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Southeast
Community Facility Commission
M I N U T E S
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2002
6:00 P.M.
1800 Oakdale Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94124
I. Call to Order
Commission President Millard Larkin called the Thursday, August 8, 2002 meeting to order at 6:13 p.m. in the Alex L. Pitcher Community Room at 1800 Oakdale Avenue.
II. Announcement
Commissioner Larkin read the Sunshine Ordinance aloud and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Special recognition went to Supervisor Sophie Maxwell for her attendance.
III. Roll Call
Present: Commissioner Bobbrie Brown
Commissioner Heidi Hardin
Commissioner Millard Larkin II
Commissioner Malik Looper
Commissioner Enola Maxwell
Commissioner Kim Nguyen
Not Present: Commissioner Atiliai Tofaeono (excused)
Staff Present: Robert Bryan, Deputy City Attorney; Toye Moses, Executive Director; Liz Palega & Annette Price, SECF Commission Secretaries
IV. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Hardin seconded to accept the minutes of Thursday, July 11th. Motion passed to accept minutes as presented.
V. Public Comments
(This item was tabled until after the presentations were made) Commissioner Larkin opened the floor for public comments and noted that "Members of the public may address the Commission on matters under the jurisdiction of the Commission that may not appear on the agenda". (Speaker cards were made available) No public comments were made.
VI. Communications
Dr. Moses announced that copies of the following were available for the Commission's perusal:
a) Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi's proposal for $38 million in federal funding for the revitalization of Hunters Point
b) Draft of letter requesting financial support from Mayor Willie Brown on behalf of Infusion One's Community Outreach Project
c) Draft of endorsement letter to be used for Infusion One's Community Outreach Project
The secretary read the endorsement letters for Infusion One aloud. Commissioner Larkin opened the floor for discussion or comments regarding:
- Congresswoman Pelosi's proposal (no comments were made)
- Draft letter to Mayor in support of Infusion One (changes were noted)
Commissioner Looper moved and Commissioner Brown seconded to accept letter with changes. Motion carried to approve letter with necessary changes.
- Draft endorsement letter in support of Infusion One (same changes were noted as letter to Mayor)
Commissioner Looper moved and Commissioner Nguyen seconded to accept letter with changes. Motion carried to approve letter with necessary changes.
In addition, the following copies of invitation letters were available for review:
d) Marc MacDonald, Director of Real Estate
e) Seth Steward, Director of Office of Small Business Affairs
f) Leamon Abrams, Director of Mayor's Office of Economic Development
VII. Presentation
Commissioner Larkin introduced Supervisor Sophie Maxwell who will be speaking about health, crime/security and economic issues within the southeast sector of the City. He stated that at present, crime is very prevalent in this community and this is affecting many of the young people. He was pleased to see Infusion One and Young Community Developer representation at the meeting.
Supervisor Maxwell was also glad to see the large number of young people at the meeting and emphasized their importance as a resource.
Economic Development On the November ballot there will be a water bond for $1.6 billion for San Francisco—other regions with Contra Costa County about $2.6 billion—totaling about $4 billion for infrastructure towards the water. Estimated time for completion of project about 10-16 years, which means great opportunities for middle class jobs. The young residents have an opportunity to go to school, go to college to become engineers and go to work in this water system rather than importing people from outside. There was a $400 million project at Laguna Honda—those are jobs that make middle class families and individuals. They are going to need engineers, carpenters, designers and a number of vocations. There is $6 million worth of square feet office and other spaces to be built at the Mission Bay Project and the retrofit of the Bay Bridge Project will also need middle class making jobs.
Supervisor Maxwell encouraged the young people to get an education/training for these jobs. At present, there are inadequate amounts of people to fill those jobs and people will have to be imported to do the work. Cities should be about creating middle class—not importing them—the people are already here. Economic Development is exciting because it's about health, getting people off the streets, and a drop in crime—all of these help economic development. It's about getting mental health and other services that people need to make a good community. Many people came to San Francisco because of job opportunities—not because of housing.
