WESTSIDE BSERVER VOLUME 25 • NUMBER 10 O December 2012 / January 2013 It’s Norman Yee by a Nose Lake Merced By Christopher L. Bowman Santa Claus n a race which wasn’t decided until several days after the polls closed, School Board Jerry Cadagan member Norman Yee beat Labor leader F. X. Crowley by just 132 votes in District 7. – 2 IThe race was decided by Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), Yee received only 39.84%, a plurality, not a majority of the vote, with 60.16% of the voters in District 7 not choosing Yee as their first, second or third running, that shift of more than 13 to 11.66% for choice for Supervisor. points was enough to put Yee over the district-wide Don’t Say I Didn’t Yee’s victory came as some- the top when all the first, second, vote at the polls. thing of a surprise to those who and third choice votes were tallied. The vote in Tell You closely observed the reporting of One explanation for this shift was Parkmerced and Quentin Kopp the early absentee ballots on elec- that Yee and the minor candidates at SFSU repre- tion night. In the initial report, had a better GOTV effort than the sented a strong – 3 Yee and the four minor candidates other four candidates in the race. progressive tilt aligned with Yee received just The vote in five precincts of and also a pro- 37.14% of the first choice votes. As Parkmerced and San Francisco test vote against District 7 Supervisor-elect Norman Yee the vote count continued on elec- State University was also instruc- Mike Garcia who Laundry List tion night and in the days after tive of the ultimate district-wide strongly supported the Parkmerced for SFPUC the election, Yee and his allies per- results. project (which tenants feared would formed better than they did in the F.X Crowley and Norman Yee cause their displacement). Steve Lawrence early absentees, and when at the received roughly the same percent- The Department of Elections – 4 end the provisional ballots were age of the votes as they did district- has provided a detailed analysis of processed and those which were wide in the vote at the polls, 22.56% how the votes of the various can- found valid were counted, Yee and and 28.22%, respectively in those didates transferred in District 7 his allies had 50.95% of those votes. five precincts, which constitute 8% under RCV. (Please see the table FX Crowley Louise Rennie’s Given the distribution of sec- of District’s vote, but Mike Gar- below.) ond and third choice votes of voters cia received only 10.02%, and the Candidates were eliminated “Foundation” whose first or second choice can- combined total for the four minor from consideration in the oppo- Patrick Monette- didates were eliminated from the candidates was 24.88% compared site order in which they placed, and when the combined totals Shaw CANDIDATE 1st Choice GR LG AB JL BS JE MG Final for specific candidates would –5 not add up to the next per- Norman Yee 9182 69 124 177 407 238 987 1321 12505 son in the ranking, several FX Crowley 7746 61 76 184 144 413 1085 2664 12373 Farewell Elsbernd candidates were eliminated Mike Garcia 5512 44 86 149 172 333 1177 -3488 at the same time, but the data Mike Garcia remain separate for the pur- George Wooding’s Joel Engardio 4168 40 84 140 170 241 -1594 pose of analyses. Interview Bob Squeri 1545 47 32 0 0 -399 Of the 31,385 first choice –5 Julian Lagos 1091 81 157 0 -436 votes cast for the nine candi- dates for Supervisor in Dis- Andrew Bley 825 100 147 -422 trict 7, 14,457 first choice Lynn Gavin 719 84 -97 votes did not go to F.X. Crow- Is Our Vote ley or Norman Yee. Of the Glenn Rogers 597 -71 Really Safe? 14,457 voters who cast first Red #s = Exhausted Ballots plus Over Votes (where voters voted for more than three choices for Supervisor.) Cont. p. 6 Joel Engardio Tony Hall – 10 Pacific Rod & Gun Club: Such a Deal Award-winning Journalism Who will pay for the cleanup still unclear in the Neighborhood By Keith Burbank ho’s paying to clean up the My Two Cents/Will Durst . . . . 4 W$10.7 million in environmental damage at Letters to the Editor . . . . .4 . Lake Merced? It’s unclear. Money Matters ...... 8 But the San Francisco Pub- Captain’s Message ...... 8 lic Utilities Commission and the club negotiated a Parks Bond ...... 9. . settlement agreement last month that will keep PR&GC at the Lake. Revenue Bond Oversight . . . 9 . 19th Ave Disruptions . . . . .9 . The SFPUC approved the settlement during a Closed Session … It’s Winter Faire at Orexi Opens ...... 11 recommended by the Rules Committee November 15, at another Whistleblowers ...... 11. . Closed Session and has to be approved by the full Board of Supervi- Stonestown’s Farmers Market WOTP Central Council . . . .11 . sors, where the opportunity for public comment is, again, unlikely… fter four years the Sunday Farmers December 4, Supervisor Elsbernd said. Market at Stonestown has become a Around the Town ...... 13 . Aweekly shopping ritual for neighbors Dickens Fair ...... 15 . . of the Westside. Crowds of customers begin to The disagreement that led to club – in place in the 1970s and Calendar ...... 15. . roam the back parking lot from 9am to 1pm, the settlement concerns the envi- early 80s – may pay for some or all attracted by approximately 50 booths offer Jack Kaye ...... 16 . ronmental damage caused by lead of the costs, Ritchie said. “The big- local fresh fruits and vegetables, many certified shot and a petroleum binder used gest question regarding the cleanup At the Movies ...... 17 organic, as well as bakery goods, food booths, in clay targets, Steve Ritchie, assis- is how much funding the club can and trucks catering to exotic tastes or more On Stage/Theater ...... 17 . tant general manager for water at contribute,” he added. familiar fare. There are also artisan wares and Sharon the Health ...... 19 the SFPUC said. The targets were The idea that the gun club may gifts from local and California artists. Though used for skeet shooting. Both con- have to move would make at least Remember When ...... 20 . officially closed at 1:00 PM, the crowds often taminants are no longer in materials one SF resident happy. “It’s a very continue to frequent vendors even as they are Open Late ...... 20 . used at the club. The club stopped strong noise disturbance …and breaking down, and shop until 2:00 PM and using the lead shot in 1994, and the they are not serving the public rec- Sudoku \ Brain Füd . . . . . 20 . sometimes later. contaminated ducks in 2000, Ritchie reationally,” said Felicia Zeiger, who For Grace Terisi and her daughter Kather- Kocivar on Education ...... 21 said. lives within walking distance from ine, who operate a certified organic boutique Real Estate Question Man . . .22 . But if the club does not pay Lake Merced. Zeiger said the mem- farm in San Juan Batista, the morning starts bership of the club has not grown at Real Travel ...... 23 for the cleanup, then the SFPUC long before dawn as the vegetables are har- may have to pass along those costs all, or not very much, yet the popu- vested, packed into boxes and on the truck by lation in the surrounding area has. www westsideobserver. com. to its customers. It’s unclear if the Cont. p. 3 insurance policies held by the gun Cont. p. 6 Page 2 December 2012 / January 2013

Lake Merced Update the two agencies to work out a modifica- And while Rec & Park was raking in tion of the ill-advised 1950 resolution in the money over the years, its performance order to give SFPUC greater management while “occupying, using and improving Will Santa Deliver for Lake Merced ? responsibility. They have failed to do so. Lake Merced for recreational and park By Jerry Cadagan The result of all this has been that purposes” would have made Scrooge since 1950, Lake Merced has acted as a proud. Here are just a few of the lowlights – s we approach the Christmas Season what would veritable 365 day a year Christmas tree • As early as March 1988 Urban Park Lake Merced recreationists and activists like to have for Rec & Park. It has collected rent from Concessionaires, the concessionaire at Santa Claus put under their Christmas tree? We’d A tenants, with the annual rents collected the lake, was writing letters to Rec & love to see a simple Christmas card from the Recreation by Rec & Park of late being $77,100. It Park asking for assistance in dealing and Park Department, acknowledging that it has performed has collected permit fees from picnick- with the declining water levels at the poorly for the past 62 years as co-manager at Lake Merced, ers and others with the total fees collected lake. Rec & Park routinely ignored such and that it is now prepared to relinquish its co-management in 2011 being $15,294. (There is a seri- requests. role at the lake, other than management of Harding Park ous question whether Rec & Park has the • Rec & Park has been the manager of golfing and the Natural Areas Program. Here’s a very abbre- legal authority to issue permits and col- the month-to-month lease with Pacific viated summary of the most important facts. lect fees at the lake because Rec & Park’s Rod & Gun Club (PRGC) from 1950 permitting authority is limited to activi- until very recently. Not once during And while Rec & Park was raking in the money over the years, its performance ties in “parks” within the meaning of the that time did Rec & Park require PRGC while “occupying, using and improving Lake Merced for recreational and park Park Code, and Lake Merced is not a to obtain the proper kind of insurance purposes” would have made Scrooge proud.” park. Likewise, Rec & Park’s authority to to protect San Francisco from liability regulate traffic and issue parking tickets from environmental pollution com- at Lake Merced is highly dubious.) And monly associated with skeet shooting. First, Lake Merced is owned by the confers upon the Park and Recreation while Rec & Park’s revenue collections Now San Francisco is faced with an San Francisco Public Utilities Commis- Commission, the right to occupy, use and at the lake have been running close to estimated $10 million bill for cleaning sion (SFPUC). Second, Lake Merced is not improve, for park and recreational pur- $100,000 a year for many years, the only up lead and other forms of pollution. a “park” within the meaning of the City’s poses” the Lake Merced Tract. Fourth, known Rec & Park expenditure at the lake • In April 1999, Urban Park Concession- Park Code. Third, Rec & Park’s sole basis for many years it has been apparent to in recent years has been a one time small aires’ contract with Rec & Park expired for having had a co-management role at observers that having SFPUC and Rec & contribution equal to about 50% of their and it declined to renew the contract the lake are these 24 terribly unfortunate Park as co-managers was a mistake, and annual rent revenue receipts. That was for citing the low water problem and “15 words found in a 1950 SFPUC resolution: in January 2007 the Board of Supervi- a new ramp to the dock used by hundreds years of talk, meetings and studies “The Public Utilities Commission hereby sors adopted Resolution 14-07 requesting of high school rowers. Cont. p. 6

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AN SRG SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY Formerly Monarch Village Page 3 December 2012 / January 2013 Community month, he keeps busy creating vases and table wares all a unique assortment of flavors from the East and West. year and rotates showing at Hayward, Santa Rosa and Toveggie Balls and Spicy Veggie Wraps are a favorite, Palo Alto Farmers Markets, and through his mother- but Soy Pasta and Tofutillas are Meatless Monday regu- in-law’s gift shop in lars. Tofu Yu has been Placerville. at Stonestown for 3 Jacqueline years and Sudesh loves Miyata is a jeweler to talk about the tastes who specializes in and health benefits of copper patina neck- tofu. laces and bracelets. Peter Louie from Tasteful settings for Malik Almond Ranch smoky quartz, tur- in Hickman (50 miles quoise and amethyst out of Modesto) will are also available in tell you about the less expensive glass 240 acre farm and its Grace and Daughter Katherine Terisi spar with leeks picked fresh this morning versions. Most exceptional are her chain-mail adapta- fruit and nut trees. Farmers Market (Cont. from p. 1) tions that lend a medieval feeling to her work, and she is He offers a variety of knowledgeable and conversant with all things lapidary, bagged almonds, wal- 6:30am to start the journey to San Francisco’s precious and semi-precious. nuts, pistachios, and Stonestown. Grace is used to the farm routine. She was Handing out exotic tastes for Sukhi’s Indian Cui- hydraulic dried fruits. brought up on a cherry and apricot family farm in Santa sine, Baljinder Singh will help you through the won- Sesame Glazed Almonds are a favorite with kids, and a Clara County that was much larger than the twelve acre ders of the ancient cuisine that always delights the healthy alternative to candy. The bags make wonderful farm she runs today. She proudly displays and loves to gifts and keep for a year. talk about the varieties of squash, onions and greens she has on display. If it’s in season, it is probably here, but she also tries to plant things that are not available from the other vendors. She grows greens year round; broccoli, kale, chard, beets, fennel, celery, green onions and leeks are planted and harvested regularly. Don’t know the difference between a leek and French bunching onions? Don’t know how to cook that kale? Just ask Grace. Or you can ask daughter Katherine, who is working her way toward a career in bioengineering, but she can also tell you five ways to turn that winter squash into a delicious meal. Baljinder Singh knows Indian food and can tell you a lot about the preparation The Terisi farms have been selling at the Stonestown palate and presents a colorful and healthy alternative to market for four years. meat and potatoes with tantalizing flavors and aromas. “Nutritional value is always greater from fresh pro- Sukhi’s was created by celebrated Chef-Teacher Sukhi duce,” Katy Chapman said. “Buying local and support- Singh, founded in the Bay Area in 1992. “Meticulous ing regional farmers and food products strengthens the food preparation is an expression of love and respect for local economy and reduces the environmental impact all,” Baljinder said, “our entrees capture thousands of of transporting food long distances—it also allows you years of culture, refined by generations.” to meet your local farmers and learn where and how the Sudesh Rai offers food is grown.” delicious and healthy The market is open Sundays only, in the parking lot meat alternatives at the behind Stonestown, 9am-1pm. Tofu Yu booth. The arti- san soy beanery is located in Berkeley, where they make an assortment of delicious and nutritious vegan, gluten-free foods Scott Wilson, a potter from Pollack Pines sells a beautiful celedon bowl from fresh, natural, and locally-grown ingredi- Potter Scott Wilson, whose studio is in Pollack ents. Following ancient Pines, is happy to talk about potting. Though he only traditions of making tofu, shows up at Stonestown on the second Sunday of the “tofusion” spices it up with assertedly contemplates as many as 1600 (Proposition C) while an authentic pre- RUMINATIONS FROM A FORMER SUPERVISOR By Quentin Kopp housing units, together with the usual vention of such insolvency, qualified for shops, a community center, a supermar- the ballot by voter signatures as an ini- he Governor’s plan to raise state income taxation of all ket and open space. The plan originally tiative and sponsored mainly by Public taxpayers reporting annual income of $250,000 or more included a $70,000,000 subsidy for the Defender Jeff Adachi, was belittled by the and an understandable change by an initiative statute in T developer from taxpayer funds. In 2011, “City Hall Family” as unworthy of voter income taxation of out-of-state corporations to a measurement however, redevelopment agencies in Cali- approval. Spending tens of thousands of based entirely on the percentage of sales within California com-

Photo: fogcityjournal.com Photo: fornia were abolished by a statue initiated dollars, Proposition C was passed. Now, pared to total sales revenue of a corporation were approved by by the then newly recycled Governor Jerry it’s revealed that the city retirement sys- voters last month. I argued that both measures were afflicted with Brown. Redevelopment funds (which are, tem still faces inability in 10-20 years to infirmity arising from failure to allow the increased state revenue after all, tax dollars) would have supplied satisfy financial obligations to retired from higher income taxation to augment the General Fund of our State. Instead, the the developer with $70,000,000. Now, the city employees. Simultaneously, the City Governor’s plan allocated 89% of the increased income taxes to kindergarten through developer supposedly can build only a Controller revealed in a report last month the last year of high school and 11% to the state university and college systems, while supermarket and approximately 225 resi- a $4,420,000,000 liability in health care Proposition 39, sponsored and funded by a billionaire Californian, allocated most of dential units on top, using his own money- funds for retired city employees during the the higher out-of-state corporate tax payments specifically to energy spending, not the entirely, as he should. That story reminds next 30 years. In fiscal year 2008, the city General Fund. I tried to explain that sound gov- corporate income taxation cannot be me of the constant chest-thumping by expended approximately $111,000,000 ernmental accounting principles have used for such justifiable purpose; it must so-called “private entrepreneurs” about on health insurance premiums for retied always, until recently, placed all income, be spent upon the energy programs the virtues of private enterprise, while city employees; by fiscal year 2012 that sales and excise tax revenue in the Gen- described in Proposition 39. The high they not so loudly snag taxpayer subsidies cost rose to about $151,000,000 and the eral Fund, thus enabling the Governor income taxation of “wealthy” Califor- in one form or another. It’s not just the Controller estimates it will double by fis- and Legislature to perform their respon- nians can’t be spent on reduced state col- well known cases like Solyndra, with its cal year 2021 to $300,000,000 and reach sibilities of appropriating the money lege tuition either. It’s apparent that state hundreds of millions of dollars of wasted $500,000,000 by fiscal year 2032. It’s as circumstances in our state dictate, fiscal problems will continue because of tax dollars from our pockets through the simple arithmetic and practice with busi- whether for education, health, welfare, disregard by officeholders, whether the U.S. Department of Energy; it’s also our nesses to require adequate contribution the courts, prisons, parks or other ser- Governor, the Assembly Speaker or oth- local “entrepreneurs,” on the prowl for from employees in advance of receiving vices funded historically (and rightfully) erwise, of the elemental principle of state gimmicks like the twisted redevelopment pensions or incurring medical expenses. from the General Fund, as compared with and local government funding, namely, process to achieve their private profits. City Hall characterizes that as a “pre- specially-funded services such as roads unless it’s a user fee like the gasoline tax, Redevelopment was essentially a process funded model.” Leave it to City Hall to and highways which are financed by that deposit all revenue from income, sales, by which local governments seized your utilize language that describes a system user fee known as the state gasoline tax. excise and other general taxes into the property at or below market value and taken for granted in any business. It’s as Sure enough, the day after the election, General Fund and then decide on prior- then transferred it with neighboring other if city government discovered a better the Speaker of the Assembly declared he ity expenditure purposes. properties at a subsidized price to a new system than ensuring sufficient money in would renew his effort to reduce tuition on In the aftermath of the national owner (or owners) who reaped the profit. advance of retirement or medical expense “middle-class” public university students presidential election debate about the Its elimination constitutes Governor for its employees. I suppose that’s why we at a cost of approximately $1,000,000,000. place of government in our private lives, Brown’s best public interest achievement get the city government we deserve. His plan to do so in the Legislature is I found instructive, if not amusing, dis- in his reincarnation. With the foregoing observations, let’s assertedly based upon increased revenue closure last month of a proposed Visita- Remember the congratulatory felici- hope for peace accomplishments in the Mid- from the change of income taxation of cion Valley development, principally on tations exchanged among the “City Hall dle East and Africa in 2013 and a gladsome out-of-state corporations, and earners of the 12 acres formerly owned by Schlage Family” last year in the wake of pas- Chanukah, followed by a Merry Christmas. $250,000 and more, as I described above. Lock, which occupied and operated sage of a charter measure to prevent the Retired former Supervisor, State Senator The increased revenue from out-of-state those premises since 1922. The project insolvency of the city’s retirement system and Judge Quentin Kopp lives in District 7 Commentary Page 4 December 2012 / January 2013 Guns and Hoses. By Steve Lawrence n September SFPUC sued to evict the Gun Club that has aimed at Lake Merced for nearly eighty years. The Club’s lease dates Ifrom 1934. Lead shot and clay pigeons pooped up the Lake, and should be cleaned up. But the Club has not taken responsibility. For many years its month-to-month lease was handled by Rec & Park. Insurance? Maybe.... Assets? Nyet. So after years of kicking the can down the road, legal action was filed. Well, formally. SFPUC quickly settled. What a mess the settlement is. Incomplete sentences (look who’s saying!),

