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Cameras at Haight and Webster
On March 6th, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution calling for surveillance cameras to be installed at the intersection of Haight and Webster. The Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice will call a public hearing to allow for community input on whether or no the cameras should be installed. When the hearing is scheduled, signs will be posted at the intersection to alert the public.

Plan to Re-deploy Police from SFO
Supervisor Mirkarimi introduced an ordinance to have the Chief of Police and the Director of SFO establish a methodology for assessing police staffing needs at the airport and determine the baseline number of officers required. The Chief of Police would then create a plan to re-deploy excess airport police to district stations. Police of rank of officers and sergeant are to be assigned to District Stations. Lieutenant and above are to be assigned based on Department needs.

Under the ordinance, the methodology for determining baseline needs and the redeployment plan are to be finalized by July 1, 2007. The plans would then be reviewed every year by July 1st, and the Chief of Police would report to the Mayor, Board of Supervisors, and Police Commission on July 1 of every year.

Study on Neighborhood Watch Programs
Supervisor Mirkarimi has requested that the Office of the Legislative Analyst conduct a study on Neighborhood Watch programs. The City's Neighborhood Watch program is currently administered by SF Safe (originally an SFPD project). The study will make comparisons to Watch programs in other major cities and address questions such as:

How are Watch programs created and maintained? (It may be useful to assess existing Watch programs such as the Castro Watch Group.)
How do neighborhoods apply and qualify for being designated as Watch neighborhoods?
Who approves installation of neighborhood watch signs?
Are there parameters that describe active vs. inactive Watch groups?
Who maintains a list of active Watch groups?
Do Watch groups receive public or private funding?
Are there standard procedures for relationships between Watch groups and the police?

55 Laguna Project - UC Berkeley Extension Update
Supervisor Mirkairmi continues to have ongoing meetings with Supervisor Tom Ammiano (sponsoring the resolution on behalf of the developers since Supervisor Dufty has been recused), AF Evans (developers), and community representatives to discuss strategies for maximizing a multi-community benefit package; Ross has also met with the Planning Department, AF Evans and a caucus of UC Regents, to negotiate the removal of the active UC Dental School and the need to retain some zoning designation as "public" rather than a complete zoning conversion to "private." Supervisor Mirkarimi has also requested that the March 15th Planning Commission Environmental Impact Report hearing on the 5.8 acre mixed use project at 55 Laguna Street be delayed until the Market and Octavia Better Neighborhood Plan is heard by the Planning Commission first. The difference of time is approximately two or three weeks.

Rescinding of Oak Street Tow Away Approved and Modified
The Board of Supervisors unamiously passed a resolution on Tuesday, March 6th rescinding the tow away zone on the north side of Oak Street between Buchanan and Divisadero and establishing that the tow away must turn left from Oak on to Divisadero Street.

Safety Improvements at Octavia and Market

After a cyclist was hit and seriously injured at the intersection of Octavia and Market, approximately seventy members of the bike community gathered at the intersection on January 26th to protest the unsafe conditions. Supervisors Mirkarimi, Daly, and Dufty all participated. As a result, DPT has installed seven "soft hit" posts to discourage eastbound traffic on Market from making the illegal right turn onto the South 101 on ramp.

The Bikescape blog has a podcast on the protest that features Supervisor Mirkarimi. You can either download an mp3 of the podcast directly here, or go to Bikescape's iTunes page.

Here is additional coverage from ABC7 and Sfist. A video from the Bike Coalition illustrating the dangerous and confusing conditions at the intersection can be seen here.

Inner Sunset Traffic Calming Project Update

The MTA is close to having two grant sources secured for the Inner Sunset Traffic Calming Project, with funds totaling about $1.2 million. Many of the bulb-outs and gateway treatments in the plan look like they will be funded. Another grant for some pedestrian refuge islands were submitted last week. Scheduling for the construction is still to be finalized.

