Always enjoy your “free to us “neighborhood paper” about all the issues that affect us west of Twin Peaks. However, as a long time resident of Forest Hill, it should be noted that Forest Hill does consist of one hill and always has. Its common to add “s” to Hill, but it is just Forest Hill. Thank you — Keep the paper coming.

Linda Kent

December 2016 / January 2017

The lead article in the November 2016 issue of the Westside Observer was “Midtown Terrace Rezoned to RH-1(D)” by George Wooding, whose bio line at the end of the article reads “George Wooding; Midtown Terrace Home Owners Association; contact wooding@westsideobserver.com”.

I am writing as President of the Midtown Terrace Home Owners Association (MTHOA) and at the direction of its Board to request that you print this letter to make clear that the George’s article and, in particular, his comments about Supervisor Scott Weiner, were not approved by the board of MTHOA and should not be taken to represent the position of the Association or its board of directors.

George is a longtime, highly respected former officer of the MTHOA Board of Directors and continues to serve the association as an active member of the Board. How a community like ours was able to educate itself about the importance of its unfortunately erroneous zoning and to work with our Supervisor and various levels of city government to achieve what was ultimately unanimous approval of the zoning correction is an important story. However, the Board was not informed that the article would also contain George’s personal views about the role of Supervisor Weiner in the process. While George has every right to express his views, the MTHOA and its board have not taken any position on those views and does not necessarily agree with those opinions, and it is unfortunate that the bio line implied that he was writing as a representative of the Board. The Board has now unanimously adopted a resolution that board members submitting opinion pieces for publication must, if they identify themselves as board members, make clear whether they are writing on behalf of the board or are expressing their own personal opinions.

Rick Johnson Midtown Terrace Home Owners Assn.

December 2016 / January 2017

Re: (Sept. '16) Prop C - A Lot of Bang for the Bucks by George Wooding and Peter Cohen

San Francisco has the opportunity to make an innovative investment in the future safety of our existing housing stock without imposing new taxes on property owners. For the past 25 years, city officials have been pondering how to free $261million in unissued but already approved bond monies for city priorities.

I have identified a pathway forward – without raising taxes.

With the unanimous support of my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, as well as Mayor Lee, I have placed Proposition C on the November 8th ballot for the voters' consideration. Prop C expands the eligible uses of the voter-approved 1992 seismic safety bond to also include fire safety, electrical and habitability and code upgrades for the city's most vulnerable housing stock.

It protects neighborhoods by increasing the safety of these older buildings while preserving the neighborhood character that is unique to each corner of the city. It provides stronger oversight provisions than the original 1992 bond, including greater taxpayer accountability and monitoring.

Most importantly, it would be a valuable investment in our city's Small Site Acquisition & Rehabilitation program, which is sorely underfunded and has been a proven asset in keeping families in San Francisco.

We are proud to have the support of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein who said:

"After Loma Prieta, voters passed a bond to seismically retrofit buildings at risk in an earthquake. Today, we can expand that 24 year-old program to save more at-risk buildings. Save housing, without new taxes, by voting Yes on C."

Senator Feinstein is joined by State Senator Mark Leno, former Mayor Art Agnos, Board of Equalization Member Fiona Ma and SFFD Chief Joanne Hayes-White in saying: YES on C. With earthquake and fire safety on everyone's mind, it's a smart investment in the City's future.

—Supervisor Aaron Peskin

Remember When

This picture was taken from San Fernando Way toward San Leandro Way between St Francis Blvd. and Portola Dr. The date has to be in the 20's. The house on San Leandro Way in the center of the photo with the second story balcony was built by my grandparents Herbert & Hazel Hellwig.

My mother, Ruth, was the first female child born in St Francis Wood on Oct 20th, 1918. The house was probably built around 1916 and first sold around 1942. (Remember When, Apr. '14)

—Dick Hammond

September 2016

Remember When

I am writing about the picture of Ingleside Terraces Homes published in the Westside Observer Apr. 2012. By the slope of the land, the donkey engine looks to be located a little east of the present intersection of Urbano and Moncada.

I believe the large building just left of center would be the Farragut Grammar School, so this picture would have been taken near the present intersection of Cerritos and Moncada, looking East-South-East. The outcrop of rock on the hill is still there at the top of Ashton/Orizaba.

Perhaps an interesting question for your consideration would be the location for the inspiration of Richard Diebenkorn's Ingleside II. Art historians place it at Moncada, looking south toward Cedro. But could it be Entrada at Borica looking South-East?

Jim Service

Judicial Bias

When Donald Trump made comments about the federal judge overseeing his case it received a lot of media attention because he is a candidate for the office of the United States President. A judge's lenient sentencing of the defendant in the Sanford sexual assault case received a lot of media attention. The issue of judicial bias is very serious and can compromise our rights enumerated in both the United States and California Constitutions.

When you are not wealthy or a student at a prestigious university there is almost no coverage of judicial bias in your case. There is a saying about the mainstream media "if it bleeds, it leads." If your story does not fit into this category there will be little or no media coverage at all.

Judges can recuse themselves from a case but, it is seldom done. There are newspaper articles written about judges not recusing themselves from cases involving financial institutions they have investments in, even though they are supposed to do so. See the articles "Law Breaking Judges Took Cases That Could Make Them Even Richer" in The Daily Beast, April 28, 2014; 245 AM ET and "Ethics Lapses by Federal Judges Persist, Review Finds" in the Washington Post, April 08, 2006.

Judicial bias does exist and there are procedures to address this issue. These procedures involve a lot of tedious paperwork. If you are facing judicial bias make sure you: know that it is judicial bias, how to find evidence of judicial bias and what remedies are available to address the issue. Legal matters involve a lot of research before you enter the courtroom. It will benefit you to thoroughly research all parties involved in your case. I presently struggle with judicial bias. I am exercising every legal remedy available to me.

You can sue a judge and there is case law showing how it has been done. The United States Supreme Court has also ruled on the issue of suing the government, and sided with the plaintiff who brought their case before the Court.

History has proven that the truth cannot be buried forever. The rights of my family is what I am advocating for under the United States Constitution. Whatever your experience, I would suggest you consult with a good lawyer who can assist you as soon as possible.

Lynn Gavin

City College

I wish to comment on a statement in Marco Siler-Gonzales' article "City College Strike Underscores Troubles." The author says, "April 27's faculty-led strike marked the first ever in City College's 80 years of existence." This is not correct. I was a Humanities and English instructor at City College of San Francisco from 1966 to 1999. During my tenure there were several faculty-led strikes. April 27's strike was the first one in many years, but not the first ever. John Caris

Coyotes

I read the article in the April edition of the Westside Observer. Frankly, I was very disappointed with the condescending tone, especially the following language: “We cannot expect our desire for pleasant and leash-free strolls to overcome the needs of local animal populations. To the coyotes, we humans are just gentrifiers who have been here far too long. We must take responsibility for our actions and learn how we can live together with our fellow local inhabitants.”

“Gentrifiers?” “Fellow local inhabitants?” Is the author being serious? San Francisco is a city, not a wildlife refuge. We have chosen to live here, in an urban environment, not in rural area or a national forest. We are now being asked to put up with yet another threat to our personal safety. Recently, I found the remains of a dead cat on my lawn; a friend of mine is worried sick because her cat has been missing for weeks; and I have elderly neighbors with small pets who would have great difficulty in “hazing” a coyote. Last month a coyote was seen in broad daylight on the playground at Commodore Sloat School.

The West of Twin Peaks Central Council has not yet taken a position on this issue. The views expressed herein are mine. At the same time, they do reflect what I have heard from my neighbors in Balboa Terrace. I realize some may disagree with me. However, whatever our views on this issue, we all share a common goal, which is to preserve the peaceful enjoyment of our neighborhoods for ourselves, our children, and yes, our pets.

Roger Ritter, President, West of Twin Peaks Central Council, Past-President Balboa Terrace Homes Association

Oxalis

(Re: Oxalis Uber Alles, April Westside Observer) Mr. Sigg is a supporter of the Significant Natural Resource Area Management Plan (SNRAMP) which proposes to cut down 18,500 “invasive” trees.

Isn’t it strange to call a tree-killing proponent “an unabashed tree-hugger?”

Mr. Sigg calls for defense of “nature” from a killer-plant via application of herbicides.

The herbicide regularly used against oxalis in our parks (for many-many years) is called Garlon (triclopyr.)

It is classified as Toxicity Category I (most toxic). It kills many things besides oxalis.

Here is a list of Garlon benefits from a 2010 study by Marin Municipal Water Department:

Garlon “causes severe birth defects in rats at relatively low levels of exposure.” Baby rats were born with brains outside their skulls, or no eyelids. Exposed adult females rats also had more failed pregnancies.

Rat and dog studies showed damage to the kidneys, the liver, and the blood.

About 1-2% of Garlon falling on human skin is absorbed within a day. For rodents, its absorbed twelve times as fast. It’s unclear what happens to predators such as hawks that eat the affected rodents.

Dogs may be particularly vulnerable; their kidneys may not be able to handle Garlon as well as rats or humans.

It very probably alters soil biology. “Garlon 4 can inhibit growth in the mycorrhizal fungi…” ( soil funguses that help plant nutrition.)

It’s particularly dangerous to aquatic creatures: fish (particularly salmon); invertebrates; and aquatic plants.

Garlon can persist in dead vegetation for up to two years.

It’s against the interests of the public to use it anywhere on earth.

Anastasia Glikshtern

Just once, we would like to read an article about the management of the Natural Areas Program (NAP) that was not centered around the use of poisonous herbicides! Unfortunately Jake Sigg’s article “Oaxalis Uber Alles” in the April issue again insists on the need for chemical treatments. Sigg stated that “the only current technology we have for killing the bulb [of the yellow Oxalis pes caprae plant] is herbicide.” That is not true.

First, it is widely known that herbicides do not kill the underground bulbs, just the top vegetation, so regrowth from the bulbs must be treated year after year after year. Only the most toxic chemicals will work. How did this constant application of dangerous herbicides in areas of our parks where people, pets and wildlife walk ever become acceptable?

Second, a simple check of the UC Davis Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources website shows there are safe, non-toxic alternative ways to effectively reduce oxalis. The problem is that the safe methods are labor intensive and require diligence when applying them. Sadly, that’s the reason NAP doesn’t use them.

NAP has taken over way more acres of our parklands than they can manage with their staff and volunteers. They have bitten off more than they can chew, so to speak. So, they try to cover their management problems by using toxic herbicides, even when those chemicals don’t really work.

