Taraval Police: Sidewalk Parking Crackdown

The Department of Parking and Traffic (SFMTA) will be stepping up sidewalk violation enforcement next week. I wish to inform the Taraval Community of SFMTA's plan.

California Vehicle Code Section 22500f prohibits the parking, stopping, or standing of a vehicle on ANY portion of the sidewalk (property line to curb line). Parking on the sidewalk is a hazard to pedestrians and the disabled individuals and is subject to a $105 fine (effective March 2011).

Parking is in high demand, and parking across the sidewalk, even in front of one's own house, is common. This is still a violation, nonetheless. Cars parked across or on the sidewalk block pedestrians' access, especially those who have limited mobility. Please inform your friends and neighbors.

June 2011

Robberies Up in the Taraval Beat

At a recent Compstat meeting, the ten district station captains, the commanders, the deputy chief, and the Chief of Police gathered to discuss one topic. Robberies. Robberies are up in the in SF, including the Taraval Police District.

Passengers using iPhones and laptop computers on Muni vehicles are being targeted. Also being targeted are people using these devices while waiting for Muni vehicles at Muni coach stops, bus shelters, and light rail vehicle platforms.

Passengers are reminded to be aware of their surroundings while traveling on Muni. Suspects prey on victims using these devices knowing they are distracted while texting or listening to music on PDAs, using laptops, and talking on cellular phones. Passengers should be careful to limit the use of these devices and always be aware of other passengers on the vehicle.

If a passenger notices anything suspicious, the person should call the Muni complaint line, 923-6164. For emergencies or for crimes in progress, call 9-1-1 (553-8090 for cellular phones), and for non-emergencies, 553-0123.

Additional personal safety tips are available from San Francisco Safety Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), 553-1984, or www.sfsafe.org

While robberies in the Taraval Police District are up 9 %, robbery arrests are also up. Robbery arrests in the Taraval Police District are up 44 % compared to the same time last year. Uniformed and plainclothes officers ride Muni and patrole in the area where most of the robberies are occurring.

Here are some things which you can do to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

• Call 311 for real time bus arrivals to avoid long wait times or use www.nextbus.com.

• Carry only what you need for that day. Keep keys separate from you purse or bag. Keep your wallet in an inside pocket.

• While waiting at a bus stop, stand with other people.

• If the immediate area is deserted or dark, stand near an occupied building or a lighted area.

• Avoid using mobile electronic devices. They diminish your awareness.

• Upon arriving at your stop, be aware of those who get off the bus with you. If you feel that you are being followed, go to the nearest occupied building and ask for help.

• Pick pocketing usually occurs in crowded conditions. Be aware of jostling and pushing.

• Watch for strangers who strike up a conversation with you. It could be a trick to distract you.

June 2011