Speed humps for 6th Avenue between Irving and Judah and Judah and Kirkham were approved by a large majority of returned ballots. They passed a public hearing unopposed and will move on to the MTA Board for final approval on March 20 at 2 PM in City Hall, Room 200. Funding for these humps are secured and will be installed soon after MTA Board approval.

The 4th and 5th Ave. ideas are being refined for the blocks between Irving and Parnassus. In December there was a meeting for residents of these two blocks that generated a lot of discussion. Right now the MTA is leaning toward a ranked choice ballot, with 2 traffic calming choices and a 3rd choice to leave the current configuration. The traffic calming choices include an option with parallel parking at the ends of the block and perpendicular parking in the middle of the block and another option with choker islands on the west side of the street that would narrow the street to 1 lane in each direction at the choking points. This second option was brought up at a meeting with neighbors in December and would act similarly to a delivery truck stopped along the western curb. These designs are still being refined to minimize the negative effects on neighbors.

There is still a court injunction on bicycle related projects in San Francisco, so any re-striping of 7th Avenue is on hold for at least another 18 months. An extensive environmental review of the San Francisco Bicycle Plan and projects like the 7th Avenue re-striping is underway. The MTA will wait to apply for 7th Avenue funds until they are closer to a resolution of this environmental review matter.

Certificates of Preference Hearing
In the 1960s and 1970s the Redevelopment Agency displaced thousands of residents and businesses from the Western Addition. As a way to compensate for these displacements, the Agency created a system of Certificates of Preference. These Certificates give residents and businesses preference at properties managed by the Agency throughout the City. On February 12 the Land Use and Economic Development Committee of the Board of Supervisors held a hearing on the status of the Certificate program. At the hearing it was shown that of 4,719 residential Certificates issued only 1,099 have been used and that the Agency has no contact information for 3,055 Certificate holders. On April 23 at 1pm, the Land Use Committee will hold a follow up hearing where the Agency will present a plan for informing all outstanding Certificate holders of their rights under the program. An Examiner article about the program and the February hearing can be found here.

Mirkarimi Honors African American Leaders

At the February 13 Board of Supervisors meeting, and on the occasion of Black History Month, Supervisor Mirkarimi offered formal Commendations and Certificates of Honor to KPOO radio, Sharen Hewitt, and Dr. Raye G. Richardson. KPOO was honored as the first Black-owned noncommercial radio station west of the Mississippi and the first station on the West Coast to broadcast an all rap show. The station was also honored for its weekly broadcasts of the Redevelopment Agency and its other news shows.

Dr. Richardson was commended for being the co-founder of Marcus Books in 1960 and for her dedication to education as demonstrated by her work as a teacher at Golden Gate University, USF Law school, the U.C. Berkeley center for Urban Black Studies, the Graduate Theological Union, and San Francisco State University. She was also recognized for serving on the San Francisco library commission, the California Medical Quality Assurance Committee, the San Francisco Museum Historical Society, and the Disparity Committee of the Hospital Council. Currently, Dr. Richardson sits on the Small Business Commission. She has received many awards, including the Daniel E. Koshland Civic Unity Award, the Jones Methodist Community Achievement Award, and the KGO-TV Profiles in Excellence Award.

Sharen Hewitt was recognized for being the head of the Community Leadership Academy Emergency Response project. This group provides assistance to relatives and friends of homicide victims. Hewitt was also honored for leading the Stop Homicides Now coalition which sought to pass Proposition A on the June 2006 ballot. Prop A would have created a $10 million a year fund for homicide prevention services. Although the proposition failed at the ballot box, the campaign engaged a large number of youth who had never been involved in the political process before.

Gail Baugh Honored as District 5 Woman of the Year

March is Woman's History Month, and on March 6 Supervisor Mirkarimi honored and commended Gail Baugh as District 5's Woman of the Year at the Board of Supervisor's meeting. With Gail's leadership an innovative community came together to form a PTA for John Muir Elementary School. The last PTA for John Muir was 15 years ago. This PTA is very special and unique because its starting members include Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, Acting Superintendent Gwen Chan and members of the community near the school (many who do have children). Gail points out that without the team of Richard Johnson, Michael Patton, Madeleine Beherns- Brigham the PTA it could not happen in time for the start of the 2006 â€"2007 school year. The Women's History Month Awards Ceremony is sponsored by the Commission on the Status of Women, Mayor Gavin Newsom and the Board of Supervisors.

