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News from the West of Twin Peaks Central Council

Police Report:

Sgt. Randall Young warned of a scam entailing residents receiving calls regarding Jury Duty. Deceptive callers tell people that they have missed Jury Duty and that they will need to take some corrective action. Scammers then ask for the person's Social Security number. Do not give your Social Security to anyone except your employer or social security officials. He also reported that the police had closed several houses of ill repute that were operating out of homes in the neighborhoods.

Housing Element Plan: Matt Chamberlain will be representing WOTPCC at meetings with the Planning Department aimed at designing the new Housing Element Plan. He reported that the city is currently using the 1999 Housing Element Plan and that the next meeting involving the plan will be held on October 1st. Another draft plan will be available in January for public input. He reported that, so far, the current plan had only met 12% of its affordable housing goal, while the high-end housing is at 150% of its goal.

Community Benefits District: Matt Rogers, owner of Papenhausen Hardware introduced a Community Benefits District along West Portal's commercial strip. See the story on page one.

Hospice Downsizing: Dr. Derek Kerr, who heads the Hospice team at Laguna Honda Hospital said that the original 30 bed hospice now occupying 25 beds, is scheduled to be cut 15 beds. The Hospice has been the last home to 2000 dying San Franciscans in its 20-year history. "The success of the endeavor depends largely on the sense of community that is engendered among its patients," he said, "a 'therapeutic community' is the result of having some patients who may live as much as six months or longer side-by-side those who are expected to live only a few days. Morphine and Prozac do not engender community—that is only provided by human presence." That presence is endangered if the group consists of only short-term patients. The longer-term patients provide the element of continuity, a sense of belonging. Last year 37% of Hospice's patients died within the week, 66% died within the month, by 6 months 94% died and the remaining 6% provide a supportive environment for the newer patients. Plans will exclude longer term patients, defeating the purpose of the Hospice.

Kerr also noted that the Hospice Chaplain, A $26,000 position, had been cut in July. A severe loss for the patients. He noted that, since the layoff, LHH had hired a public relations expert for $57,000 and that administrative salaries were 12% higher, while other departments were flat or down. He said the cutback in Hospice services is selective rather than across the board, noting that the Rehabilitation ward, among others, is doubling in size, and that $10 million had been earmarked for the move to the new buildings, including $160,000 for media control/public relations, $50,000 for opening day celebrations, $30,000 for opening week, $30,000 for brochures and commemorative materials, $10,000 for t-shirts and memorabilia.

Mark Slavin, media spokesman for LHH said that all programs are downsizing with the move to 780 beds and that the transition budget has been reduced.

Slavin said "there are currently no new admissions to Laguna Honda. San Franciscans needing long-term care are being directed to private institutions," mostly out of the City and that "there is no longer a waiting list for patients at Laguna Honda except to the Hospice."

The Council passed a resolution urging the tax collector to place a box on the property tax form that would allow taxpayers to check to contribute to LHH Hospice, similar to the box that indicates a contribution to the arts.

Debate on Prop H: The Clean Energy Initiative: Assemblywoman Fiona Ma and Julian Davis spoke in favor of the ballot proposition, Supervisor Sean Elsbernd spoke against. The members asked many questions and offered pithy pertinent commentary, no unusual occurrence at this venue. To view the 19 minute blow-by-blow here.

Dangerous Intersection: A complaint about the dangerous intersection at Skyline and Herbst met with assurance from Assemblymember Ma that, since it involves a state highway, she would pursue it in Sacramento.

Interim Zoning Controls: Marilyn Amini asked the council not to support the proposed Cumulative Impact studies and Interim Zoning Controls proposed for adoption by the Board of Supervisors. A 30 day delay was requested.

Public Right-of-way: A motion by Ingleside Terrace to support abandoning the Ingleside Path right-of-way between Ocean Avenue and Corona Street and Urbano and Head Streets passed. Proponents claimed they are dangerous and could result in costly lawsuits. There were lingering questions about who would be responsible for maintaining the property or who would own the abandoned property, but the Council passed a motion in support.

October 2008

District 4 and 7 Candidates Meet Neighbors

By George Wooding

The West of Twin Peaks Central Council’s August 11th candidates night was a great success.

A 70 year-old organization, represents homeowners associations in both district 4 and 7. Candidates for Supervisor, from both districts, discussed issues that are important to west side voters. The Candidates introduced themselves, discussed their platforms and answered questions before a packed house of voters.