There is a $122 million bond to retrofit the War Memorial building. There are a number of bonds available and the money is there. The citizens of this community can partake in these projects and become middle class families--the City needs more families. Another prospect is the Exploratorium at the Palace of Fine Arts wants to move to District 10. Supervisor Maxwell welcomes this possibility. She spoke with Terra Solar, which is the solar company now doing 2.5 megawatts of power (solar power panels) in Sacramento and they also want to move to District 10. They need 50,000 square feet—which are job opportunities. If San Francisco becomes the solar panel capital of California, the residents will have the expertise. She inquired about stock ownership and they proposed: "Employees would own 80% and they would own 20% of the company" (which means that employees could own the company). The reason for their interest in relocating to San Francisco is because the City last year passed a number of bonds to install solar panels on all municipal buildings (the new Moscone West Building has the largest solar panel in the country). The Board is considering biotech companies. Supervisor Maxwell is putting together a task force on biotech/bio-science. It is nothing to fear and people should be educated on this to legislate it and protect themselves from those parts that may be harmful (there are some parts of bioscience that are not). Everyone should get excited about the economic development taking place in this area, campaign, and be prepared for those job opportunities.
Health Supervisor Maxwell reported that they are working on health issues. The Board passed legislation dealing with power plants. They cannot produce anymore pollution that is already here. They have spoken to the Public Utilities Commission about the sewage plant. There is no other sewage plant in this country that is within twenty feet from residential houses. This plant should not be here and the digesters will have to be relocated. Supervisor Maxwell suggested another way to stay healthy is to explore obtaining good organic food. Efforts are being made to have vegetable stores on Third Street. The largest produce market in the City is within three blocks from Third Street and there are only a few places to get fruits in this area.
Crime This is an issue that seems to be ongoing. Supervisor Maxwell was confident that Chief Saunders will make a difference. His homicide inspector is great and his brother has been on the police force for 30 years and resides in District 10. Supervisor Maxwell feels that there will be some real changes made, e.g. community policing and different kinds of policing. The City spends over $500 million on the criminal justice system and only $10 million on parole. This needs to be shifted around; in that more money should be spent on when a parolee is out—keeping them out, instead of keeping them in. The prison system is a large industry. Commissioner Maxwell concluded by stating that people need to start thinking differently.
Commissioner Brown thanked Supervisor Maxwell for meeting with the Commission. Commissioner Brown asked that she expand further on the relocation of the sewage plant because the Commission recently met with Pat Martel and it was the Commission's understanding that the plant will not be moved and efforts will be made to reduce the odors. Supervisor Maxwell clarified that the sewage plant will not be moved yet—it's the digesters (large round tubs) that are being relocated. Supervisor Maxwell felt that Ms. Martel was eluding that this will not be done at this particular phase. They are considering having another phase of expanding local sewage within the City. They are looking at ways to not only mitigate the odor, but also to move the plant because it's in the wrong place and it's poor land usage. It will be a while before this is done. This is suppose to be a part of that big bond issue (about $5 billion). They decided to cut back and community advocates have to work very hard to keep this on the front burner. They are trying ways to mitigate the odor, i.e. having more water going through the system; fixing the Northpoint Plant to make sure that all sewage does not come to this location (rerouting to shorter distance would make a better system and it doesn't take much money). The plants will be relocated perhaps within the next 5 years instead of the upcoming bond issue in November.
Commissioner Looper wanted to know "With all the projects taking place in this community, and in preparing people before the jobs arrive, will the community-based organizations be utilized in the process--as resources?" Supervisor Maxwell replied "Yes". The Mayor is assembling a group of people from the community college system, the public school system, the unions and any other number of community-based groups to explore having a certificate program. Supervisor Maxwell felt that people can be trained within six months for these jobs. She will make sure that the community-based organizations involved will get funding up front.