Japantown Delegation Commemorates San Francisco-Osaka Sister City Relationship
Recently Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi joined a delegation of City Officials to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the San Francisco-Osaka Sister City relationship. Other members of the delegation included Mayor Gavin Newsom and Public Defender Jeff Adachi. The visit, which took place from February 16 to 22, enabled Supervisor Mirkarimi to meet with City Officials of Osaka and learn about the Osaka's unique history and honor its relationship with the City of San Francisco. Also joining the delegation were a number of community leaders from San Francisco's Japantown focused with the intent of developing new businesses and economic opportunities for the two Sister Cities.

Prior to the trip, on February 13, 2007, Supervisor Mirkarimi presented a Resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco-Osaka Sister City Association, designating Osaka Way as an honorary street name to be located on Buchanan Street between Sutter and Post Streets. The Resolution, 070189: Honorary street name designation of Osaka Way was adopted by the Full Board of Supervisors.

On February 26, Mayor Newsom toured San Francisco's Japantown Mall with Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi and Public Defender Jeff Adachi as a follow-up to their recent trip to Osaka, Japan. The renaming of Osaka Way will be officially made when Osaka Mayor Junichi Seki visits San Francisco later this year. To read a Nichi Bei Times article on the trip, click here.

Neighborhood Free Days at the California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy of Sciences launches its 2007 Neighborhood Free Days program this month, giving San Francisco residents free access to the aquarium and natural history museum on special days. Each visiting adult must prove San Francisco residency by showing a driver's license, utility bill, or other form of valid ID with the ZIP code. Accompanying children (up to age 17) do not need ID.

The zip codes 94121, 94118, 94115 & 94129 are eligible on March 23, 24 & 25. The zip codes 94117, 94114 & 94131 are eligible on March 30, 31 & April 1.

For a complete, citywide schedule see the Academy's website.

State Reduces Fee for Medical Marijuana ID Card
The California Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced that the new fee for Medical Marijuana Identification Cards will be $66 per year, instead of the $142 per year they proposed in December. This ruling comes after Supervisor Mirkarimi introduced a resolution last month urging the city to issue its own ID cards. Prior to the implementation of the State program, San Francisco issued its own medical marijuana ID cards at a fee of $25 per year.

Less than half the counties in California participate in the DHS program, and without the participation of some of the more populous counties the program has been unable to cover its costs as required by state law. The DHS program was designed for the estimated 150,000 medical cannabis patients in the state, but with only about 10,000 medical marijuana ID cards issued so far the program was experiencing a shortfall. According to patients and medical marijuana advocates, however, the proposed fee increase would have reduced participation and effectively ended the program. Supervisor Mirkarimi's resolution, together with efforts by Assemblyman Mark Leno, helped pressure the DHS to re-evaluate the proposed increase.

In 1996 voters passed Proposition 215 which allows patients to use marijuana for a medical condition as recommended by a doctor. The ID cards are issued under a voluntary program established under SB 420, a state law which set guidelines for Prop. 215 implementation, and they protect patients from arrest for carrying cannabis they are legally permitted to have.

Phone Numbers for Useful City Resources
We have assembled a list of frequently called phone numbers for City resources. The services covered include everything from graffiti removal to building permits to conflict resolution. If there's any useful numbers that we should add to our list, please let us know.

Looking for a Job?

Greenpeace
Greenpeace is now hiring eleven field organizers and one field coordinator to work on their global warming field campaign, called Project Hot Seat.Click on the following links to download Microsoft Word documents of job descriptions for the positions available:

Ella Hill Hutch Center
The Ella Hill Hutch Center is hiring for a number of positions. Ella Hill Hutch has served the Western Addition Community for over 25 years and offers a broad variety of programs, services, and events. For more information on Ella Hill, see their webpage. Click on the following links to download Microsoft Word documents of job descriptions for the positions available:

City Jobs
The City is always hiring for a wide variety of positions. For information on City employment openings click here. This page contains lists of job openings, information on Civil Service examinations, and a variety of other useful information on finding work.