…costs are rising rapidly, as must rates. Next in line: sewer charges; $6.9 billion is to be spent fixing sewers over twenty years, most of it during the next decade. If the work escalates as has the water work, the sewer work will grow to nearly nine billion dollars. But expect it to grow more: much more of the work will be under San Francisco streets…” inconsistent intents—it’s a waffle shop. Southeast, in Bayview), and the east side Perhaps the surest thing, though no is not going to take more s—-. certainty, is that the ratepayer will end What to do? There is an Ocean Beach up paying for most of the cleanup, which Master Plan, created by SPUR, which today is priced at over $10 million. Big contains some ideas. One is “managed surprise, huh? SFPUC has become the retreat,” popular with Greens, which lets dumping ground for all sorts of financial the ocean have its way. The master plan- follies in this city of yucks. Want to bestow ners were, however, persuaded to temper My Two Cents / Will Durst “community benefits?” SFPUC. Want to the impulse to “let it go” so that the sew- bail out Rec & Park? SFPUC. Whether it’s age infrastructure is preserved for a rea- Fiscal Cliff Traffic Report solar silly or zapping putrescent PG&E, sonable—or less unreasonable—useful “So, expect showers and gale force winds over the next couple of the ready answer is the department that life. Planners decided to protect the infra- days and don’t forget that high surf advisory is in effect throughout does not need voter authorization to sell structure through 2050, forty more years. the weekend. We may even see some downed power lines and scat- its bonds: SFPUC. Hose the ratepayer. Forty years may sound like a lot tered looting. That’s the weather here on Capitol Hill, now let’s go to So what does the settlement call for? today. But it means moving soon towards Brandon with your Congressional traffic report.” Surprise (not): the Gun Club stays, for figuring out what to do, and laying the “Thanks Brandon. Well, its gotten pretty ugly out there, people. My best advice is, now. But the City may terminate it later; groundwork. stay in your homes. As expected, following the holiday recess, we’re seeing a lot of blus- the settlement tries to make doing that Along comes what may be called the ter and bombast building up on the Beltway, and the obstructionist blather has man- simpler. Yet it does so by substituting a sand plan. In bureaucratese, it is the San aged to stall headway on nearly every budget deal ramp to a virtual crawl. 90-day notice period; remember, this was Francisco Littoral Cell Coastal Regional Three or four jack knifed 18-wheel- continue to stream in that a crazy per- a month-to-month lease. A 1934 indem- Sediment Management Plan. (Are ers jam packed with Election Day ran- son by the name of Grover Norquist, has nity clause is retained so that the City bureaucrats paid by the word?) cor have overturned and as you might been single-handedly impeding traffic by may try to recover insurance money. A The idea is to move sand from the imagine, rubber necking has resulted in standing in the ditch and flagging motor- new 43-page lease modernizes the lease site of surplus to that of deficit. This sum- hundreds of not so tender fender bend- ists off the road straight into various free- agreement. In it the City admits that there mer three hundred thousand cubic yards ers in both directions. It’s gotten so bad way abutments. Although it must be said, are no known defaults to date; did the were moved from northern Ocean Beach that major media outlet trucks are stuck some cars do now seem to be aiming right Club default by polluting and failing to to southern, where beaches are eroding. on the shoulder filming each other, film- for him chasing the anti-cheerleader back remedy that pollution? The Club agrees Time will tell whether the sand pro- ing each other. to the safety of various rest stop bath- to indemnify City for the deposit of haz- tects the beach. Trouble is, when a south- It’s not just the Beltway that’s backed room stalls. ardous materials after the effective date westerly storm combines with high tides up. Main Street and Wall Street and the Due to the slick situation, eternal of the new lease. The Club’s buildings are the new sand may quickly be swept into Path to Prosperity all report major slow- congestion and some inexplicable glitch to be inspected, and brought up to Code. the ocean. The trucked sand is smaller downs due to a multitude of partisan that has turned all the surface street stop The Club is to carry $1 million environ- grained stuff, more easily swept away. pile- ups. Some drivers seem to be pur- lights to red, further delays are expected mental pollution liability insurance. After years of quiet the ocean can sud- posefully ramming fellow travelers right to spread across the nation as the coun- How much is rent? Ten thou up front denly turn ravenous. Mounds of fine- off the road while others speed across try experiences a massive impasse on all security deposit, then $5000 per month. grained sand that grace the southern median strips to dive into oncoming roads leading to the cutoff meant to avert Sand Plan. beach for a few years may be gone over- traffic seemingly with no thought to life the dreaded Fiscal Cliff. Ocean Beach is eroding. The ocean is night, in one storm, providing little pro- or limb. Casualties continue to mount Veteran observers claim this activ- rising. Already road surface and parking tection. Then, in emergency mode, the and officials worry about running out of ity is expected due to the mostly poor areas have been devoured by the ocean. bureaucrats haul in big rocks, which tarps. driving skills possessed by the residents But what is far more critical is buried: deface the beach. Sky Nine over the Bridge to the of our nation’s capital. But the upshot is, expensive, fairly new, sewage infrastruc- There are other coastal plans further Future reports that progress remains we’re back to stalls and jams and near ture that runs under Great Highway. south along the California coast. Ven- hopelessly clogged with all visible move- total gridlock far into the foreseeable This stores sewage and storm water, so tura/Santa Barbara have one that recom- ment being of the backwards variety and future. So remember to keep that dial the Oceanside plant is not overwhelmed mends an artificial reef. These are said from their vantage all the right lanes look here, where we bring you weather and when rains are heavy. Nothing is visible, to enhance biodiversity, provide better to be blocked as far as the eye can see. Left traffic together on the eights, although to but if the ocean erodes enough of the surfing and recreational opportunities, lanes: not much better. Center lanes: you be perfectly honest, not much is expected beach key infrastructure will be ruined, and form a wider beach opposite the reef. don’t want to know. to change any time soon. Back to you and will need to be rebuilt inshore— That sounds like something that might Many reasons have been offered up Brandon.” at much greater inconvenience and protect sewage infrastructure. Yet so far for Carmageddon spreading nationwide. here the idea has not caught on. Re-name 5 time Emmy- nominee Will Durst’s new expense. Already most of the city’s sew- Pure native stubbornness, leading to e- book “Elect to Laugh!” published by age is treated on the east side of town (at Cont. p. 6 refusals to merge. Infrastructure deterio- Hyperink, now available at Redroom.com, ration. Widespread smoke screens creat- Amazon or any fine virtual book retailer Letters to the Editor ing low visibility. A plethora of misread near you. signs due to intentionally misinterpreted Food Trucks I was very disappointed that was a smell of smoke that must have polls. Death wishes. Insanity. Mad Cow. And don’t forget the 20th annual Big Fat OfftheGrid is reconsidering West Por- set off the fire alarm and an evacuation Part of the problem can be attributed Year End Kiss Off Comedy Show Decem- tal as a venue. Being a 33 year resident ensued. Usually where there is smoke, to the numerous turnarounds closed by ber 26- January 1 at a theater near you. Go of Westwood Highlands I was hoping to there is fire, but there was no fire in this committee chairmen to restrict desertion to willdurst.com for more info. show off our West Portal neighborhood case. I am curious as to how the ballots from party line movement and reports as friendly and accepting. OfftheGrid will were protected while the two emergen- bring in walking traffic which relates to cies occurred simultaneously within 24 more money to the merchants. I for one hours of each other. Did these two emer- won’t mind less parking as it is a tempo- gencies have an impact on the winners? rary situation. Let’s show OfftheGrid that Norman Yee won the election due San Francisco’s Award Winning News for the Neighborhood — Society of Professional Journalists to the votes from the residents of Park- we can live in harmony and make this Contributors: merced. This is intriguing because less PO Box 27176, SF 94127 • 415 517-6331 homeowner proud of our neighborhood Kevin Birmingham, Mitch Bull, Keith Burbank, Judy and its merchants. than ten people attended his visit when he www.westsideobserver.com Berkowitz, Sharon Caren, Julie Casson, Doug Comstock, announced his candidacy at Parkmerced. Mary Hackbarth Publisher/Editor: Mitch Bull Will Durst, Jonathan Farrell, Kathy Howard, Flora Lynn Isaa- When the District 7 candidates were [email protected] Phantom Votes cson, Joanne Jordan, Jack Kaye, Dr. Carol Kocivar, Steve There were a few strange interviewed by the San Francisco Exam- Editor: Doug Comstock Lawrence, Dr. Annette Lust, Barbara Meskunas, Brandon Miller, things that happened during the counting iner, Norman Yee said that he supported [email protected] Don Lee Miller, Patrick Monette-Shaw, Sergio Nibbi, Phyllis of the votes from the November 6, 2012 the demolition of the garden apartments Associate Editor: Alice Bull Sherman, George Wooding. Photos: Luke Thomas, Doug election at City Hall. at Parkmerced. Thus I am perplexed Comstock. At least two suspicious incidents sur- as to why so many people would vote Ad Sales • Mitch Bull rounded City Hall. First there was the for someone who supports their home The ideas and opinions expressed in these pages are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the staff or mysterious power outage at City Hall; publisher of this paper. The Westside Observer is a free monthly newspaper serving the entire West of Twin Peaks area of San Francisco. being demolished and not paying them Circulation is 20,000 copies, distributed 10 times a year. 12,000 are distributed -to-door, 1,500 are distributed via free distribution racks in however, there was no storm that could the West of Twin Peaks area, as well as libraries and other key drop-off points (see westsideobserver.com/hardcopy.html). have caused the outage. Second there Cont. p. 6 December 2012 / January 2013 Page 5 Time To Say Goodbye To Supervisor Sean Elsbernd By George Wooding hether you like him, hate him, or are just ambivalent Wabout him, it’s time to say goodbye to District 7 Supervisor Sean Elsbernd. What follows is an interview with him, kindly granted. After eight years as our District Supervisor, Elsbernd has termed-out and will be replaced by newly-elected Dis- trict 7 Supervisor Norman Yee. Yee, a progressive representing San Francisco’s most conservative District, may have a hard time replacing Elsbernd. In his prior job on the school board, Yee only had to know about the school system. Now, Yee will have to understand dozens of issues and their political ramifications to him- self, the Mayor, the Board of Supervisors, the media, and constituents he will serve in D-7 and citywide.

Louise Renne and Foundation’s Board of Directors VP Derek Parker at SF Health Commission Meeting “I failed to put myself in check. I was too cocky. It was heady stuff, and some- Laguna Honda Foundation times I missed the big picture…” A Foundation’s Dirty Laundry About the new Supervisor, Elsbernd District Seven. It’s a unique community By Patrick Monette-Shaw said, “I wish Norman the best, but I hope out here; people work together, the differ- he knows what he is getting into.” ent neighborhoods, the parks, West Portal dditional planning for use of Laguna Honda Hospital is again being dis- A skyrocketing career: Taking a job Avenue, Stonestown. I intend to stay and cussed without input from the public — and probably without input from that is so new that it still does not have I am not moving to Fairfield (referring Athe hospital’s own patients — including outsourcing of Laguna Honda’s Ger- an official job title, Elsbernd will now to former Supervisor Chris Daly’s move ald Simon patient auditorium, the on-going lack of a patient gift shop, and conversion be running Senator Dianne Feinstein’s to Fairfield while still in office). I’m a of Laguna Honda’s old buildings into assisted living housing units. Northern California operations. Accord- third-generation Saint Ignatius Prepara- To no one’s surprise, former City Attorney Louise Renne’s “nonprofit,” the ing to Elsbernd, “I will be her [Feinstein’s] tory College (SI) graduate and I want my Laguna Honda Foundation, which has no formal written agreement with the City, is eyes and ears. I will also be helping her son, Michael, to be a fourth-generation SI embroiled in the discussions, and some complain that she’s being both secretive and with legislation.” graduate.” disingenuous. Although Renne appears to have been planning the outsourcing of the Elsbernd’s wife of seven years is Jen- Elsbernd grew-up in Miraloma Park patient auditorium for over a year and a half, her plans only became public on March nifer Johnston. Johnston, the Chief of Pol- on a cul-de-sac called Vista Verde, just 6, when her Foundation was hauled in front of SF Health Commission to provide an icy at San Francisco’s main Department of off of Stillings Street. “Vista Verde always update of her Foundation’s activities and finances. Human Resources for the last five years, had 15 or so kids playing on the street, The Recalcitrant Foundation since it was incorporated. was just appointed on September 17 to and we played every sport. I went to St. Ever since Renne formed her True to form, Renne claimed in a be the Executive Officer of San Francis- Cecilia’s grammar school and then on to Foundation in 2004 — without a writ- footnote that her Foundation had diffi- co’s Civil Service Commission, which is SI. I was a good kid and never got into ten memorandum of understanding culty raising funds because “two hospital charged with overseeing the City’s merit- any trouble. I had a great childhood. I (MOU) with either the City or Laguna physicians and others then employed at based employment system, employment had a tremendous time and my folks gave Honda Hospital — the Health Commis- the hospital made public assertions that discrimination complaints, outsourc- me a wonderful life.” sion has been worried about the lack of the hospital was unable to safely accom- ing of work previously performed by At SI, Elsbernd was the captain of the reporting concerning the Foundation’s modate the flow of patients from San City employees, and oddly, among other cross country team and the track team. finances. As previously reported1, when Francisco General Hospital.” Renne has duties, setting the salaries and benefits of “This was SI’s first co-ed class. Supervi- all City and County elected officials. sor Mark Farrell was in the class one year The Health Commission has tried repeatedly across the years to After long days at the office, Elsbernd ahead. Forty-five pounds ago, I was really obtain the Laguna Honda Foundation’s financial data but they’ve and Johnston have their hands full with a fast. I was the league champion in the 800 rambunctious three-year-old boy named meters. The saddest day of my adolescent been repeatedly rebuffed by Renne, who stridently refuses to Michael. life was when I got cut from the basketball cooperate. Being the leader of San Francisco’s t e a m ,” he said. block of moderate supervisors (Elsbernd, From an early age, Elsbernd had the City agreed to a preliminary $25 mil- been unable to admit that the damage to Carmen Chu [D4], Scott Wiener [D-8], always loved politics. After graduating lion settlement with Ms. Renne for fur- the hospital’s reputation was not done by and Mark Farrell [D2]), Elsbernd cur- from SI, he attended Claremont McK- niture, fixtures, and equipment for the the two physicians she wrongly accuses; rently serves as Vice-Chair of the Rules enna College, a private, co-educational new Laguna Honda facilities, the Health instead, perhaps the damage to the hos- Committee and Chair of the Transpor- liberal arts college. This college offered Commission publicly fretted about how pital’s reputation was done by former tation Authority’s Finance Committee. a semester internship program in Wash- it would recover that planned settlement. Director of Public Health, Mitch Katz, Additionally, he sits on the Health Service ington, D.C. that allowed him to work in Since that time, there has been exten- whose notorious “flow project” made System Board, and the Retirement Board Congressman Art Agnos’ office for his sive coverage about the failure of Renne’s patient safety at the hospital a major serving city employees and city retirees. Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. Elsbernd Foundation to disclose either its income issue. Elsbernd has also served on the Budget graduated in 1997 from Claremont McK- and expenses, or the three categories of Apparently resulting from Tierney’s and Finance Committee. enna, and then graduated from the Uni- spending the IRS requires non-profits December 14 meeting with Renne, the “Former Board of Supervisors Presi- versity of California’s Hastings College of report on Form 990’s: Fundraising, Man- Health Commission placed an agenda dent Aaron Peskin placed me on the Bud- Law in 2000. agement and General, and Program Ser- item about Renne’s Foundation onto its get and Finance Committee. The current In 2000, Elsbernd was hired as then vices spent on actual services. The three March 6, 2012 meeting agenda. During Board of Supervisors President (David D-7 Supervisor Tony Hall’s legislative categories are used to evaluate the finan- the March 6 meeting, Renne presented Chiu) has decided not to trust me with aide. Elsbernd worked for Hall for three cial accountability of non-profits. All of orally much of the flawed testimony in that honor.” years, and was then hired in January 2004 the Foundation’s Form 990’s submitted to her December 8 letter. Elsbernd also has had the distinction by Mayor Gavin Newsom to serve as New- date to the IRS have reported zero income When she testified that she set up of nominating Edwin Lee for Mayor of som’s liaison to the Board of Supervisors. and zero expenses, even though it has her Foundation “right after Proposition San Francisco. When asked why he nom- City Politics 101 In 2004, Mayor been reported in the media that Renne’s A” was passed by the voters in 1999, she inated Lee, Elsbernd said, “I nominated Newsom transferred former Supervisor Foundation has earned at least $766,531 was stretching the truth; her Foundation Ed because I couldn’t get six votes for my Anne Marie Conroy, who was then admin- since its incorporation eight years ago. But wasn’t incorporated until almost five years first choice. Ed Lee was my second choice. istering the former Naval Base at Treasure she’s never provided detailed tax returns later, in 2004. She claimed her Founda- I was concerned that the progressives on Island, to head San Francisco’s Office of itemizing how much she has raked in, and tion had funded something related to lift the Board would get the six votes required Emergency Services. In August 2004, what she’s spending it on. apparatus to transfer patients safely into to elect a Mayor.” Newsom then tapped Supervisor Tony The Health Commission has tried bath tubs, but she didn’t say how much “Nominating a new Mayor was like Hall, who was then only eight months repeatedly across the years to obtain the was donated, when, or for what items. playing Jeopardy. The faster you pushed into his second term as D-7 Supervisor, to Laguna Honda Foundation’s financial When she testified that her Foundation the button at your desk, the quicker you quit his job as Supervisor to become the data but they’ve been repeatedly rebuffed had funded working with the Center for would be recognized. I wanted to get new head of Treasure Island. Hall wanted by Renne, who stridently refuses to Health and Design, she claimed it was Ed’s name locked in right away. I was the job due to a huge increase in salary, cooperate. among gifts to the City and hospital. selected second. I had been worried that but City policies prohibit elected officials The Artful Dodger’s Testimony Derek Parker, Vice President of the Supervisor David Chiu might vote with from being appointed to non-elected City Board of Directors of Renne’s Founda- the Board’s progressives and strategized positions for at least a year. Hall needed In preparation for a December 14, tion, accompanied her to this hearing. that if I nominated Ed Lee, Supervisor approval from San Francisco’s Ethics 2011 meeting with then Health Com- Parker co-founded the Center for Health Chiu would not stand in the way of the Commission to take Newsom’s Treasure mission president Steven Tierney and its Design, known for its Pebble Projects, a appointment of San Francisco’s first Chi- Island appointment. then vice president, Sonia Melara, Ms. theory that “evidence-based design” can nese Mayor. In the Chinese community, Fortunately for Hall and Newsom, Renne submitted a letter to the Health contribute to measurable improvements Ed is highly respected. Ed was nominated the then-president of the Ethics Com- Commission dated December 8, in which in patient outcomes. Parker has served for mayor and won.” mission was Mike Garcia — yes, the same she outlined her Foundation’s activities Cont. p. 10 Elsbernd said, “I absolutely love Cont. p. 18 Page 6 December 2012 / January 2013