Commissioner Hardin acknowledged Supervisor Maxwell for making Bayview Hunters Point exciting in the future with the things she outlined as potential resources for the youth and residents of this area. She was interested in what Supervisor Maxwell's role will be in the implementation of reuse of the Hunters Point Shipyard and how that is going to affect this community? Supervisor Maxwell responded that she is making sure that the Department of Public Health (DPH) plays a key role—they are suppose to insure that the citizens are healthy, safe and if there are any dangerous considerations, they will be there first.
Supervisor Maxwell reported that recently, the Army found methane gas (it is not toxic, but inflammable) underneath the landfill and it had seeped under one of the UCSF buildings. The Navy wanted to place a burner there, pump the gas and burn it off; however, what could happen potentially is dioxide—which is toxic. The DPH, community advocates and others asked the Navy to research other ways of resolving the problem. The Navy is going to do an entirely different system (it will be more costly, but better). The DPH has been in the forefront of this project and community residents were involved in reviewing conveyance documents. There is a legislation being introduced that will enable CAC's to go behind closed doors and being in the forefront in terms of reviewing confidential documents. Supervisor Maxwell urged that with the various projects taking place in the community, the residents should be involved from the beginning and be able to review pertinent documents. This legislation will be very helpful with the Bayview Hunters Point cleanup. Also, in making sure there is community participation in everything they do, for the first time, the Navy is talking with the residents--partnering with them so they can be involved in the cleanup process and Navy contracts.
Supervisor Maxwell noted that they will make sure that Lanar, who is the master developer, does what he is suppose to do. Lanar is a wealthy developer and so far they have spent over $15 million; in which the City would not have been able to do because they do not have the money. Lanar may or may not get this contract, but they feel it is worth it for them to try. The City has been able to use them very well for a lot of things that they have been trying to do.
Commissioner Hardin wanted to know the status of the Home Depot that has been advocated by the community to be placed where Goodman's Lumber was located? Supervisor Maxwell responded that Home Depot is still in the works. They have not done all that have been asked of them. The City is still negotiating with them to make sure they are doing what they are suppose to do—in terms of community participation, planning for traffic mitigation, what the building is going to look like because the City is an urban environment and there is not enough space. They are being asked to use solar panels on the roof and parking lot to generate their own power so it's not a burden on the citizens.
Commissioner Nguyen was very excited to hear about the many projects being funneled to this particular area. She wanted to know what role can the Commission play in assisting Supervisor Maxwell and the community to make this run smoothly? Supervisor Maxwell envisions the Commission's role to be crucial by advocating for programs to help people prepare for these jobs. Currently, PUC needs 70 engineers. The Commission needs to work with the community-based organizations because they are the partners to make a good program. To be able to take advantage of these job opportunities by having people get in and out of training, get them educated and get them the assistance they need.
Commissioner Brown asked if Supervisor Maxwell foresees a delay in the Light Rail Project—given the news that came out about the findings of asbestos? Supervisor Maxwell does not see this as being a major delay; however, it does alert everyone on what has to be done. Supervisor Maxwell advised that if someone feels that something is not being done right, contact the appropriate source.
Commissioner Larkin remarked that with so much occurring in District 10 and this Commission being right in the middle of representing the community—basically, some of the things Supervisor Maxwell mentioned—the Commission has tried to do for the community. Many of the other commissions are part of the City Charter. With the growth that is expected of this community, this Commission needs to be a part of the City Charter. This would give them a lot more authority on what's going on in this part of the City; and it would allow them to have the strength to support the things that the representatives want to see happen in regards to health, welfare, economic development and economic opportunities. Supervisor Maxwell stated that she sees the Commission's role to be for education. There are a lot of groups who are doing other things. In terms of education, the children are graduating at 1.7 grade point average. The Commission is needed to be invested in the educational system and become the bridge to represent the community with the public school and college systems. This is where the Commission can be vital because it is the missing link. It is extremely important that this Commission focus on what they do with this community, e.g. getting some good programs established, link up with all the public schools so that every child and adult comes here at one time or another. This facility should be full every night for classes.
