Volumn 20 No. 7 • www.tpobserver.com • [email protected] • September 2008 Grand Jury: Another Blank Inside the Tony Hall Ethics Investigation Check Bond? By David P. Waggoner by Patrick Monette-Shaw Who’s Really Behind the Ethics Commission Investigation ? Deeply concerned Long before Sean Els- about this November’s bernd was a supervisor, SF General Hospital he was a clerk at the politi- “Proposition A” bond cal law firm of Nielsen measure, San Francis- Merksamer. While there, co’s Civil Grand Jury Elsbernd worked with released its report, political attorney Jim Sut- “Accountability in San ton. Sutton, now Elsbernd’s Francisco Govern- campaign treasurer, has ment,” on June 26, highly critical of the previous Branch often been referred to as Ruled out of order, Library Improvement project (BLIP) and Laguna Honda “the dark prince of San Supervisor Elsbernd Hospital (LHH) replacement general obligation bonds. Francisco elections.” attempted to testify against Hall A footnote in the Grand Jury’s report indicated a current For his part, Elsbernd City Supervisor acknowledged nobody has been minding began working in city hall after Tony Hall hired the City’s information technology expenditures store, appar- him as an aide in 2000. Upon Elsbernd’s recom- Key evidence against Hall appears to behave been altered. ently including himself. Similarly, the Board of Supervisors mendation, Hall also later hired Olympic Club also hasn’t been minding the bond measure store. events planner, Olivia Scanlon. In a revealing move, Elsbernd left Hall’s office in January 2004 to work for Gavin Newsom, who also employed Sutton. Seven months later, in the middle of an election season The Jury concluded the Citizen’s Obligation Bond Over- in which Hall was certain to be re-elected, Newsom appointed Hall to oversee Treasure Island. sight Committee (CGOBOC) can’t utilize its experience to improve projects prior to placing bond measures on a bal- Though unprecedented, Newsom then consulting for billionaire Gordon Getty. But Mo lot, including the proposed rebuilding of SFGH. The Jury appointed his own aide, Elsbernd, to Hall’s former knows where his bread is buttered. is concerned key lessons weren’t learned from the BLIP and seat on the board. Soon afterwards, the residents Hall’s campaign did pay Scanlon $12,000 — LHH bond fiascos, which may be repeated. of District 7 received a letter supporting Elsbernd for her fundrainsing work on his 2004 re-election and purportedly signed by Hall. The letter — paid Among other findings, the Grand Jury recommended campaign. And she was paid by the campaign for by the Building Owners and Managers Asso- increasing CGOBOC responsibilities. The Jury determined before Cudden paid Hall, via one check with a ciation — was a forgery. Elsbernd of course went that pre- and post-election independent analyses of the notation written on the check that it was payment on to win election to the board in November 2004. Controller’s voter guide estimates to establish whether the for “Campaign Services, Jan-Jun.” But Scanlon After Hall declined to put Scanlon in a manage- Controller’s projections are accurate isn’t being performed now claims she was a volunteer the whole time. ment position at Treasure Island, she began work- by either the Controller or the Board of Supervisors Budget Her volunteer tale is contradicted by testamony ing for Elsbernd. Analyst. Failing to test accuracy of the Controller’s financial from Hall’s campaign manager, attorney, consul- projections leaves the Controller’s Office unaccountable, the With its panoramic views of the San Francisco tant, fundraiser and treasurer. Jury noted. Bay, Treasure Island is literally a gold mine for Eager to score points against his old boss, Sean developers. Top Newsom fundraiser and lobbyist Elsbernd showed up at the hearing to testify as a “...voters are left holding the financial bag and Darius Anderson recognizes such opportunities. rebuttal witness, despite the fact that Hall had not burden,” from “the lack of accountability and In 2005, Anderson’s Kenwood Investments sought yet presented any evidence. As there was nothing a contract — worth hundreds of millions of dol- to rebut, Chairperson Susan Harriman would not oversight” of bond projects. lars — to develop the Island. But Hall, notoriously allow him to testify. independent, opposed the sweetheart deal. The San Francisco’s elections code requires the Controller Treasure Island board, all appointees of Newsom, At a hearing before the Commission on June estimate increases to City government costs from ballot mea- unceremoniously fired Hall after only 14 months 9, Scanlon repeated her loan allegation, and swore sures. The Grand Jury is critical that the Controller’s Office on the job. Wielding the axe for Newsom was none that the photocopies of the checks she provided to has previously neglected to address whether proposed legis- other than current District 3 supervisorial candi- Mo were accurate copies of the originals. lation may result in increasing the cost of City government. date and Treasure Island board president, Clau- After the June 9 hearing, and three years after The Bay Guardian’s August 13 editorial “And now, the dine Cheng. initiating his investigation, Mo issued a subpoena controller’s big lie,” exposes Controller Rosenfield vastly At about the same time Hall was fired, the Eth- for Cudden’s bank records. In response, Scanlon overestimated by “billions” this year’s Clean Energy Act. In ics Commission received an anonymous complaint and Cudden retained white collar criminal defense stark contrast, Rosenfield’s August 11 Proposition A voter — written in legalese — alleging Hall had used firm, Swanson, McNamara and Haller. The firm guide statement vastly underestimates City government cost campaign funds to buy food and gas for campaign offered to provide a faxed copy of one of the checks increases, neglecting to mention the $36 million annual workers. Commission staff, led by chief enforce- to Mo in exchange for withdrawing the subpoena, operating costs that will result by adding 212 employees to ment officer Richard Mo, began to investigate. Mo to “spare his clients the expense of having to file SFGH when its rebuild is complete. is a law school graduate but has never passed the a motion to quash the subpoena.” Without ques- The Grand Jury noted that in both the BLIP and LHH bar exam. Over the course of three years, Mo and tioning why Scanlon and Cudden hired a criminal bonds there was a lack of sufficient funding upfront to com- his staff spent thousands of hours reviewing Hall’s defense lawyer to oppose a subpoena for evidence plete the facilities promised to the voting public, since both campaign records, all on the public dime. against Hall, Mo agreed to the deal and withdrew projects “far exceeded what could actually be constructed” the subpoena. In contrast, Hall has not withheld a Months later, Mo’s investigation culminated in single document from the Commission. from bond proceeds. Both projects also had grossly underes- a formal accusation that Hall borrowed $12,000 timated escalation costs. The Grand Jury noted LHH’s esca- from Olivia Scanlon (now an aide to Elsbernd) and After Mo withdrew the subpoena, Haller gave lation factors alone may well increase construction costs repaid the “loan” with campaign funds. During the Mo a new copy of a check — which Scanlon swore Cont. p. 4 course of Mo’s sleuthing, he obtained photocop- was a loan to Hall — that was different than the INSIDE ies of two checks totaling $12,000 from Scanlon. first version Scanlon gave to Mo. The new version Scanlon told Mo that the checks were loans to Hall of the check has the word, “Services,” written in to pay for his daughter’s wedding. But the checks the notation section of the lower left hand corner Parking Removal for Portola 2 of the check. The “Services” notation is evidence Around the Town 2 — drawn on the business account of Scanlon’s husband, contractor Seamus Cudden — were pay- that Hall was indeed paid by Cudden for consult- JROTC in Schools 2 ments to Hall for consulting services. Hall infor- ing services. But the first version of the check that Phyllis’ Findings 3 mally advised Cudden on land use matters, code Scanlon gave to Mo three years ago did not have Why Readers Reject Newspapers 3 compliance, investment strategies, not to mention the “Services” notation. Neither Mo nor Scanlon District 4 & 7 Supervisors Forum 4 many hours of personal advice. Hall declared the has provided any explanation for why Scanlon pro- Cow Palace Still Kicking 4 income on his 2004 tax return, paid taxes on it, vided a check which had apparently been altered Hospital Bond 5 and repeatedly sought an IRS form from Cudden. to white-out the “Services” notation. Tony Hall Speaks Out 5 Cudeen has never complied with that law. While After the defense team discovered that Mo Business Corner 6 consulting fees are common forms of income for withdrew the subpoena, we subpoenaed the Cell Phone Tricks 7 elected officials, as long as they conform with same records. Despite Scanlon’s efforts to keep Cancer Survival Courses 12 Conflict of Interest restrictions, Hall’s consult- the records secret, defense finally has the records, And all the columnists and features exclusive to the Observer ing for Cudden pales in comparison to Newsom’s and it is clear why Scanlon and Cudden were Cont. p. 6 GUEST OPINION Parking Removal Plan for Portola By Pamela Stone Last year, I learned that the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency was undertaking an environmental review of the Bicycle Plan, and proposing a substantial number of bicycle improvements for the safe utilization of bicycles and their promotion as an alternative means of transportation. In looking closer, I learned that there are two options for Portola Drive, one that would remove all 240 parking spaces on the northeast side of the street from Sloat Blvd. to O’Shaughnessey, coupled with removal of one driving lane from Evelyn Way to O’Shaugnessey. The second alternative would keep parking on Portola Drive but narrow driving lanes to implement a bicycle lane.