The final filing deadline for District Supervisor was August 8th. The WTPCC’s August 11th forum was designed to give new candidates a chance to compete and introduce themselves on an equal footing with better-known District incumbents. The David and Goliath, District 7 Supervisor’s race pitted incumbent Sean Elsbernd against newcomer Julian Lagos. Elsbernd often cited his record and was especially proud of his work on the Park and Recreation bond, City infrastructure, and his legislation that will “save billion of dollars” by changing the City employees criteria for receiving retirement benefits. He also defended San Francisco’s immigration sanctuary policy.

Candidate Julian Lagos was very concerned with development and population density issues pertaining to the west side of town, particularly the proposed new development of Park Merced. Lagos felt that the City had to take a comprehensive look at the west side development projects and their impact on the character and quality of life in Districts 4 and 7. Lagos also strongly recommended that the City could reduce it’s budget by eliminating many of the “over 8,000 City employees who are currently making six-figure salaries.

Moderator Denise LaPointe read a statement submitted by former District 7 Supervisor, Tony Hall explaining why Hall dropped out of this year’s Supervisor’s race. (see page 5).The City and State retirement system and the City Attorney had confirmed that Hall’s pension would be significantly reduced, permanently if he took a position on a Supervisor’s salary. Tony Hall was present at the statement reading.

District 4 has three interesting candidates running for Supervisor. Carmen Chu, the incumbent, was appointed by Mayor Gavin Newsom to replace former Supervisor Ed Jew. Candidate Ron Dudum, who lost the 2006 District 4 race to Ed Jew by a handful of votes and was overlooked by Mayor Newsom for the District 4 appointment. The third candidate, David Ferguson is a long time resident of District 4.

Incumbent Chu mentioned that she “loves” District 4, owns a house in the District and someday plans to raise a family in the District. Chu said that the children of families should be able to attend local schools. She expressed concern about City spending, though expressed confidence in San Francisco’s healthy 5% growth, but the City’s spending needs to be controlled, she said. She spoke about making 19th Avenue safe.

Candidate Dudum said that City Supervisors had to be much more responsible and accountable to voters. He charged that local government is top-heavy and that Supervisors should stop creating unnecessary committees and commissions, roll-up their sleeves and start doing the job that they were paid to do. He promised to promote home-ownership programs and wants more neighborhood family houses built. He opposes the redistricting of police stations, which, he said, would be detrimental to District 4.

Candidate David Ferguson, a lifelong resident of District 4 and a former schoolteacher, pledged to serve as a District 4 Supervisor and never seek any other elective office. Among Ferguson’s concerns are the maintenance of Stern Grove, as a vital community asset, a strong middle-class advocate, he is concerned that families with children are being pushed out of the City because of the rising costs for goods and services and because of schools. He also wants to make San Francisco as “green” as possible.

Denise LaPointe, event moderator and outgoing president of the WTPCC asked relevant questions of the candidates. Incoming WTPCC President Don Dutil, selected audience questions and organized the event.

The election for Supervisors will take place on November 4th.

Sept. 2008

News and Views...

The West of Twin Peaks Central Council (WOTPCC) unanimously elected new officers at their annual meeting on June 23rd. The council, which is made up of representatives from 17 local neighborhood councils and improvement associations, unanimously elected the following members: Don Dutil, President; Carolyn Squeri, Treasurer, Rae Doyle, Secretary and George Wooding, Parliamentarian. Squeri and Doyle were re-elected, having served the previous terms in their respective positions.

Dutil will take the reins from Denise LaPointe, who had served as President of the Council for the past two years and was termed out. Wooding will step in for Dave Bisho, who was also termed out of office. The council members presented outgoing President La Pointe with a beautiful plaque detailing her service to the organization during her terms as President.

At the meeting, the council’s last until September, Aaron Peskin, the President of the San Francisco Board Of Supervisors, was the guest speaker and gave a very positive outlook on the state of the City. Peskin explained to the crowd that although the City has gone through an economy that has in the recent past been overheated, it has now stabilized, and is reasonably healthy, without the dramatic highs and lows of the dot.com and post 9/11 periods. He went on to say that with reserves in excess of $100M, the City is at the healthiest point that it has been in its history. Of course, there are still issues of revenue generated versus expenditures that the Board grapples with on a daily basis.

Peskin then spoke about the upcoming election ballot in November and why he feels it will be a “once in a lifetime” type of election with a turnout that could exceed 70% of registered voters. The excitement wrapped up in the Presidential vote will also be evident in the statewide and local propositions and initiatives, that could have a far-reaching effect on city revenue and expenses.
There may be several items on the ballot to address taxes such as a reworking of the business payroll tax codes to close loopholes where businesses can avoid taxes by not claiming “partnership” allowances in certain businesses, as well as changes in the Real Estate Transfer taxes. Revisions in these two areas could bring the City as much as an additional $35M per year in revenue. The ballot is sure to be good reading as many other propositions are bound to be formulated prior to the deadlines for submittal and printing of the ballot materials.