Commissioner Larkin agreed that Supervisor Maxwell was in-sync with the Commission in terms of what they envision for this area. However, in order for the Commission to do the kind of job expected, the budget is a big consideration. Every year, instead of adding to the budget for the facilities or staff, they are subtracting. The small staff is being overloaded with work. Supervisor Maxwell remarked that she was on the Budget Committee and never saw this Commission advocating for this. The Commission's job while representing the community should be at those meetings advocating for community schools; and when the budget comes up—something should be said. Commissioner Larkin explained that this Commission does not come through the regular Board package—it goes through PUC. Supervisor Maxwell suggested that the Commission advocate with PUC and the Board of Supervisors. The Board reviews PUC's budget and cuts can be made accordingly. The Commission should advocate to everyone until their message is heard.
Commissioner Larkin asked Supervisor Maxwell to consider his request of having the same authority as other commissions. It is imperative to have more power to make things happen in this community. Supervisor Maxwell advised that the Commission has to make their own power by advocating and then they can become a strong body. It's not about anyone giving the Commission anything, it's about the Commission taking it, being active and being there. The other commissions do not come in front of the Board—they are basically, advisory. Some of them don't have any staff or director. Commissioner Larkin concluded that the difference of the other commissions is--they are chartered and this Commission is not.
Commissioner Maxwell was glad to hear that the Light Rail Project would have a delay because it has changed in its relationships to community residents altogether. She received notice that the regular meetings with 6 community-based agencies have been discontinued. The project will be opened up with RFQ's and proposals will be accepted citywide for the Light Rail Project. Supervisor Maxwell explained that when this project was brought before the Transportation Authority (Board of Supervisors was the acting commission), the large funding was brought to their attention and they wanted to partake in the process. MUNI has been difficult to deal with, but the Board will have to work with them.
Commissioner Maxwell remarked that for a lot of the jobs being proposed for this area, education is needed and persons need to be qualified. However, there are many things occurring in the City for job development that don't require a lot of education and qualification. These jobs are not being given to the community-based agencies as promised. People need jobs continuously and there is no control how long a person is on the job. Commissioner Maxwell agreed that the Commission should attend Board meetings and advocate for the community.
Commissioner Hardin noted that the Bayview Opera House (BOH) serves as an educational facility in arts and as a cultural hub for this community. The BOH recently received its budget from the Arts Commission and its been cut so severely that there are many programs that are not being funded next year. Commissioner Hardin asked Supervisor Maxwell if she knew of any resources to bring more arts funding for the BOH, it will be appreciated.
Supervisor Maxwell introduced Jackie Corde from the City Attorney's Office. Ms. Corde announced that about two years ago, the Board of Supervisors requested the City Attorney's Office to look into whether there were any citizens who were experiencing problems with "Predator Lending". The Board was concerned about people who are elderly or indigent who are being targeted by certain kinds of lending agencies. Ms. Corde asked that the City Attorney's Office be notified if anyone knows of someone experiencing such (contact person is Marguerite Guiterrez).
Commissioner Larkin opened the floor for public comments and questions. He asked that speakers limit their remarks to three (3) minutes. (Speaker cards were made available)
- Dwayne Jones, Executive Director of Young Community Developers (YCD) - Mr. Jones commended Supervisor Maxwell on the excellent job she is doing in terms of bringing departments and community-based organizations together to the table. In terms of economic development activities associated with forthcoming projects, she has an amazing concept that YCD is happy to work with her on. He expressed concern regarding their existing PUC Project that trains people to be stationary engineers and subsequently become PUC employees has been placed on hold due to cuts. He questioned how a piece of a program that is part of mitigation could be placed on hold because of other issues transpiring in other departments? He asked what could be done in the context of advocating and who with to remove the hold from that program?
Supervisor Maxwell felt that Mr. Jones is correct, in that, it is important that this program is ongoing. It should be written in that when economic times get hard, this program should not be cut. Supervisor Maxwell emphasized that this is unacceptable because this program was not on the table to be cut. When Ms. Martel came to the Budget Committee meeting, another person was added to that training session that seemed to be helpful. The Budget Committee is looking at ways in making sure the program continues. Supervisor Maxwell assured that it will continue and suggested that a meeting with Ms. Martel be arranged to discuss this issue.