Lake Merced (Cont. from p. 2) secret that its budget is constantly pre- Pacific Rod & Gun(Cont. from p. 1) Supervisors, where the opportunity for carious. It no longer will be receiving the public comment is, again, unlikely. It will with very little being done.” Rec & Park Zeiger has previously served on the Park, substantial rental payments from PRGC, vote on the ordinance Tuesday, Decem- employee Marvin Yee told the Chron- Recreation and Open Space Advisory since SFPUC recently took back manage- ber 4, Supervisor Elsbernd said. icle’s Tom Stienstra that Rec & Park Committee, whose focus is park, recre- ment of that lease. Rec & Park could give The current lease, written in 1934, was “scrambling” to find a new con- ational, environmental, cultural, sports, Lake Merced users a Christmas gift by when the club first leased the property, cessionaire to service the lake’s fishing youth, or senior citizen issues. bowing out and gracefully ending what an granted use of 4 acres for “skeet shooting constituency. Now, 13 years later, they On November 6 the Chronicle October 7, 2011 Chronicle opinion piece and flyfishing”, though the club now uses are apparently still scrambling, as there reported “PUC General Manager Harlan called the “two-headed monster” control- 10 acres and no flyfishing is in evidence. has not been a fishing concession at the Kelly said the new month-to-month lease, ling Lake Merced. If the leadership at Rec Although the site located at 520 John lake since April 1999. replacing the original that was signed in & Park would have the wisdom and cour- Muir Drive is used by the gun club, the • In September 2003 the Chronicle age to do so, the Westside Observer could City and County owns the reported that the Gibbs Fishing Pier become the modern day New York Sun property, which is man- had rotted and collapsed. The Chron- and proclaim that, “Yes, Virginia, there is aged by the SFPUC. Prior icle quoted Rec & Park’s General Man- a Santa Claus.” to May, the SF Recreation ager as saying that the department We have been writing about the prob- & Parks Department man- would take care of that problem “as fast lems at Lake Merced for the Observer aged the site. as we can.” Nine years later the Gibbs since the October 2011 issue and encour- Under the amended Fishing Pier remains closed. age those curious about the shenanigans and restated lease and the After 62 years of that kind of per- at the lake to go online and read our prior November 2, 2012, settle- formance it is time for Rec & Park to columns at www.westsideobserver.com. ment agreement the club willingly relinquish management respon- can remain on the property sibilities back to SFPUC. Rec & Park has Jerry Cadagan, Co-founded the Committee on a month-to-month basis over 200 true parks to manage. It’s no to Save Lake Merced in 1993 for two years. During the two years, “the SFPUC and SFPUC/Lawrence (Cont. from p. 4) underground in a city like San Francisco. the San Francisco Recre- Records are kept, but prove unreliable. ation and Park Department it? “Artificial reef” doesn’t cut it? How The sewer work is expected to cost San will begin the planning about “biodiversifying reef?” Franciscans three times as much as the process for long term use of “Wee-sip.” water work is costing. Rates are going up. the premises after cleanup The $4.6 billion Water System Overall a typical monthly cost for both is complete for yet-to-be- Improvement Program (WSIP; pro- sewer and water is expected to ramp up determined unrestricted nounced “wee-sip”) is two-thirds com- from $76 to $264 in 2032). That is, if costs The Field House at the Pacific Rod and Gun Club—neighbors find noise unbearable recreational uses,” Ritchie plete, according to officials. With $2 come in as expected. wrote in an email to the Observer. billion more to spend the program is The keystone of the water system, the 1930s, would protect San Francisco “It does take time to work out these looking shaky in reaching its goal of “on Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, has survived a ratepayers from cleanup costs.” issues,” Ritchie said, adding that the city time, on budget.” Indeed, on time is not first attack, Prop F. But the promoters will “We disagree,” said Jerry Cadagan, could extend the club’s two-year lease, going to happen. The largest project, sue, hoping to achieve their aims through founder of Committee to Save Lake Mer- though “highly unlikely,” he said. Dur- which ten years ago was to be completed the courts, or perhaps through Congress. ced, “that SF rate or by 2009, still has five years to go. Its cost Should these opponents of Hetch Hetchy tax payers have been is up, too. Calaveras Dam is proving to be succeed, the cost of water will rise much protected from clean as sinister as its name. more. up costs. We are not The program’s contingency—the mil- Water and sewer affect everything. criticizing (reporter) lions set aside to cover change orders—is Every business uses these services. As a Neal Riley at the drained. Four years before construction customer, you pay. Chronicle We have work wraps up. Up, up and away! corroborated that Overruns are not unusual in pub- The Water Enterprise’s budget will that is what he was lic works construction. When it asks for rise nearly twenty percent this next fiscal told. bids the public entity must describe the year if officials get what they want. This “Here are the underground conditions to be expected space has warned that costs are rising facts. 1. The Gun so that multiple contractors can bid, rapidly, as must rates. Next in line: sewer Club does not have ensuring competitive prices. If actual charges; $6.9 billion is to be spent fixing the specialized kind conditions differ from what is described, sewers over twenty years, most of it dur- of environmental then the contractor claims for extra com- ing the next decade. If the work escalates pollution liability pensation for what are called differing as has the water work, the sewer work will insurance that covers site conditions. grow to nearly nine billion dollars. But this kind of situation At the site of the new Calaveras Dam, expect it to grow more: much more of the (although SF and the The Rod & Gun Clubhouse on the Eastern end of the property hosts meetings and events a hillside turned out to have undetected Gun Club say they are work will be under San Francisco streets, ing the term of the lease, monthly rent is ancient landslides. More of the hillside negotiating with an insurance carrier that constituents will be noisier, and the water $5,000, and the rental deposit is $10,000. must be excavated. The change order will provided other insurance). 2. The Gun work’s scope of work was reduced con- The club’s continued occupancy of the be for about $133 million. Club does not have $10 million (SF’s esti- siderably, while rising in cost. SFPUC property will be governed only by the set- Two tunneling projects are also mate of the clean up expense) or $5 mil- is without a meaningful brake. Since tlement agreement and the amended and encountering troubles, although fortu- lion (the Gun Club’s estimate) in cash or 2002, when voters issued blank checks, restated lease. nately the overruns expected will cost other assets. 3. SFPUC staff has told their other city departments have to get voter District 7 Supervisor Sean Elsbernd much less. own Commissioners that the rate pay- approval before undertaking sizable capi- drafted an ordinance dated November 5, When the Sewer System program ers may end up picking up the clean up tal work, but not SFPUC. Whee. 2012 to approve the settlement agreement. (SSIP) begins, differing site conditions costs. A staff report attached to the Com- The ordinance states the new lease will may not cause such a huge overrun as Steve Lawrence is a Westside resident and mission’s May 8, 2012 agenda (Item 9) provide “improved insurance, indemnity Calaveras, but there will likely be more SF Public Utility Commission stalwart. contained these words, “Also, the SFPUC and other provisions in favor of the city.” of them. It is hard to know what is Feedback: [email protected] may have to use $10.7 million in rate- It does not mention the cleanup costs. payer funds to undertake remediation A spokesperson for the gun club, Fred Election/Norman Yee ( Cont. from p. 1) activities if the PRGC is unable to satisfy Tautenhahn, declined to comment for the its financial obligation to remedy the site choice votes for other candidates, 6,507 the votes transferred. story. Instead he referred the Observer to contamination. or 45% had “exhausted” ballots and did Finally, for those who keep track of club president Mike Miller, who did not “The recent temporary settlement not have a role in determining the final such matters, although the number of return calls for comment by press time. does not change any of those facts. winner of the race. In most cases, those registered voters in the City increased The club’s website says the club is “mak- “This is important because SFPUC voters “bullet-voted” for their first choice by 25,000 over the number registered for ing steady and relatively positive prog- ratepayers need to know that they may candidate and didn’t select a second or the last Presidential election (due largely ress” with the SFPUC. “We still have a very well be on the hook for a $10 million third choice candidate. Of the remain- to the inception of on-line voter registra- long way to go to secure and ensure our pollution clean up job.” ing 7,950 voters whose 2nd or 3rd choice tion which began the month before the long term existence at Lake Merced,” the The SFPUC approved the settlement ballots were received by the two top vote- election), the turnout in November was website tells members, guests and friends during a Closed Session on October 23, getters, F.X. Crowley received 58.2% of 364,875 roughly the same as in 2004, but of the club. the vote versus Norman Yee who received 24,000 less than four years ago. Thus, 2012. It was recommended by the Board Keith Burbank is a San Francisco freelance 41.8%. Citywide turnout was down from 81.25% of Supervisors Rules Committee Novem- journalist Had the ratio of 2nd and 3rd place in 2008 to 72.56% this year. ber 15, at another Closed Session, and transferred votes from Mike Garcia to Also, for the first time in a Presiden- has to be approved by the full Board of F.X. Crowley and Norman Yee remained tial election, more San Franciscans voted constant, and had another 400 of Garcia’s by absentee ballot (52.9%) than voted at Letters (Cont. from p. 4) supporters not bullet-voted for Garcia the polls. adequate compensation. Parkmerced is a considering contesting the votes. I think but instead cast a second choice vote in Chrostopher L. Bowman has an M.A. in vital part of District 7 with 3,022 apart- that it is important that every vote cast by the race, F.X. Crowley would likely have Political Science from Rutgers, is a former ments. Due to the pending redevelop- someone was legal. been elected. aide to State Senator Milton Marks and a ment plan there are a lot of vacancies at It appears that perhaps this rank Alternatively, had F.X. Crowley and campaign consultant since 1987. Parkmerced. Could it be that phantom choice voting is more confusing than we Norman Yee received the same percent- votes were cast? anticipated. This confusion, if left unchal- Editors Note: This political analysis focuses age of the fist choice votes in the late As a former candidate in the District lenged, is a threat to the democratic pro- on District 7; it is a small portion of the absentees and provisionals as they had in 7 November 6, 2012 election, I have some cess by which we govern ourselves. comprehensive report that is available the early absentee ballots and vote at the concerns about the ballots, and if there online at www.westsideobservor.com/ Lynn Gavin polls, Crowley would have been elected was any tampering with the ballots. I am by a margin of nearly 500 votes when all news/Bowman December 2012 / January 2013 Page 7 Page 8 December 2012 / January 2013 MONEY MATTERS • By Brandon Miller and Joanne Jordan Preparing for the “Fiscal Cliff” “Why Do they Keep Coming phrase that has found its way into our daily lexicon to this Doctor?...” this year is “fiscal cliff.” It refers to a combination of (Who admits to curing no one.) Federal government spending cuts and expiring tax A Dear friend, come to see me with their pinched nerve cuts that many fear could be a serious drag on the U.S. econ- omy beginning at the start of 2013. These scheduled spending I’ve got to tell you something that I problems. They also come to me with cuts and tax increases have many economists concerned that if nothing is done leg- have never said out loud. their: But what I am going to tell you makes • Headaches islatively to change current plans and avoid the cliff, a recession could result due to so much sense that you’ll probably get • Migraines consumers having less to spend just as government reduces its own spending. mad that no one told you this before. • Chronic Pain Changes on the docket I’ve been doctor in this town for 10 • Neck pain The estimated impact on the economy comes from a combination of expiring tax years now. And to this day I’ve never cured • Shoulder/arm pain cuts, new taxes and automatic spending cuts. The most direct effect on individuals anyone. You may think that the word • Whiplash from car accidents has to do with tax changes. They include: would get around and that no one would • Backaches • The expiration of the “Bush era” tax cuts of 2001 and 2003. Most notably, this come to see me anymore. The opposite is • Numbness in limbs would raise income tax rates for most people to levels that were in place prior to 2001. true. The more people who understand, • Athletic injuries just to name a few It would also change other tax provisions, including an increase in taxes on dividends the more people come to see me. Here is what some of you neighbors and capital gains, a decrease in the child tax credit, and a reinstatement of phasing out Several times a day patients thank me have said: some itemized deductions and personal exemptions for higher income individuals. for helping them with their health prob- “I had back pain for 15 plus years and • The end of the “payroll tax holiday” that reduced an individuals’ Social Secu- lems. But I can’t really take the credit. I’ve two back operations. Now I play tennis, sit rity taxes by two percent. never healed anyone of anything. What at my computer and enjoy an active pain • Less benefit from the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which provided I do is perform a specific spinal adjust- free life! Thank you Dr. Meakim!” up to $2,500 per student in credits (a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes) to offset ment to remove nerve pressure and the —A. McGrath qualified higher education expenses. In 2013, income limits to qualify for the credit body responds by healing itself. And, we “After two major car accidents, after – which will revert back to its prior name, the Hope Scholarship Credit – are lowered get terrific results. That is why our office trying all possible medicines and doctors, and the maximum credit is reduced to a projected $1,950. is filled with people who have found help you made a miracle taking away my pain!! • The loss of the “patch” that allowed many middle income Americans to avoid nowhere else. I am a happy wife and mother again!” exposure to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Let me tell a little about me before — L. Igudesman • A drastic reduction in the exclusion amount for the estate tax from $5.12 I tell you about a terrific offer I have for “I have had chronic neck, shoulder and million per person to $1 million, and an upturn in the highest maximum estate tax you. arm pain for the last 4 years. After seeing rate, from 35 percent to 55 percent. 17 years ago something happened Doctor Meakim I can now twist off caps, • The implementation of a higher income threshold to qualify to deduct out- that changed my life forever. I was a button/zip my own pants and there is no of-pocket medical costs as an itemized deduction. Currently, expenses valued at more young woman living in Philadelphia longer a need for me to ice my arm in the than 7.5 percent of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) can be deducted. The threshold when it happened. I was driving with a morning and night! I feel more energetic, rises to 10 percent in 2013 for most taxpayers. For those at least age 65, the higher friend, she missed and can move my threshold phases in through 2016. a stop sign and arm and neck pain • The addition of new taxes that will apply to individuals earning higher rammed into the free!” incomes as part of the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. side of another car? — C. Brubaker The effect these changes would have on individuals over the next year could be We were all shaken Exciting offer- dramatic, anywhere from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars or more up. The police were look, I know you’re in increased taxes for 2013 depending on individual circumstances. called and we all smart. You want to went to the hospital. The other aspect of the fiscal cliff is scheduled federal government spending cuts get to the cause of No one was bleed- the problem, and that are due to take hold in 2013 – another potential blow to the economy. These ing, so the medical not just cover it up include: doctors took some with drugs. When • $110 billion in spending cuts agreed to in the Budget Control Act of 2011 x-rays of our neck, you are one of the • $26 billion from the expiration of emergency unemployment benefits gave us pain meds first 20 people to • $11 billion in reduced Medicare reimbursements for physicians and sent us on our call and schedule a • $105 billion in other scheduled changes to revenue or spending. way. The next day I new patient exam What should you plan for? woke up with pain you will receive that Nobody can be certain what policymakers in Washington may choose to do – or everywhere and it entire exam for $37. not do – to limit the potential economic shock created by the confluence of events just kept getting That’s with a consul- that have led to the fiscal cliff. They could vote to alter the planned changes to tax worse. tation with the doc- laws and government outlays in order to temper the impact. However, any action in For years I tried everything that I tor, examination and x-rays… The whole that regard may not occur before late this year or into 2013. could find. For an answer to the pain, I ball of wax, and there are no hidden fees. In the meantime, be prepared for what may come. It appears likely that the went to medical doctors, physical thera- But call right away because we expect to amount of taxes you pay in 2013 will be higher than what you paid in 2012. Whether pists, acupuncturists; I tried special pil- be flooded with calls as this exam costs it will be as severe as what exists under the currently scheduled changes remains to lows, etc. I spent a lot of time and money. $318. be seen. Despite this, changes to the national economy or your personal financial Along the way I had two more car acci- Again there are only 20 of these slots circumstances will not occur overnight. dents and the pain kept getting worse so don’t miss out. The tax changes would take place all at once, but from a personal perspective, and worse. I had developed fibromyalgia, Great care at a great fee…Please I they would have a gradual effect. It could be dramatic over a year’s time, but it will be neck pain, mid-back pain and low-back hope that there’s no misunderstanding applied in smaller increments such as through wage withholding. Even the govern- pain with tingling and numbness down about the quality of care just because I ment’s spending cuts will be implemented gradually over the year. The situation will my right arm and leg. I was scared that have a lower exam fee. You’ll get great care create challenges and should not be taken lightly. But it also offers the opportunity to something was really wrong with me. at a great fee. My qualifications. I am a carefully review your finances, everything from day-to-day spending to investment This could not be normal. I was only 33 graduate of Palmer College of Chiroprac- strategies and tax planning, to determine the best way to limit the impact on your years old and I felt like I was 100. tic who has published articles in leading own bottom line and move forward with your best financial strategies. That is when someone told me about chiropractic journals and taught chiro- Brandon Miller, CFP and Joanne Jordan, CFP are financial consultants at Jordan Miller a chiropractor that they thought could practors chiropractic. I’ve been entrusted help. As a matter of fact, after the first & Associates, A Private Wealth Advisory Practice of Ameriprise Financial Inc. , special- to take care of tiny babies to athletes that person told me about him, two more you may know. I’ve been helping your izing in helping individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals. people did that same week? So I made neighbors in San Francisco since 2004. I an appointment with the chiropractor. just have that low exam fee to help more Captain’s Message Thank goodness that they took the time people who need care. to help me! So I made an appointment My assistants are Raquel and Lila and Leads On-Line with the chiropractor. I went to his office they are really great people. Our office is Captain Curtis Lum where he asked me about my problems, both friendly and warm and we try our did an exam and took some x-rays of best to make you feel at home. We have Electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets, and my head and back. After that he pointed wonderful service at an exceptional fee. laptops are favorite targets of thieves. These items are sto- out where my nerves were pinched and Our office is called San Francisco Family len in residential burglaries, car burglaries, and robberies. adjusted them. The adjustment was so Spinal Care and it is at 505 Beach Street Leads On-line is the nation’s largest online investigative light I barely felt it. I began crying as I (we are at the corner of Beach and Jones database that is used by more than 4,000 law enforcement felt the pain leave my body for the first on the edge of North Beach). Our phone agencies to recover stolen property and to solve crimes. time in years. It may sound strange but, I number is 415-771-7071. Call Raquel or “Report It” is a service that citizens can use to enter was so happy and grateful for the relief, I Lila today for an appointment. We can their own serial numbers, photographs, item descriptions thank him every day! help you. Thank you. or scanned receipts of all of their items of value directly After that, I knew what I had to do. I — Dr. Christina Meakim D.C. into Leads On-line’s database without charge. This would allow law enforcement to had to become a chiropractor. P.S. When accompanied by the first, I locate any of their stolen items if someone attempted to pawn the items in any pawn I have adjusted babies within hours am also offering the second family mem- shop nationwide. of being born. They obviously didn’t ber this same examination for only $17. Leads On-line has also partnered with eBay in order to prevent thieves from complain of neck or back pain. I adjusted P.P.S. Can you imagine not having to using eBay to offer stolen items for sale. eBay automatically uploads all of its transac- them to keep their spines in alignment wait at a doctor’s office? Well, your time tions into the Leads On-line database. The instructions on how to use the Leads On- so there were no pinched nerves to cause is as valuable as mine. That’s why we have line database is posted online at leadsonline.com or reportit.leadsonline.com. problems or pains… As with the many a no-wait policy. You will be seen within Toy Drive It’s Christmas time again and the San Francisco Police Department will children that I care for in my office. And minutes of your appointment. be collecting toys to give to underprivileged children. If you able to donate a new that is how it happened! P.P.P.S. Of course, all people respond toy, please bring it to Taraval Station at 2345-24th Ave. Your help will be greatly For the last 7 years, people from San differently to care. appreciated. Francisco and the surrounding area have December 2012 / January 2013 Page 9 The Committee That Never Was Money Talks - the 2012 Parks Bond By Brian Browne ometimes money talks, and sometimes it shouts. What did it shout out about the passing of local Proposition B, the Parks bond, on November 6th? ony Hall, in the November issue of the S Our national and state elections are the victims of unbalanced infusions of WSO, is correct in stating the Revenue cash from wealthy individuals and from corporations. This syndrome has now perme- TBond Oversight Committee (RBOC) is act- ated San Francisco’s local elections. More money was donated to “Yes on B” than to any ing illegally. He should know; he placed Proposition other local proposition. In fact, the “Yes on B” proponents raised almost $1,000,000 P, the enabling legislation, on the ballot in Novem- to promote the Bond. This staggering amount included contributions ranging from ber 2002. $10,000 to $25,000 to $100,000 each donated by wealthy individuals, by a Rec and Park There is a complete disconnect between what vendor, and by major corporations. The “Yes on B” funding is over 100 times greater this Committee does and what the voters approved than the mere $9,000 war chest raised by cash-strapped neighborhood groups and indi- it to do in passing 2002 Proposition P. The corre- viduals for the “No on B” campaign. This works out to “Yes on B” having available lation between implementation and the legisla- over $4.00 a vote to pay for multiple mailers and tive mandate is negative. The RBOC has become a 1000000 $938,456 media ads, compared to the less than 10 cents a smoke screen for the many failures and dalliances vote available to “No on B.” of the SFPUC. In the expenditure of revenue bonds, Despite this lopsided expenditure, the 2012 there is no real ratepayer advocate acting in good Parks Bond campaign increased the margin of faith on your behalf to oversee this bureaucratic public support for parks by less than 1% over Titanic as it indebts you to the tune of approximately $15 billion. the 2008 Bond. During World War 2 the British there was a con game pulled on the vot- 800000 Everyone loves our parks. Why would a conceived the idea (“Operation Mince- ers. Failure of both Props A (1.6 billion parks bond require such enormous campaign meat” aka “The Person who never was”) Hetch Hetchy fix-up) and Prop E (strip- funding to succeed? The answer is the change of reinventing the identity of a human ping the right of voters to approve rev- in the way our parks are being managed. The cadaver to convince the Germans that enue bonds) would have had the RFA as Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods, the next invasion by allied forces would an insurance policy. representing 44 neighborhood groups, along be against Sardinia and Greece rather Step - 3 RBOC meeting minutes 600000 with over 20 additional organizations, and than the intended target of Sicily. The must be outsourced to a reliable and many individuals who deeply love their parks, cadaver (now a fictitious Major William bonded transcription entity. The omis- opposed the 2012 Parks bond. San Franciscans Martin) was dropped off the coast of sions and edited minutes of the RBOC submitted an unprecedented 14 ballot argu- Spain with false papers and plans. The official meetings are legend. These scant ments AGAINST the bond. The “No on B” ruse worked so well that even after Sicily and uninformative minutes provide an coalition included people from conservative, was invaded the Germans still believed extremely biased and self-serving his- 400000 moderate, and progressive backgrounds. These Sardinia and Greece were the intended tory. A goal must be to have all RBOC people were joined by over 93,000 citizens in targets. The RBOC is San Francisco’s meeting audio tapes transcribed and voting “No”. financial Major William Martin. It is a compared to the actual minutes. Yes, the Bond passed. But the lack of a sig- mean-spirited disguise to fool the pub- Step – 4 The RBOC meetings must nificant increase over the approval rate for the lic into complacency that their revenue be held at user friendly times, at City 2008 Parks bond demonstrates that something bond dollars are being well spent. Hall, and televised. There must be a 200000 is wrong, and by reading the ballot arguments, The Board of Supervisors could complete break between the SFPUC it is evident that San Franciscans are concerned have allowed this fictitious committee, and the RBOC. The actual language of with the Department of Recreation and Parks’ as mandated by 2002 Proposition P, to 2002 Proposition P is clear that it must continued efforts to privatize and commercial- ignobly pass into the sunset on January be independent. If the Founding Father ize our parks. 1, 2013. Instead the BoS, led by Super- of the Republic had interpreted inde- 9,000 San Franciscans are concerned about the visors Farrell, Kim, and Campos, is pendence as done with the RBOC, King 0 future of their parks. Our parks need increased resuscitating it for another three years to George III would have retained veto Yes on B No on B general funding for maintenance and opera- ensure there is no real ratepayer advo- powers and Congress would have met in tions, not another capital bond which will Source: SF Ethics Commission cate overseeing the gigantic expendi- London. build new structures without the funds to man- tures being made from bond revenues There are many more steps. A ballot age, maintain, and staff them. Our parks need to to supposedly ensure our water, power, measure to restore financing authority to be revered as parkland, not viewed as free land for potential developments. Our parks and wastewater infrastructure is fully San Francisco voters should include a call need to be valued as commonly-held public assets, not as site-specific revenue gen- rehabilitated and able to complement for ending this current charade and pos- eration machines. Our parks need a steady funding source that keeps them open and the economic and social growth of San sibly creating a real oversight committee accessible to all, not a system that charges high fees or completely limits access to local Francisco and its peninsula custom- with the ratepayers as its clients. Not the neighborhoods. ers. The financial and implementation SFPUC, which is the current setup. And so we ask everyone to urge the Department of Recreation and Park to redirect smokescreen remains in place. The theory of the firm acknowl- its management policies back to its core mission of providing the broadest access to our I disagree with Tony Hall that the edges that shirking requires oversight. parks for everyone, giving all San Franciscans a voice in their parks, and stewarding our current legislation is sufficient to ensure Managers and oversight groups provide precious resources for San Franciscans both today and for future generations. full oversight. It may well be sufficient in this function. That is they act as anti- Judy Berkowitz, President, Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods and Katherine a world of idealists with hearts as pure shirkers. We need real anti-shirkers, not Howard, Golden Gate Park Preservation Alliance as High Sierra snow, but not in the real members of the group most likely to world of high-finance, political intrigue, benefit from shirking. and backdoor dealings. Some immedi- It is time to put an end to illusion- Continued Disruptions on 19th Avenue ate remedies come to mind. ary “Operation Mincemeats” like the Median improvements aimed at safety, beautification from Wawona to Lincoln Way Step 1 - A Charter Amendment RBOC, and end committee hijacking Work on the 19th Avenue corridors, must be passed to give voters the right and committee nullification. originally scheduled to begin in “Sprint to issue all revenue bonds by approval The economic and social costs of of 2012” is finally under way to beautify at the ballot box. This goes a lot further these oversight failures are immense. 19th Avenue along one of the City’s busi- than just rescinding Tom Ammiano’s These costs must be internalized by the est transportation corridors. Demolition 2002 Proposition E, which stripped vot- ratepayers. Meanwhile the responsible crews have begun scooping concrete out ers of the right to issue SFPUC revenue resume misfits will be retired on your of the 5-foot-wide median, which will be bonds, but would require voter approval benevolence. Just look, for example, at transformed into a patch of green over for all City and County of San Francisco the negative externalities flowing from the coming months. revenue bonds. the secretly negotiated 2009 Master To minimize disruptions to the pub- Step 2- All loopholes must be elimi- Water Sales Agreement (MWSA), the lic, the construction team will work on nated. San Francisco voters, who in 2002 largest contract ever entered into by San two blocks of 19th Avenue at a time, clos- believed they were actually approv- Francisco. ing off no more than one lane of traffic in each direction between the hours of 9 a.m. and ing the water fix-up (Proposition A for The change from the utility method 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Fridays. However, motor- $1.6B) and making financing easier to the cash method for allocating costs ists may experience traffic delays. Warning signs will be posted prior to the lane closures. (Proposition E) were hoodwinked by has clearly enhanced the playground The goal is to complete construction by March at the latest. our representatives. The state (driven for the financial types and clouded the The median greening project is part of community-backed efforts to make 19th Ave- by politicians with ambitions exceed- issue of system ownership. A major nue safer. The median will be planted with drought-tolerant ornamental plants, primar- ing the narrow confines of the City) catch phrase to cover many situations is ily succulents, to soften the landscape. The project is modeled after the successful median had passed 2002-SB1870 creating a encumbered. Its real meaning is as clear upgrade on Guerrero Street. Regional Financing Authority (RFA) to as mud. “We hope this greening project, coupled with the upgrading of traffic signals and lend money to the Hetch Hetchy water Giving the peninsula customers an the upcoming public-safety improvements, will provide a positive experience for drivers system regardless of the November 2002 ad infinitum assurance exceeding 10 per- and pedestrians along 19th Avenue,’’ said District Four Supervisor Carmen Chu, who election outcome. It was really a very cent of their historical volumetric takes represents the area. cruel hoax on those folks who thought of Hetch Hetchy water was achieved by The median greening project is part of community-backed efforts to make 19th they really had a say in how the Hetch the secret negotiators, by cutting SF’s Avenue safer and more attractive. The City already has upgraded traffic signals and has Hetchy fix-up would proceed. historical takes to an assurance that plans to build pedestrian “bulb-outs” to extend the sidewalk at the intersections to make Had both A and E failed, the mas- is approximately 15 percent less than crossing easier. In 2008, a double-fine zone was established for the 19th Avenue corridor; sive expenditures by the SFPUC would historical takes. Both assurances sum a year later, the speed was reduced to 30 mph. still have taken place through the finan- to a number that is a statistical outlier, DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much cial mechanisms of the RFA, and rate- an event that occurs approximately 16 of its infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains payers would have to repay RFA loans times every 100 years. . city street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets in rate increases. This type of sneaky and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property;. More Brian Browne is a former member of the end-around-end smokescreen must be RBOC, [email protected] information can be found at www.sfdpw.org. effectively blocked. Bottom line, in 2002 Page 10 December 2012 / January 2013