It is not just the yellow oxalis that is out of control. There’s also the arrogance of NAP staff that think they can control the evolution of local ecosystems the way they want to – if they just use enough herbicides. Even if all the oxalis magically disappeared, there are many other plants that NAP wants to eradicate using the same toxic herbicides.

There’s nothing particularly “natural” about NAP’s chemical-drenched “natural areas.”

Nancy Wuerfel and Sally Stephens

May 2016

Old Photo Identified

I believe I have identified the location in this photo from your site page: westsideobserver.com/remember.html Photo with the caption "Ingleside Terraces." This is from South side of Urbano St looking North up Victoria toward Ocean Ave.

Christian Mancinetti

April 2016

Wrongdoing at Laguna Honda

I have been appreciating your local publication for the past few years as it has been one of the only newspapers that has reported on the wrongdoing and betrayal of trust by the administration at Laguna Honda Hospital.

I have been an employee of Laguna Honda Hospital and have seen firsthand the corruption that exists there. It is not just a sensationalized story. This is the same place that Mr. Llewellyn oversaw, and exploited to provide sweetheart deals to his girlfriend, and her painting company. This is the same place that fired Drs Kerr, and Rivero for whistleblowing regarding misappropriation from the patient gift fund, and contracting kick backs. Despite all of the publicity that you have provided, they are still up to their old tricks. CEO Mivic Hirose and most of her administration are still in place.

I have witnessed fraud on State surveys, Managers using accounts as their personal shopping sprees, employees being paid for work which they do not perform. A select group of people have each others’ backs on the wrongdoings, and share the “fringe benefits.” Everyone else is either complicit or scared to speak out, in fear of losing their job, or losing favor with the in-crowd. This is how incidents like the infamous Treasure Island Electrical department happen, or the idle Golden Gate Bridge painters happen. All on the taxpayers dime.

I assure you that you have silent supporters and followers at Laguna Honda Hospital and that your articles when released are present on break room tables. Continue shining the light so that everyone can see what kind of dirt we have, and make a change.

Name Withheld (Fear of Retribution)

In the November 2015 issue, Jake Sigg (“Evolving Eucalyptus Wrangle Escalates”) disagreed with statements we made in our article in the October issue. Rather than address all his points, we would like to focus on two issues he raised.

1) Sigg claimed that there are no plans in the Natural Areas Program (NAP) to convert existing habitat, including forests, to native plants. He claimed that NAP manages only “surviving … pieces of original landscape (those that have never been plowed, bladed or built on).” Indeed, the idea of preserving existing remnants is how NAP has been sold to the public. But it’s not true.

The proposed NAP Management Plan has an Appendix F for forestry (available online at: http://tinyurl.com/o5omhr2) that documents NAP’s intentions to remove over 18,000 trees in nine parks, and says (p. F-1): “In the short-term, the removal of some trees will allow for re-vegetation with native understory vegetation; the first step in the gradual conversion of some areas from forest to scrub or grassland” [emphasis added]. This land conversion is the long term and self-proclaimed goal of NAP.

It should be noted that NAP is not “the City’s program.” NAP is just a branch of the Recreation and Park Department. The program has never been authorized as the official program for all of San Francisco.

2) Sigg referred to the trees on Mount Davidson as a “plantation” not a “forest” because trees were intentionally planted, not naturally occurring. However, the word “plantation” doesn’t appear anywhere in the NAP Management Plan, and the Plan consistently refers to the Mount Davidson trees as a “forest.” Sigg’s “plantation” appears to be used as an intentionally derogatory word to make people less sympathetic to the trees that will be cut down. A “forest” is real; a “plantation” is not. A “forest” should be cared for and preserved; a “plantation” not so much.

The reality is that all trees in San Francisco are important, especially as we try to reduce the impacts of climate change. We need to preserve all healthy trees in the City, including non-natives.

Nancy Wuerfel and Sally Stephens

Squatting Google Buses

Thank you for the above article in the November 2015 Westside Observer. As a driver, I have been increasingly vexed with what I assume are tech shuttles in the public bus stops. Specifically, the bus stop at 19th and Wawona, northbound. I drive home from my daughter’s preschool everyday, times can vary between 4:30 and 6 pm, and the majority of the time there is a tech shuttle stopped ahead of me at the 19th & Wawona stop. The problem is twofold. One: Every single shuttle I’ve encountered takes up part of the lane next to the stop, as well as the stop itself. Two: the shuttles take much longer to unload than a bus, even though often just one or two people are getting off. Therefore, traffic is often backed up in the right lane past the Sloat intersection. Some frustrated drivers then make dangerous maneuvers to swerve around the bus/move into the middle lane. I am amazed at how many buses must be using this stop if I see one nearly every day and not at the same time of day. There seems to be no recognition by the drivers that they are adversely affecting traffic and driving safety. This translates to entitlement and disregard for others and infuriates me. Your article made me take a broader look at the impact of these shuttles — on Muni riders, the roads, housing costs, etc. I was also unaware of the questionable legality of their use; I took it for granted that they had permission and were not violating any laws in using the bus stops. Thank you Mr. Monet-Shaw for your reporting on this issue and to those working to solve the problem.

Kim Wynkoop, Parkside Resident

West Portal Playground Caution

Thanks for the item about the West Portal playground but a note of caution - the proposed design includes using the tire crumb rubber fill - they call it a safety surface. I appreciate your paper specifically for giving a voice to those who (rightly) opposed the beach chalet soccer fields in the past, and would encourage you to ask a reporter to take this issue on. This would be the time to halt them installing yet another toxic playground.

The state government, and now the US government have funded studies to look closer at the possible health threats of crumb rubber and artificial turf. Now, there are some serious lobby dollars behind that, so watch for some very well placed dis-info to come out soon — but that’s simply because they’re trying to hide the danger of their product.

I wanted to tip you off to the fact that they are making progress on funding —and that it would be wise if they not use the crumb rubber, but they’re only going to change their minds if there is some serious public pressure.

Thanks for your great paper - I appreciate it - especially the local coverage and the pictures of SF from way back when.

Ross Braden, West Portal

December 2015

Religious articles and opinion pieces

I was dismayed to see you published Tony Hall’s article “Catholicism Anyone.” His comments are not related to the Westside, nor should they have been published under the byline “Former Supervisor.” He was writing in response to a paid ad in the San Francisco Chronicle and as such should have paid for an ad (in the Chronicle) to respond, not been given (or paid?) for space in your newspaper.

Mr. Hall may be unhappy with his fellow Catholics, but his is a religious issue, not a civic one. His role as supervisor was secular as is your newspaper. You owe your readers an apology and should take care to refrain from publishing religious articles and opinion pieces in the future.

Shelley W. Gottlieb

Land at Laguna Honda

I love my Westside Observer paper — but, a subject you seem reluctant to carry is why all the vacant land on the Laguna Honda Campus is not being discussed as available for moderate income housing? You seem very focused on the Balboa Reservoir site with your coverage – is that because it is located in a lower income area where the residents have less political clout – I surely hope not as the Laguna Honda site is located at a Transit Hub and would make an excellent multi-family housing site. Please investigate why that site hasn’t been put forward by the City as potentially available for high density housing.

Bill Pomeranz, Managing Director, Cain Brothers & Co.

Not Cafeteria Catholics

Mr. Hall needs to realize that Roman Catholics are no longer the descendants of Druids from Gallia Celtica blindly following St. Padraig. He’d be wise familiarize himself with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Most specifically with respect to conscience and the requirement to follow one’s conscience. (Catholicism Anyone? Westside Observer May 2015)

Fr. McGuire’s Baltimore Catechism is insufficient for educated Catholics. I am a practicing Roman Catholic (I go to church, read contemporary Catholic Books, practice my faith — not in fear of going to hell but to thank my God for what I have) and they of the open letter do represent me.

Suggesting we, who do not agree with him should work from within the theocracy, makes little sense. You can only work from within if both parties will dialogue honestly. They were flat wrong on Galileo. They may be flatly incorrect about other teachings / interpretations. Many are rules not founded in the teachings - Old or New. They represent interpretations for simplicity in speaking to uneducated converts. Many are for economic necessity and have long been quietly set aside without informing the body of the church e.g., unmarried Priests, living wages that could support a family, women Priests (women were considered chattel - men were making the rules), cremation (the church had land to sell / fill up), being a member of the Masonic Order. The leaders have been disingenuous with the people.

Mr. Hall’s guidance to “find other churches that already exist that might better suit their needs,” only supports his naivete about Catholicism. We are not Cafeteria Catholics. The PEOPLE are the church.

Jack E. D’Angelo, San Francisco 94132

June 2015

Re: Mayor’s Housing Scam, (Apr. 2015).

The City needs units which will house people who work in a variety of professions in both the public and private a sector. We need housing which is affordable to those who will never have stock options or IPO money.

I believe that San Franciscans would whole-heartily support new housing if the housing were rented at prices which reflect wages of workers in the private and public sector across the professional spectrum. For instance, if a development in which all the units were for rent to households with gross incomes of $30,000-$200,000 per year, I think people would not only approve the projects but cheer them on.

We are in an unprecedented period of income inequality and will need creative and thoughtful solutions to solve our housing crisis. If we want to preserve San Francisco’s middle class and its professional diversity, we need to think about housing as an extension of our public resources. For developers, housing is a money making endeavor. For the City, housing is a public resource.

The City should use its bond money to leverage more financing for housing. I would like to see different scenarios of how the bond money could be used as a “down payment” to secure financing for City owned and developed rental units for households with gross incomes between $30,000-$200,000 per year. Perhaps the City could work out financing with private investors and take advantage of our historically low interest rates; the City could use the 250 million dollar bond to raise an additional 750 million dollars which would be a billion dollars toward the building of middle class rental units.

City developed units could incorporate public amenities such as indoor and outdoor recreational areas, day-care centers, offices for non-profits, and possibly schools, as our schools already seem to be at capacity.

The City could work with some of the large and highly profitable companies such as Apple, Google, and Facebook to develop housing that would not only house some of their work force but also other working professionals who do not have the same access to high salaries as their workers. These companies are all highly profitable and cash flush. Their work force lives in San Francisco and has been displacing lower-wage workers. These companies have not worked with the City to establish a plan to house their work force and to create an inventive civic partnership.

These companies could easily finance these developments and the City could pay them back through rents received from middle class workers. The City would own their units and the companies would own their units. If these companies ran a loss because the payments made by the City were low, they would receive a tax benefit from the loss. Currently, Apple has billions of dollars off-shore because they do not want to pay taxes. Perhaps, there is a way to have them bring the money into San Francisco to build housing for the City?

