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Meeting Information



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MINUTES

Thursday, August 14, 2003

6:00 P.M.

1800 Oakdale Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94124



   I.                 Call to Order

Commission President Millard Larkin called the Thursday, August 14, 2003 meeting to order at 6:20 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.

 

III.                 Roll Call

Present:            Commissioner Millard Larkin, Commissioner Bobbrie Brown,
Commissioner Louise Jones, Commissioner Willie Kennedy,
Commissioner Kim Nguyen, Commissioner Ronald Person

Staff Present:    Robert Bryan, Deputy City Attorney; Toye Moses, Exec. Dir. SECFC;
Annette Price, SECF Commission Secretary 

IV.                 Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Brown moved and Commissioner Jones seconded to accept the minutes of Wednesday, July 23, 2003.  Motion passed to accept minutes as presented

V.                 Communications

                            a.          Draft letter to Mayor Brown requesting support to re-establish SLUG employment program funding (in progress).

                            b.          Letter of Invitation to Edward Rathbun, President of Decorative Plant Services re: Update on Greenhouse operations and aspects of MOU. 

VI.                 Presentations

Commissioner Larkin introduced and welcomed Attorney Jeff Adachi, SF Public Defender, who distributed pamphlets and thanked the Commission for the opportunity to present.  Mr. Adachi stated he was honored and looked forward to working with the Commission in future.   

a)                  Mr. Adachi stated the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office has two (2) locations, the main office at 555 7th Street and a satellite office at the Youth Guidance Center. The PD’s Office is charged with providing legal counsel to over 25,000 San Franciscans each year and included in that figure 1,000 are youth (1/3 from BVHP).  For the individuals who cannot afford legal representation, the PD’s Office provides them with free legal representation.  For those individuals who do not qualify for free legal representation, the PD’s Office has a sliding fee scale. 

Mr. Adachi stated the PD’s Office in the past was perceived in a negative light, which he and staff have tried hard to reverse by providing very impressive representation for clients and competent, highly trained trial attorneys.  PD’s Office is committed to improving criminal/juvenile justice by providing programs and services that will help individuals turn their lives around by advocating, educating, and providing outreach to those individuals that are in need of legal assistance. 

Mr. Adachi stated his office has just received $2 million in additional funding, which will enable PD’s Office to hire more staff to help ease their overwhelming caseload.  In the next 6 months, Mr. Adachi plans to create permanent satellite offices in the Mission, Tenderloin, and BVHP districts providing the necessary programs and services to the underrepresented individuals and to assist them in erasing their arrest record.  Mr. Adachi described one of the programs that his office is offering: 

-             Operation Clean Slate (drop-in) - A program for qualifying individuals to clean arrest records for misdemeanor/felony convictions.  The timeline for expunging a record for misdemeanors is 2 months while a felony takes up to 2 years requiring that the individual get a certificate of rehabilitation from the governor.    

Mr. Adachi concluded by asking for strong community support to reach out to the community
and inform the community that the PD’s Office is here to help assist with legal issues, thereby building community trust.  Mr. Adachi then opened the floor for questions.   

Commissioner Larkin asked with reference to alternative plans to incarceration, what type of relationship has the PD’s Office developed with community-based organizations particularly in BVHP.  Mr. Adachi responded there are numerous diversion programs; however, they are voluntary programs that an individual must elect to become involved in.  Drug Court is a 2-year program where people can escape conviction of a felony if they participate in a drug treatment program.  Educational Court is for first-time drug sale offenders who are given the opportunity to go back to school to further their education. 

Commissioner Brown was concerned with the number of young people being given life sentences since the 3 strikes law was passed and was curious as to whether a review could take place on how the law is applied to some disadvantaged people. 

Mr. Adachi informed that the District Attorney’s Office has elected not to charge people with 3 strikes unless the three offenses committed are violent offenses.  His suggestion for getting the law changed are threefold:  (1) to overturn the law by Supreme Court decision; (2) state legislature takes a stand against 3 strikes; (3) appeal it through voter initiative (2/3 of voters needed). 

Commissioner Kennedy inquired whether the setting up of offices here in BVHP would be open for bid.  Mr. Adachi answered it will not be put out for bid but rather will be operated by the Public Defender’s Office. 

Commissioner Nguyen asked if there was a more preventative method to deter youth from criminal activity.  Mr. Adachi stated the root causes for youth arrests are race, lack of family support, poor education, and poor employment.  The Squires Program through the Omega Boy’s Club is for first-time offenders (youth) where they’re taken to San Quentin to meet life-sentence inmates.  It’s a very effective program teaching youth the consequence of committing crimes.  There is also a mentor program involving college students who volunteer at the Public Defender’s Office.