My family has lived on Portola Drive for over 40 years. Some of my neighbors JROTC in San Francisco Public Schools have lived in this area for over 50 years. In discussing the proposal for wholesale By Dr. Dan Kelly removal of parking, none of my neighbors had heard of such a matter. I have also frequented the merchants of West Portal as long as I can remember. However, Vote No on Proposition V except for the President of the West Portal Merchants Association, no one that I Before phasing out JROTC, the School spoke with had heard of the proposal, although it would impact them as well. Board listened to students, parents and com- In June, the SFMTA Bicycle Program held an open house to discuss the bicycle munity members on both sides. It weighed the plan implementation in the Western Neighborhoods. I attended, and was sur- arguments and considered what might be lost prised to see that other than avid cyclists, there were few individuals who would and what might be gained. It learned that many be impacted by the proposed changes present. I inquired as to how notice was students seek leadership and community ser- given, and I was informed that the fact of the meetings was published, and that vice opportunities, and that they want electives the Presidents of the various Homeowners Associations were notified. They did and after school activities which confer skills that not notify any of the impacted residents of the proposed changes, relying upon translate into careers later. associations and the internet to provide actual notice. Students identified these qualities in numer- Many residents in the area are elderly and not connected with the internet. ous activities, such as Peer Resources, sports Additionally, many residents are not avid cyclists and would not realize how the teams, outdoor education, student newspapers, proposed Bicycle Plan would impact them. Thus, the result is that the Bicycle activity clubs, Service Learning, Student Gov- Program only has the input of avid cyclists, and not those who would be impacted ernment, and others which already exist in the daily by the proposed changes. District without the drawbacks of JROTC. Eight The removal of parking from the front of my residence would make it easier for hundred students petitioned the School Board me to enter and exit my garage. However, it would have other severe impacts. to end JROTC and to use the $1,000,000 saved to expand and add to existing programs. Although my parents are dead, I am fortunate enough to have retained the friendship of their friends and peers. As these individuals are quite elderly, unless JROTC’s contract with the School District parking can be had close to my home, I will not be able to enjoy their company, requires a “course of military instruction” by which I treasure. Additionally, some of my friends are disabled and need parking instructors who don’t need even a college degree. near my home. This would be impossible if all parking is removed from Portola No JROTC classes meet State academic standards, and military skills translate Drive, as it will force those who presently park on Portola to move into the poorly into real-world job skills. Lower skills mean lower prospects for the poor Cont. p. 6 and minority students who are the primary targets of JROTC. But four years of military classes leave less room for the math, science, and foreign language classes, AROUND THE TOWN… which do provide solid preparation for college and careers. San Franciscans overwhelmingly opposed recruitment in schools when they Comings and Goings… passed Proposition I in 2005, so JROTC supporters now deny that JROTC recruits children locally, while admitting that it does so elsewhere. JROTC directives and Festivals Galore…Pull out your calendars. September and October feature policy statements urge instructors to “facilitate contact with recruiters”, to “sell two community festivals to highlight the fall season. the Army story”, and to contact students as early as possible. “Seventeen is too On Saturday, September 13, 2008, the Sunset District Autumn Moon Fes- late”, states one such directive. The Pentagon boasts that 40 – 50% of all JROTC tival Committee will present the 4th annual Autumn Moon Festival in the cadets join the military. JROTC supporters continue to deny it. But the School Sunset. This annual festival has become an integral part of the San Francisco District has no information on local enlistment and the supporters don’t either. culture, attracting thousands of people to enjoy entertainment, art, products They simply haven’t asked for real numbers from the Pentagon, the only agency and, of course, delicious food. A “Kids Corner” will also be an attraction with that could know. a petting zoo and bouncy house. How voluntary is JROTC? Many students are forced into San Francisco JROTC Many local organizations and merchants have participated in the planning, for purely administrative reasons, or as punishment. Immigrants have been told to including the Tzu Chi Foundation and the Richmond Area Multi-Services, accept JROTC assignment to protect their families from deportation. Three quar- Inc. There is a long and storied history to this traditional Chinese celebration ters of those who chose JROTC said they wanted to avoid Physical Education, and held to commemorate the successful revolt to drive the Mongols from China half of JROTC cadets would take non-military marching band if offered. during the Yuan Dynasty. Before it voted, the School Board also noted that JROTC instructors, who are The festival will take place from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Irving Street, chosen by the military, can’t be openly gay; that JROTC creates funding imbal- between 22nd and 25th Avenues. Admission is free. For more information ances between schools; and that JROTC instructors, who carry half the student about the Autumn Moon Festival, visit the website at www.AutumnMoonFes- load, receive much higher pay than credentialed teachers. tival.org. Last year the School Board ended involuntary placements in JROTC, and Food and fun moves to Taraval Street on October 25th as the Taraval Mer- enrollment dropped 30%. This year it is allowing more substitutes for Physical chants Association presents the 2nd annual Taraval Street Fair. Taraval Street, Education, exploring band funding, and starting a new, four-year Leadership between 46th and 47th Avenues will be closed to make way for food booths, track. It is responding to what students want and need. artisans, and a stage for bands. The festival will run from 10:30 A.M. to 6:00 Proposition V is a divisive wedge issue placed on the ballot with funding from PM. Admission is free, so join in the fun. For more information visit the web- conservative groups outside SF, and outside the State. Students deserve greater site at www.TaravalMerchants.org. opportunities without military sponsorship. Vote No on Proposition V. September 2008...... Westside Observer...... Page 2 PHYLLIS’ FINDINGS Why Readers Reject Daily Newspapers I was excited to hear Barack Obama’s dynamic speech By Clint Reilly last week accepting the Democratic nomination for Newspapers used to print money As a political consultant, I repeatedly President..(it cost the Dems 50 million to rent that sta- for their owners. Some — like Richard witnessed bizarre behavior at newspa- dium) .I know I’m preaching to the choir...but that was Thieriot, the former owner of the San pers that no other business would ever quite an impressive and historic speech, even though Francisco Chronicle — did better than allow. Some reporters and columnists chances are he’ll never be able to achieve ALL he’s prom- others. were frequently drunk or on drugs on ised...we’ll see...it’s a start. What was flabbergasting was Thieriot was smiling the job. Such conduct McCain’s pick of Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska as his was not simply toler- running mate. He’s obviously hoping to energize all the like the cat that ate the canary when I spoke with ated, it was condoned. women who loved and voted for Hillary for President. I can’t imagine women These third-rate Hunter who were pro-Hillary, embracing this unknown woman as Republican V.P. They him at former State Sena- tor Quentin Kopp’s recent Thompsons screwed up have already said it was an “insulting gesture.” If McCain dies in office, what can appointments and scram- Governor Palin, with very limited experience offer the government? She hasn’t 80th birthday party. Thieriot’s family sold the bled facts but were never been “vetted” (examined...as other potential candidates were) and rumor has she’s called to account for being investigated for unknown malfeasance. People have wondered why if he Chronicle and KRON television for more than their mistakes, incivility wanted a woman, he didn’t pick EBay’s Meg Whitman, for example, who’s more or disruptive behavior. experienced... and the answer is that Palin is NOT pro-choice and to attract his $1 billion at the market’s zenith in 2000. Hearst Violent behavior by a top Conservative base, McCain felt it incumbent upon him to pick a woman (with a editor was even defended bevy of children) who’s against abortion. Corporation paid $660 million for the Chronicle by the company and the The internet had a Media Advisory on August 23rd and it included a McCain alone. editor promoted. He Campaign Conference call with Republican Party Chairman Ron Nehring and would have been summarily fired any- former Secretary State Chairman, Bill Jones to discuss why Obama’s pick of Joe Today, rumors abound about the where else. Biden would be bad for California’s economy. It included the remark by Biden, Chronicle’s financial picture. Including annual losses, Hearst has likely invested Consider the following events in while he was hoping to be nominated as President, that Obama “is not ready for 2000 involving the purchase of the the Presidency.” They opened a phone # to readers to call in and spout their views more than $1 billion in the Chronicle, yet the paper is only worth a fraction Chronicle by Hearst Corp, then owner and opinions. I called the number, added the pass code they requested and they of the SF Examiner: had me speak my mind which included my erstwhile opinion that a “72 year old of that amount. Facing a dismal eco- forgetful man with a violent temper who abused and cheated on Carol, his first nomic picture, Hearst recently offered The publisher of the Examiner wife, was hardly a role model.” I further suggested that it might not be wise to put buyouts to more than 100 staffers, the offers to “horse trade” favorable edito- such an intense man in a position with his finger on a button in such a power- second time it has done so in the last rial coverage for the mayor during his ful position. I further added a bit about his cursing Cindy, his current wife, with 18 months. reelection campaign in exchange for reporters present. At which point the moderator told the operator to cease my call But the Chronicle is not alone. The the mayor’s support of the sale. and to continue to the next caller. They asked for my name at the beginning of the entire newspaper business is in free fall. When the publisher admits this calling session, so who knows what could happen next? I may just be on the RNC The Internet has stolen both readers publicly, he is fired by Hearst, even list of noxious callers and banned forever from stating my provocative remarks... and advertisers, and a grinding reces- though emails and hand-written notes Tyranny will out! God Bless America! sion has further curtailed ad spending. indicate that he informed the presi- **************************************************** And as younger readers flock online, dent and chairman of the company of circulation continues to plummet. exactly what he was doing. Hearst later I’ve read that although fewer and fewer aspiring doctors are choosing “Geriat- With declining revenues come pays the ousted publisher a settlement rics” as a profession, reports have it that the Geriatric physicians are happy with reported to be near $10 million. their specialty. Young residents deem it “depressing.” repeated staff cuts. The papers are even shrinking physically, and vital cover- A federal judge accuses both the Wall Street Journal recently had an article on people and their biases. Appar- age of local government has suffered in president and chairman of lying about ently, there’s not too much bias these days towards blacks and gays as formerly.... many communities. what happened. The editor-in-chief the predominant bias that persists today is “ageism.” Even “old” people are biased Sam Zell, the real estate mogul and the editorial page editor issue pub- against the”old.” Now that’s depressing. lic denials that anything improper ever **************************************************** who led the $13.6 billion buyout of the Tribune Company – which includes occurred. To “prove” it, the newspaper Atkins diets are still in vogue, apparently. People are said to lose more weight the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles hires the former general counsel of on it than on any of the other popular diets. That’s all carnivorous me had to hear, Times – said, “Because newspapers Chevron to write a report exonerating I headed straight for the nearest charcuterie and bought a pound of boneless rib... have historically been monopolies, the newspaper of any wrongdoing. (methinks a good place for boneless rib or any steak is still MOLLIE STONE’s) they have been insulated from reality. The final report – predictably stat- although didn’t eat it all at once. However, neither was it the size of a deck of Newspapers have to respond to their ing that no breach of ethics occurred cards, as the diet gurus recommend...it was quite thin cut, so if I stacked it, it customers.” – is printed prominently in the news- might be the size of a deck of cards, but spread out it probably resembled a royal paper, even though the lead adviser to flush...(of cards.) The other alternative to weight loss is Bariatric surgery which When papers failed to respond to their customers, Craigslist did. The the investigation, a well-respected jour- is getting more popular day by day...not quite as popular as ATKINS...but if you nalist, refuses to sign it in dissent. need to lose a great deal of weight... check it out. website devoured newspapers’ classi- fied advertising business by offering Years later, the now Hearst-owned ************************************************* a more efficient model. I spoke with Chronicle hires the now former mayor In the Entertainment Arena...lots of goodies abound. If you like Woody Allen Craig Newmark, Craigslist’s founder, as a Sunday columnist. films, VICKY CHRISTINA BARCELONA is your cup of tea. Seductive, delight- at a Barack Obama fundraiser we both Despite these clearly documented ful, funny with Penelope Cruz, Scarlette Johansson,Javier Bardem and lots of other attended recently. Newmark told me events involving the paper’s owners, sexy, handsome people....set in lovely Barcelona, luminously photographed, and that poor journalism and lousy news- publisher and editors, the San Francisco directed by Woody, it’s totally enjoyable. At the Stonestown Cinema, an attractive, papers are digging their own grave Chronicle would have us all believe that remodeled variation of the old mystery train trip movies...TRANSSIBERIAN has – not Craigslist. While Craig may be this type of behavior has nothing to do Ben Kingsley and Woody Harrelson in an exciting film with glowering foreigners, too humble, others share his disdain with Bay Area residents abandoning erotic intrigues,conspiracies, duplicity...some excessive violence (R rated) but it’s for an industry seemingly incapable of the paper in droves. definitely worth seeing. responding to its first real competitive I wonder. Opening at the Berkely Rep is YELLOW JACKET and at ACT Tom Stop- threat in 100 years. pard’s ROCK AND ROLL (directed by Carey Perloff and running through Octo- Monopoly journalism allowed Clint Reilly writes a column which ber 12. (NY Times calls it “Stoppard’s ‘finest’) I’ll keep you posted.. many owners, editors and journalists to appears as a public service in every ************************************************. fall out of touch long before the present MediaNews Group, Inc. newspaper in crisis. the Bay Area each Tuesday and at www. NEW YORK IS STILL WHERE IT’S AT... clintreilly.com A few tips if you’re heading to NYC anytime soon...Patti LuPone is sensa- tional in GYPSY..a Tony Winner; and make sure to see the 2008 Pulitzer Prize Letters to the Editor drama AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY, by Tracy Letts. It’s not-to-be missed if you enjoy REAL drama. ( it helps to sit in the orchestra.) Unbelievable 80 year old I am an avid reader of your West of Estelle Parsons has the lead (Violet) and she only has a 6 month contract...so bet- Twin Peaks Observer. I noted that you Read the Observer ter hurry. It’s said to be coming to SF but right now it’s at the Music Box Theater mentioned the meeting on June 3rd on on 45th Street in NY and worth a trip. Also reportedly the play is being adapted for a film. the bicycle plan. Did you know that online: *********************************************** one proposal is to removal all parking on Portola Drive from Sloat Blvd. up to www.tpobserver.com I can’t speak highly enough about the new NEWSEUM in Washington, D.C. Forester? There are 14 main galleries, 15 theaters and it’s an opportunity to explore the history of news and meet the men and women of the mediat who report it .In I have attached a copy of a letter that the NBC News Intereactive Newsroom you can shoot photosof a dramatic river I have written to SF MTA, and I believe rescue or email your friends a video of your turn as a TV reporter. You’ll find a that this is an issue which should be Pulitzer Prize Photographic Gallery with stories that experience the sadness and examined by your paper. artisty of the world’s greatest news photographs and then in the Berlin War Gal- Pamela Stone lery you’ll see 83 ton sections of the graffiti-covered concrete barriers..one of the Editor’s note, see page 2 for a guest edito- largest displays outside Germany. There are so many fascinating, unique things rial by Ms. Stone. to see at the NEWSEUM, you’ll wish you could stay for days. And you’ll enjoy it even if you never pick up a newspaper. Cont. p. 12