Dirty Laundry (Cont. from p. 5) inception, despite her testimony to the A Closer Look At Voter Fraud in various roles at Anshen + Allen, the contrary. By Former Supervisor Tony Hall architects who designed Laguna Honda’s new facilities, including as a principal, The “No Public Money” and “Ano- oter Fraud is the cancer that is eroding the very heart and soul of the Ameri- as its former CEO, as a member of its nymity” Canards can democratic system. Board of Directors, and as its Director Ms. Renne appears to be confused V I am sure that there are those who choose to believe that it does not Emeritus. about the source of funds to her non- exist in our country, and they are certainly entitled to their beliefs. I am also sure that Renne forgot to note her Founda- profit organization. On March 6, she there are those who know exactly what I am writing about and they also are entitled tion’s funding to the Center for Health stated, “All — all! — of our contributions to offer their views. However, no one has the right to engage in such an unfair and Design benefited an entity Parker co- come from private individuals. And destructive process that ultimately deprives all law-abiding citizens of their freedom founded and was a board member of, consequently, there is no public money.” of expression. while simultaneously serving on her What Ms. Renne may not understand Foundation’s board. She also failed to is that the key litmus test to obtain IRS Armed with this inappropriate evidence, I immediately note that the City filed a lawsuit against non-profit designation is what percent- Anshen + Allen, Stantec Architecture age of contributions is considered “pub- marched up to the Mayor’s office and rather loudly (which acquired Anshen + Allen), and lic support.” Private donations to any suggested that he might want to intervene before the press other entities in December 2011, seek- non-profit foundation are public funds was alerted. Appearing astonished, the Mayor denied any ing recovery of damages for breach donated to advance a charitable public knowledge of vote manipulation or wrong-doing. Within of contract, professional negligence, purpose, and those contributions typi- indemnity, and other declaratory relief cally come from members of the pub- an hour of my return to the D.O.E. office downstairs, I was involving the dispute that arose from the lic. All funds donated become “public leading by 40 votes with only one vote left to count. “ design and construction of the Laguna money,” entrusted to fiduciary stewards Honda Replacement Project. The law- of the non-profit. To illustrate my point, I will share provisional ballots where we started to suit involves over $70 million in design What Renne is confounding is that with you my own experience in relation lose substantial numerical ground. As errors. only “sometimes” — by her own admis- to voter fraud. our lead dwindled to less than 100 votes When she testified that her Foun- sion — her Foundation receives money In the election for San Francisco in my favor, I could see the writing on the dation had helped provide money for from donors who wish to remain anony- Supervisor of District 7 in 2000, I was in wall. We were going to lose this election training and consultants, she failed to mous. This is a complete canard, since involved in what many now consider one unless something changed the course mention the hospital already had a $10 IRS rules already permit withholding of of the closest and most contentious races of this charade. On the last day of the million “transition budget” supplemen- the names of individual donors for con- in this city in modern history. recounts, a D.O.E. employee handed me tal stash from the general fund for that fidentiality reasons. This is no reason for On election night of November 7, a slip of paper that clearly indicated that purpose. She claimed her Foundation Renne to completely withhold reporting 2000, I became the projected winner of the end of day tallies as prepared by the had helped fund the hospital’s opening her total revenues in their entirety, sim- that seat by a margin of some 1,200 to City Controller did not coincide with festivities and ribbon cutting ceremony, ply to provide donor confidentiality. 1,300 votes. Needless to say, my cam- the official recount tallies of the day! but again, the City had a separate bud- There are IRS protections already in paign workers and I were elated with the Moreover, why the Controller was even get line-item for that. She claimed her place to ensure full financial disclosure, unofficial outcome, and looked forward involved in production of daily tallies was Foundation had made a grant to Laguna without disclosing donor names. Can’t to the opportunity of engaging in the a mystery no one could fathom. Armed Honda to help pay for a gardener. She the Health Commission see that Renne City’s business. Within a week, we were with this inappropriate evidence, I imme- asserted, “All of the money that we spend is hiding behind donor disclosure con- informed that my election was to the diately marched up to the Mayor’s office is requested by the Hospital or the City. cerns, to deliberately avoid full financial subject of a recount. My opponent had and rather loudly suggested that he might And if the Hospital makes a request, it disclosure? secured financing for a public recount to want to intervene before the press was goes through them.” And what of Renne’s claim that her the tune of some $80,000 from downtown alerted. Appearing astonished, the Mayor She claimed that her Foundation Foundation has been falsely accused of business interests who felt that she would denied any knowledge of vote manipula- had made several gifts and grants to the taking tobacco settlement revenues? To be more sympathetic to their causes if she tion or wrong-doing. Within an hour of City, often directly to the hospital. She our knowledge nobody has raised such were to be ultimately declared the winner. my return to the D.O.E. office downstairs, went so far as to say, “Any money that an accusation, except Renne herself. In the ensuing weeks that followed the I was leading by 40 votes with only one we spend at Laguna Honda certainly is Outsourcing the Patients’ Auditorium election, we underwent three recounts vote left to count. As the last questionable a matter of public record,” but that’s pure Without the Health Commission’s of the entire number of votes cast. This provisional vote was held up in the air, I hubris, since there are no public records March 6 hearing on the Laguna Honda included all of the Election Day walk-in proclaimed that it be given to Mabel Teng concerning her Foundation’s expen- Foundation’s status, Ms. Renne’s plans to polling place votes, the absentee votes and because she certainly paid for it! We were ditures. Renne isn’t likely to make any outsource operations of Laguna Honda’s the provisional votes. With some 19,000 declared the winner of the election by 39 records available, anytime soon. patient auditorium would still be in the votes to be re-examined, this was indeed votes. Poor Health Commissioner Jim Illig; dark. a daunting undertaking, considering I relate this particular story to you he took Renne’s bait, and pressed her. Named in 1963 for local busi- that I was represented by only one very as just one of the many ways that voter Illig noted that the Health Commission nessman Gerald Simon, who founded knowledgeable attorney, Mr. Peter Baga- fraud and manipulation is present in our has a Charter responsibility to obtain Laguna Honda Volunteers, Inc. in 1957 telos, who was assisted by a loyal friend voting process. Is it illegal? Not always, an annual report of gifts and grants to to raise funds for the hospital’s patients, and campaign volunteer, Mr. Mike Kopec. according to the legal system, as it is very public health entities from each agency the patients’ auditorium has long been The two labored daily to counter the chal- hard to prove specific intent by those in affiliated with the Health Department. a focal point of hospital activities. Dur- lenges of my opponent’s legal staff of six position to influence. Is it unethical? Yes, He noted that the Public Health Foun- ing the decade between May 1999 and members. During the challenged public always, and we should employ several dation, Friends of Laguna Honda (for- November 2009, patient activities were recount process, each individual ballot is “easy to improve” protections in place to merly Laguna Honda Volunteers, Inc.), expertly conducted by the nearly 40 publicly displayed for only seconds before eliminate obvious cheating opportunities. and the San Francisco General Hospital activity therapists employed by the hos- a final determination is declared by each I offer the following observations for your Foundation all comply with this Char- pital, each of whom had advanced spe- side as to for whom that ballot was actu- consideration. ter requirement, and each entity pro- cialized training in therapeutic activities. ally cast. Needless to say, an alert mind 1. Voter Registration: As you may vides their revenues and expenses to the (Laguna Honda’s activity therapists have and fresh eyes are invaluable as potential have witnessed in the last mayoral elec- Health Commission. a broad range of specialties, from art protest decisions have to be momentarily tion, many people are registered to vote Perhaps to his downfall, Illig pressed therapy to dance therapy and everything adjudged on a ballot-by-ballot basis. Bear right on the street by campaign workers harder, contradicting Renne publicly by in between, and are skilled at cognitive in mind that before any public recount is seeking to identify potential voters. No saying, “We have no record of grants stimulation of frail elderly patients.) conducted, the Department of Elections identification or proof of citizenship is [from your Foundation] that have come After over 50 years of conducting (D.O.E.) has already counted each vote required of the person who is being reg- to Laguna Honda, because it would programs in the patient theater, includ- behind closed doors, and has also made istered and placed in the system. If they have been reported to us, as the Health ing hosting Bing Crosby concerts, sud- their own determination regarding any request an absentee ballot chances are Commission.” [Editor’s note: Nine days denly last March 6 Renne alleged, “…the questionable absentee and provisional that their vote will not be scrutinized by later on March 15, the Mayor declined [Laguna Honda] staff there is so busy ballots. Provisional ballots are those bal- the D.O.E. There exists very little, if any to re-appoint both Commissioners Illig that there’s no way they can run the the- lots that are not clearly marked or where at all, cross referencing for verification and Tierney, who were both hold-over ater, I just don’t think it’s humanly pos- the voter had changed his or her mind of signature or citizenship because of the appointments. The timing between sible.” Then we learned that sometime in and had altered the face of the ballot, and lack of manpower and more importantly, Renne’s forced appearance before the the spring of 2011, Renne’s Foundation thus are subject to review and determina- the lack of applicable resource lists. If Health Commission and the abrupt contracted with AECOM to assess oper- tion by an employee in the D.O.E. they choose to vote at the polling place on removal of the two Commissioners who ations of Gerald Simon Auditorium. By As the recount weeks drew on, we Election Day, they are not even required had pushed for the hearing into her July 2011, AECOM had issued its draft held our lead in the Election Day poll to even show I. D. to vote. Do you see the finances is obviously problematic.] report prepared for the Laguna Honda votes cast, even though the D.O.E. could problem here? Indeed, four subsequent public Foundation, entitled “Demand Assess- not explain the disappearance of multiple 2. Voter Verification: With no I.D. records requests — to the Health Com- ment for Gerald Simon Theater.” precincts that were not counted in the required to vote at the polls on Election mission, to the City Controller’s office, The assessment claims that Ger- initial tally. Here, you might remember Day, anybody can vote as someone else to Laguna Honda Hospital itself, and to ald Simon auditorium needs to be “re- the “Ballot Boxes in the Bay Scandal” that without too much of a problem unless the Department of Public Health — for branded” as distinct from the hospital thoroughly embarrassed San Francisco in someone at the precinct recognizes them. any “accept-and-expend” resolutions itself, probably with a new name to the following months! Conveniently, the During my election in 2000, there were documenting specific Laguna Honda convey it’s a community theater, not precincts that were missing in my elec- several individuals from the rival cam- Foundation gifts and grants to the City exclusively for patients. After 50 years tion were the ones closest to my residen- paign observed just before closing time between 2003 and today’s date each of operations, suddenly Mr. Simon’s tial neighborhood. It appeared that the in multiple polling places casting votes yielded the same four responses: There good name on the auditorium isn’t good outfit contracted to deliver the ballots under other people’s names. For what- were no responsive records from any of enough for Renne or the hospital. from the precincts to the D.O.E. staging ever reason, poll workers regularly post the four City agencies. Illig had been cor- The assessment analyzed the area lost their way! the names of people who have voted rect: The City has absolutely no record demand for various types of activi- It was during the recount of the throughout the day on a list visible to the of any gifts or grants to any City agency ties that community organizations may made by Renne’s Foundation since its absentee ballots and especially the Cont. p. 21 Cont. p. 18 December 2012 / January 2013 Page 11 Business Corner which means appetite in Greek. “And Greek Restaurant, Orexi, Opens with Passion we get really good feedback,” he said. By Keith Burbank Many of the recipes have come from his mother and grandmother, on and Effie Loufas opened Orexi, a Greek restaurant, at 243 West Portal Avenue which Jon has been gathering for the September 25. Since then, business has been good, the couple said, with cus- past two to three years. The flavor Jtomers returning each week and Jon sharing his passion for food. of the food comes from the south- “We have customers that haven’t missed a week,” Jon said. “That’s a good sign,” ern part of Greece, an area known as Effie added. Peloponnese. Jon has had the idea for the busi- that, Jon spent 10 years in the restaurant Popular dishes include: mous- On one wall hangs a honeycomb-shaped ness since college, and he is so passionate industry, which is his passion. saka, a traditional dish of eggplant, sculpture, and the bar is covered in brass. about the idea he sold a house to finance Loufas said he has lived up the street ground lamb, ground beef and bechamel; The restaurant takes reservations for the enterprise, he said. from the restaurant for the past 21 years, paidakia, seasoned lamb chops, grilled tables of six or more. Otherwise, no res- Each day Jon buys fresh produce, and when they decided to open a restau- and served with Greek potatoes; and an ervations are needed. Orexi is open from and each night there are two to four new rant, West Portal was their first choice. appetizer, arnisia plevrakia, grilled lamb 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, specials to keep customers excited about “I love it here,” he said. riblets with 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the menu. “I like doing that,” Jon said “The people are beautiful. a house and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday. The res- of creating the new menu items. “What We have great neighbors. dressing. taurant is closed Monday, though people can I come up with?” he asked. There are It’s got it all,” he said of West Orexi can rent the space for private parties, Jon changes to the menu each week. Portal. “It’s a hidden village uses spices said. Also, Orexi hosts luncheons for Jon said he has been in business all inside the city.” found tra- companies and families. his life. For 20 years he and Effie operated Jon said it took seven and ditionally The restaurant is open only for din- a health food store in the North Beach a half months to do the work in Greek ner to allow the couple to concentrate on neighborhood of San Francisco. Prior to necessary to open Orexi, food, such as Greek the quality of food as the restaurant gets oregano, on its feet. After the New Year, Jon said sea salt, they may try lunch. The couple does not g r o u n d have any plans for more locations at this pepper, time. garlic and lots of lemon. Also, Loufas The restaurant seats perhaps 40 peo- uses extra virgin olive oil from the Kala- ple. The bar seats four. mata region of Greece, rather than butter At 4:30 p.m. on a Wednesday, the and other fats. The Kalamata region is staff was busy getting ready to open. The known for olives by that name, Jon said. rotisserie was loaded and one person was Inside the restaurant are wooden shining the bar. tables, each with a flower and candle. “I have a great team working for us,” The floor is stone, and an iron chande- Jon said. “I couldn’t ask for anything lier hangs from the center of the ceiling. m ore .” WHISTLEBLOWERS / Dr. Maria Rivero & Dr. Derek Kerr WEST OF TWIN PEAKS CENTRAL COUNCIL By Mitch Bull High-Jacking the Whistleblower Program he West of Twin Peaks Central Council meeting of November 26th wrapped up he SF Controller’s Whistleblower Pro- the year (there is no December meeting) gram (SFWP) emerged after voters T with lots of good information for those in atten- Tpassed Proposition C in November dance and a temporary relocation announced for 2003. Prop C authorized the Controller to func- mid-year 2013. tion as the City Services Auditor (CSA). In turn, Council President Matt Chamberlain opened the CSA would manage the SFWP. Instead, the the meeting at 7:35 PM with 28 attendees. The ini- Whistleblower Program has been high-jacked tial discussion of the night centered on the inter- and crippled. nal creation of a comprehensive delegate list for all of the WOTPCC delegates. It was decided that in This change re-framed the Program’s purpose from rooting out wrongdoing to January, Chamberlain will poll the delegates to see dodging risk and liability. Within this paradigm, whistleblowers bring risk, City who is interested in having their information com- officials are customers, and confidentiality can limit risk by hiding misgovern- piled into the document. All requests to contact ment and sham investigations. individual delegates will be handled by a call (or email) to the WOTPCC President, who will then The CSA grabs two-tenths of one budget by 48%, compared to the prior pass the information along to the delegate. In this Council President Matt Chamberlain percent of the City’s annual budget – four years. manner, privacy would be ensured. about $12.5 million in 2012-13. CSA’s The turning point was 2008. That Treasurer Carolyn Squeri announced that invoices for dues will go out in Janu- funding amounts to 32% of the Control- year, the SFWP budget was slashed from ary and a budget will be presented to the delegates at the January meeting. ler’s Office budget, and is misleadingly $218,010 to $128,410 – a 41% cut. Was Avrum Shepard updated the group on the process and progress of the Off the called the “Controller’s Audit Fund”. there a cash shortage in the Controller’s Grid groups plan to bring food trucks to the West Portal corridor for a trial period in Records show that since 2005, CSA spent Audit Fund? Nope. Records show that December. The group has decided to push off the approval process until Spring 2013 $567,210 on 21 contracts for staff train- $12.9 million flowed into CSA’s coffers due to parking concerns of merchants during the important holiday shopping season. ing and technology services – not audits. in 2008-09, compared to $12 million the In other West Portal Avenue related news, Sterling Bank is still seeking a condi- Only $19,360 (3.4%) went to the Whistle- year before. And of that $12.9 million, tional use permit to move into the former “Melu Mobile” space. As there is currently the blower Program. While the CSA grew only $9.8 million was spent. The excess maximum number of financial institutions on WPA (7) any new firms have to seek the from 4 to 7 Divisions, funding for its $3.1 million was returned to City depart- conditional use permit. The bank is only proposing to have a 200 square foot footprint SFWP Division dwindled from $312,816 ments and the General Fund. So, the and, if approved, would be the 8th (and final) financial storefront allowed on WPA. in 2004, to a measly $139,192 in 2012. SFWP budget was cut by 41%, despite a It was also mentioned, to much dismay, that the St. Francis Market on WPA is The 2003 voter pamphlet presented $900,000 boost to the Controller’s Audit being closed out so the landlord can release the space to house a La Boulange sand- Prop C as a good government measure Fund - with millions to spare. Also in wich shop. Several attendees discussed how to advocate for the local market. Shepard to curb City corruption. Some 15% of 2008-09, the number of complaints han- stated that GWPNA would be taking this up at their January meeting. the Proponents’ Argument promoted dled by the Program soared from 347 to Further advocacy was also discussed during the Open Space committee discus- the SFWP to; “…ensure that City gov- 465 – a 34% jump. Why did the SFWP sions regarding the Rec and Park Department’s rollout of the Natural Areas Plan ernment will be run in a clean man- lose 41% of its funding in 2008, despite an as many in the crowd were in opposition to the direction in which Rec and Park is ner, above reproach” by having “…the increased workload? proceeding. As the Rec and Park Department chief reports to the Mayor it was sug- Controller to investigate complaints of In March 2008, Mayor Gavin New- gested that the WOTPCC consider an advocacy position to communicate directly to misuse of City government funds, and som replaced 17-year veteran Control- Mayor Lee. improper activities by City government ler Ed Harrington with his own – and District 7 Supervisor candidate Lynn Gavin addressed the attendees and officers and employees.” Fully 10% of Mayor Willie Brown’s Budget Director informed the crowd that she is in the process of looking at the possibility of chal- the legal text of Proposition C featured – Ben Rosenfield. Within three months, lenging the results of the election, as there is a possibility of votes cast that were not the SFWP. But if voters expected 10% or the SFWP budget was cut by 41%. Dur- eligible, as well as possible election “illregularities” such as electricity outages and fire 15% of Prop C funds to go to the SFWP, ing Rosenfield’s four years, the SFWP alarms at City Hall, creating the possibility that the ballots were not under lock and they were wrong. budget collapsed to 48% below the norm key the entire time. In its first four years, from 2004- in Harrington’s tenure. However, Rosen- Barbara and Bill Chionsini of the Lakeshore Acres Improvement Association 2008, the SFWP budget averaged field’s spending on CSA contracts rock- brought the group up to date on the grant proposal funding to make pedestrian safety $256,000 yearly. That amounted to 2.5% eted to $542,835 versus just $24,375 spent improvements to Sloat Blvd. Community meeting will be scheduled in 2013. of the $41.2 million in Prop C funds then by Harrington. Under Harrington, the The WOTPCC meetings will have to be held at an alternative site sometime in garnered. But in the last four years, from SFWP handled an average of 278 com- the future as the Forest Hills Clubhouse is due to undergo a renovation in the not- 2008 to 2012, the SFWP budget averaged plaints annually compared to 391 yearly to-distant future, possibly as early as April 2012. Dates and location for the alternate a paltry $134,000 annually - just 1.1% of under Rosenfield. In sum, during Rosen- site have not yet been determined. Potential sites talked about include the Miraloma the $48.4 million pumped into the Con- field’s four years, the SFWP lost 48% of Park clubhouse, the West Portal clubhouse, St. Brendan’s Church Hall, or even the troller’s Audit Fund. Therefore, between its funding and gained 41% more work. former Blockbuster video location on Sloat Bl. 2008 and 2012, the CSA collected 17.5% All the while, CSA’s tax revenues had more tax money - yet chopped its SFWP The next meeting of the WOTPCC will be on Mon, Jan 28th at 7:30 PM at the Forest Hills Cont. p. 16 Clubhouse. For more information see the WOTPCC website (www.westoftwinpeaks.org). Page 12 December 2012 / January 2013