Falletti Foods
As described above, Falletti Foods Falletti Foods is now hiring for a number of positions. To download an application form, go to www.fallettifoods.com/jobs.html.

SFPD
SFPD Hiring The SFPD is continuously hiring qualified applicants. Applicants must be 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, must be US citizens, must have a high School diploma or equivalent, and must not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor which would prohibit possession of a firearm. For more information or to apply, Contact the Department of Human Resources at 44 Gough St, San Francisco. Additionally, applications are available on-line at www.sfgov.org/police or at governmentjobs.com.

Do You Know of Other Job Openings?
Please let us know and we'll include them in next month's newsletter. Email us at mirkarimistaff@sfgov.org or call the office at 695-0828.

Want to Serve on the Civil Grand Jury?
Are you a good listener? Can you cooperate with 18 others toward a common goal? Can you keep a secret? Does the opportunity to improve local government intrigue, excite, and appeal to you? The San Francisco Civil Grand Jury investigates civil matters. It is the only independent investigative body in the City and County of San Francisco. Composed of 19 citizens, it monitors the performance of local government. Recent topics for investigation have included MUNI, the Fire Department, the Police Department, and the Department of Building Inspection. By serving on the Civil Grand Jury, you have an opportunity to improve local government and make a better city for everyone. The Grand Jury is a voluntary position.

For more information, please visit this page on the Superior Court's website or call 551-3605.

Upcoming Events

Friday, March 16: Third Friday Art Reception – Nathan Segovia – Paintings and Photographs
Time: 5-8PM
Location: Supervisor Mirkarimi's office, City Hall, room 282

Nathan Segovia grew up in the art and craft laden foothills outside of Los Angeles, immersed in many kinds of creativity from an early age. He always inspired most by the ties and contrasts between architecture and nature, from the simplest shapes to the most complex structures, creatures and plants that make up the world around us. Currently living in the Western Addition of San Francisco, his art has been featured at the Canvas Gallery, 330 Rich, and has a show coming up at the On Mars Salon in the Lower Haight.

His art is classified as mixed media, ranging from solid surface art to photographs. He utilizes salvaged objects such as Victorian windows, scrap plastic, and antiques to create works of art that represent a visual fascination and passion for making the old new again. His art is created using spray paint, acrylics, and razors, creating art reminiscent of past eras with a unique urban edge.

Thursday, March 15: 55 Laguna and the Market/ Ocativa Plan - Environmental Impact Review (EIR) Hearings
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Commission Chambers – Room 400 of San Francisco City Hall, 1Carlton B. Goodlet Place.

March 16th - April 1: African American Shakespeare Company Production of Lysistrata Opens
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Buriel Clay Theatre, 762 Fulton Street at Webster

Director, Rhodessa Jones and her ensemble cast of artists utilizes music, movement and shadow puppetry to retell ristophanes' story. The women are represented on a global and local scale as Rhodessa Jones creates a devastating attack on the military "there" and the street madness "here." "Lysistrata" is a cry for peace by women driven to change the world using the ultimate weapon: SEX.

Rhodessa Jones is Co-Artistic Director of San Francisco's acclaimed performance company Cultural Odyssey. She is an actress, teacher, singer, and writer. Ms. Jones is also the Founder and Director of the award winning "Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women," a performance workshop that is designed to achieve personal and social transformation with incarcerated women. Rhodessa voices the plight of women for all generations when she says, "Women hold up at least half, if not all the sky...and we're maintaining the clouds as well".

For more information visit: http://www.african-americanshakes.org/performances

Saturday, March 17: St. Patricks Day Parade
Time: 11:30 am
Location: Parade starts at 2nd and Market and ends at Civic Center.