- Michelle Davis, Employee of YO (Youth Opportunities) Program in BVHP - Ms. Davis stated that YO is funded by the Department of Labor and facilitated by the Private Industry Council (PIC) of San Francisco. The City was awarded $28 million to work with youth over a certain period; and after a certain length of time, the grant will be self-sustaining. She expressed concern that for a program of that size to be in the community providing some type of service/resource, it would warrant the community to be more involved with the program; but she has not seen this from the community.
When YO started at Gloria R. Davis, community people were hired in order to relate to the youth from this area. There is an office at Sunnydale, 1650 Mission and 1650 Bryant. YO opened a satellite site at 195 Kiska in the midst of the enterprise zone 231 where most of the poverty in the community exists. The program ran without meeting the grant guidelines in terms of a youth lounge and other features to make it more accessible and youth friendly. There were no fax or copier machines for staff to process the youth applications into the program. They were inconvenienced by being sent somewhere else to get qualified for a program that was written for them in the enterprise zone. The satellite sites closed without informing the youth, its staff or hold a community meeting to inform its residents. The BVHP site is the only site that does not have a fully functional center that is called for in the grant. PIC supplies sub-contractors with funds to employ the youth from this program. YO is too good of a resource to eliminate from this area—especially with the youth crime. The community should be more involved to make YO make it right for BVHP.
It is being proposed to relocate the program to 1201 Mendell (adjacent Providence Baptist Church), hours 9-3 p.m., the staff must be out of the new location by 3 p.m. and youth by 4 p.m.—which is not adherent to the guidelines of the grant. Ms. Davis felt that the center should be open where the youth could come and have a safe place with responsible adults. The youth population is diminishing from the program at 3 per week. Many of the case managers and staff have been relocated outside of the community. She concluded that PIC needs to make this right and urged that the BVHP residents keep an eye on the program and get involved. She also requested Supervisor Maxwell's assistance.
- Jesse Mason, BVHP Community Advocates - Mr. Mason expressed concern for the economic development of this area. He noted that the economic development from what Supervisor Maxwell mentioned is fantastic. The community employers in BVHP has an economic advantage to allow many of the children in this area to work because there is an obligation in terms of the 1970 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU state: "These companies would train and hire these young people in the community"; unfortunately, this has not been done yet. He wanted to know how could those large companies (approximately 3,000 employers) in the community be brought to the table? If these employers would hire 1-2 persons, the unemployment situation would probably be eliminated.
Supervisor Maxwell agreed that this should be done and they probably will do it; so the community has to work on that with the MOU. Basically, she was talking about projects the City is controlling because the City has the obligation, whereas, a private company is different. The Government has the monies and the City has the obligation. It is the City that will be performing all these aforementioned projects and spending $400 million. A lot of these jobs could be stationary—here forever. She did review the MOU and informed Mr. Mason that they will meet to discuss this further. The community needs to prepare themselves and prepare people for getting these jobs when they arrive and keeping them.
- Ricky Quarles, Consultant to the Director of Infusion One - Mr. Quarles thanked the Commission for the endorsement letters that were approved. The Community Outreach Project is a follow-up from the "Young Men at Risk Teen Summit". They believe that in order to reach the young children, they need to go out to the community. They are seeking outreach partners, community-at-large partners and resource partners. Each one of those partners will be able to offer essential needs to the youth, especially those at risk who are in gangs and those that don't know where to get help. Training will begin on August 23rd where all three partners will be trained on safety measures and what transpires on the streets. Captain Puchinelli with the Police Department has already submitted his letter of support. This is a very important project and without the public’s help, they will not be able to do this. At Infusion One, they do not believe in "Try"; they believe in "Doing It". In order for this to be successful, support is needed. In conclusion, Mr. Quarles requested Supervisor Maxwell's support and assistance in advocating for funds for this project. Supervisor Maxwell replied "Yes".