Page 3...... Westside Observer...... September 2008 West of Twin Peaks Central Council Candidates Night District 4 and 7 Candidates Meet Neighbors By George Wooding The West of Twin Peaks Central Council’s August that the City had to take a comprehensive look at the the children of families should be able to attend local 11th candidates night was a great success. west side development projects and their impact on schools. She expressed concern about City spend- A 70 year-old organization, represents hom- the character and quality of life in Districts 4 and ing, though expressed confidence in San Francisco’s eowners associations in both district 4 and 7. Can- 7. Lagos also strongly recommended that the City healthy 5% growth, but the City’s spending needs to didates for Supervisor, from both districts, discussed could reduce it’s budget by eliminating many of the be controlled, she said. She spoke about making 19th issues that are important to west side voters. The “over 8,000 City employees who are currently mak- Avenue safe. Candidates introduced them- ing six-figure salaries. Candidate Dudum said that City Supervisors had selves, discussed their platforms Moderator Denise LaPointe to be much more responsible and accountable to vot- and answered questions before a read a statement submitted by ers. He charged that local government is top-heavy packed house of voters. former District 7 Supervisor, and that Supervisors should stop creating unnec- The final filing deadline for Tony Hall explaining why Hall essary committees and commissions, roll-up their District Supervisor was August dropped out of this year’s Super- sleeves and start doing the job that they were paid to 8th. The WTPCC’s August 11th visor’s race. (see page 5).The City do. He promised to promote home-ownership pro- forum was designed to give new and State retirement system and grams and wants more neighborhood family houses candidates a chance to compete the City Attorney had confirmed built. He opposes the redistricting of police stations, and introduce themselves on an that Hall’s pension would be sig- which, he said, would be detrimental to District 4. equal footing with better-known nificantly reduced, permanently if Candidate David Ferguson, a lifelong resident District incumbents. he took a position on a Supervi- of District 4 and a former schoolteacher, pledged to sor’s salary. Tony Hall was present serve as a District 4 Supervisor and never seek any The David and Goliath, Dis- at the statement reading. trict 7 Supervisor’s race pitted other elective office. Among Ferguson’s concerns are incumbent Sean Elsbernd against District 4 has three interesting the maintenance of Stern Grove, as a vital commu- newcomer Julian Lagos. Elsbernd candidates running for Supervi- nity asset, a strong middle-class advocate, he is con- Julian Lagos, Supervisorial Candidate, District 7 sor. Carmen Chu, the incumbent, cerned that families with children are being pushed often cited his record and was found a receptive audience at the forum. especially proud of his work on was appointed by Mayor Gavin out of the City because of the rising costs for goods the Park and Recreation bond, City infrastructure, Newsom to replace former Supervisor Ed Jew. Can- and services and because of schools. He also wants to and his legislation that will “save billion of dollars” didate Ron Dudum, who lost the 2006 District 4 race make San Francisco as “green” as possible. by changing the City employees criteria for receiv- to Ed Jew by a handful of votes and was overlooked Denise LaPointe, event moderator and outgoing ing retirement benefits. He also defended San Fran- by Mayor Newsom for the District 4 appointment. president of the WTPCC asked relevant questions of cisco’s immigration sanctuary policy. The third candidate, David Ferguson is a long time the candidates. Incoming WTPCC President Don resident of District 4. Candidate Julian Lagos was very concerned with Dutil, selected audience questions and organized the development and population density issues pertain- Incumbent Chu mentioned that she “loves” Dis- event. ing to the west side of town, particularly the pro- trict 4, owns a house in the District and someday The election for Supervisors will take place on posed new development of Park Merced. Lagos felt plans to raise a family in the District. Chu said that November 4th.

Cow Palace: Not Dead Yet! Grand Jury (Cont. from p.1) By Kevin Patterson, Friends of the Cow Palace Astute observers have noted the Mayor’s Office of Public Finance has Revitalization hopes for both the Cow Palace and Sur- defined clear policies for issuing rounding Community COP’s to accomplish future savings Sometimes it takes throwing cold water on our to the City’s General Fund. But the face to bring things into focus. This is certainly the LHH replacement project is funded by net result of the legislation proposed by State Senator general obligation bonds and tobacco Leland Yee. His bill, SB1527, backed by Daly City, settlement revenues, not the General proposed to sell the Cow Palace as surplus State prop- Fund, so it doesn’t appear to meet these, erty and clear the way for a massive condo and com- and other, COP best-practice policies. mercial development project. This bill brought into If the SFGH bond is already under- sharp focus the fact that many people believe both the funded by $55.6 million, the Mayor and Bayshore Community and the Cow Palace can and Board of will be handed a blank check should be revitalized. to issue additional revenue bonds or Due to an overwhelming public outcry, and a COP’s to augment yet another inade- shared desire to see the Cow Palace continue as a Bay quate general obligation bond, without Area icon, Senator Yee amended his bill to spare the voter approval. Cow Palace. The legislation, now on the Governor’s The Jury noted private-sector proj- desk, calls for the sale of only 13 acres of Cow Pal- ects experiencing significant cost over- ace overflow parking lots adjacent to the old Geneva runs and delays would likely replace Drive-In movie theater. The goal of this sale is to pro- project managers. And the Grand vide land desperately needed for a local grocery store Jury found that the Mayor and Board and retail center. of Supervisors should authorize the The problem is, the Cow Palace Board of Direc- CGOBOC to evaluate bond measures tors has been working on exactly the same goal for before placing them on the ballot to over a year. However, it appears they have a better Understimating the cost in the 1999 Voter’s Handbook misiinformed the public assure proper project “plans, escala- way to achieve it: a long term lease to a commercial tion factors, milestones, damage clauses developer who will build the retail center and pay the as high as 69% over its baseline budget. Another and the like are in place to deliver projects on time Cow Palace rent for 50 years. of the Jury’s findings was that the Mayor’s Office, and within budget the voters are asked to approve.” With income from a long-term lease, and a retail the CGOBOC, and the Department of Public Works Although the City had several months to implement center for the community, the Cow Palace and the either “knew or should have known that escalation the Grand Jury’s recommendations before placing the local community both win. Supporters of this plan calculations were inadequate for both projects.” SFGH bond measure on November’s ballot, none of hope that the Governor will veto the sale of the 13 the recommendations were adopted before doing so. Mayor Newsom, for his part, has noted a “lot of acres and allow the long-term lease to move forward. angry people don’t trust” the City after the Laguna The Jury noted “voters are left holding the finan- In a down real estate market, it is clearly a better Honda bond measure; he claims the proposed costs cial bag and burden,” from “the lack of accountabil- choice to lease than to sell. to rebuild SFGH have been made “clear,” right from ity and oversight” of bond projects. The Grand Jury With income from the lease, the Cow Palace will the start. But both Newsom and Rosenfield have concluded the appropriate response is for voters to begin to fund a long overdue revitalization, com- neglected mentioning the SFGH $887.4 million bond demand better governance from City officials. pleting seismic and ADA projects and beginning a may underfund the project by at least $55.6 million, We need both of our County hospitals. But we beautification, community outreach, and marketing if the Department of Public Health’s estimate SFGH shouldn’t sacrifice increasing government account- process that will usher in a new future for the Bay construction costs may reach $943 million turns out ability and project oversight to rebuild either LHH or Area icon. This will support local businesses, which to be accurate. SFGH. in turn will encourage job growth, and hopefully To complete BLIP projects, the Mayor and Board Send City Hall a message it must implement the begin an upward trend for an area. of Supervisors have abused issuing revenue bonds Grand Jury’s recommendations before we’ll pass “We love the Cow Palace, and so do many thou- that don’t require voter approval to supplement the another bond measure. Vote “No” on Proposition A’s sands of citizens from the local community and BLIP funding shortfall. Even though the LHH proj- blank check. throughout the State”, says Steven Jonson, School ect has been scaled back by 35% to rein in costs, the Patrick Monette-Shaw is an accountability advocate. Teacher from Pacifica. “I attend the Great Dickens Mayor and Board are also abusing issuing $185 mil- The Grand Jury’s report can be found on its web page Christmas Fair at the Cow Palace every year and lion in Certificates of Participation (COP’s) to sup- at www.sfgov.org/site/courts_page.asp?id=3680. believe that educational and family oriented events plement bond financing for LHH, also without voter (Cont. on p. 10) approval. September 2008...... Westside Observer...... Page 4 Boondoggle II: General Hospital PERMISSION TO SPEAK FREELY By George Wooding Former Supervisor Tony Hall Bows Out of District Race REAL WORDS for REAL PEOPLE