It would be amazing if one of the City’s 20 billionaires pitched in toward housing or if Apple, Facebook, or Google paid something to help fight off the displacement their workforce is causing in San Francisco. Right now these corporations don’t pay any payroll tax in San Francisco, their companies are housed outside of the City, and they are running their own private shuttle systems on the streets. I think Google has some offices in San Francisco which is great and I would encourage more corporations to bring their campuses to San Francisco and pay payroll and other City taxes.

One last idea would be for the City to purchase buildings with protected tenants and collect the rent on these buildings. The City could work with organizations like the San Community Land Trust to help fund and facilitate these types of purchases. http://www.sfclt.org

I believe people want to halt development because the housing which is being built is only affordable to a very elite, global market; it does not provide housing for a majority of people who work in San Francisco. Thanks for your work on this very complex, ever-changing, and vital City issue.

Kate Haug, a public art maker interested in economic issues. www.publicpost.us

May 2015

Artificial Turf and Cancer

I’m writing in regards to Props H & I. Both have to do with artificial turf in our public parks. There is some evidence that artificial turf causes cancer. In light of this new research, I ask you to let voters know that there is a potential health hazard in using artificial turf.

Forbes reported (10/20/14) “A New Jersey city has halted its plans to install an artificial turf field following an NBC News investigation that raised potential safety concerns, city officials said. Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian decided to keep the natural grass football field at Carey Stadium until more research is done. …

“On October 8, NBC News aired the first in a series of on-air reports about crumb rubber turf. A Seattle area soccer coach and some former players have asked the federal government to conduct studies about any possible health risks from the turf, which is made of recycled tires and used on thousands of fields nationwide. The coach has compiled a list of dozens of former soccer players, many of them former goalies, who have developed cancer, but no study has shown any link between the surface and any health risk.

“Earlier this week, Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, Washington, scrapped its plan to use crumb rubber turf in its new football field after seeing the NBC News reports. According to Principal Mike Prato, the school will instead use a Nike infill made up of recycled tennis shoe soles.

“A Democratic congressman from New Jersey, Frank Pallone, has called for a federal study on any health risks associated with crumb rubber on the thousands of sports fields across the country.

“The issue of concern with the more than 5,000 rubber-crumb synthetic turf fields in the United States is that the recycled tires, which fill up space between the artificial grass blades, contain, as one syndicated environmental column puts it:

“…arsenic, benzene, cadmium and nickel … deemed carcinogens by the International Agency for Cancer Research. Others have been linked to skin, eye and respiratory irritation, kidney and liver problems, allergic reactions, nervous systems disorders and developmental delays.

“In the original NBC News report, University of Washington associate head women’s soccer coach Amy Griffin noted two of her former goalkeepers contracted non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and further investigation found other goalies who had gotten cancer. Goalies, or anyone else who hits the ground a lot, would in theory be most vulnerable because they would be most likely to dislodge the fake black dirt off the turf into their mouths or noses.

Maybe it is too early to tell if artificial turf is the best choice for our parks. Before we spend tax payer money to install artificial turf, we should wait and get the results from this on-going research.

Kate Haug, San Francisco Resident

Editors note: Sorry Kate, we could not let the voters know in time for the election, but we will trust in the collective wisdom of the electorate until proven wrong again.

Lake Merced Boathouse

As a long-suffering volunteer trying to make Lake Merced less of an embarrassment to San Francisco, I have a couple of discouraging comments on recent developments.
First, Rec & Park recently announced that it is starting a program of fishing lessons. The only catch is that for about 3 hours of lessons you have to pay $25. Yet, Rec & Park has admitted that they can’t find a fishing concessionaire to replace the excellent concessionaire who left in disgust back in 1999. Apparently the fishing lessons will be given by Rec & Park personnel. For the most part people don’t need or want fishing lessons given by amateurs; they want to be able to rent a boat, buy some tackle and bait, and maybe buy themselves a snack or soft drink. You can’t do any of those, but you can pay Rec & Park $25 for 3 hours of “lessons.”

The recent Boathouse renovation came in at $3.2 million despite an original estimate of $2 million. We can’t get an explanation of the outrageous overrun. Maybe the Observer can get an answer from Rec & Park or SFPUC, or whoever is really in charge.

You can’t get food service at renovated Boathouse;if you want to rent the community room you have to bring your own tables and chairs. Just what did the public get for $3.2 million? Meanwhile in Marin County a local non-profit group has built a state of the art boathouse for its rowers and has just installed a solar system for its energy. The boathouse for rowers in SF is the dark and dank basement of the recently refurbished boathouse building. It is inadequate in size for the needs of the high school and adult rowers who row at Lake Merced. Having spent over $3 million of someone’s money on the Boathouse, there is not an additional square inch for badly needed boat storage.

Some things never change and it is very sad.

Jerry Cadagan, Committee to Save Lake Merced

Assessor

John Farrell's column regarding the inefficiencies of the Assessors Office was well taken, but the upshot appeared to be a sniveling hit piece on Assessor Chu. Whether she finds the Assessors office a bureaucratic sham, as did her predecessors, does not appear to me as an indictment against her as a clueless "politician" - which there are many. I voted for her because she does have a fiscal background and has demonstrated that skill as a Supervisor. Mr. Farrell's arguements are valid, but painting Assessor Chu as just another polititian warming the Assessors chair is a bit disengenous.

Matt Mitguard

John Farrell responds:

Thank you for your comments. It is a fact that all the prior four Assessor's since the two term limit passed in 1990 were just politicians warming the chair, three of which were former Supervisors. I hope for the City's sake that it isn't the case this time since hundreds of millions in property tax revenue are being lost annually. The current one Carmen Chu was being termed out as Supervisor and needed a place to go and was appointed by Mayor Lee. The past three Assessors, including Assessor Chu, have directly or indirectly blamed their predecessors for the dysfunctional office, excessive backlogs and antiquated systems resulting in hundreds of millions lost per year. Just like a broken record. I noted that Assessor Chu now has the opportunity to rectify the situation which Ting and Teng failed to do. Only time will tell.

(No Plan for Climate Change)

I was struck by the front page of the July-August issue, with two articles right next to each other:

City has "No Plan" for Climate Change and SF's War on Motorists

These articles show a real lack of consciousness, and are ludicrous, if taken together.

I consider the climate crisis to be the biggest challenge facing our people and our planet. I believe that we must take all possible steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It's very clear to me that San Francisco's transportation policies are headed in the right direction. The overuse of private vehicles is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, San Francisco has a very good plan: support walking, bicycling and transit. Make private auto use less convenient, and charge drivers for the full cost of the convenience of driving their cars.

I am a West Portal mother of two, with a very nice car in my garage. Some people would immediately place me in the demographic to support Tony Hall's article. I could not disagree with him more. If we want to address the climate crisis, and have a more livable, safe city, we MUST limit private auto use. We must prioritize spending and enforcement of laws to make walking, bicycling and using transit much more enjoyable and safe.

I hope that the Westside Observer will, in the future, present a more intelligent perspective on the challenges facing our city. This would have been a more appropriate heading for the two articles:

Motorists' War on the Climate.

Peggy da Silva

(Re: SF's War on Motorists) I read your short column in the latest issue of the Westside Observer, and I take issue with what you said. First of all, the so-called "Transit and Bicycle only" policy by the SFMTA does not exist. I don't know where you first read that, but last time I checked, the SFMTA implements the Transit First policy according to complete streets principles. A complete street, by definition, supports all modes of transportation equally, not favoring one over the other. And so, those modes include automobiles, transit, bicycles, and pedestrians. From your column, it sounds like you don't like bicyclists. Well, if you want to remove bicycle infrastructure from the streets, where are bicyclists going to ride? Sidewalks?

Also, from what sources are you getting your information? Have stores (on Polk street for example) been openly expressing dissatisfaction that people are not patronizing them because of the fact that parking is being replaced with bike lanes? I'm sure bicyclists would very much take offense at what you said about them going to "unknown destinations to the north". Everyone who's traveling has somewhere to be, right? And don't even get me started on the environmental, logistical, and social aspects of driving versus alternate modes of transportation. An automobile-dominated lifestyle in a dense city like San Francisco just is not realistic.

You may have gathered from all of this that I am biased towards the side of alternate transportation, which is true; however, I would encourage you to get your facts and data straight, if only to be informed personally.

David E. Leong, California Polytechnic State University Alumni, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, City & Regional Planning Department

Re: Fate of Parkmerced Awaits Court of Appeals Decision

Thanks very much for a very good article about Parkmerced.

I would add one comment. I believe Proposition B is far more enforceable because its central principle, a limit on building height limits not to exceed existing zoning without specific voter approval, is legally clear. Existing zoning on our Bay shores is clearly defined in zoning codes and maps. The problem with Proposition M is that there is no court precedent nor enforceable legal definition for neighborhood character. I don't believe Mr. Flashman cited any court precedent nor firm legal definition for what exactly is meant by neighbor character, therefore how could any court enforce it or limit a development based on such prior findings?

Nick Pasquariello Producer "The Future of Parkmerced" (a work-in-progress)

(Re: Prop F) Our city needs to address its neighborhood housing challenges with more common sense and respect. Westside neighborhoods were not interested in legalizing in-law units and we oppose short-term rentals and infill development. We believe in single-family home ownership as an important contributor to the diversity of housing and demographic make up of our city. When a neighborhood wants something, and goes out of its way to advocate for it as Potrero Hill and Dogpatch residents are doing in support of Proposition F to develop a long abandoned Pier 70, we need to respect their wishes.

This type of development makes sense. Instead of building density in our backyards, we should first look at the swaths of underutilized and abandoned land like Pier 70. Once before, I voted on a major development project at the Hunter’s Point Shipyard for similar reasons. It makes sense, given the trends are leaning clearly on tremendous pressure on San Francisco’s long-term financial health and well being that we’ll have to keep on building. San Francisco’s population is growing, public safety spending is up, and infrastructure improvements and maintenance are lagging.

Potrero Hill and Dogpatch neighbors want to see Pier 70 developed and need the rest of the city to vote yes on Proposition F to see that happen. I’ll get my chance as a voter to mark the box in favor of Proposition F to add needed dollars to our tax rolls by building up to 2,000 units of housing on the 28 acre parcel on Pier 70 - based on the trends, we sure could use the revenue!

The Pier 70 project achieves a balance with the neighborhood and city government to accommodate development and manage it in a way that maintains order, efficiency and unity. This proposal equitably distributes the costs and benefits of development adding millions to our future tax rolls and giving middle-class families a shot at home ownership in San Francisco. It’s a straightforward, community led effort to revitalize an abandoned section of our southern waterfront. Most importantly it’s supported by the surrounding neighborhoods — Prop F is a yes vote for local, neighborhood preference and choice and we should all support it.