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neo-classic spot. At the corner of Lake Merced Blvd. and John Daly Blvd., “Joe’s” has been serving well-priced meals since 1956. Listen to the King Hutch band and you expect to see Frank, Dino, and Sammy walking around the corner with their food to go… The best seat in the house is at the counter watching the continual “cooking show.” Jeff, Lucio and Mario will take care of you with great service and Neftali is the best at knowing when your steak is perfectly cooked on the grill. Kudos to Gus, who handles the crowds and helps to make it all happen. Founded by Bruno Scatena, it is still proudly run by his daughter Melinda, her husband Hal and a terrific staff. A fun bar, great banter with the employees, excellent food, and well worth the drive over to Westlake. As we close our 26th year, I just want to say “Thank You” to our readers, our advertisers and all of my colleagues for helping us to keep local journalism alive. Our goal is to enrich the community through hyper-local news, events and opinions The rain has arrived and here in San Francisco it can only mean one and have fun in the process. It’s been another fun year. I hope you have enjoyed letting thing…it’s the holiday season!! us in to share our views of our little piece of San Francisco. Happy Holidays, we’ll see A perfect West Portal evening…my wife and I attended the holiday open house at you in February. Dimitra’s MediSpa last Thursday evening and had a wonderful time. Between 5-min- Almost forgot—be sure to check ute chair massages, a rejuvenating facial, appetizers and Dimitra’s famous homemade out the newly renovated Sunset Rec- baklava it could not have been better. Even in the rainy evening over 40 people braved reation Center at 29th and Lawton— the elements to help celebrate the holidays with Dimitra, Elliot and staff.…with per- sometimes they do get things right! fect ravioli… at Paradise Pizza and Pasta, where Sal’s house made beef ravioli is the The old WPA (1937) building, 18,000 best ravioli I have ever had outside of Rome. You have to try it to believe it. These are just two of the many wonderful stores that make up the special place known as “West Portal.” Think of them for the holidays and shop local if you can. It’s a great way to spread the holiday cheer. Fire aftermath - assistance for employees… With the devastating building fire at number 1 West Portal Ave., the West Portal Merchants Association has set up a fund for those who wish to donate to assist the more than 60 employees of the busi- nesses that are affected by the temporary closure of the businesses. You can walk into any Bank of America and ask to deposit into the “West Portal Fire” account. ALL of the money received will be distributed to the displaced employees. The West Portal Merchants Association is covering all of the overhead fees. Please be generous to help those affected by the fire. Sloat Blvd Update …The Lakeshore Acres Improvement Club has been working principally with San Francisco’s Department of Public Works and the MTA to improve pedestrian safety on Sloat Boulevard. DPW and MTA put together an application for a federal grant in the amount of $1,000,200, to fund pedestrian safety improve- ments on the busy thoroughfare. The Lakeshore Acres Improvement Club strongly supported San Francisco’s action and wrote a letter in support of the application. The application for Highway Safety Improvement Program funding was approved. The award is for the requested amount, a total project cost of $1,000,200, with $797,000 square-feet gym and clubhouse with seismic upgrade, etc. are top notch. Kids love in federal funds plus local matching funds. Community meetings to discuss the plans the foam rubber “floor” beneath the childrens playground. The tennis and basket- will be held in Summer 2013. (Thanks to Bill and Barbara Chionsini for the informa- ball courts and athletic fields, replacement of restrooms, doors, windows, roof and all tion and their efforts on this project.) mechanical and electrical systems add up to a real improvement for the neighborhood. Just like it Ever was…Have you ever been to Westlake Joe’s? While most long- Do you have an event, a neighborhood fact or just an observation to share? Drop us a line time locals would laugh at this, there’s a whole new generation finding out about this at [email protected] and share your ideas or just let us know what you think. Page 14 December 2012 / January 2013

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ORIGINAL GOAT HILL PIZZA: 300 CONNECTICUT ST. @ 18TH 641-1440 DELIVERY: 974-1303 December 2012 / January 2013 Page 15 Dickens Fair Honors Author’s 200th Birthday By Jonathan Farrell his year is very special to the cast and crew of the annual Great Dickens TChristmas Fair because 2012 marks the 200th Birthday of author Charles Dickens. Special celebrations like the Afternoon High Tea hosted by “Mr. Chas. Dickens” for mem- bers of the press on the opening weekend the day after Thanksgiving highlighted this year’s fair in particular. Born in 1812, Charles Dickens was University College in London contacted the second of eight children. His father this reporter from “across-the-pond” to was an office clerk. With so many to feed, clarify that what Dickens created with and his father’s over-spending, Dick- his energy of writing was the “arche- ens was forced to leave school at age 12 type figure,” such as Scrooge, who comes and work in a factory. His parents and to represent a certain aspect of human younger siblings were sent to debtor’s nature, “not in a tired or clichéd way, pris™on, while the lad Dickens helped to that’s a stereotype,” she said, “but in such pay off his father’s debts. a vital way that such figures come to be This and other hardships were the exactly what we mean when we think of basis for many of Dickens’ novels. Most a miser,” said Professor Ashton. When it scholars and historians agree Dickens is said that man is “a Scrooge, everyone was among the most prolific writers of knows what we mean.” Recently retired the Victorian Era. And it is because of from her position as Quain Professor of the many works he produced the annual English Language and Literature at UCL, Dickens Christmas Fair at the Cow Pal- Ashton noted that the characters Dickens ace is filled with over 700 characters. “We created speak to a “deep, fundamental believe we have more Dickens charac- human concern or fear, and so become ters brought to life here at the Cow Pal- the mythic embodiment of such a deep ace, more so than any other place in the concern. This is why works like A Christ- world,” said the fair’s producer and CEO, mas Carol live on,” she said. She credits Kevin Patterson. the recent renditions of Dickens works Following in his father’s footsteps, produced by the BBC as helping to foster Patterson strives to uphold the fair as a an even more expanded appreciation of local holiday tradition. For over 30 years his works for contemporary audiences. the Patterson family has been bringing The Great Dickens Fair continues each this “living Victorian Christmas card” to weekend until Dec. 23 at the Cow Palace, audiences even when “there were times 2600 Geneva Ave. Doors open at 10 AM we did not think the fair would be able and close at 7 PM. Info: www.dickensfair. to go on,” said Patterson’s mother Phyl- com or call 800-510-1558, Ext. 114 lis. She talked with this reporter some time ago about the origins of the Great Sun • Inner Sunset Sundays-Skills Mon Dec 17/Jan 21 | 6 pm | SPEAK aims Dickens Fair, and mentioned that it all December/January Events to educate Sunset/Parkside residents on Sun Dec 9 | 11 am - 6 pm |  White basically started as a theme for a holiday public safety, zoning, planning etc. 3201 Elephant Gift X-Change is the chance party for family and friends. That little EVERY SUNDAY FARMERS MARKET Ulloa St. (Grace Lutheran) 3rd Mon each to come bring, swap or buy a gift at family party at home grew into an annual Farmers Market |Every Sun | 9 am–1 pm |  month. [email protected] event. the Holiday craft fair. 9th Ave & Irving. Stonestown back parking lot: at Stonestown Wanna share? email us at issf@inner- Tue • Community Safety Meeting Yet what helped the event to carry Galleria (19th Ave @ Winston). on was the dedication and commitment sunset or call Amy 831-295-4359, web: Tue Dec 18/Jan 15 | 6 pm | Taraval Dis- of hundreds of people volunteering EVERY TUES QUE SYRAH HAPPY HOUR issundays.org trict Police. 3rd Tue of the month. Meet their time to ensure the fair would con- Every Tue Happy Hour | 4–8 pm | Que Syrah Tue • Greater West Portal-GWPNA with Captain Curtis Lum. 2345 - 24th tinue. Even with new additions of other Wine Bar. Take $1 off each glass, 10% off each Avel 759-3100. Victorian novel characters, like Alice in Tue Dec 11/Jan 8 | 7:30 pm | West Por- bottle of wine consumed on site. 230 West Portal tal Clubhouse, 139 Lenox Way. 2nd Tues MON • SHARP Wonderland or Captain Nemo from 20 Ave 731-7000 Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, the each month. www.gwpna.org Mon Dec 24/Jan 28 | 7 pm | Sunset Pattersons consider everyone who con- Every Thu | 5:30–9 pm | Chef Val’s Tapas $3–7. Heights Assoc. of Responsible People. Wed • Canadian Womens Club tributes, participates, and attends the fair EVERY WED MORN - TOASTMASTERS Last Mon each month. 1736 9th Ave. ( @ to be part of one large extended family. Wed Dec 12 | 11 am | The Canadian Moraga) Local actor Robert Young has been Wed | 7-8 am | Toastmasters helps you become Women’s Club invites members and with the Dickens Fair since 1990. Over a confidant public speaker. Every Wednesday guests to its Annual Holiday Party and Mon • WOTP Central Council the past two decades, Young has devoted morning from 7-8am, Tennessee Grill, 1128 Tara- Major Fundraiser. A silent auction and Mon Jan 23 | 7:30 pm | West of Twin much of his acting and study to a deeper val Street, upstairs meeting room. bake sale lunch. RSVP by Dec 5/reg form Peaks Central Council meets on 4th understanding of Dickens and his times. EVERY THURS – NIGHTLIFE on the website: canadianwomensclub. Monday each month for those inter- He entertained the press on opening org. Old Presidio Golf Club, 8 Presidio Thu | 6–10 pm | The Academy of Sciences is ested in local issues. No meeting in Dec. weekend at the Afternoon High Tea. This Terrace. $35. Forest Hill Clubhouse, 381 Magellan. reporter asked him if, after so many years, transformed with live music, provocative sci- the role gets tired. “Putting together a ence, mingling and coctails. GG Park $12 ($10 Wed • Blue Suede Jews Have a local event? Contact: production like this can be stressful. Members). calademy.org/nightlife [email protected] What we have here is ‘immersion theater,’ Wed Dec 12 | 6:30 pm | Merced Arts there is nothing else like it. There is no JAZZ FRIDAYS @ THE CLIFF HOUSE & Culture Salon - San Francisco histo- rian Richie Unterberger, the author of AMERICANA JUKEBOX curtain and no ‘fourth wall’ between us Fri | 7–11 pm | The Balcony Lounge at the Cliff and the audience,” said Young. But, he numerous rock history books, presents Shelby Ash Presents House hosts jazz performances every Friday clips of major Jewish rock performers quickly noted how much the effort is all Hillbilly Music For The 21st Century! night. 1 Seal Rock. Performers: www.cliffhouse. from the ‘60s and ‘70s—Lou Reed, Bob worth it when he sees visitors “spark up com/home/jazz.html and take in the experience.” Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Dec 1 • Americana Jukebox Both Young and Patterson mentioned FRIDAY NIGHTS @ THE DEYOUNG Neil Diamond, Janis Ian, Lesley Gore, Featuring: Hillfolk Noir vs. Snap Jack- one of the reasons why the Christmas Peter Green Carly Simon, and a few son @Plough & Stars, 116 Clement St . Fair endures is because much of what we 5–8:45 pm | Music, poetry, films, dance, tours other surprises. Merced Branch Library, and lectures. Cafe: special dinner, no-host bar. 9pm doors / 9:30 show / $6-$10 sliding Americans appreciate about Christmas is 155 Winston Dr. 355-2825. scale / 21+ due in large part to the work of Dickens. Art-making children/adults. deYoung Museum, The greeting card, the Christmas tree, GG Park. deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/fridays Thu • Dist Coalition meeting Dec 31 • Hillbilly New Years Eve and the visit from Santa Claus (or Father Sat • Poet Stephen Dunne Thu Dec 13/Jan 10 | 7 pm–9 pm | Meets Featuring: Windy Hill @Plough & Stars, Christmas) were all promoted in large 2nd Thu each month. Info Susan at 116 Clement St . 9pm doors / 9:30 show / part by Dickens’ work on A Christmas Sat Dec 8 | 7 pm | The Pulitzer Prize- 586.8103 or [email protected] Tara- $10-$15 sliding scale / 21+ Carol. When Dickens went on speaking winning poet will read from his latest val Station, 2345 24th Ave Jan 4 • Great American Times: tours, audiences loved to watch him read collection, Here and Now. “The art lies in and perform his works. And, when his hiding the art, Horace tells us, and Ste- Sat • OMI Holiday party A WINTER FORMAL works were brought to stage, screen and phen Dunn has proven himself a master Sat Dec 15 | 1–3 pm | OMI Holiday Party Featuring: The Easy Leaves + Tiny Televi- television, this greatly enhanced Ameri- of concealment. His honesty would not features a visit from Santa, free pres- sion + Misisipi Mike @Great American ca’s appreciation of Christmas. be so forceful were it not for his discrete Music Hall, 859 O’Farrell St . 8pm doors / Young and Patterson likened Dick- ents for children 11 & under, ice cream formality; his poems would not be so and cookies & juice for everyone. Minnie 9pm show / $15 / all ages ens to the greatness of Shakespeare, espe- strikingly naked were they not so care- cially regarding the portrayal of various & Lovie Ward Rec Center, Capitol & Mon- @The Music Store fully dressed.” Poet Billy Collins Book- tana ST. 66 West Portal Ave./664-2044 • 11-8pm characters for their “universal aspects Shop West Portal, 80 West Portal. Info that all people can recognize.” 564-8080. Mon • Sunset-Parkside Meeting www .themusicstoresf .com Professor Rosemary Ashton of Page 16 December 2012 / January 2013