By Tony Hall be encouraged to prosper as opposed to penalizing them with ever-increasing To the many residents of District 7 fee hikes, as is suggested by the Board who urged me to run for re-election as and Mayor today. your Supervisor, I To preserve express my sincere our neighbor- thanks and grati- hood character tude. Thank you such we prevented for the many won- construction on derful accomplish- Edgehill Moun- ments we achieved tain and exces- together, and grati- sive development tude for allowing at Stonestown. me to serve you. Today, unbridled By now you know developments at that I will not be a SF State, Park Mer- candidate because ced, Brotherhood the City and State Way, Wawona retirement sys- and Sloat threaten tems informed to clog 19th Ave. me that after a 30 with nightmarish year career in local traffic and undo Government, as an The SF General Hospital (SFGH) voters to approve bond financing. the many neigh- executive in eight rebuild, — Proposition A on this borhood traffic In 1994, state law SB1953 created different Depart- November’s ballot — is being aggres- safety precautions new seismic standards for hospitals. ments, the pension sively marketed to San Francisco we installed. Current California standards require benefits that my voters. Sutro Tower is hospitals should be able to withstand family currently depends on would be again gearing up for unprecedented an earthquake without collapsing. But permanently halved if I returned at the Almost every political organiza- expansion. tion, local politician, union, and spe- SB1953 created a second, higher com- level of Supervisor. I even volunteered cial interest group in town will either pliance standard that requires hospitals to return for no pay but was declined We passed many Quality of life and endorse Proposition A, or will be pres- to also be able to continue to operate, via an opinion by the City Attorney. public nuisance laws and ordinances and function, after an earthquake. relating to public cleanliness, obstruc- sured into not being “against” the bond It is important to understand why tion of justice, the monitoring of home- measure. The City, already worried The proposed new, 90-foot-high, I considered running again. As your less encampments and increased police about the tremendous $1.7 billion cost glass-walled SFGH hospital will be Supervisor, I kept the promises I made presence. Today these laws are not of this bond, has gone to great lengths wedged forty feet, or less, between two to you during the campaign of 2000 to being enforced. to ensure the SFGH rebuild is the only non-seismically retrofitted brick build- resolve our district’s biggest problems. general obligation bond measure on ings built in 1915. The 93-year-old In the ensuing four years, we did just I initiated district Town Hall meet- the ballot. brick buildings are 85 feet high, and that. Now, those who place political ings and formed the District 7 Coun- Officially, San Francisco is claiming aren’t scheduled to be retrofitted until ambition before public service threaten cil so that your voice would be heard. that the bond will “only” cost $887.4 sometime after the year 2015. The pro- much of what we accomplished. Today, that Council is non-existent. posed hospital sits within the fall-zone million. But additional, remaining We re-built Harding Park as one of There were countless measures and hidden costs haven’t been considered of both brick buildings. In the event proposals that I worked on to limit of a catastrophic earthquake, the brick the finest municipal golf courses in the or discussed publicly: $30 million country with the understanding that it waste, promote honesty and increase preparing the bond; $640 million to buildings will collapse on the new hos- efficiency in City Government. I was pital and render it inoperable. would be maintained for affordable res- service the debt repaying interest; and ident use, attract lucrative PGA tourna- very proud to have served you in the $157 million for furniture, fixtures and The City is claiming that a large ment dollars for our City coffers, and most respectable manner that I could equipment — all of which seem to have basement underneath the hospital most important, that it would remain because of my love for this great City. It been forgotten. called a “super-floor” will suppos- a public course, not fall into private was with this desire that I chose to take The future costs of seismically ret- edly allow them to build the hospital hands (AKA highest political donors!) the helm at Treasure Island in 2004 in rofitting the rest of the hospital campus at this location. This super-floor does as is now being promoted by our local the sincere and yet mistaken belief that haven’t been mentioned. And bond not actually retrofit the two red brick politicians. I could do more good for the City by buildings. developing that last national jewel into costs are open-ended because by the We restored Lake Merced to all- a positive cash flow for generations to City’s own admission, the project may When asked about the strength of time water level highs and set the come. Unfortunately, political circum- be underfunded by $55.6 million, if the non-retrofitted brick buildings, course for its restoration as one of the stances beyond my control prevented the City’s projections that construction Gene O’Connell, SFGH’s CEO, stated most unique family recreation dis- me from achieving that success, and costs may reach $943 million prove on August 13 that “the brick buildings tricts of any city in the country. That the project today lies in an ever- chang- accurate. did not collapse during the 1989 Loma project is now being pushed off by our ing public relations scam. We all learn Prieta earthquake,” and said she felt local representative as a Public Utilities Voters who own property will be from our experiences, and my family that they would not collapse in a future “watershed project” thereby eliminat- annually taxed $59 for every $100,000 and I have paid dearly for those les- earthquake. The City needs to retrofit ing the responsibility of the Recreation of property assessments over the next sons in the form of personal attacks the adjacent red brick buildings before and Park Department in the develop- 23 years. Due to a 50% pass through and attempts to smear my reputation. clause, renters face annual $100 to $300 building the proposed replacement ment of that park. hospital. Thankfully, people usually come to rent increases. We passed the legislation for the re- know the truth. In 2006, the proposed design for the build of Laguna Honda Home for our The City’s public relations machine The above “State Of The District” SFGH replacement was a rectangular senior citizens in need. That mission is set to inundate voters with slick is not meant to castigate anyone, but building, estimated to cost $622 mil- and the bond monies that you voted for brochures, mailers, and automated rather serve as a guideline to what you lion. The Department of Public Health is now wrongfully distorted and mis- phone messages. The local media will should be demanding of your district then reconsidered the design, and chose used as our local representatives push start placing favorable SFGH stories representative. Politics is a tough busi- a more aesthetic, oval shaped hospital for halfway house for care-not cash between September and the November ness, and we must support those who with glass walls. The redesigned build- recipients. 4 election. The City’s main arguments step up to the plate, but also distinguish to voters will be emotional, because ing added $265 million dollars, includ- ing $7 million for art. We passed the necessary legislation between those whose motivation is to the facts and the City’s numbers sim- to build the new Youth Guidance Cen- serve the public as opposed to satisfy- ply don’t add up. Voters are going to The proposed hospital’s bed capac- ter complete with vocational and reha- ing ones political ambitions. Being able be hearing a lot of public relations pro- ity is insufficient for future needs. bilitative services so that our misguided to stand up for what is right and do paganda about “Compassion,” “desper- The project only adds an additional youngsters could have the opportunity something for the common good of all ately needed,” “no time left,” and “State 32 beds, increasing 19 neonatal ICU to become productive members of our the people is what is most important in law requires.” and pediatric beds, and eliminating 16 society as opposed to runaways from the political world. You have the right Has anyone heard that the Titanic is medical/surgical beds. The City’s final city-sponsored halfway houses. Any to expect that from your representa- about to leave the dock? project report does NOT discuss emer- opinion as to the rationale for San tives. You have my word that I will con- gency room capacity. The hospital was Francisco to remain a “sanctuary city” tinue to fight for that principle above Voters should support SFGH’s designed before the DPH’s commis- healthcare mission and want a seismi- is absurd and an affront to families of all else. sioned Lewin report cited a citywide the recent victims of such a ridiculous cally-safe hospital. But the proposed Supervisor Hall is retired, but promises shortage of 533 acute hospital beds by policy. SFGH rebuild is a poorly planned, 2030, 24% below the City’s projected to keep in touch with the residents of the poorly located, and an overpriced “tro- needs. We completed the renovation of area and will contribute to the Westside phy” hospital. The project should be re- the Ocean Avenue commercial corri- Observer as his time permits. thought, and re-designed, before asking The same DPH administrators dor so that our small businesses would Cont. p. 6 Page 5...... Westside Observer...... September 2008 Investigation (Cont. from p. 1) Parking Plan (Cont. from p. 1) BUSINESS CORNER determined to keep the records con- residential areas for parking. Addi- cealed. The date on the check that was tionally the curbs at the intersections altered, June 1, 2004, is out of sequence have been upgraded for disabled access; with the rest of the checks before and query the good that will do if the dis- after it, indicating that the check was abled are unable to park. backdated by about six weeks. Why Having a home which is not new would Scanlon backdate the check, necessitates continual repairs. In the and white-out the “Services” notation? last several years, I have had to do all Did the prosecution’s star witness com- sorts of maintenance and repairs. How mit perjury? Did Scanlon concoct this are contractors supposed to bring in scheme all on her own, or did she have heavy materials if they cannot park help? near the location of their jobsites? Throughout the whole ordeal, Com- Another factor is the speed at which mission Executive Director John St. vehicles travel Portola Drive. Over Croix and Chief Enforcement Officer the years, speeding has increased. In Richard Mo have demonstrated a consis- reviewing the Pedestrian Summit, tent willingness to ignore the facts, dis- also sponsored by SFMTA, I learned tort the law and show contempt for due that parking has the effect of reducing process and the presumption of inno- speeds on our street. The wholesale cence. As the hearing process unfolds, removal of parking would encourage Hall is confident the public will see this even more speeding on Portola Drive. I case for what it is: a publicly funded, have also seen the parking lanes, when Nora Cacanindin, Kristin Henry, Clayton Wu politically motivated, completely unsub- there are no cars occupying it, utilized stantiated smear campaign. The altered for passing on the right. This would check raises very serious questions continue if parking is removed. Back to Sports Fitness and Therapy about who was really behind the effort to politically destroy Tony Hall. As the In addition to elderly individuals by Mitch Bull Commission spends untold resources who live in the area, there are a sub- to pursue a frivolous case against Hall, stantial number of families with young We live in an era where packed waiting rooms are much too sweetheart deals for developers remain children, and the number of children in common when dealing with most medical practitioners. And when obscured by smoke and mirrors at Trea- strollers has increased as young fami- sure Island. lies have moved in the area. The lack you finally get in, in many cases, you don’t get to see the medical of parking and the increase in speed professional, as aides, and assistants do most of the evaluations. The public is also beginning to ques- would be dangerous to young children tion the usefulness of an Ethics Com- and the elderly as they try to negotiate The owners and staff at West Portal’s Back to Sports-Therapy and Fitness mission that can be easily manipulated Portola Drive to go to West Portal. by political factions. Filing a complaint have broken the mold as they provide “old-fashioned” service for their is becoming common practice to effec- San Francisco is a “Transit First” physical therapy, fitness, and chiropractic clients. tively prevent candidates from running city, but due to location and physi- Located at 254 West Portal Ave. (in the former Copperfield’s location) own- for office or to score press hits against cal impairments, not everyone is able ers Cynthia Pagan and Darren Badong have assembled a friendly, professional an opponent. The mere threat of an Eth- to utilize public transportation for all and experienced PT and chiropractic staff that strives to provide individually- ics Commission “investigation” through purposes. It is difficult to find park- ing in the West Portal area to frequent tailored therapy programs for each of their clients. an anonymous complaint triggered by the merchants in the area. Removal of Clayton Wu (D.C), Nora Cacinindin (MPT) and Kristin Henry (MPT) a well-financed politician can be more valuable than a dozen mass mailings. parking from Portola will only exacer- have all worked in the large “assembly-line” types of clinics where “hands on” Perhaps this is a contributing factor to bate the problem. If parking is unavail- type of work is not possible. Each of them loves the environment at the West the reason the voters turned down the able, individuals will go to other locales Portal therapy and fitness center. last initiative put forward by the Ethics for the purchases and services. As Cacinindin described, “In my 28 years of providing PT I have been in all Commission to give themselves more I am not opposed to bicycle lanes. I types of clinics. I love the environment at Back to Sports because we can really power and funding. used to ride my bicycle decades ago to simplify the treatment processes and provide targeted individual service so David P. Waggoner is an attorney in attend the University of San Francisco. that our clients don’t feel like they are being shuffled around”. The UC trained San Francisco specializing in political I believe that bicycle lanes encourage Kinesiologist and Therapist went on to say that by providing a smooth effort- law. Waggoner successfully defended safety and remind drivers that they less transition from recovery to fitness each of the staff can chart each person’s grassroots public power treasurer, Caro- must be careful of bicyclists. However, progress and needs.” lyn Knee, before the Ethics Commission. I firmly believe that the needs of all of the residents of San Francisco be taken Kristin Henry, who studied at the University of Michigan and Northwest- Waggoner is also a supervising attorney at a nonprofit legal services organization into account when establishing a com- ern University, has been working in PT for over 12 years, and in addition to prehensive bicycle plan. general therapy, she also works with women who are new moms or moms- that advocates for income and health- to-be. care for people who are homeless and Pamela Stone lives on Portola Drive. “ I like to work with both pre-natal and post-partum women as they face different health issues, especially with muscles that can be tweaked during Hospital Bond (Cont from p. 5) with the SFGH rebuild money, given its pregnancy. Often times, they try to do the same workouts that they “used to who planned the disastrous Laguna track record. Honda Hospital (LHH) rebuild are also in do” and end up with a muscle or tendon injury. That’s where I can help them The 2013 deadline for completing charge of the SFGH rebuild. This should get back to good health”, said Henry, who can relate to her clients as a mom the hospital is manmade. Senate Bill give voters absolutely no confidence that herself. 306 (October 2007) provides building the SFGH rebuild is well planned. LHH’s extensions to 2020 and beyond. The third member of the team is Clayton Wu, who earned his Doctor of ten-year rebuild is currently $241 million Chiropractic degree from the Palmer West Chiropractic College, in California. (60%) over budget and 420 beds (35%) The City should take the time to As a chiropractor he can evaluate and diagnose injuries and recommend a smaller than originally promised. correct project flaws before construct- course of treatment for the patient and therapists’ to follow. He also enjoys the ing the replacement hospital. The close patient contact that he can have. “Unlike a typical “office” with examina- Voters were led to believe that LHH’s City must reconsider using the origi- primary mission would be to provide nal plans for the rectangular hospital, tion rooms, our rooms are adjacent to our working areas. It’s more like a gym long-term care for our frail elderly and increase bed capacity, and retrofit the than a clinic. We use state of the art equipment such as ultrasound, bio feed- severely disabled. Suddenly, LHH’s brick buildings adjacent to the pro- back, electrical stimulation units, inversion tables, traction and the basic cold new primary mission will be to provide posed SFGH hospital location. and hot packs to work the muscles, but unlike most places I have worked, we 90-day stay short-term and rehabilita- Vote No on Proposition A. It’s a can then personally show our clients the specific exercises for strengthening tive care. by just walking them around the corner and doing the exercises with them”, poorly planned, poorly located, and stated Wu. The City and the DPH have no overpriced hospital bond measure. accountability to voters. Who knows George Wooding, Mid-Town Terrace With the ability to tailor recovery and fitness programs to each individual what the DPH will do or accomplish Home Owners Association client, the staff members can help everyone reach their own specific goals, such as increased flexibility, pain relief and management, or increasing the level of fitness. They see themselves as guides to help each of us on our journey to good health. Cacamimdin summed it up best when she said, “Invest in yourself. Your health is your biggest asset, and after all you can’t fully enjoy your life if you Read the Observer are in poor health.” Back to Sports Therapy and Fitness is located at 254 West Portal Avenue. In www.tpobserver.com addition to the staff members listed certified personal fitness trainers are avail- able to structure a fitness program. The center is open by appointment only. Contact them at (415) 759-8978 to schedule an appointment.