Friday, March 23: Norooz, Persian New Year Celebrated in City Hall, Year of 2566 (1386)
Time: Evening
In harmony with rebirth of nature, the Persian New Year Celebration, or Norooz, begins on the first day of spring, of each year. Norooz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts - the End and Rebirth. Contact Turquoise Bridges for details. www.turquoisebridges.org

Sunday, March 25: Night Bike Ride: Journey to the SF Sundial
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Panhandle statue, Fell and Bakers Streets
No Cost
Did you know there is a giant sundial within San Francisco? Come along and read the day's last rays of sunlight as the fall on this historical curiosity. Bring snacks to share and blinky lights for safety, for more information email Robin@biteback.com.

Wednesday, March 28: NERT Emergency Preparedness Personal Workshop
Time: 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Location: San Francisco Library, 1833 Page St.
Join this two-hour presentation on individual personal preparedness covering the basics on making a kit and making a plan for your personal safety. Those who complete this workshop will receive credit for NERT Training class 1.

Thursday, March 29: The Fourth Annual Frontline Conference: Gangs, Turfs and Sets
Time: 8:00am-4:30pm
Location: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Admission: $10 pre-registration; $15 day-of (lunch provided)
Keynote speaker: Jim Brown, NFL Hall of Famer and founder of the Amer-I-Can Program. Workshops include: African-American Gangs, Barrio Warfare, Drug Culture, Youth Panel, API: Code of Silence, Survivors: Healthing Circle for the Soul, Crisis Response, Girls in Gangs, Street Law, Reentry Straight Outta Lock Up. Entertainment by Colored Ink, Youth Speaks, and others.
To Register, visit www.cjcj.org/frontline. For more information contact Jessica Al-Tawqi at jessica@cjcj.org, or (415) 621-5661 x374.

Saturday, March 31: Sunset Library Branch Opening
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: 1305 18th Avenue San Francisco, CA 94122

Saturday, March 31: Cesar Chavez Holiday Parade and Festival 2007
Time: 11:00 AM Assemble for Parade 24th and Potrero
12:00 PM Parade begins
1:00 PM Program Festival / Everett Middle School, 450 Church

Wednesday, April 11: Mo Magic Recognition Ceremony and Dinner
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: John Muir Elementary School
Join Mo Magic in recognizing the good that happens in the community and encourage our youth to go to school and help make the community better.
Attendance Awards - will be given to 5th graders from the Creative Arts Charter, Gratten, John Muir, New Traditions, KIPP, Rosa Parks and William Cobb.
Community Builder Awards - will honor community members who have donated their time and resources to build community and make a difference in their neighborhoods.
Magical Youth –will celebrate middle and high school who live and/or go to school in the Western Addition and make magic either through their commitment to service and and/or education.
Raffels – drawing held at the beginning and close of the awards ceremony.
Dinner – Sponsor by Rec Connect and Buchanan YMCA.

Wednesday, April 11: Mo Magic Spring Dance for 13 to 17 year olds
Time: 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Location: African Amercian Arts and Cultural Center
Thirty adult chaperons needed. Can you volunteer an hour to do registration, take pictures and assist in providing a fun and safe time for our youth? If so contact Sheryl Davis at 415-558-2487.

Wednesday, April 11: Park District Police Community Forum
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: TBA - Contact Park Police Station for details by email at sfpd.park.station@sfgov.org or call 415-242-3000.

Saturday, April 14: Grand Opening of Mission Clean Slate Satellite Office
Clean Slate Program, Office of the Public Defender
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Arriba Juntos 1850 Mission Street
This event is free, and will include food, client testimonials, and performances by two live bands: "Puro Bandido" and "Bell Bottoms." The Clean Slate Program provides legal representation to assist community members with clearing their criminal history records so that they are not an obstacle to obtaining employment, housing, professional licenses, certifications, and immigration status. The new Clean Slate Satellite office provides free drop-in clinics every Monday 2:00-4:00pm.
To RSVP, or for more information, call the Clean Slate Program (415) 553-9329, or visit the cleanslate website.