SECOND THOUGHTS / By Jack Kaye Whistleblowers (Cont. from p. 11) But they are dramatically different. The 2005 version placed the whistleblower at increased, along with spending on out- the center of the chart. By 2010, the whis- side contracts. How could this happen? Coming Home tleblower was not only removed from the One reason is that Prop C gave the hose who watch the evening news see reports of terrible center, but off the chart entirely! Controller carte blanche to neuter the violence in some part of the Muslim world — from the The 2010 Manual adopted a cor- SFWP under the cover of “confidential- west coast of Africa north to Tunisia and east to Pakistan porate tone. A self-promoting Mission/ T ity” and lax oversight. Oversight of the —what seems like every night. The violence is directed at members Vision/Values statement includes; Ser- SFWP was assigned to the Citizens’ Gen- of rival sects and tribes, toward their cruel dictators, against women vice – We focus on our customers’ needs. eral Obligation Bond Oversight Com- and/or it is against the United States and/or Israel. There are huge angry mobs — There is even a set of “strategic planks” mittee (CGOBOC). But CGOBOC was yelling, screaming obscenities, burning flags, shaking fists and making horrible faces like Marketing – Communicating our Mis- given no budget and no enforcement in places like Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Egypt, the Palestine and Yemen. While sion and Engaging the Public. Apart from powers over the SFWP. Organizationally, we are constantly reminded that this is just an extremist minority not reflective of the the fact that the SFWP does not engage CGOBOC is dependent upon the Con- population, we see so much of it. its whistleblower clients, the corporate troller’s Office for information, funds and model is preposterous for a two-person staff. As the 2010-2011 Civil Grand Jury “Program” with a $139,000 budget. Iron- reported; “CGOBOC depends exclu- Over the past 11 years, we have lost more than 7,000 young American men and ically, while the Controller is charged sively on selected information prepared women in two needless wars, have suffered tens of thousands of wounded and with recommending Customer Service by the Controller and the City Services have committed trillions of dollars. Our military interventions have resulted in Plans for all City departments (Charter Auditor (CSA) – the very department F1.108), the SFWP treats its customers the violent and premature deaths of hundreds of thousands Muslims, many that it is charged with overseeing.” like threats. This practice was codified by of whom were innocent bystanders. We call our troops heroes and honor their When CGOBOC met in April 2009, adding a one-sided “Risk-Assessment” newly-appointed SFWP Director Tonia service. It would surely be better if we had fewer heroes and more peace. Let policy: “Each complaint is…evaluated to Lediju announced a “revamping” – them be everyday heroes raising families and pursuing their dreams. determine the risk profile of the complaint.” without mentioning the 41% budget cut This change re-framed the Program’s then imposed. Deceptively, the CSA’s purpose from rooting out wrongdoing Many of these angry mobs are in trillion but about $2 trillion. Of that our 2009-10 Work Plan budgeted $300,000 to dodging risk and liability. Within this countries to which the U.S. provides defense costs are more than 50% of the for the SFWP. But records show that only paradigm, whistleblowers bring risk, City essential aid. We give billions a year to actual general fund budget. (Interest- $133,707 – less than half - was actually officials are customers, and confidential- the Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, ingly, the cost of military purchases and spent. “Revamping” had leeched 55% of ity can limit risk by hiding misgovern- Yemen, Pakistan, and Libya. When the research was $215 billion in 2011while the SFWP’s allocation. ment and sham investigations. Libyans were revolting against their military personnel costs were only $154 In December 2010, the SFWP qui- Since 2008, the SFWP has been longtime dictator, they begged for and billion.) etly revised its original 2005 Policy & sapped and rendered into a clearing- received American military and humani- We are providing military and eco- Procedure Manual. The difference is tell- house for “risks.” Belying the Prop C tarian aid. The Egyptians also requested nomic assistance to countries all over the ing. In 2005, a dozen pages were devoted sales-pitch, the SFWP side steps looting, and received our support against their world, spending tens of billions of dollars to engaging and responding to whistle- self-dealing and retaliation. longtime dictator. Now the Syrians plead a year that could be spent right here in blowers. By 2010, the Customer Service and insist that we come to their aid. our country. We have more than 700 for- approach had expired. Instead, the focus Dr. Maria Rivero and Dr. Derek Kerr were We have been in Afghanistan with eign bases and give more than $50 billion shifted to managing complaints, staff senior physicians at Laguna Honda Hos- bases throughout the country for more in foreign aid. What do they accomplish? development, and bureaucratic processes. pital where they repeatedly exposed DPH than a decade, longer than any other Do the recipients of our aid and protec- Both Manuals use “Complaint Flow wrongdoing. Contact: DerekOnVanNess@ American conflict. We entered to rid the tion appreciate us or do they feel that we Charts” to show how tips are processed. aol.com country of Al Qaeda and to drive the Tal- are controlling them and their culture? iban from power. We did that early on, Al Do they become independent of our lar- Qaeda was defeated and its Taliban hosts gesse as quickly as possible or do they surrendered. Instead of imprisoning or expect it to continue indefinitely? executing these terrorists, we let them Meanwhile, back here in the States, 50 Phelan Ave. Bngl. 615 San Francisco, CA 94112 • (415) 239-3446 go with their weapons to fight another we need to reduce our annual budget day. We then began nation building and shortfall while having to improve our training what we have always been told physical and intellectual infrastructure. were brave, patriotic warriors willing to We need better roads and bridges to fight to their death for the good of their facilitate both commerce and recreation. people. We have been nation building We need a much better education system and training for many years but cannot to give all of our children a complete, well locate these brave warriors. And while rounded education. We need to bring the people want us out they don’t want to our own people out of poverty and into Spring 2013 Courses run their own country without us. productive rewarding lives by providing Classes start January 15 Over the past 11 years, we have lost them with opportunity and motivation. more than 7,000 young American men All this costs money. Money we and women in two needless wars, have could save by bringing our troops and Jour 19: Contemporary News Media suffered tens of thousands of wounded aid payments home to rebuild our own and have committed trillions of dollars. country. 3 units M/W/F 9:00–10:00 a.m. BNGL 713 Gonzales Our military interventions have resulted But what will the world do if we 3 units T 6:30–9:20 p.m. 1125 Valencia St. 217 Graham in the violent and premature deaths of withdraw our military and reduce our hundreds of thousands Muslims, many of foreign aid? I am confident that they will Jour 21: News Writing and Reporting find that they can manage quite well and whom were innocent bystanders. We call 3 units M/W/F 10:00–11:00 a.m. BNGL 713 Gonzales our troops heroes and honor their ser- feel much better for it. The Muslim world vice. It would surely be better if we had has been insisting that we leave their soil. 3 units T 6:30–9:20 p.m. 1125 Valencia St. 218 Rochmis fewer heroes and more peace. Let them We have left Saudi Arabia and Iraq; let us be everyday heroes raising families and quickly leave Afghanistan and the region. Jour 22: Feature Writing pursuing their dreams. Let us leave Asia and Europe and come 3 units R 6:30–9:20 p.m. 1125 Valencia St. 218 Rochmis In addition to the Middle East and home. northern Africa, we have military bases If there is a struggle in the Middle Jour 24: Newspaper Laboratory all over the world. We are in South East (unless it involves Israel), there is the Korea with 25,000 troops to hold the line Arab League to turn to. In Africa, they 3 units M/W/F 12:10–1:00 p.m. BNGL 615 Gonzales against North Korea’s one million—man too have an organization of their many force. We have bases in England, France, states to accomplish mutual goals. If Jour 26: Fundamentals of Public Relations Italy and Germany. We have bases in there is a civil war somewhere else in the 3 units W 6:30–9:20 p.m. 1125 Valencia St. 218 Graham Japan and Latin America. world, let the U.N. deal with it. Now that The total requested for 2012—13 Europe is somewhat unified, why not let Jour 29: Magazine Editing and Production for defense was not just the $708 bil- them have their own defense league? If 3 units M 6:30–8:20 p.m. 1125 Valencia St. 218 Graham lion going to the Department of Defense our allies still feel a need for some of our budget, but also included the following bases, let them pay the entire cost. purely defense— related costs: the V.A. And let American dollars circulate in Jour 31: Internship Experience — $70 billion, Veterans’ pensions — $55 America. Let us be a country that is no 2 units Exp Hours Arr BNGL 214 Gonzales billion, Homeland Security — $47 bil- longer dependent on oil from the Middle lion, Department of Energy — $22 bil- East and is much less dependent on for- Jour 37: Intro. to Photojournalism lion, State Department — $6 billion, FBI eign made goods and services, exporting 3 units W 6:30–9:20 p.m. 1125 Valencia St. 217 Lifland — $3 billion, Miscellaneous related costs much more than we import. We can be a 3 units R 6:30–9:20 p.m. 1125 Valencia St. 217 Lifland — $8 billion and interest of military loans nation that leads by example and not by that paid for Iraq and Afghanistan — at money and military power. least $109 billion. The total U.S. defense Bringing our troops and money cost is at minimum $1.03 trillion. home would help produce a better edu- To register for courses go to www.ccsf.edu/schedule The entire general fund budget for cated, less stratified, and more creative the U.S. (without Medicare/Medicaid and productive people who experience and Social Security costs of $1.5 trillion less violence and more harmony. We can Check Out Our Website! which are still totally paid for with FICA do it. www .westsideobserver .com trust funds and should not be in the gen- If we just come home. Four Years of Local News eral fund budget) is, therefore, not $3.5 Feedback: [email protected] December 2012 / January 2013 Page 17 Now At the Movies • By Don Lee Miller ARGO FLIGHT SKYFALL CIA operative Jack: Bryan Cranston engages extrac- After a rough night of drinking and sex with red- Agent 007 James Bond: Dan- tion expert Tony Mendez: director Ben Affleck to headed Nicole: Kelly Reilly, pilot Whip Whitaker: Den- iel Craig is on an Istanbul chase to retrieve six Americans (including Bob: Tate Donovan zel Washington takes off on schedule into a wild storm. recover a stolen hard drive with the and Joe: Scoot McNairy) who have escaped the Iranian When his plane loses altitude, with the help of stew- identities of all 00 British agents; it takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran. They have found ardess Margaret: Tamara Tunie, he lands the plane in switches from scooters to a speeding temporary safekeeping in the Canadian embassy, under a pasture, with few dead and injured. His co-pilot Ken: train, exhausting the first 20 minutes. Canadian Ambassador Ken: Victor Garber. In Holly- Brian Geraghty was unconscious. Despite Whip being Thought dead when he falls from the speeding train, M: wood, Tony buys a sci-fi script, Argo, has storyboards hailed a hero and “the only pilot who could have landed Judi Dench writes 007’s eulogy. Garreth Mallory: Ralph made and takes out Variety ads. The studio office is set the plane safely,” there has to be an investigation, led Fiennes recommends M’s retirement when a bomb goes up with Lester: Alan Arkin and John Chambers: John by Whip’s friend, Charlie: Bruce Greenwood. Director off in M’s office. The 00 identities list appears five at a time Goodman. Argo is a cover for the movie they won’t Robert Zemeckis and writer John Gatins supply plenty on YouTube. Bond’s co-worker Eve: Naomie Harris is a make in Tehran, but will employ all the pretenses for the of action, as well as the soul-searching that Whip brings sly one. The villain Silva: Javier Bardem doesn’t show up Iranian Govt. The fugitives become part of the movie- on himself. Intense action sequence. Drug & alcohol till more than half way through to eat the scenery. There’s making crew. This exciting rescue actually took place! abuse. Nudity/Sexuality. Profanity. exotic eye candy Severene: Berenice Severine in the Hong For those interested, there are 20 goofs listed at imdb. Kong scenes. When the plot gets to Skyfall (Bond’s family com. Chris Terrio’s screenplay is based upon an article LINCOLN home), look for the caretaker Kincade: Albert Finney, in by Joshuah Bearman. Profanity. Some Violent Images In January 1865, Pres. Lincoln: the phenomenal a small, important role. Director Sam Mendes and writ- Daniel Day-Lewis is elected for a second term (little real- ers Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and John Logan (based CLOUD ATLAS izing he has but four months of life), facing a House of on Ian Fleming’s characters) give us a darker Bond story In the most unique film of the year, six stories are Representatives battle on the 13th Amendment, the abo- than usual, with less tongue-in-cheek humor but plenty interwoven from beginning to end by an ensemble cast lition of slavery. Headstrong eldest son, Robert: Joseph of action. Intense violence throughout. Profanity. Some with changes of race and sex: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Gordon-Levitt returns home and wants to enlist in the sexuality. Partial nudity. Smoking. Hugh Grant, Donna Bae (6 roles each), Jim Broadbent, military. Not an historical biopic, nor a sour, stodgy cos- Ben Whishaw (5), Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess (7), tume drama, nor a vampire flick, director Spielberg gives TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN, PART 2 Susan Sarandon, Keith David, James D’Arcy (4) and oth- us an amusing, engrossing, entertaining personalization Director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Gods and Mon- ers. An early 1800’s slave trader; a musical composing of the man from Illinois who happens to be president. sters) and writers Melissa Rosenberg (screenplay) and partnership in 1900’s; flaws in a 1970’s nuclear reac- Unstable wife Mary: Sally Field sits in the Senate balcony Stephenie Meyer (novel) can at last be proud of the best of tor; a modern day farce with a publisher tricked into watching the debate. Craggy, cantankerous Democrat the series. It may never be great, but it does entertain in its a nursing home; clones in love in the deadly far future firebrand, Thaddeus Stevens: Tommy Lee Jones (with- own over-the-top way. Bella: Kristen Stewart, who finally Neo Seoul (Korea); 100 years hence a priestess saves a out make-up, unless you count the black wig covering wears a smile (perhaps because of her newfound powers tribesman: these are the six storylines cleverly blended. his bald pate) supplies the feisty opposition to the 13th as a vampire), has married Edward: Robert Pattinson and Expect Oscar nominations for Editing and Color Cin- Amendment. Secretary of State Wm. Seward: David given birth to their daughter, a hybrid who grows much ematography, as well as acting. Directors/screenwriters Straithairn handles the maneuvering of votes. The large faster than normal. Jacob: Taylor Lautner is frequently in Tom Tykwer, Andy Wackowski, and Lana Wackowski male supporting cast includes Francis P. Blair: Hal Hol- the background to babysit, unless he’s turning into a pro- deliver from the novel by David Mitchell an experience brook; W.N. Wilbo: James Spader; Richard Schell: Tim tective werewolf. Dr. Cullen: Peter Facinelli and his wife for moviegoers. A Must See for the complainers who Blake Nelson; Alexander Stephens: Jackie Earle Haley; Emma: Elizabeth Reaser calmly stand by until it’s time don’t want The Same Old Thing. Be sure to pee first, it’s Alan Stanton: Bruce McGill, and Fernando Wood: Lee to protect the family. Bella’s b.f. Alice: Ashley Greene’s three hours long! Violence. Profanity. Nudity/Sexuality. Pace. Screenwriters Tony Kushner and John Logan score psychic powers allow her to see Renesmee’s future. The Drug use. one of the sure Oscar nominations. War Violence. Some Voltari (vampire elite) view the child as a threat and are images of carnage. Brief profanity. prepared to go to battle. Violence including disturbing images. Some sensuality. Partial nudity. At the Theater • By Annette Lust and Flora Lynn Isaacson Another Way Home of new play development with the production of chal- 415-456-9555, ext. 1 or go online at Anna Ziegler’s world premiere of her comedy drama lenging works such as Another Way Home. www.rossvalleyplayers.com. Another Way Home hits home concerning the alienation Another Way Home until December 2nd. Info/ tickets Coming up: Pack of Lies by Hugh and communication between parents and their children 415-441.8822 or magictheatre.org Annette Lust Whitemore directed by Molly Noble, today. And it also depicts family life and the problems of Jan 18-Feb 17. Flora Lynn Isaacson a couple’s marriage relationship You Can’t Take It With You Joey has been sent to a summer camp by his New York You Can’t Take It With You by George S. Kaufman The Hundred Flowers Project Jewish parents, Lillian and Phillip, who decide to visit and Moss Hart just opened as the second show of Ross Local playwright Christopher him. When they arrive his mother flippantly announces Valley Players’ 83rd season. At the helm is James Dunn, Chen’s world premiere of The Hun- Dr. Annette Lust that the fifteen year old has had ADD, ADHD, autism, renowned Marin stage director. dred Flowers Project, presented by anxiety and mood problems, and finally depression. Joey This timeless classic relates the humorous encoun- Crowded Fire Theatre Company resents his Mother’s overly protective attitude when, ter of a conservative family and the lunatic household and the Playwrights Foundation, among other things, she advises him to use lotion on his of Martin Vanderhof. The play takes place in the Van- opened at the S.F. Thick House skin to avoid getting a cancer. A depressed Joey blurts derhof home in New York in the mid-1930’s on a mag- on October 29th. The play, at times out at one point “I’d better enjoy life before life turns to nificently detailed set by Ken Rowland. “Grandpa” realistic and at others surreal and shit!” Joey’s indifference angers his father who reminds Martin Vanderhof (Wood Lockhart) was once part of abstract, is performed by an excel- him that he has paid for his camp vacation. This triggers the competitive business world. However, when one lent cast of multi-national actors the disappearance of Joey who runs away followed by his day he realized he was unhappy and stopped working under the direction of Desda- parents searching for him for hours. Joey’s friend and and began doing whatever he wanted to do. His daugh- mona Chiang. It depicts Mao Tse counselor Mike T encounters Joey and tries to tell him ter Penny (Maureen O’Donoghue) writes plays simply Tung’s efforts to modernize China Flora Lynn Isaacson about how fortunate he is to have such caring parents. because a typewriter was accidentally delivered to her to appease the masses. The use of Meanwhile as they search for Joey his frightened parents house. Her son-in-law, Paul Sycamore (Richard Kerri- propaganda in China’s revolution is compared with the wonder whether Joey has fallen off a cliff or is wounded gan) spends hours in the basement making illegal fire- 21st century modern multi-media’s influence on Western or killed himself. This leads to torturing each other with works. His granddaughter Essie (LeAnne Rumbel) has masses. As this sociopolitical content develops, it forms accusations of poor parenthood that begin to tear their been clumsily attempting ballet for over eight years. His into a play within a play that takes on more human marriage apart as the play moves to its dramatic climax. grandson-in-law, Ed (Ross Berger) plays the xylophone interest when we are drawn into a rapport between Julie Vividly directed by Meredith McDonough, the play’s (or tries to). In addition, many “odd ball” friends come (Cindy Im) and Mike (Wiley Namen Strasser), married action moves forward with a good use of the space, and and go from the Vanderhof house. Some never leave. Mr. and in conflict as to where the play’s development should with movement and speech that are expressive and well- DePinna (Bob Wison), the man who used to deliver ice, be going. Mike disdains Julie’s preference for a narrative projected to an audience seated three quarters around a now helps out with the fireworks. structure and soon deceives her with his ex, Lily (Anna bare wooden stage. Annie Smart’s propless stage appeals In contrast are the unhappy Kirbys. Tony (Isaac Ishida). Julie is then looked upon as a martyr who is con- to the spectator’s imagination to envisage a summer Islas), the attractive son of the Kirbys, falls in love with sidered essential to the play. camp, along with her simple costume design that suits Alice Sycamore (Robyn Grahn) and brings his parents to The playwright’s intention “to mingle technology each of the characters dine at the Sycamore home on the wrong evening. The with history” is realized through a comparison of Mao’s Dynamic interpretations are played of the mother shock sustained by Mr. and Mrs. Kirby (Stephen Dietz attempts to create a cultural revolution to pacify his by Kim Martin-Cotton, and the father by Mark Pinter, and Robyn Wiley), who are indignant from the cheap masses with our “chaotic Facebook-a-tized mass con- with a challenging teenage characterization of a nega- food offered, tells Alice that marriage with Tony is out sciousness.” The set (Maya Linke) is filled with pieces of tive, depressed Joey by Daniel Petzoid, and believable of the question. The Sycamores find it hard to under- scenery lying about along with the use of projections and interpretations by Jeremy Kahn as Joey’s friend Mike T. stand this viewpoint. Tony believes the Sycamores live technology to intensify the playwright’s message. and Riley Krull as daughter Nora. the right way with love and care for each other, while The director and actors successfully concretize the Ending more like a drama than a comedy, Ziegler’s his own family is the one that is crazy. In the end, Mr. play’s abstract and surreal quality that they are free to insightful piece pulls at the heart strings of parents or Kirby is converted to the happy madness of the Syca- continually spin before us in a spirit of experimentation. children involved in the problems of parental upbring- mores after he happens to drop in during a visit by the The Hundred Flowers Project poses a multitude of ing. Although the play may be less gripping for specta- Grand Duchess of Russia, Olga Katrina (Christina Jac- questions concerning the path of experimental theatre, tors who have never been in a parental relationship, it qua) who is currently earning her living as a waitress at as well as that of our globalized world : in Chen’s words is nonetheless a moving portrayal that grabs you as the Child’s Restaurant. “a reality that is constantly shifting and redefining itself.” playwright empathetically depicts the inner feelings of Under the skillful direction of James Dunn, the Van- For info on Crowded Fire’s productions call 415-746-9238 parents in times of fear, anxiety and crisis concerning derhof household is filled with activity that is well cho- or visit www.crowdedfire.org Annette Lust their children. Beyond this, the playwright pertinently sen and purposeful to each actor. This play is delightful touches on the alienation and the difficulty of communi- fun for the entire family. JANUARY AUDITIONS FOR SPRING FRINGE OF st cation between parents and children in the 21 century. You Can’t Take It With You at Ross Valley Play- MARIN SHORT PLAYS –All Ages And Types Accepted. The Magic Theatre intrepidly continues its 45 years ers Nov 15-December 16, 2012. For reservations, call January 22-23, 2013 Info 415-673-3131(11 am–2 pm). Page 18 December 2012 / January 2013