September 2008...... Westside Observer...... Page 6 5 Things You Never Knew Your Cell Phone Could Do Stand Up for Children As I write--our state budget is more For all the folks with cell phones. cell phone will restart with this reserve than two months late. There are a few things that can be done and the instrument will show a 50% in times of grave emergencies. increase in battery. This reserve will School districts are cutting trans- portation and counselors and arts and Your mobile phone can actually be get charged when you charge your cell phone next time. music. They are increasing class size. a life saver or an emergency tool for This is bad news for our children and as well eliminating art, music, and survival. Check out the things that you FOURTH How to disable a STO- bad news squared for the future of vocational education programs that can do with it: LEN mobile phone? California. help students learn and succeed. FIRST Emergency To check your Mobile phone’s serial Social services are stretched thin. These cuts come at a time when The Emergency Number worldwide number, key in the following digits on California already ranks 46th in per- your phone:*#06#. A 15-digit code will Cuts target critical services to Califor- for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself pupil spending, and dead last in the appear on the screen. This number is nia’s children and families. out of the coverage area of your mobile number of counselors, librarians and unique to your handset. Write it down network and there is an The battle over the budget reminds school nurses per student. Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile and keep it somewhere safe. us that not all decisions affecting our The simple fact is California’s will search any existing network to When your phone get stolen, you children happen at our local school or schools need additional revenues to Establish the emergency number for can phone your service provider and even at our local school district. Deci- you, and interestingly, this number 112 give them this code. They will then sions in Sacramento control funding provide our students with the educa- can be dialed even if the keypad is be able to block your handset so even for our schools and children’s services. tion they deserve. locked. Try it out. if the thief changes the SIM card, your For those parents who may be The recent “Getting Down to Facts” SECOND Have you locked your phone will be totally useless. You prob- asked to up the ante in local fund rais- studies from Stanford University show keys in the car? ably won’t get your phone back, but at ing: A word of warning: that California seriously under funds least you know that whoever stole it its public schools and would need to Does your car have remote keyless can’t use/sell it either. If everybody does You can’t close at $15.2 billion dol- spend 40 percent more to ensure that entry? This may come in handy some- this, there would be no point in people lar state budget shortfall selling sweat- all students meet the state’s rigorous day. Good reason to own a cell phone: stealing mobile phones. And Finally.... shirts and gift-wrap. academic standards. The studies also If you lock your keys in the car and the FIFTH Free Directory Service The best fundraiser we can hold show that other states like New York spare keys are at home, call someone is to join together as advocates for spend 75 percent more on students at home on their cell phone from your Cell phone companies are charg- children. than California. cell phone. Hold your cell phone about ing us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 a foot from your car door and have the information calls when they don’t have • It’s time to tell our legislators to Stand We must pass a budget that does person at your home press the unlock to. Most of us do not carry a telephone Up for Children. Our students didn’t not compromise our most important button, holding it near the mobile phone directory in our vehicle, w hich makes create this budget crisis and their obligation to support the education on their end. Your car will unlock. this situation even more of a prob- futures shouldn’t be sacrificed to solve and welfare of children. Saves someone from having to drive lem. When you need t o use the 411 it. • A budget that makes severe cuts your keys to you. Distance is no object. information option, simply dial: (800) • It’s time for lawmakers to put parti- to children’s healthcare, foster care You could be hundreds of miles away, FREE411 or (800) 373-3411 without san politics aside. Our students and and other support services fails the and if you can reach someone who has incurring any charge at all.Program schools need real state budget solu- test of good government: It hurts our the other ‘remote’ for your car, you can this into your cell phone now. tions, not gridlock. children. unlock the doors (or the trunk). • It’s time to take a balanced approach • A responsible budget doesn’t THIRD Hidden Battery Power (This should be printed and kept in your of cuts and revenue increases in order make people choose between the Imagine your cell battery is very low. car, purse, and wallet Good information to solve the state’s budget crisis. health of children and their education To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your to have with you.) The California State PTA supports ñ both are essential. the original Conference Committee • We must focus on how much we Budget because it takes a balanced need to invest in our children, not how ACE PHARMACY / NEW LIFE approach and generates new revenues much we can afford to cut. to prevent even deeper cuts to educa- • Only by adequately investing in tion and children’s services. our children today, can we ensure that Parents need to let their legisla- California has a viable economy in the tors know they oppose any efforts that future. would undercut the Proposition 98 • If there is not enough money in HOME CARE SPECIALISTS school-funding guarantee in future the budget now, just imagine how little years. there will be when we have an unedu- (415) 731-3535 Our public schools have already cated California. experienced more than $500 million Just imagine how strong, vibrant Open 365 Days a Year in unexpected budget cuts this yearó- and successful California will be if we forcing many schools to lay off teachers are willing to invest in our children 2505 Noriega St. • SF and education support professionals today.

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California Academy of Science Golden Gate Park Grand Opening Celebration Sept. 27-28 After years of anticipation, the doors of the new Cali- with science and art activities for visitors of all ages, Music Concourse all weekend long. Booths staffed fornia Academy of Sciences will open to the general and food and entertainment from around the world. by conservation organizations and energy experts public for the first time on the weekend of September Admission will be free on Saturday the 27th, and the will tie the themes being explored inside the Academy 27-28 in Golden Gate Park.The main attraction will museum will be open with extended hours on both to ongoing efforts to help build healthier habitats for be the Academy itself and the innovative exhibits and days. people and animals alike. animals inside, but the celebration will also spread out Visitors can enjoy interactive activities, as well as Shown above: front entryway, roof garden, interior onto the Music Concourse in front of the Academy, top-notch entertainers and food offerings, inside the rainforest. www.calacademy.org. (415) 379-8000

Friday Night Jazz at the Cliff House Sept. 13, Sat. 2-3pm |Glen Park Library, 2825 Diamon 190 Lenox Wy. Jacqueline Kazarian, founder of Wil- St. Learn how to set up an an e-mail account and how liam Saroyan Literary Foundation International will Sept 1-Oct. 4, Fridays, 7-11pm | Cliff House, 1 Seal to send, receive and organize messages. Basic mouse talk about his work and life. Rock, John Kaleen, Mad and Eddie Duran, Anna and keyboard skills required. Please sign up at the Estrada, Fred Randolph (Respectively). Info: 386- Introduction to the Computer Information Desk. 3330, www.cliffhouse.com Sept. 24, Wed. 10:30-12pm | Ocean View Library, 345 Nature in Art Saturday Wine Tastings Randolph St. (at Ramsell). Learn the basics in this Sept. 17, 7-8pm Wednesday | West Portal Library, 190 class for those with no computer experience. Sept. 6 to Oct. 4 (Saturdays) 2 - 5:30PM | SF Wine Lenox Wy. Ms. Aron will discuss the history of artists Trading Company, 250 Taraval St. Enjoy selected Music Night at Villa D’Este and artworks of Monet, Cezanne, REnoir, Millet, Pis- wines from the south of France paired with tasty hors sarro and Gauguin, Minor White, Ansel Adams and Sept. 25, Thurs 6-9pm | Villa D’Este, 2623 Ocean Ave. d’oeuvres,. $10.00 to sample 6 wines. Info 731-6222. Georgia O’Keefe and many others. Kathy Holly, vocals — Jim Rousey Piano; Karl Karl- ton —sax and vocals. Reservations please: 334-0580 Cancer Prevention &Survival Cooking Ballroom dance classes for couples Sept. 8-29 (Mondays) 6 to 8 pm | Ida’s Cafe, UCSF Sept. 18 Thursday evenings. | Forest Hill Christian One City One Book Medical Center, 2356 Sutter St. Info 885-3693 Free Church, Fellowship Hall, 250 Laguna Honda Blvd. Sept. 27, Saturday 2-3pm | Merced Library, 155 Win- (Suggested donation $10-20 per class). Six lessons for $70.per couple. Reservations 661-2746. ston Dr. Discussion of “West of Kabul, East of New Wildlife in a Warming World Author Madeline Levine, Ph.D York: An Afghan American Story” by Tamim Ansary. Sept. 8-Dec. 31 | SF Main Library, 100 Larkin St. “Irre- Sept. 23, Tuesday 7:pm | West Portal Books, 80 9th Annual World Vegetarian Weekend placeable: Wildlife in a Warming World” an exhibit West Portal Ave. Discussing her book The Price of Oct. 4-5 10am-6pm | County Fair Hall, Golden Gate that raises awareness about plants and animals threat- Priviledge. Park. Learn about vegetarianism and sample healthy ened by global warming. Info 557-4277 William Saroyan Centennial foods. Speakers include: Dr. John Robbins, Howard SetTing up and Using e-mail Lyman and more. Free before 10:30am, $6 suggested Sept. 23, Tuesday, 6:30-7:30pm | West Portal Library, donation. Info: 273-5481, www.sfvs.org/wvd Betty Taisch Top Producer

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September 2008...... Westside Observer...... Page 8 53 Panorama Drive $915,000 sales price, (sold for $27,000 over the $888,000 asking price) Open spaces, clean lines, warmth and functionality complete an excellent mid-century home. Beautifully maintained two-story home meticulously renovated. Beyond a gentle fl ight of stairs, the entrance of the home comes into focus. Once inside, refi nished oak hardwood fl ooring, honey oak cabinetry and wall-to-wall windows with garden and forest views. The entire home draws from a rich palette. Garden view living room, recessed lighting, an attractive brick wood-burning fi replace, adjacent bright dining room - views of the ever-changing colors of a lushly landscaped garden and large lot. SOLD