Denise LaPointe, President, Twin Peaks Improvement Association, Former President, West of Twin Peaks Central Council

Question Regarding Photo

This image was posted to the website in March 2013 I’ve been researching a project nearby and found the house in the foreground on Google Earth! The address of that house with the steep roof is 559 Ortega Street, and this is a view east from the lot above, probably from 880 Pacheco or one of its neighbors. If you tilt your view in Google Maps then almost the same view of the west side of Mount Sutro becomes quite apparent. That property was built in 1928 and the lot to its left was built up in 1950, so the photo is between those dates, but I’d say much closer to 1928 than 1950. Hope that helps a bit!

Alena Klompus, Page & Turnbull

Gold on West Portal

Gold may still be found on the streets of West Portal as dropped and lost jewelry, but it seems that the gold rush is over. Two West Portal jewelry stores have closed shop this year. However West Portal still has one remaining jewelry store, and gold jewelry can be purchased at the Gold Store, the Antique store, Curiosity , Good Will, Walgreens and several dress stores.

Gold may have been formed in a collision between a giant star and a neutron star, come up to the surface of Earth via erupting volcanos, and found as placer gold in California rivers, however half of all gold that has been found worldwide, over 84,200 tons, is now found today in jewelry. The top ten countries control 24,248.3 tons; over one third of that is controlled by the United States. Recently, China and India are the largest purchasers of gold, but are not in the top 10 countries that control the most gold.

Because of the weight and softness of pure gold, most of the Egyptian burial masks, etc , were made of wood, and gilded with gold. Much of gold jewelry is made with sterling silver and electroplated , due the high cost of gold. Gold jewelry does not require polishing since it does not corrode like silver.

Frank Norton, West Portal District.

Re : Fukushima Plume: "No Evidence: of West Coast Threat Officials Say

Mike Hudson, President, Small Boat and Commercial Salmon Fishermen's Association says "Our fish are safe. There is no Fukushima radiation in our fish or on the coast", in spite of the radiation found in the tuna and water in Monterey bay by an eastern university research team two years ago.

Then there are the vast amounts of Sea Stars "melting" off the coast of North America; Killer whales dying off the coast of British Columbia; an epidemic of Sea Lion deaths due to starvation along the California Coastline ; Polar bears , seals and walruses along the Alaska coastline are loosing their fur and experiencing open sores ; Fish along the West Coast of Canada are bleeding from their gills, bellies and eyeballs.

High levels of cesium 137 has been found in plankton in waters of the Pacific Ocean, between Hawaii and the West Coast effecting the food chain in a process called "biomagnification". And regarding the potassium 40 found in bananas, the container cargo ships entering San Francisco bay can no longer be monitored for ratio active bomb material due to the bananas setting the radiation alarms off, and thus other means of protection are required.

Frank Norton, West Portal District

Support the Mountain Tunnel

Our City's Hetch Hetchy Water System Improvement Program (WSIP) is poised to celebrate its ten year anniversary in March. In the 1990s, a group of concerned residents formed Citizens Against Water & Sewer Rates Abuse, an ordinance I wrote to advocate for change in how the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) used our rate fees…in essence the legislation froze the rates until such time that the PUC changed policy. You, the electorate, passed the law with over 68% support. At that time millions were being transferred to other departments inappropriately.

In late 1990 it became evident that there was a great need for maintenance and major infrastructure improvement to our water system. Our rates were at that time being directed properly into the water system. In 1998 after many meetings and discussion with the Mayor's office I was appointed by then Mayor Willie L. Brown Jr. to the SFPUC Infrastructure Task Force (2000-2003) as Chairman. Sixteen citizens and experts were appointed to the Task force. As the Infrastructure Task Force completed its basic purpose we can be proud to say we, the citizens, have fundamentally transformed how the SFPUC approaches and pays for infrastructure projects.

My early work has helped launch the SFPUC's historic WSIP – a $4.6 billion endeavor and one of the nation's largest water infrastructure improvement programs. Today, WSIP is not only 80% complete; it's miraculously within 1.5% of its original budget. Not perfect, but you would be hard pressed to find a program of this magnitude even close to being this efficient.

More importantly it has significantly increased the seismic and supply reliability of a system that traverses 3 major seismic faults before delivering water to 2.6 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area. And while this system is more resilient than ever, challenges still remain.

One of those challenges is Mountain Tunnel. The tunnel is one of the most critical components of our water system and it must be repaired after 89 years of continuous service.

The SF Examiner reports a doomsday scenario that reads like a bad graphic novel. However, I want to assure the public that the SFPUC is in capable hands with their new General Manager Harlan Kelly. As one of the chief architects of WSIP, I know Harlan and his seasoned staff are well equipped to tackle the repair of Mountain Tunnel and the multi-year Sewer System Improvement Program with the same patience, transparency and expertise that they afforded to WSIP.

It doesn't mean that we the public shouldn't continue ask the tough questions, but the reality is that we can now confidently invest in the Hetch Hetchy water system infrastructure. Thanks to the past ten years, and good citizens' work, I believe that path forward is clear. We must support the needed upgrades at the Mountain Tunnel.

Let us all support the work of the SFPUC that will keep our tap water flowing, streets lit, and our toilets flushing. Our future depends on it.

Richard Bodisco, Westside resident, Author – Water Rate Freeze, Term Limits for SF Supervisors

Turfwar

I so appreciate your articles concerning the oncoming loss of our real grass at the soccer fields by the Beach Chalet. I have voted and voted, and alas, we are going to receive artificial turf and eye jarring lighting and new parking. Where will the birds go? What will be the impact on our environment with lighting such as proposed? Realizing that exercise is very necessary for our children and adults alike, I remain stunned at the amount of money backing this project to put artificial turf where grass has been since the 1930's.

Suzanne Sandidge

Thanks for your great article on Golden Gate Park's soccer fields! It's great to see so many people care as much as I do about our precious meadows.

Cheryl Richard, Noe Valley

70 Crestline

We are happy to report that the Board of Appeals upheld our appeal to prevent construction at 70 Crestline. Thank you for covering our appeal in your publications.

One of the Board's primary reasons for overturning the permit issued 5/15/13 was the fact that the proposed project would create an unwanted precedent for future development of the 13 other open green spaces in Vista Francisco.

There were 13 members of the public (including 12 TPENA members) who presented testimony at the hearing in support of our appeal.

Patricia Campe-Aguilar and Donald Bateman, Co-Chairs, Twin Peaks Eastside Neighborhood Alliance (TPENA)

High Costs of City Attorney’s Advice

Re: Patrick Monette-Shaw’s article I really enjoyed your article. Thank you for your excellent reporting.

Grace Koch, Miraloma Park Resident

Remembering When

The aerial photo in the May 2013 issue is looking generally NW. Kezar Stadium is at the top. The widest street running bottom left toward top right is Judah/Parnassus. The area in the middle is now UCSF. Right?

I don’t actually remember the way it was, I’m a pretty recent transplant to San Francisco, having moved here from the Kansas City area a year ago. I like history and solving puzzles. A few minutes with Google Maps did the trick.

Jeff Ramsey

The article, "Two Tough Little Dogs Survive Attack Of Two Hungry Coyotes", in the November 2011 issue of your Westside Observer, was high on sensationalism and inaccurate in its use of words. 

This seems to be the usual fare in anything written about coyotes. But we all need to fine-tune what we see and what we report. For example, there is a big difference between "attack" and "encounter". And using the phrase "hungry coyotes", in this report, is just plain irresponsible — why would any writer use these words here except as a sensationalist scare tactic? We all need to develop an understanding of language nuance: "aggressive" does not mean "curious" or "inquisitive" or "playful" or even "mischievous".

One important fact left out of the article is that these very small and active dogs were not leashed, in an area where the owner knew coyotes have been seen. Several weeks before, I had met the owner there with her small dogs, unleashed then too, and I had let her know about the situation — she had told me that she already knew all about it and that her dogs were fine, back then. I'm all for off-leash dog walking generally — I walked my own dogs off-leash all the time. But the circumstances are different in a coyote area. 

Everyone needs to understand that dogs raise the anxiety of coyotes because of territoriality — coyotes are tied to the land they use as much as we are to our own homes. Active small dogs, in particular, raise the anxiety of coyotes: I'm not sure why, perhaps it is because of the skittish and high-energy behaviors of such dogs. And coyotes raise the anxiety of dogs. This is why it is important to keep them apart — peaceful coexistence entails keeping them apart.

I have seen many "surprise" encounters between dogs and coyotes. I've seen even the smaller dogs, such as Jack Russells, actually go after coyotes, and then run for cover to their owner. Dogs seem to have a need to chase coyotes either in play or as a warning. Most of the time the coyote will flee, but sometimes the coyote will stand up for itself by chasing back.

And although, yes, I have seen coyotes approach dogs, this is not frequent, whereas many dogs have chased after coyotes. If a coyote approaches a dog, it could be for various reasons, from friendly curiosity, to messaging a warning, to testing and teasing — these don't constitute "attacks." Coyotes have followed some dogs, but this, too, does not constitute an "attack." Coyotes are easy to shoo off if the dogs are kept close using a leash.

The coyotes in our parks certainly are not "hungry" — I see them catch gophers and voles all day long, they are some of the healthiest-looking coyotes ever. 

As to the incident reported in this article, I did not see the initial encounter, but I have seen many dog-coyote encounters, and I can pretty accurately describe what might have happened based on those many other observations. The incident could have been initiated by a surprise encounter, or by the active little dogs getting too close to where the coyotes were, or even by either the coyotes or dogs approaching the other to investigate or in a test of "one-up-manship" — but it really doesn't matter who initiated this particular incident. The result was that both parties became excited. If the dogs had been leashed, that would have been the end of it. 

Instead, the little dogs ran off — and running always is seen as an invitation for another to chase, be it dog or coyote. So the owner ran in one direction to retrieve one of her dogs. Meanwhile, the other small dog headed in the other direction.

What drew my attention was the furious barking at the top of a hill. I looked up to see the little dog barking and running after a coyote. As far as I have seen, dogs only bark when they are chasing — not when they are being chased. Then the owner began yelling frantically for her dog, which would not come.

Within seconds the coyote had turned around and was now chasing back — and the little dog stopped barking. The silence did scare us for what it might mean. The three of us who were there all ran up the hill to retrieve the dog, but it was nowhere to be found.

One dog was found later that day. But even though several people, including me, spent many hours combing the park and streets for the other, it was three days before that one finally was found — found far away from the park.

