, but we supply of housing with what I would con- the Constitution. Scouts, to Henry Ford’s first showroom, can be sure that this small percentage sider only limited impacts. Early the next morning we visited the Catholic Cathedral of St. John the increase, about 8%, of the total housing Howard Strassner is a transit advocate and one of the many plantations and we chose Baptist, and a beautiful show of Andrew stock will not make housing more afford- former President of the Greater West Portal Middleton Place. We first took the house Wyeth’s work at the Telfair Museum. At able because our history shows that if it Neighborhood Association Macular Degeneration (Cont. from p. 19) tour and later the self-guided tour of the the Visitor’s center we saw but could not did, we wouldn’t do it. The law of supply gardens, during which we found out that sit on Forrest Gump’s bench, memorabilia most of the original buildings had been destroyed during the Civil War, rebuilt, but only to be destroyed again by fire or earthquake. The Museum House holds many of the original furnishings; many of the valuables and statuary had to be buried before the Union troops burned and plundered the entire plantation. When slavery ended the plantation owners could no longer afford to keep the properties and many ended up in ruins. Charleston’s harbor is one of the best in the nation, and as a result was always under siege. It also provided for worldwide trade, and with the rice, indigo, and cotton farming sustained by slavery the economy prospered, beautiful homes were built, and chil- dren educated both here and abroad. 䌀漀洀瀀氀椀洀攀渀琀愀爀礀 匀攀氀昀 倀愀爀欀椀渀最 ⠀䘀漀爀 䐀椀渀渀攀爀 伀渀氀礀⤀ Unfortunately, by the end of the Civil 䄀琀 吀栀攀 䘀椀渀愀渀挀椀愀氀 䐀椀猀琀爀椀挀琀 䠀椀氀琀漀渀✀猀 倀甀戀氀椀挀 倀愀爀欀椀渀最 䔀渀琀爀愀渀挀攀 漀渀 圀愀猀栀椀渀最琀漀渀 匀琀⸀ War the city was in ruins and there were so few men left that rebuilding took years. The following day it was time to leave the Low Country, as it’s John Rutledge House in Charleston Page 20 October 2015

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Take your career to a better state. Are you free Friday night? We are. Take Control. Demand More. Open 5–8:45pm Friday Nights Dustin Ritchie Visit our permanent collection galleries free after hours on Fridays Agency Recruiting Coordinator and enjoy cocktails, performances, dancing, and art making. Email: [email protected] #thenightisdeyoung @deyoungmuseum Phone: 253-912-6238

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Support for Friday Nights at the de Young is provided by Hanson Bridgett, the Koret Foundation, and the Wells Fargo Foundation. During Friday Nights, funding from The Hearst Foundations makes possible free general admission to the permanent collection galleries. A discounted $15 ticket is required to visit the special exhibition galleries. Fees apply for dining and cocktails. Photo by Robbie Sweeny by Photo

Photo by Robbie Sweeny