In other WOTPCC news, letters were sent out by the council board to City Hall and the MTA respectively to voice support for both the Charter Amendment for a Ratepayer Advocate position on the SF PUC, as well as the continuation of MUNI bus routes on the Westside that are in danger of having the services severely reduced or terminated.

It was reported at the meeting that a new type of neighborhood scam is being inflicted upon unknowing residents, where an attractive girl/woman will go door to door using the story of “being a friend of (insert name here) and we are collecting so that the (insert school name here) student band, leadership group, etc. can go on our trip to Europe, Washington, DC, etc. Several people contributed only to find out later that these persons are scam artists. If someone should attempt this in your neighborhood ask for documentation, a telephone number to call the organization. If they are legitimate, they will arrange a time to come back if they are interested in collecting for a true reputable cause.

The next meeting of the WOTPCC will occur on Monday, September 22 at the Forest Hills Community Club House at 7:30 PM.

July-August 2008

Civic Advocacy in Action

By Mitch Bull

The concept of civic advocacy was displayed all evening at the May meeting of the West of Twin Peaks Central Council. From the nominations of new officers, proposed cancellation of Muni routes, SF PUC fiscal accountability, multi person dwellings, and the development of the Presidio, discussions were lively with many attendees voicing their opinions and voting to initiate neighborhood-based responses to spur government action.

Community outreach between the WOTPCC and the SFPD was in focus as SAFPD Sgt. Randall Young, the liaison between the Taraval station and the council reported on local robberies where a young man with a handgun held up construction workers at several homes where renovation work was being undertaken, escaping at gunpoint with several hundred dollars. In response, SFPD unmarked patrol cars have increased their patrols in the area. Officer Young asked the residents to “be aware of your surroundings and contact the Taraval station at 415-750-3100 if you see anything suspicious”.

The issue of police station redistricting also was brought up, as there is a study being conduct by the SF Board of Supervisors and the Police Commission tp consider reducing the number of neighborhood police stations from 10 to 4 “super stations”. The proposal is being studied as a way to reduce administrative positions and put more officers onto the street. At the present time a 130 page report on this has been prepared. Supervisor Elsbernd suggested that people can get up to date information at the city web site, SFGOV.org/ police commission. He also said if anyone is interested in obtaining a copy of the report, please contact his office and one will be sent out.

With the approaching end of the “Council Term”, a slate of proposed new officers was announced by Paul Conroy. Don Dutil and George Wooding have been nominated as President and Vice President respectively for the new term, while Carolyn Squeri and Rae Doyle secured nominations to continue in their current posts of Treasurer and Secretary. Nominations will continue to be open until voting takes place at the June 23 WOTPCC Annual Meeting.

The concept of “family” was a hot topic as Karen Breslin and Dan Liberthson briefed the attendees on an issue that was heard by the Planning Commission Board of Appeals and denied. The issue focuses on the number of inhabitants a house can legally have under the RH1 zoning ordinance. It seems that the ordinance is being bypassed by a building owner who is renting to 5 or six tenants in a single family neighborhood, by convincing the Board of Appeals that the six people are living in a “family-like” arrangement even though each has a room with a separate lock and separate keys. An interpretation by the SF City Attorney in 1996 appears to open the door to “no limit” on the number of people that can inhabit a single family dwelling if they fit the definition of “family” by “purchasing their food and preparing and consuming their food in a collective manner”. Supervisor Elsbernd commented that trying to define “family” is a “third rail” in most large cities, much less San Francisco. Following the discussion a motion was passed and seconded by the council to have a letter sent to the Board Of Appeals protesting the action of the denial of the RH1 appeal regarding the structure at 166 Incline. Council President Denise LaPointe will undertake the writing of the letter.

Another letter will be drafted following discussion, to Muni and the MTA based on their proposal to discontinue the service of the 36 Terecita and 66 Quintara lines. Liberthson led the discussion of how this action will isolate several neighborhoods and cause an extreme hardship to seniors and others who depend on the Muni route to travel downtown. Following the discussion, a resolution was read, a motion made and seconded, and voted on unanimously to have it detailed and sent downtown.