Supervisor Maxwell interjected that as a Commission, you are in a prime position to come up with very creative programs that might already be in place but just need to be augmented and put out into the community. 

Commissioner Person questioned the meaning of “financial eligibility” as listed in the brochure that was distributed.  Mr. Adachi stated the Clean Slate Program pretty much accepts everyone unless they are making over $50,000.

-             Ms. Patton commented the majority of people are unaware that juvenile records are not automatically cleared after the age of 18 and asked whether anything can be done to ensure that their records are sealed.  She also inquired whether the PD’s Office would consider having a community liaison to do outreach to peers by providing information and helping them to understand what is needed?  Mr. Adachi responded that a request must be made to have a record sealed.  Regarding a community liaison, Mr. Adachi felt that was an excellent idea in terms of building community trust to help in PD’s outreach efforts.

-             Mr. Jackson, One Stop Career Center offered the services of his organization to help Mr. Adachi in his outreach efforts.

-             Ms. Irizarry asked how criminalization can be impacted in Hunters Point and what can be done in terms of prevention?  Mr. Adachi commended Ms. Irizarry on her commitment to the community and wished her luck with the opening of her Green House foundation.  Mr. Adachi stated it’s really a person-by-person effort that will bring about true change. 

-             Ms. Daniels invited Mr. Adachi to participate in a “teach-in” with some of the young adults in the community on what their rights are and what actions should be taken when they are intimidated, harassed by police.  Mr. Adachi assured her he would come personally and be apart of that “teach-in”.

-             Mr. Tilofoni asked in reference to Pacific Islanders/Samoans, what is being done by the PD’s Office as far as English translation.  Mr. Adachi answered that the PD’s Office currently does not have brochures translated into Samoan, but that is something he will look into.  However, the Public Safety Dept mandates that all materials be in at least three (3) languages -- Chinese, Spanish and English.

-             Mr. Monroe, Executive Director of YCD offered YCD’s assistance in setting up PD’s satellite office in BVHP and any type of community liaison that they have.  Mr. Monroe questioned whether there was a program for adults to clean their record.  Mr. Adachi responded Clean Slate primarily deals with adult issues. 

Commissioner Larkin thanked Mr. Adachi and welcomed and introduced Supervisor Sophie Maxwell, who will speak to public health/safety and crime within the Southeast Sector Community. 

b)                  Supervisor Maxwell thanked everyone for coming out and also thanked the Commission for their letters of support and sympathy for the recent passing of her mother, the late Commissioner Enola Maxwell.

Public Health is a part of public safety, which is why we tried to restore as much money as we could to the public health dept.  Public health has a $1 zillion deficit.  In order to give money to the health dept several fees were raised while at the same time reducing several departmental budgets, i.e., SFPD/SFFD.  On the November ballot there will be the childcare initiative for affordable childcare.  Also introduced was legislation that will increase the amount of money the school district receives.  San Francisco gets approximately $3 million from the state.  This new legislation allows the City to open a fund to track all money received and any extra funds will be set aside for the school district.

Regarding economic development, we have a $500 million light rail project, $400 million Laguna Honda retrofit, $1 billion Bay Bridge retrofit, a $3 billion Hetch Hetchy retrofit occurring in the City.    Supervisor Maxwell encouraged the community to be prepared for these upcoming jobs by getting trained prior to their arrival.  She stated she is working very diligently to get more money for training so the community can be prepared when the new developments begin and urged the Commission/Community to start programs at City College for the training that will be needed.

Supervisor Maxwell reported a lot of problems and health issues have arisen from the power plants not only in BVHP but Potrero Hill.  A lawsuit was brought by the city against the energy companies, which resulted in the city’s acquisition of four (4) peaker plants, natural combustion turbines.  Because the Independent System Operator (ISO) says that San Francisco must generate their own power, the Supervisor urged -- rather than using PG&E transmission lines -- San Francisco to become self-generating and within 10 years San Francisco own their own generation.  Two sitings that are being considered for these four (4) peaker plants are on Jesse St. in downtown San Francisco with the remaining three (3) peaker plants being placed on 22nd St. off of Third St.  The advantage of siting these peakers at these locations will be less pollution, flexibility (mobility of peakers), and operated for need and not profit.

Regarding the Sewer treatment Plant, the digesters cannot be moved.  However, we need for PUC people to help the community rid themselves of the treatment plant itself.  Nowhere in this country has a sewage treatment plant been built within 25 feet of residential homes.

Two task forces have been created: (1) Childhood Nutrition/Fitness; and (2) Bioscience Task Force.  The Supervisor voiced her concern that so many children are at risk for diseases that once were unheard of are now common in young children, i.e. diabetes, adult onset, etc.  She encouraged the community to involve the children in exercise to help them prevent such disease.  Bioscience is something that is extremely important.  This task force will also educate people, especially Latino and African Americans, since bioscience is not well know among these two ethnic groups. 