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BBB10x8.875mc6.indd 1 8/20/2008 5:27:00 PM BRIDESHEAD REVISITED quest to retrace Jules Verne’s route downward. Who Bisexual, middle class Londoner Charles Ryder would have thunk they would be chased by dinosaurs (Matthew Goode) accompanies his gay friend, Sebas- and have them nip at one ... in 3-D? Many adventures tian Flyte (Ben Whishaw) to his lush country man- later and wonderful use of the 3-D, they manage to sion (Brideshead) and becomes entranced with its make their escape to the surface. New Line 92 min. grandeur. It’s the 1920’s and the Oxford students are MAMMA MIA! carefree. There are several passings on the roadways Daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) of a single of Charles and Sebastian’s sister, Julia (Hayley Atwell). mom, Donna (Meryl Streep) delves into Mom’s diary Lord Marshmain (Michael Gambon) left control- to determine who her father might be, inviting the ling wife and mother, embittered Lady Marshmain three possibilities to her upcoming wedding to Skye (Emma Thompson in silver wig) a devout Catholic. (Dominic Cooper, The History Boys). American Sam Besides England, director Julian Jarrold takes view- (Pierce Brosnan), Swedish Bill (Stellan Skaarsgaard), ers to Venice where Lord M. lives with Cara (Greta and Brit Harry (Colin Firth) arrive at the Greek island Scacchi); Morocco where Sebastian retreats in an simultaneously with Donna’s old musical sidekicks: excavation in Central America but departs to visit alcoholic stupor and the cruise ship where Charles Tanya (Christine Baranski) and Rosie (Julie Walters) her grandmother (Blythe Danner) for some answers. and Julia meet years later when Charles is a famous join the songfest. The production numbers are best Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) could win awards as The painter. At times, the compelling drama seems sti- when the islanders become the chorus. They all jump Lousiest video store employee. Carmen (America fling and trying to cram in too much while the acting into the sea. One cannot help leave the theater smil- Ferrera) makes a crummy Shakespearean actress... and scenery arealways top drawer but it’s not the 11 ing and maybe humming. Female sex chatter. Uni- until opening night. Lena (Alexis Biedel) goes to hours of the BBC miniseries. It spans about 25 years, versal 108 min. Greece and the other follow. They all jump into the ending in 1946 with Brideshead turned into a tem- THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR sea. Oh, yes, they do exchange the well worn pants. porary military base. Sexual situations, nudity. Mira- Three Ann Brashares’ teen novels condense intoone max 135 min. Chinese Emperor Han, who built the Great Wall screenplay filled with pathos as they lead their soap THE DARK KNIGHT (Jet Li), wants to live forever. Good sorceress Zi Juan opera lives. 117 min. (Michelle Yeoh) knows the eternal secret but loves SWING VOTE The Joker (the late Heath Ledger, brilliant here) General Ming Guo (Russell Wong), unfortunately for has Christopher Nolan’s Gotham City under his evil him. Zi Juan puts sleep curse on the Emperor and Only in a presidential election year could this control. He continues to stay one step ahead of Bruce his army. In 1946, adventurer Rick (Brendan Fraser) lightweight comedy weigh in on the comedy scale. Wayne-Batman (Christian Bale) and his lady-love, and his wife, adventure novelist, Evelyn O’Connell Beer-guzzling Bud (Kevin Costner) had promised Rachel (the homely Maggie Gyllenhaal). The Good (Maria Bello) are entrusted to take a fist-sized jewel his daughter, Molly (Madeline Carroll) that he would vs. Evil reaches a pinacle when a boatload of “good to China. It is the key to the reawakening of the vote. She’s doing a report for her fifth-grade history people” have the bomb detonator for a nearby boat- emperor and his resurrected hordes. The fight scenes class in Texico, New Mexico. After the voting machine ful of villains and vice versa. Then the Joker blows are enhanced by the O’Connell son, Alex (Luke Ford, bungles her/his vote, Bud becomes the deciding vote up a hospital in this much more violent sequel. D.A. who at 27 is only 12 years junior to Fraser), and the in the presidenital race between Republican incum- Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) undergoes a hideous daughter of Zi Juan and Ming Guo (lovely Isabella bent Boone (Kelsey Grammer) and Democratic chal- transformation to become the homicidal Two Face. Leong). Director Rob Cohen provides special effects, lenger (Dennis Hopper). When the candidates, their IMAX adds nothing special to the big chase scene. costumes, and fight scenes that are spectacular. The entourages and media descend upon Texico to woo Some special effects are as frightening as the grue- humor throughout adds considerably. Lots of action, Bud’s vote, the Frank Capra influence is definitely some clown imagery. Warner 152 min. smoking, and bodies piling up. Universal 111 min. noticable. Humore eminates from the presidential JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 3-D THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2 campaign managers, Stanley Tucci and Nathan Lane, and the special commercials zeroing in on Bud’s vote. Geophysicist Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser) This time around our quartet are college stu- TV news reporter Paul Patterson is Bud’s love inter- and his 14-year old nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) dents reunited the summer before their sophomore est. Strong language. Touchstone 100 min. enlist Islandic guide, Hannah (Anita Briem) in the year. Bridget (Blake Lively) participates in an Aztec

Cow Palace (Cont. from p. 4) a celebration center for our multi eth- nic population, and along with many like the Fair bring culture and the other future benefits, will serve as an arts to the area. We need to help bring educational center for inner city youth. more events like this to the Cow Pal- When it was threatened with destruc- ace. Especially with the high price of tion, the outpouring of enthusiasm and gas, having an accessible community creative ideas for the future showed us Truly Fine Grooming... event center is increasingly important. that the Cow Palace is not only loved We need to come together as a commu- for nostalgic reasons, but people feel nity and make sure the Cow Palace can that it can change with the times and 00 continue to make a valuable contribu- become an ever more valuable resource tion for another 60 years”. to the community”. $5. The Great Dickens Christmas your next grOooFmFing Senate Bill 1527 is still pending, Fair, celebrating its 30th anniversary which would sell the 13 acres of Cow CONSUMER: limit 1 coupon per customer this year, takes place for 4 weekends Palace parking lots instead of the long Coupon only valid for grooming services. between Thanksgiving and Christmas. term lease in process. The threat that Must present this coupon. With an aggressive new marketing plan the Cow Palace could be torn down is Coupon expires 10/31/2008 and the momentum of the strong out- still real, especially if the funding for cry from thousands of Bay Area citizens its revitalization is cut short by a sale 169 West Portal Avenue San Francisco, CA 94127 in support of saving the Cow Palace, it instead of a lease. The future of the (415) 661-8333 www.thedogspasf.com appears we are on the verge of an excit- revitalization of the local community ing new era for the iconic venue. is also tied to the fate of the Cow Pal- Mara Kopp, Cow Palace Board- ace. With over 650,000 people attend- member and wife of former State Sena- ing Cow Palace events last year, and tor, Judge Quenten Kopp, had this to the potential of significantly increased say: “The Cow Palace’s original mission numbers after it’s revitalization, the as a venue for State agricultural com- success of any new retail center on munity events like the Grand National Geneva Avenue will certainly be tied to Rodeo held each Spring, is naturally the success of the Cow Palace. You do evolving to provide much more than the math. a venue for rock concerts and conven- Info: www.savethecowpalace.com or tions. It is now beginning to serve as email [email protected] ✃ Any One Your Craft & Fabric Store Regularly Priced Item % Including one cut of fabric. off Excludes Webkinz and Ty Excludes Fabrics, Webkinz, and Ty Expires 9/31/08 *** expires 10/31/07 Limit only one item per coupon

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September 2008...... Westside Observer...... Page 10 Proposition H Gives the Board of Supervisors a Blank Check To Issue BILLIONS in Revenue Bonds without Your Approval

Proposition H will give this, and all future Boards

“This is not of Supervisors, the power to issue the time to ask revenue bonds in any amount to take hard-pressed over any utility, without a vote of the San Franciscans to pay hundreds more each year people. Before you sign over this to take over the electric system. tremendous new power to the Board of I don’t think we should give the Supervisors, please check the facts. Board a virtual blank check to take over any utility at any cost.” We Will Pay for It – Supervisor Carmen Chu No Accountability The financial burden of paying back a Right now, bonds for initiatives of this kind $4 billion bond will fall on our shoulders. must first be approved by the people. But Our utility bills will go up, on average, by starting in Section 9.107 of Proposition H, over $400 a year for 30 years. That’s just a the language of the measure itself makes preliminary estimate. The final figure could clear what the Board is trying to hide: “…no be much higher. “Before voter approval shall be required with respect you vote on to revenue bonds” [issued to finance the The Stop the Blank Check Coalition is now Proposition H, make sure to takeover of utility facilities]. over 12,000 strong. It’s a growing citizens’ read the facts. The cost will be in movement of San Franciscans who oppose the billions, your rates will go up Proposition H, the Board of Supervisors’ substantially and you won’t be It Will Cost Billions able to vote to prevent something According to the independent financial $4 billion plan to take over the PG&E like this again.” analysis prepared by the City Controller: power system. – Supervisor Sean Elsbernd “There are several possible methods for costing the purchase or construction Senator Dianne Feinstein, Mayor Gavin of power facilities and estimates range Newsom, Supervisors Michela Alioto-Pier, widely. Under any method, the amounts are Sean Elsbernd and Carmen Chu, the certainly substantial—likely in the billions San Francisco Fire Fighters Association, of dollars…” Initial estimates put the cost the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association and the of a takeover of just the PG&E electric Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods system at more than $4 billion. are all united in opposition to Proposition H. Paid for by The Committee to Stop the Blank Check, No on H, a coalition of concerned consumers, small businesses, labor, community organizations and Paci c Gas Electric Company. labor, small businesses, a coalition of concerned consumers, No on H, The Committee to Stop the Blank Check, Paid for by

Get the facts before you give the Board of Supervisors a blank check

Don’t Sign the Blank Check Join our growing citizens’ movement to stop the blank check. Go to www.StoptheBlankCheck.com.