Other discussions during the lengthy meeting centered on a motion to send a letter to the SF Rec and Park Commission asking them to prioritize the monies needed to remove the hazardous trees within Stern Grove like the one that resulted in the tragic death of Kathleen Bolton (passed unanimously); a discussion about the need for a Public Ratepayer Advocate Process on the SF PUC, led by Joan Girardot; and a discussion of the large number of development projects, including the Disney Museum and the Fisher Art Collection Museum that are being planned for the Presidio. This discussion, brought to the group by Carola Shepard of the Pacific Heights Residents Association, involved trying to sort out the mandate of the National Parks Service, the Presidio Trust, and the control and intent that the various governmental groups have over our own unique urban park. As space permits the Observer will cover these stories with more in-depth coverage in upcoming editions.

As the meeting adjourned this writer was struck by the continued power of individual citizens who get involved when they believe that our elected officials and appointed commissions are not representing the best interests of the majority of the citizenry. Democracy in action. Win or lose, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson would be proud.

On Fame, Fortune and Principle – Dispatch from the Westside

By Denise LaPointe

The April West of Twin Peaks Central Council monthly meeting had it all – fame, fortune and philanthropy. Our guest speaker was local celebrity Carmen Policy, the former President and CEO of the San Francisco 49er’s, our coffers are replenished as improved membership dues are coming in fast and furious, two solid and upright neighborhood groups joined our ranks and the West of Twin Peaks Central Council was the recipient of a $2,000.00 check from Bud Wilson, former President of the District 7 Council.

The West of Twin Peaks Central Council was extremely honored to receive the surplus monies from former Supervisor Tony Hall’s District 7 Council. That group has come to a close and as such their board determined that the functions and efforts of our group closely mirrored their valiant efforts. Further, West of Twin Peaks Central Council unquestionably served the interests of District 7 therefore an appropriate recipient of those funds. A great boost for our group, who is working hard to preserve neighborhood character, honor the history of our area, and keep a watchful eye on City Hall and their shenanigans. Thank you to all on the former District 7 Council for your work and contribution!

Carmen Policy articulated San Francisco’s best chance to keep the San Francisco 49ers is voters affirming Proposition G on the June ballot. I work on this project professionally, so Vice President Don Dutil conducted the proceedings, and as usual the questions were genuine, informed, and made for a good discussion. I obviously am biased, as I believe the proposal is the best chance for revitalization of the Candlestick Point and the Bayview Hunter’s Point Shipyard. All the feedback I received felt that Mr. Policy was an exciting speaker for our group and was an open and honest advocate for Proposition G and opponent of Proposition F. I thought it was great information for voters, and important to hear of development plans other than the ones facing our side of town.

Speaking of our side of town, Stonestown General Manager Rich Forster and his staff presented plans for the renovation of Stonestown and big changes are coming. Stonestown is embarking on a big new renovation, which changes the footprint of the mall, and removes parking from the front and places it in the back. Additionally, Trader Joe’s is moving in, major retail tenants such as Crate and Barrel and other big names are talking with management, and new movie screens are being proposed. We’ll be watching closely, as commercial development impacts traffic and congestion and has added impact given the level of proposed development from Brotherhood Way, Parkmerced, Camden Drive, and Ardenwood.

Who knows, a couple good restaurants and new stores and San Franciscans will come to our side of town as a destination. Once City Hall starts charging $60.00 for parking tickets, shoppers will defect to Stonestown in no time at all!

In the endless shuck and jive from Republic Urban Properties on the Ardenwood project, the developer has contacted neighbors to help him with a workshop whereby they are asked to participate in helping him get his environmental application completed! Message to neighbors: tell the developer to present a decent plan and quit spending money on public relations firms and politicians and see what happens. This project is a textbook case on poor community outreach.

Still the project is too big, and the developer has no track record of building anything in San Francisco. Another message to neighbors: demand lower density before this gargantuan, out of character development gobbles up your nice blocks around Wawona, Ulloa, 14^th, 15, 16, and 17^th Avenues! Stay tuned; in no time the neighborhood will be “treated” to more community workshops reviewing plans that have never been submitted, no plans for access from 19^th Avenue, no environmental review, and no community benefits.

We’ll continue to keep you informed on the meddlesome bike plan, removing parking from Portola Avenue (keep telling your supervisor NO), and the important interim control legislation to be introduced soon by Supervisor Elsbernd addressing the unprecedented development heading our way. If you ever think it doesn’t matter, or you are too busy to be involved, watch HBO’s spectacular series John Adams for a delightful history lesson on why being a conscientious citizen matters and the value of principled positions and the willingness to fight for them.

West of Twin Peaks Central Council will continue to strive to the highest standards to make sure regular, ol’ taxpaying, hardworking, civic minded people are represented on the issues that effect our neighborhood.

More WOTPCC

Apr 2008 Neighborhood Alert

Feb 2008 You can't alwys get what you want

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