Supervisor Maxwell stated she has strong support from Washington regarding her efforts for the development of the Naval Shipyard.  She also announced that there are several vacancies on the CAC board and requested individuals to contact her office if interested, as she really needs community support in her efforts to make the shipyard materialize. 

Commissioner Jones thanked Supervisor Maxwell for meeting with the Commission.  One issue that was not addressed in the presentation was your creation of the Asthma Task Force.  She expressed her thanks to Supervisor Maxwell for making the district health department and district accountable to lower the incidence of asthma. Supervisor Maxwell thanked Commissioner Jones for mentioning the task force and reported that she was able to get an extension of that Asthma Task Force due to a $200,000 grant received from the American Lung Association to help with more outreach efforts.   

Commissioner Kennedy explained in order to get legislation passed, there must be community support and urged the community to attend some of the board meetings.  She also encouraged the community to investigate what jobs will be needed to prepare for training. 

Commissioner Person asked what is being done about the drug problem in the community and the illegal dumping of garbage.  Supervisor Maxwell responded that Mohammad Nuru, DPW is doing a great job of keeping the streets clean.  She also listed a phone number 1(800) CLEAN where one can call and request the removal of garbage from the streets.  The patrol group has been reinstated, which will deter people from illegal dumping by ticketing individuals. 

In response to Commissioner Kennedy’s comment regarding training that will be needed for upcoming jobs, Supervisor Maxwell stated sometimes it’s not always easy to find that information out because that information is not made readily available to the public. 

Commissioner Larkin commented that the laws that are now on the books (12B) need to be enforced on every level explaining there are many contractors/subcontractors out here in the BVHP community that are not in compliance who hire from within.  We need to look at the history of some of the laws and the outcome of some of the complaints by some members in this community. 

Commissioner Nguyen said she was happy to hear about the Bioscience Task Force and informed that she is in the process of trying to build a relationship with another agency in the Peninsula to bring to BVHP and hoped to join forces with the Supervisor’s Bioscience Task Force and develop something in that biotech area. Supervisor Maxwell responded that would be appreciated. 

Director Moses thanked Supervisor Maxwell for her open-door policy and also thanked her for the appointment of Ms. Elloise Patton to the Delinquency Prevention Commission. 

-             Several audience members voiced concern with reference to the 3rd Street light rail stating the 94134 segment is not reflecting the community as is the 94124 and asked if there was a way to resolve that.  There are internal problems brewing -- dissatisfaction, jobs being divided into segments, etc.  Supervisor Maxwell assured that a call would be placed to Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAC), leading agency for the 94134 segment, to make inquiry and noted that accountability measures will be put in place for all community-based organizations.  Money will not continue to flow if results are not taking place.

The Supervisor also announced there will be a town hall meeting on August 29, 2003 at Southeast from 6:00 to 8:00 to discuss economic opportunities in BVHP and to discuss setting up workshops/seminars for community-based organizations on financial planning, personnel issues. 

-             Ms. Michelle inquired as to the childcare issue and asked whether a solution has been reached as to Stage III. Also, whether there were programs available to educate young children on how to use their asthma equipment.  Supervisor Maxwell responded San Francisco General Hospital has an excellent program that educates children in the use of their equipment.  She added part of the recommendation of the Asthma Task Force is an implementation where every teacher knows what to do in case of an attack and to recognize symptoms.  There will also be a program in some of the schools where there will be an interactive doctor on call at all times.  The childcare initiative will be on the November ballot, so please go out and vote yes for it. 

Supervisor Maxwell also informed that there would be over 800 housing units coming to 3rd St and another 300 units at the Coca-Cola plant.  She informed that Star Bucks and Magic Johnson were recently in her office inquiring about possibly opening up offices in District 10.    

Commissioner Larkin thanked Supervisor Maxwell for her update and coming out to answer questions.  We appreciate your leadership and will continue to back you particularly from this Commission. 

Commissioner Kennedy informed the Supervisor that at one time a Youth Employment Program (pilot) was established at City Hall, which was coordinated by Commissioner Larkin and funded by the Redevelopment Agency.  That program placed 40 young people in jobs at City Hall and other places for hands-on training/experience and most of them are still there today. 

Supervisor Maxwell responded that that program should to be brought back and asked that she be given the legislation.  Commissioner Kennedy responded she would get the information and forward it to the Supervisor.  Commissioner Kennedy also suggested that a hiring hall would be needed once job training got underway. 

Commissioner Larkin introduced Mr. Jonathan Gomwalk, Acting Director of SF League for Urban Gardeners (SLUG), who will give an update about the closure of SLUG. 

c)                  Mr. Gomwalk thanked the Commission for the opportunity to come and address the Commission regarding SLUG’s current situation, stating he appreciates the support and calls he has received from the community.