Dirty Laundry (Cont. from p. 10) shop. Although residents moved in to Foundation has refused to disclose rev- Almost a decade into Renne’s stone the new facilities fully two years ago, enue data for the first eight years of its walling, the Health Commission should hold to rent Gerald Simon Theater, and Laguna Honda’s other non-profit foun- initial operations, what makes the Health simply sever all ties with her Foundation. what type of management model would dation, Volunteers, Inc., abandoned its Commission believe it will start doing so The City should put a red light on any be appropriate. In order to raise an esti- decades-long funding of the gift shop, now if it is granted a contract to operate future collaboration with Renne until mated $176,000 annually to run the the- and the hospital has operated without the patient auditorium? she starts accurately reporting her Foun- ater — $107,000 of which represents new one for the past two years, perhaps the The Health Commission would dation’s income and expenses. San Fran- management salaries for staff in addition only hospital in the Bay Area without never tolerate this level of secrecy from ciscans have had it with Renne’s dirty to existing hospital employees — various a gift shop. If Renne’s Foundation has any of its other non-profit partners. Why laundry. cost factors are assessed. taken over two years to decide whether it is the Commission tolerating this behav- It’s clear Renne is seeking a dedicated should fund operations of the gift shop, 1westsideobserver.com/news/patrick. ior from former City Attorney Louise html#jun11 funding stream for her Foundation. how can it be expected to actually oper- Renne? Is it because she’s above the law, The report notes that resident use of ate a community theater? or is it that open accountability is beneath Monette-Shaw is an open-government the auditorium will be of concern when After all, AECOM recommended her patrician sensibilities, much like Mitt accountability advocate, a patient advo- scheduling rental events. The report in its analysis, that operating a theater Romney’s tax returns were too much for cate, and a member of California’s is very vague on what will be done to at LHH might be best done using a public disclosure? First Amendment Coalition. Feedback: accommodate residents in the hospital’s non-profit management model — sur- [email protected]. chapel that is being constructed next to prise, Ms. Renne’s own non-profit gets the auditorium, or whether worship ser- AECOM’s nod — rather than using an Elsbernd (Cont. from p. 5) crock. If you can’t figure the job out, you vices would have to be moved elsewhere in-house management, or contracted Mike Garcia that Tony Hall had helped shouldn’t be there. in the hospital when there are scheduling management model, in part because the appoint to the Ethics Commission three “Of course, I had already had three conflicts. The report notes caution will hospital might potentially be given a years earlier, and the same Mike Garcia years working with the Board (of Super- be needed to prevent displacing resident seat on the Board of Directors of Renee’s that Sean Elsbernd had supported for visors), either working with Tony Hall or activities, but mentions nothing about Foundation. Renne adamantly told District 7 Supervisor this year. Garcia and Gavin Newsom before I became a Super- what may happen to long-scheduled Commissioner Illig that she would not the Ethics Commission waived the one- visor. In 12 years, I may have missed a resident activities in the event urgent appoint a member of the Health Com- year waiting period and “fast tracked” total of three board meetings.” He knew or lucrative community events might mission to her Foundation’s Board, so she Hall’s appointment as Director of Trea- the rules and the protocol, and took pride require bumping resident activities in could avoid “politics.” What makes the sure Island. in reading the legalese of all of the Board order to meet monthly theater rental Health Commission believe that Renne Hall was appointed immediately, of Supervisors’ proposed legislation. quotas. would now appoint a hospital employee allowing Mayor Newsom to immedi- “To be effective as a Supervisor, you The report notes that the 600 park- to her Board, when she wouldn’t appoint ately appoint his 28-year-old aide, Sean can’t pick too many projects. If you try to ing spots on Laguna Honda’s campus a Health Commissioner? Elsbernd as District 7 Supervisor. The do everything, you’re not going to accom- will be of significant interest to planners Renne’s “Assisted Living” Canard plish anything. I focused on (City) pen- considering holding potential events at timing of Elsbernd’s appointment is Also on March 6, Renne asserted that sions, the Capital Planning Committee, Laguna Honda, but the report does not important; he was appointed just one day her Foundation is standing by to assist retiree health (care), and MUNI. Another mention where LHH’s staff, who each before the deadline to file for running for with securing funding for assisted liv- thing many people won’t believe is that I pay $75 monthly or more for on-cam- Hall’s District 7 seat. The timing of Hall’s ing housing on Laguna Honda’s campus. tried to make City Hall more responsive pus parking, will park their cars on days appointment allowed Newsom to appoint Readers may recall that in 2007, disability to folks. when rental events might require them Elsbernd, so Elsbernd could claim he was rights activists and others were sticker- “I didn’t fix the problems with pen- to give up their parking spaces. The the incumbent District 7 Supervisor dur- shocked when the City announced its sion (reform). We only made small report notes that another “plus” is the ing the election cycle. feasibility study for assisted living on the changes. To curb union costs, I talked hospital’s new Café Kitchen on the sec- On the day that Elsbernd was sworn Laguna Honda campus would approach about issues that had not been talked ond floor that could be creatively sched- into office he could barely raise his right over $250 million to construct. about for awhile. I tried to find common uled for use as a private event catering hand, due to the crutches he was using for The senior rights activists rightly ground and I carried a lot of water for the kitchen. But again, the report does not a broken leg. Playing shortstop for Super- noted that converting Laguna Honda’s police officers because other cities were discuss how use of the kitchen for private visor Chris Daly’s baseball team, Els- old buildings — the so-called “finger paying police officers more. events might adversely impact prepara- bernd was backing-up to catch a fly ball wings” fanning out from the main cor- “The only pat on the back I would get tion of routine meals for patients. when he stepped into a gopher hole. This ridor on each floor — into assisted liv- from the unions would probably be with The report notes that there are might help to explain why he has been so ing housing was a bad idea. Although the a knife. The unions did not consider me $360,000 to $700,000 in required, or strident about placing artificial turf at the finger wings were budgeted for asbestos a friend. highly-desired, construction improve- Beach Chalet fields. abatement prior to demolition, cost over- “Housing was not a priority. Proj- ments to the theater to attract rental ten- Elsbernd freely admits that sud- runs have eliminated from the project ects like Parkmerced initially needed ants, costs which are not included in the denly becoming a 28-year-old district scope any asbestos abatement. Instead of to develop a master plan to stop having hospital’s replacement project budget, supervisor was a difficult adjustment. demolishing the finger wings, plans have Parkmerced parcels sold off. nor are funding sources identified in the “My greatest challenge was I was young changed and the Health Department is “The Laguna Honda Hospital (LHH) Demand Assessment. and unproven. In hindsight, I swung and now budgeting to rent out space in those general obligation bond (GOB) project Shouldn’t those construction missed on personality. People wondered, buildings, or lease them for assisted liv- never had the necessary resources to ful- improvements have been included in the ‘Who is this 28-year-old punk who just ing housing, rather than demolishing fill the bond’s promises. The LHH bond design of the hospital when construction got elected and is full of himself?’ Was I them. promises in the late 1990’s were political plans were drawn up a decade ago? Why vested in the district issues? Did I under- Although senior housing advocates salesmanship. The good thing to come are design changes needed now, two stand the issues? Did I have enough noted in 2006 that assisted living facili- out of the LHH problems was the Capi- years after moving into the new facili- respect for the office? I sometimes had a ties deserve to be seismically safe, too, tal Planning Committee. Now, a lot more ties? Shouldn’t a demand assessment for hard time generating constituent respect.” there was no funding available to retrofit planning has to go into each GOB. the theater have been conducted before “I failed to put myself in check. I was Laguna Honda’s finger wings for seismic “The Capital Planning Commit- construction began in 2003? too cocky. It was heady stuff, and some- safety in 2007, and there is no funding tee has a ten-year program that coordi- It’s unknown whether Laguna times I missed the big picture,” he said. for seismic safety available now. nates (timing of issuing) City GOBs. City Honda has told its Residents Council of Maybe worse, there was a linger- If Renne’s Foundation was unable College, BART, and the Unified School Renne’s plan to take over operations of ing perception that Elsbernd was Gavin to raise one single penny during nearly District have not yet become part of the its patient auditorium. Should the audi- Newsom’s political puppet. Supervi- an entire decade to assist with the $45 Capital Planning Committee. The coordi- torium rent out for an entire month, sor Chris Daly even called Elsbernd the million it had pledged to raise for fur- nation of bond issuance between the City patients may not have access to their Mayor’s field marshal. “I had absolute niture, fixtures, and equipment, who and these agencies is piss poor. auditorium and its adjoining chapel? autonomy from Gavin Newsom. I could really believes that her Foundation will “I am also very proud of my annual Notably, the report indicates that vote how I wanted. Gavin Newsom never be able to help raise over $250 million for crab feeds, which have generated in order to generate about $156,000 in came to me and asked for a vote. This was assisted living housing any time soon? $750,000 for charities, and the golf tour- annual revenue, a community theater an easy attack by my opponents. I usually Sadly, at the Health Commission’s naments at Harding Park. Now the golf at Laguna Honda would have to hold agreed with Gavin Newsom’s positions, November 6 meeting, San Francisco’s course is beautiful and a region-wide approximately 12 events each month. and District 7 agreed with those posi- current Director of Public Health, Bar- accomplishment that is great for the resi- But the report does not address what tions, as well.” bara Garcia, indicated the City might get dents. I was thrilled to be part of Harding funding source will be tapped to cover “After eight years in office, I now some financial data if the Health Depart- Park’s redevelopment.” theater operating expenses in the event have a more mature understanding of ment signs an MOU with Renne to fix Politicians screw things up: “I also that rental income is insufficient to pay how to relate to people and situations.” up Laguna Honda’s patient auditorium. wanted to work well with City staff. City the bills. For example, if only 6 rental Elsbernd just celebrated his seventh Is Garcia engaged in magical think- staff tries to produce work at a “best stan- events are held in a month when 12 were wedding anniversary. “The one time you ing, expecting that Renne will actually dards” level. When politicians intervene projected, who will be on the hook to could accuse me of misusing my office sign an MOU and consent to providing with the staff, work product suffers. More cover the shortfall in revenue? Will the was the night that Jennifer and I became financial data? Barbara: Will such disclo- often than not we (politicians) tend to City’s General Fund be tapped to make engaged. I told Jennifer that we needed to sure be retroactive? screw things up. For example, it would up any operating losses from outsourc- go to a party at the Hall of Flowers. When And would an MOU really be bind- be smart to eliminate bus stops from the ing operations of the theater? When we got to the Hall, it was closed and all of ing on Ms. Renne to actually raise an end of every block. MUNI would become rental income is insufficient, will the the lights were off. I jiggled the door han- agreed-on amount towards assisted more efficient, but politicians keep MUNI theater’s operating funds come out of dle and surprisingly the door opened. We living? Or is this just more of Renne’s from implementing this program. Laguna Honda’s general fund operating lit some candles and soon discovered a smoke and mirrors? bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice and “Another great example would be budget intended to pay for patient medi- Supervisor David Campos’ plan to spend cal care? Rewarding Secrecy? two glasses. I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. She accepted.” MUNI repair and maintenance money on Still No Gift Shop, Other Unanswered The Health Commission has no free MUNI rides for kids. This is a perfect business awarding an MOU to oper- Elsbernd quickly learned the ropes Questions of being a District Supervisor. “Being a example of what’s wrong with City gov- ate Laguna Honda’s patient theater to ernment. People’s heartstrings get pulled, Renne claimed, on March 6, that an organization that it has previously Supervisor is not rocket science. If you her Foundation is also assessing whether can’t do the job after six months, you and programs get approved that never fought tooth and nail to obtain basic, go away. Core services are ignored. San to re-open Laguna Honda’s patient gift full, financial disclosure. Since Renne’s don’t need eight years. Term limits are a Cont. p. 19 December 2012 / January 2013 Page 19 Elsbernd (Cont. from p. 18) SHARON THE HEALTH / By Sharon Caren Francisco doesn’t even have a means test regarding children’s income (to document eligibility, or need, for free transporta- Healing Oils of the tion). Everything is so dogmatic and makes no sense.” You are invited to attend a celebration: Regrets: “There are a few times I wish that I had acted dif- Ancient Scriptures ferently. The way I handled a very contentious land-use issue Holiday Party & Boutique he idea of using plant materials at 800 Brotherhood in 2005 has always bothered me. Approxi- Wed. Dec. 5th at 5:30–8:30 pm to restore our natural health and mately 160 market rate homes were going to be built at 800 well-being is so old it seems new! Wine tasting and snacks Brotherhood Way. I knew that there was a large amount of T At this joyous time of year, let’s look back over some his- Music: Dave Crimmen and community concern regarding this project and I only had one torical data to find out what the Ancients did to promote The Candy Cane Express meeting. I learned that you don’t wait for the issue to come to healing. Jillian’s Int’l Trunk Show you. I should have had more outreach and addressed as many China, 3000 BC Shen Nung’s herbal book is the oldest Jewelry by Debbie • Fine Art by Janet concerns as possible. The project developer should have also surviving medical book in China. It contains information Sharon’s Sacred Skin Care and Oils done more outreach. on over 300 herbs and their medicinal applications. “I was right about 800 Brotherhood Way, but I still have Egypt, 1470 BC Queen Hatshepsut’s expedition to the Florey’s Book Company people who were involved in this project who won’t acknowl- legendary land of Punt was one of the greatest adventures 2120 Palmetto Ave. • Pacifica edge me, or talk to me. of antiquity. Her army brought back wondrous riches. The “I also regret that I listened to neighbors and tried to stop Please RSVP as space is limited. greatest of all the treasures was the grove of myrrh trees, a T-Mobile antenna tower that was going to be built on top of Call Sharon at 650.359.6579 or which were brought back to Egypt as gifts to the gods. the Safeway located at the corner of 17th Avenue and Taraval. email [email protected] Egypt, 1330 BC When King Tutankhamen’s tomb was T-Mobile sued the City, and the City lost. San Francisco ended- opened, archeologists discovered alabaster jars designed www.sharonthehealth.com up paying T-Mobile a settlement and they got their antenna.” to hold precious essential oils that were valued above gold How would you like to be remembered? “I hope that peo- ple will remember me for the hard work. I knew the legislation. and jewels. coincidence? I don’t believe so. I was accessible and responsive. Someone who respected the Israel, 1250 BC An account from ancient Israel What is an Essential Oil fiduciary trust that was placed in me. I will move on — I don’t recorded in the Old Testament of the Bible records An essential oil is the life-blood of the plant and need to write a (newspaper) column.” that Moses anointed Aaron. is a very special natural substance chemically. If used George Wooding, Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods Greece, 400 BC Hippocrates was commonly in a pure concentrated state (the whole juice, the known as the “Father of Medicine.” Legend states that fresh plant, dissolved in a fat, or as aromatic vapors Hippocrates saved Athens from a devastating plague inhaled out of the air) their healing power has been by fumigating the city with aromatics. “I believe that known and used since the most ancient times. It is a daily aromatic bath followed by a scented massage testified in Egyptian hieroglyphics dated more than will promote good health.” 5,000 years ago. They are considered to be the first Macedonia, 345 BC After Alexander the Great medicines of mankind and were an important part defeated Darius III of Persia, he adopted the use of of the prescriptions of Hippocrates whose works essential oils. It is said that his floors would be sprin- were published around 400 BC. kled with scented waters and that his clothes carried Essential oils are composed of tiny molecules, fragrant resins. “I am dying from the treatment of too all less than 500 atomic mass units (amu) in molecu- many physicians.” lar weight. Fatty oils are composed of much larger Israel, 0 AD It is recorded in the New Testament molecules, many weighing 1000 amu and more. This that Three Wise Men visited the newborn Jesus and difference is crucial to understanding why essential presented him with gifts of Frankincense, gold, and oils heal and fatty oils do not, at least not in the same myrrh. ways. Italy, 100 AD Pliny, a Roman historian, wrote a Because the essential oil molecules are so small, book titled Natural History that describes the uses of they easily pass through tissues and through cell Charles Steen P O. . Box 1807 herbs and essential oils. walls as well. They bring nutrition and informa- (650) 359-6548 Pacifica, CA 94044 “It is the belly, for the gratification of which the tion into the cell and carry waste products out of the greater part of mankind exist, that causes the most cell. Can you see why this may be useful in aiding suffering to man. No wonder then that the belly should the body’s immune system to ward off toxins and have to be indebted to the aid of medicine in the very disease? highest degree. Leaves of aizoum beaten up in wine, Any essential oil placed anywhere on the body is and dried alcea powdered are curative of gripping transdermal and can reach every part of your body pains in the bowels.” within minutes. So the importance of using a pure Iran, 1000 AD An Arab physician named Avin- therapeutic grade essential oil is paramount. You Don’t Miss cenna improved the quality of essential oils by devel- must be sure you are not using an adulterated oil oping steam distillation. because first, it won’t have the healing properties, Germany, 1100 AD Saint Hildegard, an herbal- and next, may even be harmful. If you have a bottle Another Issue! ist, wrote Causes and Cures for Illness. of essential oil and it says “Do Not Ingest,” don’t use “With earth was the human being created. All the it at all! elements served mankind and, sensing that man was Essential oils perform many duties in the plant, alive, they buried themselves in aiding his life in every like regulating plant growth as hormones, and Per w a y.” metabolism as enzymes. These plant oils can also aid France, 1400 AD During the Medieval plague, us in the same way to support and balance the endo- $ Year Four Thieves in Marseilles robbed the dead without crine, circulatory, digestive, nervous, and reproduc- 15. becoming sick. When captured, the men revealed a tive systems. They can clear our sinuses and lungs to mixture of aromatics they used to protect themselves help us breathe better. They can help us metabolize against the deadly plague. our nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. They can also Central America, 1500 AD When the Span- boost the natural defenses of our immune systems ish Conquistadors invaded the Aztecs, they were so we can fight off disease by our own abilities. And Mail to the Westside Observer with your check to: amazed by the abundance of medicinal herbs found while they are friendly to our body, they can get rid of POB 27176 SF, CA 94127 in Montezuma’s botanical garden. bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. When applied or e-mail [email protected] France, 1795 AD Napoleon and his bride Jose- to the skin, the oils are effective insect repellents, like phine used essential oils as per- cedarwood and myrrh used in ancient times. fumes. Occasionally, Napoleon If you would like more information on how to would not approve of the oil get these healing oils as well as how to use them, I Josephine selected, hence the will be holding bi-weekly phone sessions starting famous phrase “Not tonight, in January 2013 and would love to share this valu- J o s e p h i n e .” able information with you. Please contact me at Vietnamese Coast, 1940 650.359.6579 or email: Sharon@sharontheheatlh. AD Using Gattefosse’s research, com and I’ll provide the call in information. Also, Jean Valnet, a French doctor dur- you can visit www.sharonthehealth.com and under ing World War II, successfully services in the menu bar, click on Essential Oils.  