Page 11...... Westside Observer...... September 2008 Sharon the Health TryTry CurvesSmartCurvesSmart at thethe followingfollowing locations: location: Antioxidants, Free Radicals and Aging (000) 000-0000 (000)(000)Local 000-0000000-0000 Address by Sharon Caren (000)Local 000-0000 Address LocalLocal Address (000)Local 000-0000 Address (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 Address There is much (000)Local 000-0000 Address molecule becomes electrically charged Local(000)Local 000-0000Address Address (000)(000)Local 000-0000 000-0000 Address talk today about (000)Local 000-0000 Address or “radicalized” (hence the name) it tries LocalLocal Address Address (000)(000) 000-0000000-0000 the value of anti- LocalLocalLocal Address AddressAddress to steal electrons from other molecules, (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 AddressAddress (000)Local 000-0000 Address oxidants and causing damage to the DNA. Over time, (000)(000)LocalLocal 000-0000 000-0000 AddressAddress (000)(000)LocalLocal 000-0000000-0000 AddressAddress how they “fight (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 Address Address this damage may become irreversible (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 AddressAddress (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 Address Address off free radicals.” (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 AddressAddress and lead to disease including cancer. (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 AddressAddress LocalTWINLocal Address Address PEAKS But what does LocalTWINLocal AddressAddress PEAKS Toxic things in our environment (000)(415)Local 000-0000 759-9103 Address (000)(000)(000)(415)Local 000-0000 000-0000000-0000759-9103 Address this mean? It is 608 PortolaLocalLocal Drive AddressAddress at Woodside such as tobacco smoke and radiation 608 PortolaLocal(000) Drive 000-0000Address at Woodside OPEN(000)(000)LocalLocal 7 DAYS000-0000000-0000 AddressAddress A WEEK a complex but www.TwinPeaksCurves.comSanLocal FranciscoLocal Address Address 94127 (and many, many more) that we become (000)(000)LocalLocal 000-0000 000-0000 AddressAddress (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 AddressAddress natural chemi- exposed to, can lead to free radical Local(000) 000-0000Address OPEN(000)LocalLocal 7 DAYS 000-0000 AddressAddress A WEEK (000)Local 000-0000 Address cal reaction that LocalLocal Address Address formation. Antioxidants mop up free LocalLocal AddressAddress (000)(000)(000)Local 000-0000 000-0000000-0000 Address www.TwinPeaksCurves.comLocalLocal AddressAddress happens in our body. (000)Local 000-0000 Address radicals, meaning they neutralize the (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 Address Address (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 AddressAddress So what are Antioxidants anyway? Local Address electrical charge and prevent the free Local(000)Local 000-0000Address Address (000)Local 000-0000 Address Antioxidants are substances that (000)(000)Local 000-0000000-0000 Address radical from taking electrons from other (000)LocalLocal 000-0000 Address Address protect cells from damage caused by (000)(000)LocalLocal 000-0000000-0000 AddressAddress molecules. Because oxidation is a natu- Local(000)LocalLocal 000-0000 Address AddressAddress LocalLocal AddressAddress (000)Local 000-0000 Address unstable molecules known as Free Radi- rally occurring process in the body, a LocalLocal AddressAddress Local Address cals and Free Radicals are molecules balance with antioxidants must exist to Local Address with incomplete electron shells. This maintain health. ©2008 Curves International, Inc. makes them more chemically reactive Aging than those with complete electron shells While the body has its defenses - Whew, did you get all that? Antioxi- against oxidative stress, these defenses dants interact and prevent damage free Cancer Prevention and Survival become less effective with aging as radicals can cause. Just the name, free the oxidative stress becomes greater. radicals, sounds like trouble! Free Cooking Course Researchers claim there is involvement Plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables of resulting free radicals in degenerative Learn How Proper Diet Can Help Them Prevent and Survive Cancer and whole grains contain many compo- diseases associated with aging, such as The Cancer Project, a national nents beneficial to our health. A health- cancer, cardiovascular disease, cogni- nonprofit dedicated to advancing can- ful diet has the potential to delay many tive impairment, Alzheimers, immune cer prevention through education and age-related diseases. An Antioxidant is dysfunction, cataracts, and macular research, is offering a FREE, four-ses- a specific bioactive component in foods degeneration. sion cooking course designed to help that can be responsible for improving Certain conditions like chronic dis- San Francisco residents prevent and and maintaining health. ease and aging, can tip the balance in survive cancer through proper diet and Here are examples of Antioxidants: favor of free radical formation and con- nutrition. Beta-carotene - found in foods of tributes to poor health. orange color; sweet potatoes, carrots, “The single easiest and best thing cantaloupe, squash, apricots, pumpkin Protecting DNA most of us can do to prevent cancer or are good for them, but also to show and mangos. Also green leafy vegetables; If free radicals remain unchecked, its recurrence is to eat right,” says Jen- them how to make the foods taste collard greens, spinach and kale. they can attack DNA (the blueprint used nifer Reilly, R.D., a senior nutritionist good. for The Cancer Project. “More than a Lutein - known for association with to create each new cell in the body). If Each class centers on important third of all cancer deaths in this coun- healthy eyes; green leafy vegetables, col- not repaired, damaged DNA copies cancer-nutrition topics as local cook- try are due to poor diet.” lard greens, spinach and kale. itself to new cells created. In this man- ing instructor Kristin Doyle guides stu- Lycopene - found in tomatoes, ner, each new cell is damaged and muta- The Rx for better health? It’s a low- dents through the preparation of tasty watermelon, guava, papaya, apricots, tion occurs. fat vegetarian diet. Load up on fruits, and easy-to-prepare recipes. pink grapefruit and blood oranges. Most Studies show the Chinese Wolfberry vegetables, and whole grains, Reilly says; The class lineup is as follows: folks dietary intake of lyopene comes (or goji berry) is protective against DNA they’re naturally low in fat, chock-full from tomatoes and tomato products. breakage and mutations. Chinese scien- of fiber, and filled with cancer-fighting Sept. 8, 6-8 p.m., Favoring Fiber Selenium - is a mineral, not an anti- tists have determined that the wolfberry antioxidants and phytochemicals. Sept. 15, 6-8 p.m., Discovering oxidant nutrient - it is a component of polysaccharide has protective effects Dairy Alternatives on the pancreas cells that regulate the Cut down on fatty foods and added antioxidant enzymes. Plant foods like fats and oils, particularly saturated fats, Sept. 22, 6-8 p.m., Replacing Meat rice and wheat are the major dietary body’s insulin system. Also, they have prominent hepatoprotective activity, which have been linked to an increased Sept. 29, 6-8 p.m., Antioxidants and sources of selenium in most countries. risk of breast, colon, and prostate can- The amount of selenium in the soil protecting the liver. The wolfberry is a Phytochemicals wide-spectrum antioxidant and protects cer. Likewise, look for healthy substi- determines the amount showing up tutes for dairy products such as milk, For more information about Can- in the foods grown in that soil. Ani- the body from many different types cer Prevention and Survival Cooking of free radicals, specifically superox- cheese, and yogurt, which have been mals that eat grains of plants grown in implicated in the occurrence of breast Classes, visit www.CancerProject.org selenium rich soil have higher levels of ide, the most abundant free radical in or call 202-244-5038. the human body. Additionally, ellagic and colorectal cancers. selenium in their muscles. In the U.S., Cancer Project Web site meats and bread are common sources acid (a crystalline compound obtained The challenge, Reilly acknowledges, of dietary selenium. Brazil Nuts contain from oak galls and tannins and reduces is not only to teach people which foods http://www.cancerproject.org/ large quantities of selenium. bleeding) found in blueberries, raspber- Vitamin A - foods include liver, ries, and pomegranates “protect DNA Letters to the Editor (Cont. from p.3) sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, egg yolks against injury.” chose the rebuild option over the seismic and mozzarella cheese. Ancient Tradition In response to the 7/8/08 article on retrofit alternative and the alternative to Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - in many Historically, many Chinese who the San Francisco General Hospital co-locate the SFGH at the Mission Bay fruits and vegetables. Also, in cereals, used the wolfberry in their everyday life, rebuild funding measure, I feel it impor- campus with the new 300 bed UCSF beef, poultry and fish. lived to be 100 plus years. The tiny red tant to clarify inaccuracies that are Women and Children’s hospital which Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) - in berry has been cherished for centuries being perpetuated by SFGH CEO Gene is slated for construction simultane- almonds and many oils like wheat germ, for its health benefits, particularly in the O’Connell in an effort to galvanize the ous with the proposed SFGH rebuild safflower, corn and soybean oils. Also, NingXia Province of China at the foot of public support needed for a two thirds project. mangos, nuts, broccoli. the Himalayas. The soil is so fertile from majority passage of the November bond Sixteen northern California hos- Look for foods with distinctive the silt run off, the wolfberries grown in measure. The merits of the county hos- pitals filed with the State to see if they colors. that region have the highest antioxidant pital’s worth to the broader community qualify for extension until 2030. SFGH Deep Red of cherrys and tomatoes rate of all. Ancient medical texts men- need not be embellished by misleading filed in January of 2008. Additionally, Orange of carrots tion the Chinese wolfberry in conjunc- statements perpetuated by the main- hospitals operating under severe fis- Yellow of corn, mangos, and saffron tion with regulation of the “vital energy” stream media. cal constraints can apply for extensions Blue purple of blueberries, blackber- and nourishment leading to longevity. SB 1953 was passed in 1996. It until 2020. ries, and grapes Even more anciently, it’s said to replen- requires that the states hospitals be seis- The urgency that prompts imme- My mother always said when mak- ish vital essences and strengthen and mically upgraded to Life Safety level by diate action to seismically upgrade the ing a salad, “Put in all the colors you can restore major organs. 2013 not 2015. Over half the states total cities county hospital and level one find!” Conclusion: That old cliché “We hospitals or 500 facilities are not earth- trauma center is the very real risk of a The combination of fruits and veg- are what we eat” looks to be true in this quake safe...including the SFGH whose seismic event occuring within the next etables has a synergistic effect on anti- case. Let’s eat our way to health and main hospital has been rated SPC-1... decade. That risk should be the empha- oxidant activities leading to greater longevity! most likely to collapse in the event of a sis of public relations efforts to garner reduction in risk of chronic disease, spe- Info from the International Food Infor- major seismic event. support for the SFGH rebuild project. cifically cancer and heart disease. mation Council Foundation. SB1953 does not require that the Ahimsa Porter Sumchai , M.D. UCSF The job of the antioxidant is to neu- SFGH be rebuilt. A 2004 Blue Ribbon tralize free radicals as the natural by- If you’d like more information on aging School of Medicine Class of 1981Resi- and protecting DNA with the Wolfberry, Committee convened when the local dent in General and Neurological Sur- product of normal cell processes. The and national economy was more stable most common form of free radicals in Contact me at 650.359.6579. For more of gery. SF General 1981-1984 humans is oxygen. When an oxygen Sharon Caron go to www.tpobserver.com Send Letters to the Editor to [email protected] September 2008...... Westside Observer...... Page 12 ON THE PLUS SIDE What—Me Take a Risk? attractive about the possibility of peace and quiet. An existence of reduced POLICE by Hank Basayne effort and danger and the opportunity My second most favorite word in to explore a contemplative way of being the English language is “choice”. seems highly inviting. It is a perfectly I love the idea of smorgasbord— legitimate choice. BLOTTER whether I’m being given the freedom But so is the decision to take the Police Captain Paul Chignell, Taraval Station to select my meal from a variety of other fork in the road, the one that foods, or I’m considering how I may leads toward the unknown, toward Officers Pop Street Robbers choose to spend my day, or greater risk-taking. Isn’t 08/08/08 1:05 pm Corona & Urbano he ran to the courtyard. The officers I’m in a reverie, examining old age the time to try new then engaged in a violent struggle Three young men were walking on various possible next steps things, to check out the with the suspect but finally subdued Urbano at Corona when they were on my path. trails I haven’t had the time him. The phone that he dropped was suddenly surrounded and attacked The ability to say “No, or leisure to investigate? the victim’s property and the suspect by five men, one with a large stick. thanks, I don’t want that, Now is probably my was positively identified. A third sus- The suspects put the victims in head- but I’ll have some more of last, best chance to try to pect was captured by Officers Fanene locks, struck them with the stick and this” is a delicious experi- develop new skills, to risk and Evans at Holloway and Cardenas demanded their cell phones and Ipods. ence of instant power, a failure, to explore new and identified. The suspects, who live One of the victims fought back but was sense of control over at places, new foods, new on the 100 block of Lobos, 100 block overpowered by the suspects. The vic- least some parts of my life. kinds of acquaintances. I of Sadowa and the 200 block of Min- tims screamed for help at which point Now, deep into the third know I might also risk dis- erva, were charged with robbery, con- the suspects fled on foot towards 19th act of it I’ve found that I appointment. Seeking new spiracy and resisting arrest. This was Avenue. Numerous Taraval officers enjoy many more opportunities to pick experiences or re-visiting excellent police work coordinated in responded to the area including Offi- a preferred direction than I did ear- old, unsuccessful ones invites frustra- a premier teamwork manner. Case cers Kevin O’Leary, Matt Friedman, lier in my journey. Unburdened by the tion. But this is, above all, the time to #080834073 We are pleased to tow Jamie Hyun, Jerry King, Neil Fanene, daily demand to be at my desk between replace other people’s Musts, Shoulds vehicles that have registration expired Michael Evans and James Drilon. The 9 and 5 and no longer responsible for and Wants with my own. by over six (6) months. officers took the victims separately in the day-to-day care and guidance of One of the risks of risk-taking is their police cars and commenced a my now adult children, I’m afforded having to deal with the expectations of search for the robbers. Officer King more frequent chances to decide what others. The kids think they know who We receive many emails on these located one suspect at 19th and Hol- I’ll do next. you are: that nice old guy who reads vehicles. Remember that we can only loway. He was arrested and positively But one of the dilemmas that come by the fire with the cat in his lap. How tow off of public streets. If there are identified. A second suspect was with “I want” instead of “I must” or “I dare you suddenly take up sky-diving abandoned vehicles with expired reg- reported to have dashed into a build- should” is determining exactly what I or line-dancing? So what if the neigh- istration on private property we can- ing on the campus of SF State. The do want. As a mid 20th Century philos- bors gossip about your new red con- not tow those vehicles. officers set up a perimeter around the opher asked, “Now that you’ve found a vertible, the two-seater you’ve wanted building and then saw the suspect a new key, what tune will you play?” And all your life, or the buzz cut that ends few minutes later run full speed out for many of us, that’s a scary question, your concern with your thinning hair? To see the complete month’s re- the building out into the street. Offi- for we are so used to being on auto- Whose head is it, anyway? ports, go to: www.tpobserver.com. cer Hyun and Friedman chased the matic pilot, our journeys defined by Isn’t this the time to finally please To receive a daily, complete police suspect and finally cornered him in a “shoulds” and “musts”, that we rarely myself, to let go of worrying about report e-mailed to you, call 759- courtyard on Serrano Street. The sus- take the time to re-examine what is what other people will say or think? I’ll 3100 pect threw a phone to the ground as that we truly want. never have a better chance to switch The Sufis have a saying: “Deep in the channel from what “they” think to the sea are riches beyond compare. what I want. So I might surprise the But if you seek safety, it is on the kids and the neighbors… so what! shore” As the days dwindle down to a pre- As I’ve moved, more or less grace- cious few I might finally get to be who fully, into my later years there is I really am. another kind of life-enhancing choice I told you about my second favorite that I can make, and it’s about risk-tak- word. My number one favorite is that ing. If, indeed, there are untold riches most human of words: Nevertheless. To deep in the sea, do I dare to choose to me it represents the courage to mush go after them? Or do I seek the safety on, even in the face of overwhelming of the shore? Making that choice might odds. I see it as a refusal to accept limi- consciously dictate the next turning on tations on what’s possible. The word my path, perhaps even shape the rest Nevertheless incorporates grit, audac- of my life and determine how I might ity and guts. To me it is human bravery spend these twilight years. in its most elevated form. I think I understand why many sea- I know that it is hard for me to face soned citizens opt for the shore. After a taking a risk. Nevertheless, the choice lifetime of struggle, juggling responsi- to take it opens up the wonderful pos- bilities, experiencing disappointments sibility of adding new richness to my and frustrations, there is something life.