The entire incident could have been prevented if that dog owner had put thought into protecting her little dogs in the first place.

Coyotes do not want to interact with humans, which is why leashing dogs and keeping them next to you is the best defense against an encounter getting out of hand. And keeping your dogs calm reduces the possibility of alarming coyotes in the first place.

I have written a couple of articles which might be useful. One is on coyote and dog coexistence: www.marinatimes.com/dec10/pets_petpages.html. The other is about coyotes generally: people need to know more about coyotes in order to understand them and deal with them — www.wildcarebayarea.org/site/PageServer?pagename=eNews_February2011_landingpage#coyote.

Janet Kessler

The San Francisco Health Code prohibits the presence of coyotes in our parks, along with bears, wolves, and other dangerous predators. San Francisco taxpayers pay for the parks, and have a right to visit those parks without fear for their children or companion animals.

The city has been remiss in enforcement because of bleeding-heart "naturalists" who believe our city should be reclaimed by the predator species and indigenous weeds and scrub that once covered sand dunes before people arrived. These reactionaries now threaten our safety.

City Hall needs to step up and do its job before an injury or death claim is filed.

Two weeks ago, CBS Sunday Morning ran this update piece about an abused, now retired circus elephant that had an unusual friendship with a stray dog. www.cbsnews.com/2300-18563_162-10010114.html?tag=mncol;lst;1 After years of dedication, the poor elephant's heart was broken because a couple of coyotes attacked and killed the dog.

Coyotes are killing house cats and attacking dogs from the Presidio to the Panhandle. City Hall needs to start doing its job before a child becomes the next victim.
Barbara Meskunas

I can really respect a man such as Quentin Kopp who has a sense of humor and uses a phrase such as "intellectually dishonest" in journalism. Both have lot's of uses. A few retorts.

The Central Subway is a waste if it costs more than the cost of its riders using cars. I'm pretty sure it doesn't. It also depends on how much you value good service. How much do we value the people's time being chronically wasted or the cost of lost time at work? How much is the health cost of auto pollution? Part of the investment will last over 50 years, another part will last more than 100 years. I am not ready to believe the off-street rail in Brooklyn, built 90 years ago and still serving the public, was a waste of money.

Visits to Montreal and Vancouver, cities with similar density and size, convince me we don't get good service because of the inter-action of transit with cars. They have invested in systems that are all off-street rail and so the trains are really moving. Let's recognize what we experience every time we take Muni. Isn't it usually 10-20 stops because of traffic lights and signs? Then, slow downs because of traffic, many turns because of our street plan, and then of course hills. It's the randomness of traffic that causes bunching then all lines converge on one short section of track.

Muni is getting some funding for infrastructure which will make efficiencies. Let's fund more and get as close as we can to all off-street rail. Next time you are at Sloat and West Portal imagine the train going underground to skip that intersection.

As for the street bond, I think the City is doing what it must to keep the system working in spite of the people who think taxation is the worst thing that can happen.

We under-fund, under-invest in the public service and then complain about it.

Todd LeFurge, Twin Peaks

December 2011

Proposition F

As a journalist, I mostly avoid political involvement, for professional-ethics reasons.

The exception I make is on issues related to the First Amendment and freedom of information. The people have the right to freedom of speech, press and peaceful assembly, and to transparency and accountability in government and in the political process.

That is why I have joined five former Ethics Commission members and a number of my Sunshine Ordinance Task Force colleagues in opposing Proposition F, a "reform" measure that would take away the right of us voters to decide what the rules of conduct are for campaign consultants, giving that authority to the commission and the Board of Supervisors.

Proposition F is an insidious, power-grab measure that deserves your NO vote.

Additional information is available at www.facebook.com/FriendsofEthics.

Rick Knee, former Chair, SF Sunshine Ordinance Task Force

November 2011

Lake Merced

There are new and discouraging developments in the mismanagement at Lake Merced by SFPUC and SF Recreation & Park. The two agencies have refused to follow the direction of the Board of Supervisors and revise the management responsibilities to shift primary management responsibility back to SFPUC. That refusal was met with disappointment by the 45 or so people who attended a July 19 meeting hosted by the two agencies.

Since that time SFPUC has released a six-page document dated July 27, 2011 entitled Lake Merced Boathouse Renovation. On the surface the document seems innocuous, but see the vague language at the end of page 6: "These improvements will update the exterior restrooms, give the upper level a cleaner and more pleasant appearance, and be ready for a new tenant to take over the project and pursue any improvements to suit their needs. In the future, if a tenant is not identified and additional funding is available, the Boathouse can be converted into a concessions area and meeting rooms, in full compliance with all codes, and available for immediate occupancy."

When recently asked whether that meant that after the $940,000 was spent the building would not be in adequate condition for public use, a senior SFPUC staff member acknowledged that such was the case!

Why is SFPUC planning to spend close to a million dollars to make renovations to a building that will be unusable following the renovations? SFPUC spent about 4 years preparing a 187 page Lake Merced Watershed Report that was to guide future efforts at the lake. The Watershed Report was completed in early 2010. It can be found at sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=197

On page 24, in describing the condition of the Boathouse, the Report says, "…it may be better to completely rebuild and expand the facility rather than renovate." At page 158 the Report suggests three possible scenarios for the Boathouse that "require further exploration of their feasibility and consistency with watershed goals".

The Committee to Save Lake Merced did a SF Sunshine Act records request to determine how much SFPUC's ratepayers paid to four consultants for the Watershed Report. The original contract amount was $350,000. After change orders, add on and the like the total paid was a whopping $588,434.87. And the SFPUC staff has yet to take the $588,434 Watershed Report to its 5 Commissioners for their review and consideration.

This kind of scandalous mismanagement cries out for a bright light to be shone upon it by San Francisco's media. The Lake, the residents in the area, and the SFPUC ratepayers deserve much better treatment.

Jerry Cadagan socialchr@aol.com

Laguna Honda's Physician Responds

Back in September of 2009, 20 of 22 Laguna Honda Attending Physicians signed a Resolution criticizing a recommendation "...that higher salaried physicians be replaced by registered nursing staff, social workers and psychologists" in an edited report issued by Davis Ja, PhD & Associates.

We considered this recommendation to be invalid due to flawed methodology and professional bias.

The Ja Report was so troubling, that Dr. Maria Rivero and I decided to examine how this contract between Davis Ja and CBHS was awarded.

We found that Davis Ja, PhD and Deborah Sherwood, PhD - the CBHS Director of Research, Evaluation & Quality Management had a domestic and business relationship. This was the basis of a Whistleblower Complaint we filed on 9/18/2009

Two months before we filed our complaint, the City decided to award another contract to Davis Ja & Associates - for $1.9 million, to assess CBHS Substance Abuse Treatment Services. Our potential conflict of interests complaint applied to this contract as well.

It took 2 years - and public pressure, but today City Controller Ben Rosenfield told me that the second contract has been revoked, and that the remaining $600,000 will not be paid to Davis Ja & Associates because of the conflict of interests we identified. The remainder of the work will be completed "in-house". Mr. Rosenfield also informed the Whistleblower Program oversight committee (CGOBOC) that there will be some "personnel action". However, former CBHS Director Dr. Robert Cabaj resigned in May 2011.

I am grateful to my former LHH and UAPD colleagues who took a stand on this issue. Derek Kerr, MD

Thank you Dr. Kerr, and please see Patrick Monette-Shaw's full report on p. 5 -Editor.

September 2011

Garbage, a response to Quentin Kopp

Solid waste collection services now being provided by either Sunset Scavenger Company and/or Golden Gate Disposal Company to all the residents of San Francisco, have provided uninterrupted waste collection services since 1906, well over 100 years.

Can any city in the world equal that record? Not likely, and I ponder why anyone would ever question that extraordinary record, especially with the expanded and comprehensive waste diversion programs, the most advanced and comprehensive solid waste management program in the world.

I am the former President of Sunset Scavenger and a "Scavenger" who 'worked on the trucks' prior, to becoming its president in 1965, right in the middle of the controversial issue of "filling the bay" with anything; least of all "garbage."

Quentin and I first met more than 50 years ago, when he was a young attorney, just arrived from New York and we became friends, he a promising attorney and me a garbage collector. He became an elected Supervisor and I became the President of the garbage company, in the middle of the "Save the Bay Movement".

Point being, if we had no place dump the refuse/garbage collected, we, the (scavengers) could not "collect" it, which could have surely happened, if we were unsuccessful in the development of the new landfill at Sierra Point in Brisbane. He, I, City Staff, and his colleagues helped to create a productive and working relationship between the waste collection companies and the City of San Francisco.

Out of this one single controversial event, (as noted) was the preamble, (50 years past) and because of this crisis, we the Scavengers, the elected officials and bureaucrats of San Francisco, worked together to create the most cost effective, comprehensive solid waste management programs in the world.

Ironically, who helped make that possible? My friend Quentin Kopp, who fully supported the plan that was the foundation of the program in existence today. It was really surprising and disappointing to me that he can now criticize and question a service that he supported and helped to create, one that overcame substantial bureaucratic, regulatory authority and incomprehensible environmental issues. As a result, we created what, in my humble, but experienced opinion (with some 57 years in this business). No one has a better comprehension and respect for the extraordinary, cost-effective services that the residents and business receive and enjoy to this day.

Leonard D. Stefanelli, San Francisco, CA.

July-August 2011

Photo Response

This is in response to the photo published on the back page of your February 2011.

Today was the pre 50th Reunion of my graduating class at Abraham Lincoln High School. We were given an organized tour of the School. At the School Tour, one of my Classmates, Arthur Elvin of Pacheco Street (Forest Hill), brought the clipping to me and asked if it was me. Answer "Yes".

My Uniform was sponsored by Siskin's Thrifty Drug, located next to Angelo's Restaurant, just across from the Tunnel Entrance. The Coach on the right rear is John Pearce, and his son, John Pearce, Jr. is in the back row, (Big Smile) third from left. I am the little guy, middle row, far right. Next to Mr. Pearce is Gil "Buddy" Haskell, now prominent in the NFL as a coach. I remember some of the other names, but I couldn't tell you who was who.

Even the name of Walt Lunny rings a bell, but I'm not sure which one is him. I still have a copy of this actual photo. I wish I would have written down the names.

Where are they now? Here I am. Mark D. Zimmerman, Emeryville; age 67 +. Semi-retired Real Estate Broker.

Before the School Tour today, Three of us had lunch at El Toreador, 50 West Portal Ave., and it was excellent. I didn't know then that I would be getting the photo from your Westside Observer, so it is funny, in a way, that I made conversation about our West Portal Merchants Midget Baseball Team. Truly a great neighborhood memory.