Commissioner Larkin thanked Supervisor Maxwell for meeting with the Commission and sharing this invaluable information. Also, her leaving with a few new ideas that the community feels are needed and things requested of her to look into.
Commissioner Larkin introduced Mr. Dave Pearson, Manager of S.F. State University Headstart Program at the Southeast Community Facility.
Mr. Pearson thanked the Commission for having the opportunity to meet them. He reported that S.F. State University-Urban Institute is the replacement grantee for the Headstart Program consisting of two agencies. The Headstart Program offers a full range of comprehensive and developmentally appropriate services for children who are low-income, from the ages of 2.9 to 5 years old. Prior to a month ago, they were only serving children from 3-5 years old. Child Development Programs can serve children up to 2 years old or 5 years old. Because the Headstart Program is federally funded, they can serve up to maximum of 4 years. Currently, the City's Headstart Programs serves 1,401 children of which 40 slots are located at this facility.
The year 2002-03 has made significant changes within the federal government and federal guidelines requiring teachers (at least 50%) to have their BA degree and the other 50% must achieve their AA degree within the year 2006. There will be a vast change in staffing this coming year. The Centers Directors must have a Bachelor or Masters degree. Those who do not may maintain their jobs as site supervisors while working towards their CDA credentials or better. Currently, out of the 40 children at this site, there are 11 children not residing within the 94124 zip code (about 80% children being served in this area). In the school year 2002-03, seven of the eleven children residing outside will not be attending this center—which will bring the percentage served at this area to 91%. They are looking at serving the areas in which each Headstart is located within the demographics of the City. In BVHP there are other facilities that serve Headstart students: Charles Drew and Partners. Overall, there are 24 Headstart locations with 17 partners and even family childcare homes (literature was available).
The City no longer looks at Headstart as a single entity, but they do partner with other programs to provide full day services. When S.F. State University took over this Headstart Program, it ran half-day services. They went to full day service when there was a need and now they are looking towards full-day, full-year services. Their funding has also been cut like other entities. With the funding that federal government provides, they still have health and social services (within that-- support groups and referrals). They also offer disability services and support. Overall, all children's meals are free, inclusive of breakfast, lunch and a snack. There is quiet time for full-time children within a child development center. Also, they offer the parents a full comprehensive service, i.e. referrals to help parents find employment and employment training. There are workshops held for parents at 205 - 13th Street, which teaches them how to become teachers, center directors, center assistance, etc. The funds are paid through the S.F. State University-Urban Institute. Currently, they are looking forward to another successful year in Headstart. Mr. Pearson thanked the Commission for having them here another year.
Commissioner Larkin congratulated Mr. Pearson for providing the Headstart services at the facility. He asked what are the possibilities, given the number of parents moving in this area, for creating more slots—outside of the 40 existing slots? Mr. Pearson responded that being a federally funded program, they cannot promise slots to persons living in a general demographic. This would be against the federal mandate of their grant. They do try to serve the general community. They cannot say preference, but most parents feel comfortable having their children within their environment/residence or some in their workplace. It is probable that because this is in a college atmosphere and they do have the demographics right here, most of the families come from the southeast sector. There has never been a problem getting this center fully enrolled. He did not foresee other areas enrolling at this facility because there are various daycare centers and partners throughout the City.
Commissioner Larkin wanted clarification on the 1,401 slots in the City, being federally funded, would mean that families residing in this area can go to other parts of the City for childcare services. He also wanted to know what the possibilities were in getting the 40 slots at this site increased? Mr. Pearson responded that the facility would have to be large enough to be licensed for that number. The licensing capacity for the current facility is 40.
Commissioner Brown wanted to know the criteria for a family to qualify for applying—is it income? Mr. Pearson replied "Yes". There are guidelines set forth by the federal government. These guidelines are for San Francisco residents; e.g. a family of three annual income is $18-21 thousand and other criteria. The hours are currently 8-4:30 p.m. Commissioner Brown wanted to know if there was a before and after school program because most full-time jobs start at 8 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Mr. Pearson replied "No". There is a center in Hunters View that does serve this zip code and its hours are from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Southeast Headstart Program is funded by two sources: federal and state. Commissioner Brown could not understand how a full-time parent could benefit from this service at this facility. Mr. Pearson responded that most full-time parents make arrangements to have their children dropped off and picked up by other guardians. They are looking at longer hours, but the present budgetary cuts won't allow it.