SLUG has been in operation for 20 years.  It has made numerous contributions in the community offering training in landscaping, beautification, etc.  Unfortunately SLUG recently closed their doors on July 22, 2003. The main reason was that the organization had been running on a deficit for 2.5 years.  Contracts that had been secured were inadequate to cover overhead/administrative costs.  SLUG board members hired a new executive director in June attempting to save the organization, but unfortunately in July 2003 the board voted to shut the doors and keep on a skeleton crew, Interim director to deal with various city agency contracts; human resource person to deal with various claims and unemployment; and a front desk person to screen calls. 

Mr. Gomwalk reported a plan is being worked on to rescue SLUG and to be successful SLUG needs community support. We’d like to designate at least 4 or 5 point people from this Commission who we could coordinate with to organize rallies and various events to get the word out and let people know that there is a plan in place to try to save the organization.  We are speaking to some city agencies to determine if some of the programs can be retained, such as design structure, landscape training, job training, street sweeping, etc and used as a starting point to begin rebuilding.  I appeal to the Commission and whatever you can do to help would be appreciated.

Commissioner Larkin remarked the request for 4 or 5 point people is duly noted, but that he had a few questions:  How long have you been employed by SLUG and why did the board vote to close the doors. Mr. Gomwalk responded he has been with SLUG for 6 years and noted there was a dividing opinion among certain board members, which resulted in closing the operation. 

Commissioner Larkin stated the Commission feels SLUG is a valuable entity in the community, but the Commission needs to understand exactly what happened in order to support SLUG’s efforts.  If there is funding available now and there are three people on staff being paid but the community is not being served, that is another problem. 

Mr. Gomwalk further explained even though debt was owed for the last 2.5 years, SLUG continued to incur more debt.  Payments were missed which caused interest/penalties to balloon.  There was vendor debt, which resulted in lawsuits as well as payroll tax liabilities accumulated by the previous director for the first and second quarters, which continued to increase. 

Attempts have been made to repay some of the debt, but SLUG has suffered huge interest and penalties.  We have been negotiating for about a year now with the IRS where they have helped us to work out a plan but it is not complete yet, although we were able to get the penalties and fees reduced.  Those factors combined with economic budget cuts, less funding being available to the organization lead us to where we are now. 

Commissioner Larkin asked whether debts were being paid by monies that were supposed to go
to servicing the community and was the closure a result of mismanagement?  Mr. Gomwalk responded there was mismanagement to a point, but more so a case of lack of unrestricted funds and inadequate cash reserve.

Commissioner Nguyen inquired as to the amount of SLUG funding for last year.  Mr. Gomwalk responded $2.9 million.  Commissioner Nguyen asked whether the organization had been taken over by Urban Solution.  Mr. Gomwalk responded that the executive director of Urban Solution has offered to come in and give SLUG technical assistance in turning the organization around, but Urban Solution has not taken over SLUG.

Commissioner Kennedy inquired of SLUG’s funding source and whether funding was cut. 
Mr. Gomwalk responded a lot came from City agencies. Funding was not cut; SLUG ceased operation.  Commissioner Kennedy asked if the funding was insufficient to pay the debt.  Mr. Gomwalk responded that it was insufficient to cover daily operating costs. 

-             Ms. Maloney, former SLUG employee remarked it was the board that acted without informing anyone of the closure and stated anything the Commission can do to help would be appreciated. 

-             Ms. Woods of Mission Creek Harbor Association stated her organization hired SLUG to maintain a park.  Had we known of the impending closure, we would have advocated.  She also noted in going through her organization’s accounts payables, she realized that SLUG was not charging her organization enough money to cover SLUG’s overhead.  If SLUG can be saved, it has to be conducted on a more business-like basis and that nonproductive employees cannot be carried on payroll. 

Commissioner Larkin thanked Mr. Gomwalk for his update and stated the Commission does support SLUG’s efforts but that there are some questions that need to be answered. I would ask staff to get a little more information to work with, i.e. whether SLUG was included in the approved City budget, why the board members decided to close the doors.  And as a Commission, we need to entertain whether we need to talk to the board members to determine what happened so that whatever we decide to do we do it well informed. 

VII.                 Public Comment:  There was no public comment at this meeting. 

VIII.                 Director’s Report

Commissioner Larkin held the Director’s Report over to the next commission meeting. 

IX.                 Introduction of New Business:

No new business was introduced at this meeting.

 

X.                 Announcements:

There were no announcements at this meeting 

XI.                 Adjournment

Commissioner Kennedy moved and Commissioner Brown seconded to adjourn the SECF Commission meeting.  Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

  Respectfully submitted,



       _____________________

   Commission Secretary