Thursday, April 19: DCYF Second Biennial State of the City's Children Summit
Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Moscone Center South of San Francisco
Join us for a full day of learning, sharing, and renewing our commitment and determination to provide all of the critical supports and opportunities needed for the children, youth, and families of San Francisco. Advanced Registration Required Check-in and Continental Breakfast begins at 8:00 am.
The Opening Session begins promptly at 9:00 am. For more information and to register, visit the DCYF website.

Saturday, April 22: 40th Anniversary California Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Parade
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Parade starts at Polk and McAllister and ends at Post and Fillmore.

Jan.13-March.18: If They Came For Me Today: The Japanese American Project Exhibition
Location: The Skylight Gallery, Main Library.
The stories of 15 local Japanese Americans whose lives were impacted by the interment of Japanese American citizens in camps during World War II will be shared in this powerful multimedia living history exhibition organized by Community Works with students from George Washington and Balboa high schools and Horace Middle School in San Francisco.

The District 5 Interfaith Teen Council
Teens in the Fillmore, Western Addition, Japantown neighborhoods
Date: to be determined
Come and join in creating a new and vibrant multi-denomination community in your own backyard. The members are from local schools, churches, and religious institutions interested in sharing in religion, and strengthening the neighborhood with fellow District 5 teens. If you are a teen, or know of teens in your community that might be interested, and want to learn more or come to the next meeting.
Contact: Rabbi Mark Asher Goodman mgoodman@jchsofthebay.org or 415-345-9777.

2007 Garden Park Work Parties:

Alamo Square - Every 3rd Saturday, 10am-1pm.
Contact: Lisa Bastick, lmbastick@yahoo.com or 415-921-3109.

Alvord Lake Area, Golden Gate Park - Every 4th Saturday, 9am - 12pm.
Contact: Karen Crommie KCrommie@aol.com.

Buena Vista Park - Every 1st Saturday, 9am - 12pm.
Contact: Richard Magary, of Buena Vista Neighborhood Association (BVNA), and Friends of Buena Vista Park (FoBVP), BVNA@ix.netcom.com.

Fillmore Mini Park (next to McDonalds) - Every 2nd Saturday, 10am - 12pm. Contact: Kristin Bowman Kristin.Bowman@sfgov.org or 415-753-7265.

Koshland Park - Every 2nd Saturday, 10am - 12pm.
Contact: Hayes Valley Neighborhood Parks Council, hvnparks@hotmail.com.

Patricia's Green - Currently no set schedule.
If you're interested in participating in a clean up contact Russell Pritchard. He has bags and gloves. You can find him at Zonal at 568 Hayes or call 255-9307 or email: madelinebb@sbcglobal.net, russellsf@earthlink.net.

District 5 Community Clean-Up Coordinator Wanted
Are you passionate about cleaning up District 5? Help our office organize neighbor clean-ups. Coordinate efforts between Supervisor Mirkarimi's Office, Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks Department, and neighborhood groups.
Duties: Schedule dates, location, work scope and volunteers.
Hours: Minimum 15 hours per month of coordinating time in the office, and 3 to 5 hours for each Saturday a clean up day is scheduled.
Contact: Regina Dick-Endrizzi at regina.dick-endrizzi@sfgov.org or 415-554-7630.

Board of Supervisors Information

Looking for the Board of Supervisors meeting information, minutes, or agendas? Click the picture below or click here:

Office and Community Volunteers Needed
Supervisor Mirkarimi is looking for volunteers from the community to participate with the office in a wide variety of ways, such as:

Neighborhood-specific issues
Neighborhood outreach
Policy research
Data entry
Office volunteers
Curating and organizing the monthly art parties

Please contact Regina Dick-Endrizzi (415)554-6783 regina.dick-endrizzi@sfgov.org

Comments, Suggestions, or Questions?
Do you have any comments, suggestions, complaints, or questions about our newsletter or anything else? Email us at mirkarimistaff@sfgov.org or call the office 554-7630.

Did you miss a previous newsletter?
Links to the monthly newsletters are now archived on Supervisor Mirkarimi's sfgov.org page.