Dr. Moses noted that this facility was built as a mitigation measure to make it available for educational services, childcare services, etc. Most of the students attend evening classes. In a collaborate effort with the college, what can be done to help provide services for these students? Mr. Pearson explained that in 1999 when they took over the grantee of this facility, they were given a $6 million grant from S.F. State, which is the lowest funded Headstart Program (due to no room for expansion). They currently do not have the funds to run a twilight program, but they would be interested in meeting with Dean Hunnicutt in working together towards this effort.
Dr. Moses noted that diversity is very important. This neighborhood is growing rapidly with a mixture of all ethnicity. He wanted a fiscal breakdown of how many African-American children and students with children are enrolled in the program? Mr. Pearson did not have the statistical data with him, but would forward it to Dr. Moses soon.
Commissioner Larkin thanked Mr. Pearson for his invaluable information and stated that the Commission would like to meet with him again.
VIII. Director's Report
Dr. Toye Moses introduced Annette Price who will be the Executive Secretary to the Commission effective August 19th. Ms. Price has already worked with PUC and has a good background experience. Another person has also been hired to replace Kenneth Kwan and she will also start on August 19th.
a) Update on Commission website - Dr. Moses had spoken to Jennifer who is the new person in charge and she will train Annette on posting and retrieving data when she starts employment.
b) Update on FY 02-03 Budget Request - The budget has been finally approved.
c) Update of Decorative Plant Services Lease Agreement - The lease went to the City Attorney's Office and was returned today. Dr. Moses suggested that the Facilities Committee schedule a meeting to review the lease.
Commissioner Larkin asked Commissioner Hardin to schedule a meeting with the committee to review the lease and report back to the full body.
Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Hardin seconded to accept the Executive Director's report. Motion passed unanimously to accept report as presented.
IX. Introduction of New Business
a) Commissioner Larkin asked that an invitation be extended to Assistant Chief Earl Saunders who is now Chief Saunders of the S.F. Police Department to meet with the Commission. With all of the problems occurring in this neighborhood, he would like Chief Saunders to explain some of the things he plans to do to bring some closure to some of these problems.
b) Commissioner Brown asked to invite Pastor Calvin Jones of Providence Baptist Church to speak on the chartered school (grades K-5) opening on August 26th: the program and what it offers.
c) Commissioner Looper suggested that an invite be sent to someone from the Department of Elections in preparation for the November general elections—job opportunities and what is on the ballot.
d) Commissioner Hardin stated that when she chaired the Facilities Committee, she was asked to bring some decorative highlights to the Alex Pitcher Community Room. She met with Al Williams who is on the Board at the African Museum in the Western Addition and he offered items that he could loan for display on a rotating basis, e.g. textiles, photographs, etc. Commissioner Hardin was open for suggestions regarding decorative ideas for the facility.
X. Announcements
Commissioner Nguyen wanted to know the status of the workshops for Infusion One in terms of which Commission is participating, time, etc. Commissioners Larkin, Looper and Hardin volunteered do the workshops. Commissioner Larkin will be meeting with Director Logan on August 13th to discuss when he would be available to help with the workshop with the children. He will suggest to Mr. Logan to contact Commissioner Hardin. Commissioner Looper stated that he has two days scheduled in October for the workshops. Commissioner Hardin wanted clarification that the workshops would be done individually and not as a group. Commissioner Larkin suggested that guests from different entities be invited to speak to the children about how city government operates. Commissioner Larkin plans to speak on how the Commission meets, its responsibilities to the community and the importance of knowing how the community works by attending regular meetings to monitor activities and getting involved in community functions, etc.
Adjournment
Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Nguyen seconded to adjourn the SECF Commission meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Commission Secretary