By the way, I think that the Photo is not '53, but more like '54, or '55.

Mark Zimmerman

Remember When Photo

In your March 2011 issue, you have a photo of the sunset district. It was taken from Moraga street between 15th and 16th avenues looking southwest. The date I would guess to be in the early 1930's. In the background the north basin of the Sunset reservoir is under construction and that might give a clue as to the year. The sandy area with the impressive looking quarry pit (for the reservoir work?) was the site of the Market Street Railway sand mine - about 21st and Ortega. The MSR #17 line ran along 20th avenue in this area. The antique - looking gas station just above the center of the photo was at 19th ave. and Noriega street.

The billboards were along the line of 19th avenue and that street does not appear to have been widened yet.

John Rossi, Sunset District

(See a larger photo)

I think the picture is from above 17th Ave near Moraga, looking south. I grew up at 1723 - 18th Ave., it looks like the picture of the new houses being built were the east side of 17th Ave between Moraga and Noriega. I believe the three barrel front houses at the right standing all on their own are on 18th ave, (my house would be the one on the right). Then 19th Ave farther up the picture (undeveloped).
Peggy Nevin, West Portal

An office mate brought this in to me as a SF native (Mission District & Eureka Valley). There is no question of the location: the houses under construction are on the east side of 17th Avenue between Noriega and Moraga – the 4 fronts just to the right of the vacant lot in the center can easily be seen on Google Maps Street View.

Noriega and 20th is the very clear intersection just above right center - the 2 story building on the sw corner is the United Commercial Bank building. (note several bill boards and tiny gas station on 19th Avenue). My guess is this was late 20's early 30's. The boom in the outer dunes did not occur until the war (this is really a guess).
Terry Strain, SF

CVS Pharmacy

I just finished reading the CVS plans to build a drugstore at 701 Portola Dr. (March Issue) and it interested me so much, that I went over to the SF Planning Dept to see what other information I could find. I could not find any information at all on this project. Is this really going to happen, or is CVS just researching this as a possible new location?

J Slattery, Miraloma Park

(Editor's Note) I am disappointed that the Department could not find any information on their project. I am not shocked. If I were you I would file a Sunshine Complaint for failing to inform the public. The hearing was a Special Hearing on Feb. 29th at 2:30 pm at 1650 Mission St. Room 431. The notice is online: www.sf-planning.org/index.aspx?page=1541

April 2011

Too Conservative

Re: Quentin Kopp’s Degraded, Disrespected and Disregarded I find the article too conservative. The author seems to hide the reason why does the Government exist. Aren’t we a big country that needs a powerful and big Government? Does the author not know what just had happened in the end of 2008? The biggest financial meltdown ever due to an anemic Government that has no funds? Or the oil spill, Katrina, etc. We rather should call upon a powerful, well financed Government, since we live in a dangerously earthquake prone area. Does Mr. Kopp think Mexico will come to help us like they did during Katrina?

The General fund should go first of all to Public Transit and why not? We pretend to be a green city, so why not reward those who do not jam our streets with cars? Somewhere in the article Mr. Kopp insinuates that money generated from gasoline tax goes to Public Transit, as if it were a gift! Concerning the leitmotif of “Special Interest”, I am amazed that Mr. Kopp seems to aim at UNIONS and those who serve the people. I always believed that if there is any intrenched special interest is that of Business. They always win, doesn’t he know that? In fine, I would say that we have to tax the citizens to have a great country.

Nafiss Griffis, Outer Sunset

No on B!

Mr. Adachi’s suspiciously funded Prop. B deserves a NO vote because it is a mean spirited attack on San Francisco City workers as if they were the cause of the City’s fiscal problems.  In his “Prop. B Deserves Support” he never mentions the causal effects of the greedy and dishonest big operators from here to Wall Street.

How unfortunate that he compares the City’s employee medical insurance benefits to the “only 60% of SF businesses that offer health care benefits for employees” (or the 40% that don’t).  San Francisco seeks a higher standard in many areas including medical coverage for its employees and their dependents.  Why compare her to employers that don’t?

Adachi argues that SF is extravagant in her coverage of her worker’s dependents.  According to the Kaiser Foundation the average employer covers 73% of family health premium costs; SF covers 74%.  San Franciscans are proud that their city is above average in many ways.  We should not regress!  Vote NO on B.

Anthony C. Bazan, City Worker, 94131

Remember When /Ocean Avenue

A belated response on the picture in July/August issue. According to acute observer Lee Harrington, this is at 1400 Ocean Avenue at Grenada. There has been some remodeling to the building, front door moved left, and side door removed.

Warren McCausland

No on B!

It is unfortunate that Mr. Adachi, who makes $200k/year, sees nothing wrong with spewing selective, dated and incomplete analysis in an attempt to further his misguided political ambition on the backs of working class Americans. Proposition B would double the cost even the lowest paid city workers have to contribute to their health care, further burdening workers who, unlike Mr. Adachi, actually contribute to their own retirement. Most workers contribute at least 7.5% to their retirement. Mr. Adachi currently contributes nothing. The assertion that this poorly written proposition would actually save the City money has been disputed by the City Controller, as well as the Health Services System, which noted that Prop B would actually cost the City money. Prop B does nothing to ensure that supposed savings would go to other City services. Poorly written propositions like this, sponsored by wealthy businessmen and their local political stooges, have made California ungovernable.

Obi Nzewi, Oakland

No on B!

Mr. Adachi, in his recent editorial about Proposition B, attempted to focus on facts: however; like all lawyers, Mr. Adachi twisted his words to provide a false picture of Prop B. I want to share with your readers how Prop B will hurt our citizens:

1) Prop B will unfairly impact workers making the least amount of money (gardeners, nursing assistance, and custodians).
2) Prop B will dramatically increase the cost of health care (as much as $500/mo.) and force working families to make tough choices between providing medical insurance for their children and putting food on the table.
3) City employees have taken voluntary pay cuts of over $250 Million over the past few years to help balance the budget.
4) The Controller has refuted Adachi’s claim of how much Prop B will save: the Health Service System stated clearly that Prop B will cost the city money.
5) Prop B says nothing about money going to other city services.

Proposition B is Bad Medicine for San Francisco. It doesn’t fix problems; it punishes city workers for a situation they did not create, and it will dramatically increase health care costs for children.

Please join me in voting “No on B”.

Garry Bieringer, Staples Ave.

October 2010

Remember When

I always enjoy the “remember when?” photo you print in your paper. I pick the paper up from my driveway each time with anticipation of what the old photo will be. So thank you for printing them. This month I was intrigued by the request for information. My first thought was that it reminded me of Ocean Avenue. As I happen to have a collection of old city directories, I thought I would look up the business and see if it was listed. Of course that would be too simple. So this information may be entirely wrong for your picture. There was nothing in the 1918 directory, and I don’t have 1919, but in 1920 there appears “Westwood Pharmacy” at 1526 Ocean Avenue. The proprietor was E.L. Nelson. That pharmacy was there for quite a few years. In 1933 there appears a Westwood Grocery at 560 Monterey, the proprietor Irma Baumgartener. That was only listed that one year, and the geography doesn’t fit the picture. The only other listed possibility was a Westwood Market, at 1708 Ocean Avenue. It too was only listed for only one year, 1934. My City Directory collection only runs through 1935. Perhaps this is information that you already accessed and which proved not correct. If so, forgive me for taking up your time. I just had a lot of fun puzzling it. Thank you.

Linda Edwards

I was just reading the Westside Observer online — and saw the photo of Westside Park Grocery -- sorry to say don’t know the answer to your question.

However—and you guys may know this trick—if you go to http://sflib1.sfpl.org:82/ and enter just <westside park> you get 94 photos of Westside Park, all dated “not before 1917” and many of them by Gabriel Moulin. One photo shows two women knitting on the front porch of a WP house. The notation on the back says “no 96”, perhaps the house number/street number.

Since there are streetcar tracks in front of the grocery, I assume this is Ocean Avenue.

Tom Mayer

Sept. 2010

Thanks Quentin!

I’d like to thank Quentin Kopp for his article, “Jig is Up for Justice.” I especially appreciated his comment on the newly appointed Superior Court Judge the Honorable Richard Ulmer - and the fact that his opponents in the up-coming election are weakly credentialed in comparison. I’ve come to admire Quentin Kopp’s judgment over the years, and because of his comments I plan to vote for Judge Ulmer. I only wish more information was provided every time there is an election that includes judges. I don’t know what other source there is for a person to inform themselves about the qualifications of judges running for office.

Virginia Hayes, Sunset District

June 2010

EIR Needed

A full Environmental Impact Report for the proposed soccer fields needs to be conducted. Golden Gate Park is a cultural, environmental and historical landmark for the city of San Francisco; the proposed GGP/Beach Chalet Soccer Fields significantly and seriously threatens its integrity.

I live and work at Ocean Beach, one block south of the park. I walk at least two hours of each day, seven days a week, in the park. At night I go outside to view the stars. I have lived my entire life in San Francisco (41 years); growing up near the Piers I never knew the sky could be what it is here at Lands End.

I’ve been living in the Sunset for nearly 10 years and have already been very negatively affected by the use of the park to generate funds to meet budget deficits. The Team In Training groups, the sundry Marathons, and the Outside Lands Concerts have only meant fecal matter and urine on my doorstep, excess trash in the neighborhood, physical pushing and shoving on the paths and in the park, and obnoxious drivers blocking my driveway or nearly running me over while I am walking.

When I heard they were planning a sports center I was, and am, horrified.

Supervisor Chu has expressed the idea that this proposed sports center will answer a budget need. I find that short sighted and negligent.

I am desperately concerned for the wildlife that live in the park. On my daily walks I have come to know the birds especially. The proposed lighting alone is of great concern. What is this light pollution going to do the nocturnal creatures and their habitat? And what about the unique place the western edge of the city holds for night skies? The fog, for which my neighborhood is notorious, will only amplify the light pollution. We need to foster habitats not destroy them.

I am also incensed that the city could even be considering artificial turf which has been shown to raise ground level temperatures an average of 20 degrees. This goes against its goal to reduce environmental destruction caused by urban life.

As I understand it, there isn’t even a plan for what to do with the turf once it ages and becomes unattractive for further play; given the rough estimate of its ten-year life span, I find this unbelievable. Nor is there any plan for disinfecting this turf, a fact the GGP gardeners, have expressed concern about. The rains will wash this into our ground waters and Ocean.