  
 

treated wounded soldiers with Found in the Bible in Ezekiel 42:12 it’s sug-
essential oils. The antibacterial gested that the Creator Source gave us natural herbs properties of the oils helped the with their extracts to be our medicines. So God, The wounds heal faster and with less Creator (or whichever name you may use to address )''

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to the Divine plan. Is this a 



$ Page 20 December 2012 / January 2013 Remember When?

I Do Love the Holidays Riddles are little poems or phrases that pose a ques- tion that needs answering. Riddles frequently rhyme, but this is not a requirement. You will know that I am coming From the jingle of my bell, But exactly who I am is not an easy thing to tell . Children, they adore me for they find me jolly, but I do not see them when the halls are decked with holly . My job often leaves me frozen, I am a man that all should know, But I do not do business in times of sleet or ice or snow . I travel much on business, But no reindeer haul me around, I do all my traveling firmly on the ground . I love the time of Christmas, But that’s not my vocational season, And I assure that is because of a sound economic reason . Answer

Construction on Mt. Davidson. Written on back: “New housing on slopey Mt. Davidson” Photo by Eddie Murphy Courtesy of the San Francisco History Center, SF Public Library Man! Cream Ice Phyllis’ Findings / Phyllis Sherman Rules: Each puzzle is a 9 by 9 grid of squares ears ago Jerry Seinfeld had a joke which said, “When divided into nine 3 by 3 square blocks, with New Yorkers turn 65, a bus shows up and takes them to some of the numbers filled in for you. YFlorida.” I didn’t believe it, but when I arrived in Florida The Object: several weeks ago, I believed it. It was difficult to find anyone in Fill in the blank squares so that each of the Florida who wasn’t from N.Y. or L.I., (couldn’t miss them with the numbers 1 to 9 appears exactly once in New York accents). I found most of the days in Florida hot and each row,column and block. humid...”mugginess” was the correct adjective. I’ve been spoiled by Answer: the moderate weather in San Francisco. The answer appears below. I decided that what to do in Florida if variety of inane subjects. Entertainment you’re a Senior is find a nice Independent night on Saturday consisted of a blonde, Living facility (which there are several of jazzily dressed singer and a piano...some- on each block), and for a minimum sev- times a male baritone singer and recorder. eral thousand dollars for a month you can Bingo, Dollar Bingo, Pinochle, old movies move in and see what it’s all about. Usu- (musicals, usually), trivia, and occasional ally you need to bring your own furni- travel videos were popular. Food wasn’t ture but I asked for a respite arrangement bad...choice of 3 main entrees. beef, fish where I’d use their furniture, facilities, or chicken prepared in various ways... etc. for a month and, if satisfied, would salad, stale rolls, veggies, sugary pies, lots arrange a permanent stay. of ice cream. One of my dinner compan- Okay. I moved into Horizon Club, an ions had problems eating and “shoved it Independent/Assisted place that prided in” continually until corrected (and he itself on being a Marriot Hotel formerly. still had problems). An occasional diner It was huge and there was a lengthy walk removed his dental bridges to soak them from my room to the elevator and then in his water glass. I will say that many of to the lounge, dining room, front desk. the ladies at dinner were dressed to kill... So be it. The inmates (a polite euphe- very affluent in former lives with rings mism I’ll use) were a varied lot...almost on each finger and expensive, impressive 200 of them in various states of disabil- jewelry. ity...legally blind, hard of hearing, apha- Once a week a visit to an outside sia, some dementia...and the facility took movie theater was nice, (I did see Argo anyone, in any condition...even those and Flight), and also there was a visit to suited for nursing homes..who could pay a mall for those who could shop (albeit the healthy prices for all the empty rooms “shuffle”) with canes, walkers, wheel- available. Macular degeneration was the chairs and even speedy scooters. I did operative word for many...some hard of receive a few calls from other Indepen- hearing residents had refused to get hear- dent Living facilities who invited me to ing aids and it was necessary to shout visit them and check out how impressive at them to be heard and they usually their services were, but getting around shouted back. It was quite a scene. Sev- without a car proved difficult. I found eral were quite demented and some it impossible to get on-line on the com- had fascinating stories to relate...”I hear puter at Horizon Club and receiving mail Obama is really in a terrible marriage. in boxes with keys that frequently didn’t Michelle’s been trying to divorce him for work was another problem. There really 4 years.” Another story...”I’ve had 6 boy- was never sufficient staff to cater to the friends..one was from the Mafia!” “The variety of residents’ problems. guy in the next room is gay but wants to The local paper in Deerfield Beach marry me” “I’m only 66 but they tell me I was an unmitigated disaster (detailing have Alzheimer’s.” local fender benders and obits), but even There were several “regular” people, the daily Florida Sun-Sentinel left much fortunately. Bud was from Ohio and said to be desired. One didn’t expect NY he’d owned 5 furniture stores and regaled Times coverage but a front page article us with stories about types of couches he’d about a woman who had size “L” breast sold over the years. Morris liked films a implants seemed somewhat irrelevant. A lot but insisted on eating alone because secondary story complaining about the he didn’t want to “get involved.” Lenore long lines (an eight hour wait) to vote spoke very quietly but whispered how in covered the rest of the page. Become a friend Follow us on her former life she was considered very So much for local journalistic cover- on Facebook Twitter!@WestS_Observer sexy. Ada was quite intelligent but a vis- age in our area of Southern Florida. iting son was loud and garrulous on a Feedback: [email protected] Page 21 December 2012 / January 2013 Education Tony Hall (Cont. from p. 10) notably in the Newsom - Gonzalez cliff- public at the polling place. These enterpris- hanger of 2003. Top Ten Wishes for the New Year ing frauds would check the names listed 4. Voter Identification: In my opin- By Carol Kocivar ©2012 late in the day and decipher who had not ion, there is absolutely no argument that holds up against the requirement that all 1 . My mom continues to beat me in every online game voted yet and would be unlikely to do so by we play . closing time. A call to the residence of that voters should show some form of identifi- potential voter as listed on their campaign cation. Voting is one of the privileges that Almost every evening, my mom and I play a few games of lists would reveal if that person was even come with citizenship as guaranteed by Words with Friends — scrabble online for those uninitiated. home. If no answer, bingo, into the poll our Constitution. The hue and cry that the She lives in Hawaii and I play on my phone from almost any destination. Don’t they would waltz at the last moment to cast requirement of I.D. in order to vote will dis- give her a “Q” and an “I”. She will trounce you. My mom just turned 94 and a vote under that person’s name. criminate against those who do not posses knows how to spell more words than I could ever hope to know. Not only do I 3. Voter Rolls: Voter rolls maintained identification is pure bunk. Virtually any- wish for her to continue to beat me, but also hope that she will be able to use all 7 by the D.O.E. containing the lists of voters one who desires a form of I.D. can easily letters at once for an out of the ballpark score that she can boast about for years. in San Francisco are almost never purged get one in today’s society, especially those 2 . WiFi at Ocean Beach . to eliminate those who have either died or who are receiving any form of assistance. Don’t tell anyone—but the greatest walk in the world is minutes away from have moved out of the City. With absentee The less fortunate are the very ones who my house— below a cliff at Ocean Beach. Terry and I sneak away, crawl down voting now compromising 55 to 60% of the are most victimized by a no I.D. require- the cliff and see dolphins (if we are lucky) and pelicans and seagulls and plover total votes cast, the D.O. E. automatically ment because the weight and influence of and fields and fields of ice plant. My camera is full of pictures but would love to mails out absentee ballots to those who their own vote is diminished in proportion share the experience in real time with the kids. have requested such unless the department to the number of false votes cast. When voter fraud exists, they become even more 3 . The end of time zones is notified of the voters departure. Herein Let’s see, if it is 10 o’clock in San Francisco it is 1 in the afternoon on the lays the problem. If the status of these tens exploited by those who are manipulating the system, resulting in a situation where East Coast so we can’t talk because of my granddaughter’s naptime. And when of thousands of departed voters is not duly I finally think of checking in again at my dinnertime, it is way past bedtime for and properly recorded in a timely fashion, the most powerless become even more so. In closing, may I say thank you for tak- that 3 year old. Yes…it is too fantastic that we all can do Facetime or ichat or then there exists a tremendous opportu- Skype…. but now if we can only conquer time zones. nity for fraudulent ballots to be recorded by ing the time to read this because it is impor- those who would manipulate the system. In tant. It is time for us to forget the Monday 4. Bionic powers for our pick-up soccer games. San Francisco there are political consultants morning quarterbacking about why a can- A group of women in San Francisco have been playing pick-up soccer every who are paid a handsome sum because of didate won or lost a particular race. We Tuesday morning since their kids were in elementary and middle school. Rules their ability to control a significant por- face the stark reality that unless we address now include not touching or getting within a foot of each other as well as desig- tion of the absentee ballots in circulation. the existence of voter fraud, we all become nated sideline runners for those who really want to avoid any contact. Hoping The insiders call it the “ACE” factor, and losers. for bionic powers for each and every player. it has been instrumental in affecting the Tony Hall served twice as Supervisor for Dis- 5 . Time to Read a Book outcomes of several mayoral races, most trict 7 This may sound a little odd from one of the early adopters of technology but I am making a commitment to read a book. (For those who can remember what a book is —think VCR, phonograph, Polaroid, videotapes, land line phone. Yes. RENTAL WANTED There still are books ….) 6 . A California that finally does commit to investing in a quality educa- I am a single lady seeking to rent an unfurnished in-law tion for every child . apartment in San Francisco. Experienced, providing services We are not there yet. California is still languishing near the bottom of the as a property caretaker, housekeeper, part-time companion/ nation in education funding. The good news is that voters want to support our schools. However, the vote assistant, secretary, garden and pet care. Non-smoker. Have this November did NOT commit significant funding to move California out of references. I also need storage space (clean, dry secure, easy that dubious distinction of having one of the largest economies in the world that access) of approximately 12 feet by 12 feet for books, fails to adequately invest in its schools. Parents and teachers and administrators need to continue to let the general furniture, etc. public know what is really happening. The lottery did not solve the school-fund- Call my voicemail (415) 561-9275. ing crisis and neither did the vote in November. 7 . Ignore the title of “Top Ten” and put as number one good health and good health care for everyone. Feedback: [email protected] Page 22 December 2012 / January 2013 THE REAL ESTATE ANSWER MAN By Kevin Birmingham Q: Where is the best place in Bay Area to buy a second home as an investment property? I am looking at a price of $300K or less. Jerry Keys Santa Cruz is one place you might consider. With state cutbacks in UC housing and a need for UCSC student housing, they have a strong rental market. Santa Cruz has a significant number of homes for sale in your price range and I can refer you a reputable agent there or throughout the Bay Area.

Q: Does a landlord have to allow a handicapped person to make modifications to a rental unit? Alicia

Landlords are required to allow modifications for handicaps as defined by the Ameri- * cans with Disabilities Act. If the modification is one that can’t be easily removed, have an attorney write a clause in the lease for your specific situation. F R E E WA X Q: We plan to make an offer on a condo with no inspection reports and the seller wants Productionto sell it AS-IS? Specifi cationsEd Wu: FOR FIRST-TIME GUESTS Publication: Westside Observer * Media“AS-IS” Unit: is 1/8simply Page means Horizontal that the seller would rather not make repairs. Both the local Women: Bikini line, eyebrow or underarm Liveand Area: statewide 5.0” x Realtor4.0” contracts allow for inspections. If you find a problem while in or upgrade to a Brazilian for $21.00 contract, you can cancel the escrow. Bleed Area: None Men: Eyebrow, ear or nose Printing: BW Kevin Birmingham is a licensed real estate broker, have a question for the Real Estate No purchase necessary. Must be state resident. Answer Man? Submit them to [email protected]

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EST: 1990 Contact Phone ...... 415-821-3760 Job Title ...... Print - The Westside Observer Contact Email...... [email protected] Description ...... 1/8 Page Horiz. ARMS OPEN MINDS Your health care, close at hand. OPEN DOORSCity College of San Francisco OPEN OPEN www.ccsf.edu Apply NOW for Spring 2013


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"$##! ( ! City College of San Francisco Marketing & Public Information Office 50 Phelan Avenue, S194 · San Francisco, CA 94112 December 2012 / January 2013 Page 23

Real Travel By Sergio Nibbi Travel the City and See the World ith the holiday season upon us I started thinking about all the various locations where we’ve celebrated Christmas Wand New Year’s, or more importantly, about places where I’ve never been during this special time of the year. Christmas Eve at Santa Croce in Florence was unforgettable as we watched the crowds milling around the church while the priest preached fire and brimstone. New Year’s Eve in Milano was an adventure all of its own as we revelers packed in the main dining room where the exit doors had been chained and padlocked to keep out the uninvited.

But aside from all the charm one thing is for sure, you’ll never see me (all of me) celebrating New Year’s in the Castro …there is no way that I’m celebrating the evening in the buff freezing my ass off.”

Left: Dublin. Above: Florence. Below: Rome. Bottom: St. Petersburg.

We also believe in: local going left eating like no one is watching farmers making a decent living asking questions fresh owers hand-crafted gifts lots of chocolate skipping slowing down homemade soup community family and friends knowing where our food comes from reading books getting dirty laughing at ourselves local economies access to healthy food for all spontaneous dancing being silly santa

The many celebrations with friends From the blue Pacific to our own pyra- and family all have great memories, but mid, from Alcatraz to AT&T Park, and how about Christmas at St. Peter’s in the views of the two bridges never cease Rome, or New Year’s in the Alps? How do to amaze. From Golden Gate Park to the the Asians celebrate, or the Irish, the Jew- crookedest street in the world, anyone Sundays, 9 am - 1 pm, Year Round ish people and the Muslims? With all the can get a glimpse of the world without so nationalities in this beautiful City of ours much as getting out of their car. We are at the NW Parking Lot of the STonestown Galleria one could run ragged trying to figure out so blessed to have such beauty in such a all the customs and traditions. relatively small area. agriculturalinstitute.org A 501(c )(3) Non-profit While visiting St. Petersburg, we But aside from all the charm one spent a short time in the Church of our thing is for sure, you’ll never see me (all Savior on the Spilled Blood and the archi- of me) celebrating New Year’s in the Cas- tecture was stunning, but in San Fran- tro. With the temperature surly hovering cisco one could visit The Holy Virgin around 40 degrees there is no way that Cathedral on Geary Boulevard and feel I’m celebrating the evening in the buff right at home where the mosaics on the freezing my ass off. Those park benches walls and ceilings are just as beautiful. can get mighty cold, even with a towel on In Dublin we visited Trinity College, but which to sit. think about the camaraderie at the Irish Enjoy the city and enjoy the world Cultural Center where friendship and and to all, my fondest wishes for this good cheer are always part of the eve- holiday season and warmest greetings for ning’s bliss. We have St. Peter’s and Paul’s the New Year, which I plan to spend fully Church in North Beach for the Italians clothed. and Asians, and Glide Memorial that Feedback: [email protected] caters to all faiths including the Mus- lims, and are all living testaments to San Francisco’s diversity. While in Hong Kong we visited a cou- ple of Buddhist temples, but in this city one can attend temples from the Potrero district to the outer Sunset. In Malaga Spain we toured the Alhambra Palace, but here one can visit endless, wonderful Spanish restaurants and bistros and enjoy tapas while watching Flamenco dancers as we’re cooled off by house-made beers. If you’re German you can visit St. Mat- thews Lutheran Church on 16th Street, where a new German language preschool is open to children of all nationalities and religious backgrounds. The 49 mile drive is one of the most popular tourist attractions, and in a mat- ter of a few hours one can see some of the most unique sites in the entire world. Page 24 December 2012 / January 2013 NEW YEAR’S EVE! Celebrate at the Cliff House DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WITH DJ ERIC FROM SPINTRONIX AS THE BISTRO IS TRANSFORMED FOR ONE MAGICAL NIGHT INTO AN OCEANSIDE DANCE CLUB! 9:30 pm December 31ST – 1:00 am January 1ST $35 ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY Ticket price includes Sweet & Savory “Bites” from 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm, party favors & a champagne toast at midnight. To get all the details and to purchase tickets visit www.cliffhouse.com/nye2012.html. You can also purchase tickets at the Cliff House Gift Shop or by calling 415-666-4006. 1090 Point Lobos | 415-386-3330 | www.CliffHouse.Com

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