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Page 13...... Westside Observer...... September 2008 toward Sonya in her distress, seem to be coming passion and jealousy of Leontes almost parallels that from a beautiful mannequin who cares more about of “The Moor.” Leontes is not an heroic role, but as her own pain. Sonya’s grandmother, Maria, the Pro- played by Rafael Untalan, a very human one. Rafael fessor’s first wife (Joan Mankin), is an eccentric figure Untalan knows how to take the stage with his kingly who enters and exits, moves about erratically and sits bearing and wonderful use of large gestures. He has a upstage reading. Landowner Ilya (Howard Swain) is fine chance to rant and rave before the trial, and then a colorful smiling character whose simple minded- to win the audience with a good display of repentance. ness at times amuses us. Dr. Astrov, aside from his Leontes’ best friend and childhood playmate is Polix- periodic erotic advances toward the beautiful Yelena, enes, the King of Bohemia, who has been in Sicilia is mainly absorbed in salvaging forests that man is for a long visit. When Polixenes insists on returning destroying and showing off the maps he has made of home, Leontes asks his wife, Hermione to convince the areas he wants to preserve. Uncle Vanya, Sonja’s him to stay which she does. Leontes becomes con- uncle (Dan Hiatt), never wins our sympathy over his sumed with irrational jealousy. Polixenes, portrayed dissatisfaction about his life. We mostly laugh at his by Scott Coopwood, is a sympathetic figure as we clownish bantering and are entertained by his playful know he is innocent. Uncle Vanya complaints and actions. Even at the play’s end, when Hermione, beautifully played by Alexandra Mat- Vanya undergoes the depth of defeat as he witnesses thew is so high minded, so spirited and so dignified in Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, originally entitled The Yelena in the arms of another man, we still do not Wood Demon that failed in small provincial the- her anguish that she is perfection in both queenliness feel any empathy for this main character. Aside from and womanliness. atres, was rewritten by the playwright as Uncle Vanya Sonja, whose tragic dilemma over her love for a man (Dyadya Vanya) when staged in Moscow by Stanis- who ignores her deep love for him because he finds Camillo is a strong performance by Michael Ray lavski in 1900. Although considered to be a tragicom- her too plain, there is only one character that succeeds Wisey. The calm, cool and collected advisor to the edy about sexuality and thwarted desire, the play’s in not being a farcical type. That is Marina (Barbara King is shocked when Leontes asks him to poison content actually offers still more philosophically and Oliver) whose grounded wisdom and devoted caring Polixenes. Camillo has to decide which is more impor- psychologically about the human failure to realize for others on the Estate wins our sympathy. tant—loyalty or doing the right thing. Camillo tells self worth and life accomplishments. Within these Polixenes what Leontes has asked and the two leave themes the dramatic action centers around the visit of Sets by Erik Flatmo that include the Orinda hills Sicilia immediately to flee to the safety of Bohemia. retired Professor Serebryakov and his young beauti- in the background with the occasional passing of a watchman and farmhand (T. Louis Weltz) are as Paulina, strongly performed by Celia Madeoy, is ful wife Yelena to the estate belonging to himself and both true as steel and free of tongue as Hermiones’ his first wife. But the Professor is bored with being on beautiful and reposing as a painting. Costume design (Raquel M. Barreto) is perfectly suited to the period. lady-in-waiting when she learns that Hermione has the estate with his daughter Sonja, Uncle Van, Ilya, given birth to a baby girl. She takes it to Leontes, hop- a simple minded landowner, Dr. Astrov, Maria, the Effective sound (Jeff Mockus) and lighting (York Ken- nedy) enhance the production. ing his heart will soften at the sight of his daughter, mother-in-law of his first wife, and even with Marina, but Leontes is too far steeped in jealousy and forces the family Nanny. Those living on the estate also wish Although the play is known as a tragicomedy it Paulina’s husband, Antigonus (sympathetically played the Professor and his wife would leave so that they fails to portray the suffering of characters with which by Jerry Hoffman) to take the baby girl into the might peacefully continue their unambitious life style we do not empathize, it is a quite an impressive one, wilderness. of unfulfilled dreams. well acted and, under the direction of Timothy Near, expertly integrates sets, costumes, sound, and light- Act One closes with Antigonus abandoning the Chekhov is said to have written about suffer- child whom he calls “Perdida.” Enter through the ing with compassion but not without humor. Suf- ing in a fine theatrical ensemble that nonetheless succeeds more as a comedy. For information about audience an Old Shepherd, comically played by vet- fering concerning thwarted desire renders Chekov’s eran actor George Maguire and his son, played with play one of the most stirring in dramatic literature. Twelfth Night at Cal Shakes from Sep.10 to Oct 5, call 510-548-9666 or visit www.calshakes.org. relish by Drew Hirshfield who stumble upon the baby, However, whether this is due to the adaptation of the find gold stashed in her swaddling clothes and take play (Emily Mann) to the direction (Timothy Near) Annette Lust, Member Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle. her home. Act Two begins with Time played by the or to the acting, the portrayal of suffering is realized The Winter’s Tale ever-present Matthew Cavanna bridging the wide gap minimally in this production. There is an exception of time which is 16 years and we revert to the pure Lesley and Robert Currier opened their 19th in the plight of Sonja, sensitively portrayed (Annie romantic for an act of exquisite charm and humor. Purcell) who is desperately in love with Dr. Astrov season of the Marin Shakespeare Festival on July (Andy Murray) who ignores her feelings. As for the 18 co-directing Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. It No sooner do we meet Autolycus in an amaz- other characters, we are rarely moved by their failure is deplorable that “The Winter’s Tale” is so seldom ing transformation by Jerry Hoffman who, like Fal- to realize their personal desires. The retired elderly revived. For this dramatic romance affords delightful staff, is one of those poet-rogues securely above all professor (convincingly played by James Carpenter), and comprehensive entertainment. The last produc- comparisons because they have to be taken on their who hardly appears on stage until the second half, tion of “The Winter’s Tale” was the Berkeley Rep’s own lyrical terms, we are absorbed in the society of does not spark much empathy concerning his egotis- production at the Oakland Auditorium in 1990. Cloud-Cuckoo-Land. We also meet the lovely Perd- ita, charmingly portrayed by Kate Fox Marcom who tical and pessimistic outbursts about the mediocrity The Winter’s Tale is part of a trio of tragic- is in love with Florizell, the Prince of Bohemia—the of the human beings around him. His beautiful wife comedies written during Shakespeare’s last years— handsome Mark Robinson. Ylenna’s (Sarah Grace Wilson) declarations of being “Cymbaline” (1609), “The Winter’s Tale” (1610), and bored with individuals “who are desperate excuses of “The Tempest” (1611). The spirited choreography is by Cynthia Pepper. Billie Cox composed some interesting original music. people,” along with her rare moments of tenderness The Winter’s Tale is reminiscent of Othello. The Bruce Lackovic designed some good contrasting sets for Sicilia and Bohemia. I was particularly World Famous impressed by Abra Berman’s American Soc magnificent costumes—all char- Original lian ial C acters wore white in Sicilia and “Irish Coffee” ta lu very bright colors in Bohemia. I 25 RUSSIA AVENUE b Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale is the only play to have a SAN FRANCISCO character actually named “Time,” Since 1937 a Chorus who tells us of the pass- ing of 16 years between the first and second part of the play. My Lunch & Dinner only criticism is of the director’s Wednesday, Thursday & Friday concept of bringing time to the forefront in all his many guises. Time was forever present which v I found greatly distracting to the main story line. Variety of Pasta Specials $9.95 Leslie and Robert Currier deserve a great deal of credit for bringing this complex and won- Fridays Only: derful production to the Marin Reduced Drink Prices (At table only) Shakespeare Festival. *May not be used with other offers. No duplicates, please. Watch for Much Ado About Nothing, August 29-September 28. at Forest Meadows Amphi- 415-585-8059 theatre, 1475 Grand Avenue, Dominican University, San Rafael. Forinfo and tickets, call 415- 2765 Hyde Street (at Beach) 499-4488 or visit HYPERLINK Parking lot across from the club “http://www.marinshakespeare. San Francisco 415 474 5044 Manager: Rich Guaraldi, org” www.marinshakespeare.org. thebuenavista.com [email protected] Past Grand President of the YMI Flora Lynn Isaacson

September 2008...... Westside Observer...... Page 14 SECOND THOUGHTS infinity. The bubble bursts. The bor- shouldn’t this candidate count the votes by Jack Kaye rowers cannot pay and cannot sell their even though they were improper? property to pay off their debt. The Many of us bought large pickup Can a Victim Be Responsible? lenders see their loans go unpaid and trucks and SUVs. Some of us did so to the collaterals’ value shrink by the day. keep our family safe in case of a colli- Two women were talking about A woman lets And then the market collapses. The new sion not so concerned about the safety their sons. The first said, “My Patrick her two year old go homeowners lose their property and of those outside our vehicles. Some of is such a saint. He works hard, doesn’t off in a water park are thrown out into the streets forced us bought them because we liked hav- smoke and he hasn’t so much as looked with the child’s to return to wherever they had recently ing extra space inside not thinking at a woman in over two years.” four year old sib- moved up from. The lenders see their that there will be that much less space ling to watch him. jobs and companies threatened. Why outside. Some of us bought them to The other woman said, “Well, my The two year old must they suffer just because their plan sit high while driving so we could see Francis is a saint himself. Not only has child drowns. The failed? over the other cars not realizing that we he not looked at a woman in over three water park is sued Two states want to buck their party’s might be blocking the view of others. years, but he hasn’t touched a drop of because this mother has lost her child schedule for primaries so that theirs We knew that our trucks were gas guz- liquor in all that time.” on their grounds. What’s a mother to will be first or at least sooner and more zlers but figured that we could always “My word, “the first mother said, do when a park lets two year olds die? influential. The states’ representatives afford it. We knew that small car own- “You must be so proud.” A large energy company is cheat- are told that if they hold their prima- ers looked at us with derision but we “I am,” the second mother replied, ing the residents of the nation’s most ries early, the votes won’t count. All the just figured that they were jealous. “And when he’s paroled next month, populous state. The employees and candidates agreed not to campaign in Now our trucks are unaffordable to “I’m going to throw him a big party.” stockholders know what the company those states. run and are almost impossible to sell. is up to but stay on to reap the finan- In one state, all but one of the can- We are now stuck with our gluttonous A golfer was leaving the golf course cial rewards. When the dishonesty of didates took their names off the ballot. behemoths. Why must we suffer just and has he leaves he sees a few leftover the company becomes overwhelmingly The people in the two states knowing because we like things big and now gas golf balls on the side of the road...he obvious, the company goes bust. The the promise that their votes won’t count prices are too high? picks them up, pockets them and takes employees lose their jobs, pension ben- and knowing that they would be mean- We didn’t set the price OPEC a local bus home. He’s sitting next to a efits and 401 Ks. The stockholders lose ingless anyway because no one cam- charges for oil. corpulent woman and the golf balls are all their stock’s value. What are employ- paigned in their states, voted anyway. When do knowing victims of ees and stockholders to do when their bulging over in his pocket against her. They were then reminded that their improper actions realize that they He says apologetically, “Golf balls.” She company is caught cheating? Why must votes would not be counted. They were themselves may have been the villains they suffer the consequences? smiles sweetly...” Oh, I’m so sorry. Is angry. Why won’t their votes count? in their own tragedy? When do those that anything like tennis elbow?” People sign up for mortgages they It wasn’t their fault their states broke who at first benefited from the viola- know they cannot afford. Lenders the rules, they didn’t break them. The tions of moral conduct accept respon- Parting Thought give loans to people they know do not only candidate who profited from this sibility for the eventual outcome? “Personally, I am always ready to qualify for them. They all think that improper vote had agreed that their When do we learn the meaning of learn although I do not always like they will somehow get away with it if vote should not count until the results cause and effect, action and responsi- being taught.” - Winston Churchill the market can rapidly increase toward were in and they were so good. Why bility otherwise known as karma?

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Page 15...... Westside Observer...... September 2008 W NDER what to do when you’re done with these?

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