Golden Gate Park is a park. The Master Plan (1998) stated the need to keep the western edge pastoral. The district just gave a grant to Surfrider to increase permeable surface and promote the land stewardship; this proposed soccer field project, while it may increase city funds, and alcohol sales at the Park and Beach Chalet, will also bring more cars and destruction to park vegetation. It makes no sense.

With an EIR other options, such as maintaining the trees, plant life and grass fields for play, can be explored.

Dr. Reid Gómez, Sunset District Resident

Unnatural Destruction—GG Park

Thank you for your article Paving Over Golden Gate Park in the February issue.

I am a business owner and resident of the Sunset. I live one block away from the Murphy Windmill that is currently under renovation, and I use the park for several hours each day.

I am incensed and alarmed about the city plan to install artificial turf and 60 foot sports lights in the park without even performing an Environmental Impact Report; considering the destruction to wildlife habitats, vegetation and the known elevation in ground temperatures (an average of 20 degrees) that will result, this is negligent at best.

Artificial turf is not sustainable. There is no plan for how to clean (disinfect) or dispose of the turf once it is installed. The soccer community admits they have a high percentage of staph infection. What about the animals, the GGP staff, and local residents who live and work in the park? What is going to be done with the turf when it has outlived its life? What about San Francisco’s proposed goal of decreasing garbage, increasing permeable surfaces, and the Secretary of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places (2004) support for keeping the western end of GGP as a “natural woodland?”

The proposed lights will generate pollution. I am concerned about their affect on park wildlife. I use the park to walk and to watch and study the birds and twilight creatures. These lights will alter their habitat, and result in their destruction. What trees will be displaced for their construction? What will the light pollution do to the night skies and neighborhoods?

The proposed soccer fields will likely draw players from outside the area. In my experience with the sports events already generating income for the city and held at the western edge, this means more cars and more illegal parkers. They see the park and beach as a playground, not a home, and they leave trash and urine in their wake. And they certainly don’t ride MUNI.

My primary concern is for the soil. We must protect our topsoil. The dunes are a fragile ecosphere. The proposed artificial turf is not permeable. Trees will likely be uprooted and further weaken an already delicate soil environment. Damage to plant life is guaranteed.

People come to the western edge to see the sea, to see the windmills and tulip gardens. As I understand this age, and the city, we have made a declaration to foster care for the natural world, and to curb our role in the environmental destruction that results from city construction. At the least a full EIR should be conducted and legitimate alternatives should be introduced and pursued before any forward movement with this artificial non-permeable surface and light pollution project.

Niki Lee

May 2010

Soccer Field

This is the wrong project, wrong reasons, wrong place and time. Keep western GGPark serene, peaceful, and for day use only.

Dave Ferguson

Don’t Sign Muni Reform Petitions!

Don’t be misguided into backing Supervisor Sean Elsbernd’s proposed Muni Reform ballot initiative for November’s election. Elsbernd failed to convince his Board colleagues to place this initiative on the ballot and now needs signatures to qualify his initiative. Here’s why readers shouldn’t sign Elsbernd’s signature petitions.

Transit operators — Muni drivers — represented by TWU-250A already negotiate their salaries under collective bargaining, so Elsbernd’s claim that the ballot initiative will introduce something new is completely false. TWU’s current seven-year, 102-page contract with the City runs from 2004 through 2011; it contains an extensive section already permitting Muni to hire part-time employees, dispelling the nonsense that Elsbernd’s “reforms” will suddenly allow Muni to hire part-time employees.

Of the 2,350 transit operators on the City payroll as of December 15, 2009, 1,038 part-time drivers (44.2%) earned less than the $58,073 base salary of full-time drivers. Almost 700 (nearly one-third) of the drivers earned less than $50,000, and 487 (20.7%) earned less than $40,000, in base wages as part-time drivers.

Worse, Muni drivers have not had pay raises in two to three years. Wooding’s assertion that granting a 5.4% raise to Muni drivers will cost an increase of $8 million is wrong; City Controller payroll data for end-of-year 2009 shows a 5.4% raise would cost just $6.3 million in increased base pay. Personal income dropped by 2.5% in California last year for the first time since 1938. Inflation eating away at driver’s incomes during the past three years, without any raises, is just pushing more middle-class residents into moving out of the City, probably costing the City millions in lost sales taxes from drivers who shop in other jurisdictions.

An assertion that drivers don’t have to work 40 hours in a week to earn overtime might be germane, if the police officers contract didn’t also have the same stipulation that working more than eight hours in one day may result in overtime. Also lamenting that Muni drivers have automatic annual salary guarantees (ignoring that driver’s have not had annual raises for several years), but Elsbernd “forgets” that the police earn almost-guaranteed semi-annual pay raises every six months.

While Elsbernd bemoans the $6.3 million increase to bus driver pay in the face of the Mayor Gavin Newsom’s anticipated $522 million deficit, he neglects to consider that raises for police employees — only police officers, lieutenant’s, sergeant’s, and inspector’s — climbed by $4.8 million (2%) in January 2010, is scheduled to climb another $9.9 million (a 4% bump) in July 2010, and will climb another $5 million (another 2% raise) in January 2011. This 8% totals $19.7 million, before including yet another “thank-you” bump in July 2011 of up to 5%, estimated at $11.1 million, bringing their total 13% raises to $30 million between January 2010 and July 2011, just for the 2,450 employees in these four police job classifications.

This doesn’t include another 15% across five raises these police classifications already received between July 2007 and July 2009 in a five-year contract granting 28% in total raises.

Base pay for these four police classifications ranges from $102,648 for a Police Officer I, to $139,840 for a Lieutenant III. Sixteen lieutenant’s earned over $140,000 in base pay in 2009; one lieutenant earned $149,963 in base pay and $23,166 in overtime, which combined with “other pay” drove his total pay to $177,845!

While Elsbernd laments the salary comparison across jurisdictions for transit operators, he ignores that the police contract performs salary comparisons across 11 jurisdictions to arrive at a formula for setting police salaries in San Francisco. This is nothing more than a pyramid scheme that causes salary increases in one jurisdiction to then boomerang, causing police salaries in other jurisdictions to spiral upwards.

Jim Lazarus’s claim that City “employees have to realize they cannot keep getting paid the same when less money is coming in.” Tell this to police officers, Mr. Lazarus. After all, much of Mayor Newsom’s perennial budget deficits are caused by police who believe they not only should be paid the same with less money coming in, they feel entitled to their 28% in total raises, even in the face of a $522 million City deficit and 17,000 pink slips handed to City employees, pink slips designed to find revenue to keep giving raises to police employees.

It wasn’t bus driver salaries that caused the City of Vallejo to declare bankruptcy, it was police salaries. Elsbernd should focus on police salary reform, before police salaries bankrupt San Francisco.

Don’t sign Elbernd’s Muni “reform” petitions. If he was unable to convince the other ten Supervisors to place it on the ballot, we shouldn’t do it for him.

Elsbernd’s hypocrisy is breathtaking: In 2007, he not only voted as a sitting Supervisor to place the “Proposition A “ Muni reform on the ballot, he signed a rebuttal to the opponent’s argument, claiming Prop A would “bring Muni employees back to the bargaining table to create more efficient work rules.” Has Elsbernd explained his new flip-flop to Jim Lazarus?

Amanda Runcible, Twin Peaks

April 2010

Paving Over Golden Gate Park

In reading George Wooding’s article in the February edition of the Westside Observer, (Paving Over Golden Gate Park), I was amazed that someone so involved with the community could be so misinformed. If not misinformed, the only other possibility is a tremendous bias against the athletes who have used the western edge (better known as Beach Chalet) soccer fields in Golden Gate Park for more than 50 years.

Mr. Wooding implies that the area should remain “pastoral” with meadows (ne: the current 3 soccer fields) and surrounded by groves of trees. Ask any parent who has delivered their child to the Beach Chalet fields if they are comfortable with the knowledge that the “groves of trees” obscure the lurking men looking for whatever. The best thing that could happen would be to reduce those groves to a minimal border so as to discourage the “lurkers”.

Regarding the footprint the new fields would create: There are already 3 full grass fields and a restroom and fences around them. At most, there would be no more than a 20% increase in the open space. Most of the increased space would come from eliminating some of the groves.

Mr. Wooding portrays the inclusion of field lights and a clubhouse as a bad thing. Many of our baseball/softball fields have lights and absolutely every one of our golf courses has a clubhouse. Why would this be a bad thing?

The permits, exemptions, and other bureaucratic obstacles indicated by Mr. Wooding are no different than those encountered anytime anyone wants to do anything to change the status quo. They can be worked out without a big hassle or a lot of vitriolic.

Probably the most misdirected comments by Mr. Wooding have to do with the projected cost comparisons. I do not take issues with the costs he places on installation, repairs or maintenance. If one were to use his numbers, regarding costs only, over a 20-year amortization period, the artificial turf fields will cost about $10,000 per year less than grass on average. Beyond 20 years, the turf fields would be almost $80,000 less expensive per year.

These comparisons are for cost only: they do not take into account the revenue generated by the rental of the fields. One only needs to visit the new Crocker Amazon turf fields to realize the potential. They can be used almost constantly with no downtime for rainouts, reseeding or irrigation replacement.

Assuming the Rec & Park rescind their silly decision to triple field fees, the Premier divisions of SF Soccer and the Golden Gate Women’s Soccer League will return to SF to play on the turf fields. They will come back not just because of a fee reduction but because they will be able to rely on a “rain or shine” schedule. This can happen with turf fields. Not only will the city recover the lost income of approximately $100,000 but will eliminate he grass field maintenance of $42,000/year and replace that cost with about $6,000/year if turf field maintenance.

The Beach Chalet fields will not be converted to a picnic meadow even if turf is not installed. Adding a fourth field (turf or not) would go a long way in alleviating the incredible backlog of field demand by our youth teams. Turf would further enhance the outcome.

I would suggest a letter and/or a petition to your supervisor AND to Mr. Wooding supporting the new turfing proposal at the western edge of Golden Gate Park.

Richard Cross, 50 year SF Resident

Woodland Meadow

After reading Mr. Wooding’s article on the “Paving of Golden Gate Park,” I was appalled to learn that a section of our nationally recognized historic park might be transformed from a woodland meadow with children’s soccer into a full-sized super-sports complex. This development apparently introduces structures where none were intended according to the park’s master plan.

The drawing in the article shows the present four fields to be expanded and adding two more. The park generously accommodates these grass soccer fields because they exist without conflict with the natural setting. But I gather that this concession is not enough in the eyes of those who view the park as just raw land to be developed.

It seems as if this new plan was drawn with no understanding of WHERE the complex is to be constructed. Golden Gate Park is not a vacant lot just waiting for someone with money to fix it up. It is already “fixed” with neat stuff like trees and grass and birds and bees, ready for people to enjoy. The Beach Chalet site currently serves multiple purposes from athletics to concerts with its flexible open pasture.

Golden Gate Park is special, very special. It is a gift of open space to the residents of a crowded city, both human and animal. It is a gift from the past to future generations to have something of value, far beyond the man-made structures that the early urban planners knew would fill up the city one day. It is the gift of nature to remind us of what is real and where we came from.

Thank you Mr. Wooding for bringing this poorly vetted proposal to our awareness. We did not know about this well kept secret. You mention that “there are many other parks and high schools where synthetic turf soccer fields could be built.” Let the Recreation and Park Department pursue these other sites for installing soccer complexes, and leave the western end our most unique and wonderful park as it was intended to be - undeveloped.

Anna Gordon, Sunset Heights

March 2010

Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Serafin’s November letter

Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Serafin’s November letter about Laguna Honda contained a number of inaccurate statements.

If nursing homes are pursuing efforts to reduce costs, why is LHH keeping its marketing and public relations staff at a cost of nearly $400,000 in annual salary while eliminating doctors? Why is a marketing department necessary for a captive audience of public health Medi-Cal patients other facilities won’t admit?

Serafin claims there “are no studies in any literature … that states reducing the number of physicians and replacing them with nurses … will worsen patient care.” Serafin should have reviewed the March 2009 Annals of Internal Medicine article by Paul Katz, MD that I referenced in October; Katz’s article noted marginalizing physicians in nursing homes threatens the overall quality of care to patients with medically complex illnesses, and noted that having a dedicated medical staff improves patient care. If in-house physicians improve patient care, then not having physicians will worsen care.

Serafin is wrong about “travelling doctors.” Patients in nursing homes without on-staff physicians do wait weeks to receive medical care, because travelling doctors rely on observational skills of nursing staff. When overworked nurses miss observing patient conditions, patients do wait weeks to see an MD.

Cutting expenses is one thing. But why is fox-guarding-the-RN-hen-house Serafin okay with cutting “extra expenses” of MD’s who provide direct care, when LHH has a bloated Nursing Administration Department that doesn’t provide direct patient care, including 16 Nursing Supervisors, 20 Nurse Managers, and 7 Clinical Nurse Specialists paid a combined total of $6 million in 2008 (seven earned over $200,000; 27 earned over $150,000). Private-sector nursing homes rarely have clinical nurse specialists, multiple nursing directors, and the number of nurse managers and nursing supervisors LHH employs, which “extra expenses” Nurse Serafin ignores.

Had Serafin actually read the Ja report, she’d know it recommends LHH’s certified nursing assistants (CNAs) take on more skilled-care work, by being trained to assume management of behavioral and substance abuse problem patients, which is outside their typical practice area — after CNAs just had their salaries cut 20.5 percent! Ja’s flawed methodology may have inflated his claim 46 percent of LHH residents have “behavioral diagnoses.” Ja, and Serafin, fail to note 100 percent have medical diagnoses; cutting doctors providing medical care to both groups isn’t simple cost-cutting.

If Serafin were really concerned about cost-cutting as a necessary part of life, cutting physicians and CNAs would be considered last (not first), since LHH pays its skilled-nursing registered nurses (RNs) the same pay rate ($61.05 hourly) the City pays its acute-care RNs. The web site www.indeed.com reports RN salaries in San Francisco residential nursing homes average $52,000 annually; the City’s web site shows that effective December 2009 LHH RNs are paid $126,984 after ten years of service, 2.4 times more than San Francisco’s average nursing home RN salary. For instance, LHH RNs are thought to be paid almost $20 more hourly than RNs at the Jewish Home for the Aged. Does Serafin know why LHH CNA salaries were slashed, but LHH RN salaries weren’t?

Instead of eliminating doctors entirely, and slashing the pay of CNAs 20.5 percent, how about starting first paying LHH RNs skilled-nursing, rather than acute-nursing, salaries? That alone would save tens of millions annually!

The City pays its Nurse Practitioners $81.50 hourly (who were paid $300,000 in overtime in 2008), and its Physician Specialists $81.78 hourly (who earned no overtime), so there is no savings to be realized from replacing MD’s with Nurse Practitioners.

If Serafin’s main shtick is “cost cutting,” she should start with cleaning up Nursing’s back yard. Eliminating MD’s is a negative move when it causes medical neglect.

Patrick Monette-Shaw www.stopLHHdownsize.com

Has anyone noticed?

Has anyone noticed that anyone who has run for Supervisor in District 7 over the past several elections ends up in controversy? The hotly-contested race between Mabel Teng and Tony Hall enabled neighborhood residents to focus on politics and issues, but... how many of us can remember discussing the details of that race?

Next came the infamous “triple play” manuever involving Annemarie Conroy, Tony Hall, and Sean Elsbernd. How many of the local residents have an opinion about the pros and cons of that “agreement”?

In the November, 2008, election, a written complaint was filed with the Department of Elections and the Ethics Commission questioning the residency of Supervisor Elsbernd (as in did he live in district seven during this campaign?). As of now, there has been no written statement from anyone, including Mayor Newsom and the City Attorney’s office. In fact, the current controversy is still undisclosed by city hall leaders.

I believe that District 7 residents deserve a written, detailed explanation, with facts and findings as it’s one year later. C’mon City Hall, let us know the truth on this and clear this up once and for all.

Douglas Yep – Longtime District 7 resident

December 2009

Laguna Honda’s Unkindest Cut

I would just like to comment on the article “Laguna Honda’s Unkindest Cut”, by Patrick Manette-Shaw, published in the October 2009 issue.  I have worked for over 10 years as a Nurse Practitioner in another Long Term Care facility in San Francisco, and I would like to clarify some of the comments made in the article.  First, there is effort underway in all nursing homes to reduce costs, so Laguna Honda Hospital (LHH) is no exception.  During this economic downturn, most hospitals and nursing homes are slashing staff positions to cut costs.  However, the author feels that these cuts would be detrimental for the types of patients that LHH contains.  He mentions the “Ja Report” is an incomplete analysis, and feels that their data is flawed.  First, there are no studies in any literature that I have read that states that reducing the number of physicians and replacing them with nurses, social workers, and psychologists will worsen patient care, especially in regards to substance abuse treatment. 

Secondly, the article voices concerns that losing staff physicians and using “traveling” physicians instead will cause patients to have to “wait weeks for medical care”.  Let me assure the public that this absolutely not the case.  While it is true that federally mandated visits (every 60 days) are required if the patient is stable, if a patient becomes medically ill or needs more medical attention, then more frequent visits are warranted, and can be provided by physicians and other health care professionals that come in to the nursing home.  In fact, this is how the great majority of nursing homes across the country operate.  Most nursing homes do not have staff physicians; all medical care is provided by outside doctors.  The reason for this is that most physicians bill Medicare/Medicaid directly for their services, and most nursing homes cannot support a large medical group as LHH can.  Therefore, LHH is lucky to have this kind of set-up, as it is expensive, so this is why there is talk of cutting this extra expense out.

 I would also like to clear up the concerns the author has about the CNAs in LHH.  First off, CNAs are not considered “skilled-care” providers.  Most CNAs train for just a few months to be able to provide care to patients. In fact, the care they provide is the basics, like feeding and bathing, not management of behavioral or substance abuse problems.  On the other hand, nurses, social workers, and psychologists are all positions which require more skill and training, which should improve the quality of care for most patients with behavioral health problems.

With our current health care system, unfortunately cost cutting is a necessary part of life.  However, I do not agree with the author’s comments that losing physicians and CNAs while replacing them with nurses and other health care professionals would be a negative move.

Jennifer Serafin RN, GNP

I just found the October issue of Westside Observer.

The Remember When? photo shows a view looking north from the top of Merced Heights, probably Shields or Grafton Streets. The left side of the photo shows the Homewood Terrace Orphanage, on Ocean Ave between Faxon and Ashton Avenues. That’s Mt. Davidson at the rear.

At the right front corner of the photo is what looks like the old Farragut Grammar School--since turned into condos. It probably dates to the late 1930’s. I’ll be checking to see if I am right this time!

Thanks for your great publication.

Carole Issel - San Francisco

November 2009

Jed Lane’s response to Tony Halls letter

I’m glad you were amused Mr. Hall, I’m actually one of your ex-supporters and we’ve met at least five times, I guess you’ve forgotten. I have no need to “stalk” you, you’re a recognizable man and you live on the street where I grew up. I pass by the intersection that’s the entrance to your street many times a day. If you don’t own the Harley I’ve seen you on - my mistake.

I’m far too old to be considered one of “those self-appointed whiz kids” having graduated from St Brendan’s long before you moved into the parish. Nor am I a “holier than thou San Francisco liberal”, since I actually fall on the conservative side of SF politics. Sorry I don’t fit your description of the bad bogeymen “other” that your straw-man argument needs to have any credence.

Let’s put all of that aside - who you think you are or who you wish I am - the state IS passing laws that will affect us all, even you. My goal was to bring the attention of my neighbors to the use of punitive parking fees to reduce vehicle travel. Raising fees to get people out of cars is happening in many cities around the world. Zurich, London, Stockholm, San Francisco to mention just a few. Muni service is so terrible in our hilly neighborhoods that we can’t rely on it so we don’t ride it. We don’t have the ridership so MUNI cuts the line out completely. If we don’t advocate we will all be left stranded like our neighbors in Forest Knolls will be as soon as the 36 stops running on Warren Drive.

While you and your compadres rail against the fees that are being charged, painting them as another unjust revenue source from an administration that you disagree with. Your neighbors will be left high and dry because their “leaders” stopped being involved and devolved into curmudgeons, ranting and tilting against windmills instead of getting off their donkeys, paying attention to what is going on and making an effort to shape the future. Our kids, Mr. Hall are why I’m involved in neighborhood planning, disaster resiliency and public safety issues. So think about it Mr. Hall what good do you do now? I don’t see you at NERT events. I don’t see you working on the CAPSS project or advocating for Forest Hill Extension at the Planning Commission. I don’t see you working on the Open Space, Housing or Community Safety Elements of the General Plan. I do see you at SPUR’s grand opening where nothing is getting done other than food, drinks and smooze time. Why don’t I see you at any of the SPUR seminars where you might actually get informed about new laws and be part of discussions about the future of San Francisco? I’m there, learning and advocating, why aren’t you.

Nope, I have to assume that you’d rather spend your time sitting on your donkey tilting at windmills.

Jed Lane

October 2009

Previous letters (Nov 08 - Aug 09)