2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
MINUTES
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
6:00 P.M.
1800 Oakdale Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94124
1.0 Call to Order
Commission President Millard Larkin called the Wednesday, July 28, 2004 meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. in the Alex L. Pitcher Community Room at 1800 Oakdale Avenue.
Commissioner Larkin read the Sunshine Ordinance aloud and welcomed everyone.
1.2 Roll Call
Commissioner Millard Larkin; Commissioner Bobbrie Brown; Commissioner Juan Fuentes Commissioner Louise Jones; Commissioner Kenneth Sampson; Commissioner Ronald Person
Excused: Commissioner Willie Kennedy
Staff Present: Robert Bryan, Deputy City Attorney, Toye Moses, Exec. Dir. SECFC;
Annette Price, SECF Commission Secretary.
1.3 Consent Calendar
RESOLUTION (SECFC-2004-12) Be it resolved that the minutes of the Southeast Community Facility Commission meeting of Thursday, July 15, 2004 be approved as submitted (passed unanimously).
2.0 Public Comment
Dr. Parkercommended the Commission/Director on the publication of the SECF Resource Directory and thought that it would be useful if every household had a copy. He also suggested that the Commission ascertain the percentage of workforce living in BVHP, business in BVHP, and products/services used by BVHP residents.
Comm. Larkin thanked Dr. Parker for the comment but noted with the current budget constraints the city is experiencing, he doubted that the directory could be made available to every household. He did however instruct staff to look into strategically placing the directories around the community so that they are readily available to everyone.
Ms. Jackson, referring to a news article in yesterday’s Chronicle re: federal protection for endangered species, stated that that same analogy should be made of BVHP residents who are also endangered. She expressed concern that the new development taking place in BVHP brings with it many hazardous toxins. She reminded the audience back in 2000 of the methane gas leak at the shipyard in which many residents were affected and that no one from the health department came out to perform any tests. Ms. Jackson urged Dr. Katz to work with the Commission in an effort to ensure that there is environmental justice in the BVHP area and possibly put a resolution together proclaiming BVHP residents as endangered.
Ms. Epps-Miller, Director of the Southeast Health Center reported that the Southeast Health Center is in its 27th year of operation as a full-based primary care center with the following services: Dental, podiatry, and mental health. She also made comment that the health center had been inadvertently omitted from the SECF Resource Directory and that in future she would make sure that a supply of brochures are available at future Commission meetings.
Comm. Larkin informed that any omissions on the part of staff were not deliberate; however, if anyone is aware of any other omissions to please complete the “correction form” and return it to SECFC Office for update.
Ms. McGruder expressed concern regarding the disproportionate number of layoffs of African American people in the healthcare field and asked that the decision to layoff so many senior African American people who make policy-level decisions be reconsidered.
3.0 Communications:
The Executive Director stated the following correspondence has been sent/received as directed:
Decorative Plant, Inc. lease for calendar year 2004 (late arrival), which will go through the Facility Committee for approval.
4.0 Presentation:
Mitchell Katz, Director of Public Health thanked the Commission for the opportunity to present noting that it has been three years since his last presentation. Dr. Katz reported that breasts, prostate, lung, and cervical cancer rates are as high now as they were three years ago. The same is true for asthma with the BVHP community having the highest rate of asthma hospitalizations of any area in California. Dr. Katz noted that the disparity in health between the African American community and other ethnic communities in San Francisco has increased due mainly to poverty and social/environmental factors, as there has been no change in environmental toxins poisoning the BVHP area. He added although there has been some efforts made in cleaning up the area (superfund sites), the area is no more environmentally safe than it was three years ago. There is much more work to be done.
Dr. Katz highlighted the work of Health Empowerment Resource Center (HERC), an organization that increases awareness of cancers who has also worked in close collaboration with Kaiser in putting together asthma support groups/camps. He noted that although asthma has not decreased, people are learning how to diagnose and control their symptoms through medication. Dr. Katz reported that DPH is much better at responding to mold complaints and forcing responsible parties to be accountable. In addition, Dr. Katz reported that the city has been very successful at getting outside funding from the Avon Corporation for cancer prevention, which has helped to build the imaging center that provides free mammograms for women at General Hospital in which BVHP women constitute one of the largest populations of people seeking care.
Dr. Katz reported that the quality of medical/nursing care at Southeast Health Center is very high and a clinic to be proud of; however, the clinic is stretched beyond its means. Regarding new patient/follow-up appointments, on average there is a 8- to 12-week wait and things will not get better this coming year due to layoffs of staff. The DPH is running one of the largest discretionary budgets with the largest decrease in general fund than any other department, down by $20 million (general fund) this year with the elimination of 85 administrative positions.
Dr. Katz noted that due to citywide layoffs, all of his health centers will be running without an administrative director. He explained that administrative positions were targeted in an effort to maintain quality health care. Additionally, Dr. Katz remarked that he is cognizant that without the coordination of services, it is debatable whether the quality of care will be maintained. Dr. Katz reported that prior years’ funding for DPH was $300 million (general fund), dropping to $270, and currently at $240. Next year it will drop to $220.
Dr. Katz concluded by assuring the Commission that he is doing everything possible to bring in more revenue by billing every nickel; however, the majority of people being treated do not have any type of insurance so there is a ceiling. He stated his commitment to do the best he can for the community.
Comm. Larkin commended Dr. Katz and the Health Department for doing a wonderful job in lieu of budget constraints. However, he suggested that the Doctor as well as the City look at ways to ensure that the services to this community are on an increase, not a decline, explaining that the BVHP community is in a state of flux as far as people coming into the community to live/work. He also offered the Commission’s assistance in whatever ways were needed to move forward with making that increase happen.
Referring to the cancer/asthma rates, Comm. Person asked whether resources have been placed in the community to address those issues? Dr. Katz responded the resources put in place to care for people who have already developed the diseases only instruct them on how to better deal with it. What would be required on the City’s part to prevent the disease is a greater commitment than has been seen with environmental justices issues, i.e., diesel fumes, heavy machinery, power plants, sewage plants, etc. Comm. Person asked whether the Commission should address the environmental issues to the city administration? Dr. Katz responded affirmatively. Comm. Person asked whether the Early Intervention HIV Program now sited in the BVHP will be moved? Mr. Jimmy Loyce confirmed that move would not take place.
On the same topic, Comm. Larkin asked what the rate of money being spent on AIDS was vs. the rate of money being spent on environmental clean up? Dr. Katz deferred to Mr. Loyce, who is more familiar with the AIDS budget. Mr. Loyce stated the total federal AIDS budget is $29 million. Of that portion, BVHP will receive $410,000 for early intervention state directed money. In addition, the Planning Council allocated $1.7 million for Southeast Bayview area defined as Centers of Excellence, which will be primary care, substance abuse, mental care, case management, etc. The AIDS Office is to develop a solution specifically targeted to providers from the BVHP community to address/develop a Center of Excellence in the next funding cycle, which will be March 1st, 2005 and the community is encouraged to come and give input.
Comm. Fuentes asked whether health care programs in BVHP would be affected if at all by the Mission Bay project? Dr. Katz stated that that project is being run by UCSF to which he is not involved. However, he did report that General Hospital is planning on doing a rebuild before 2013 and Mission Bay is one of the sites under consideration. The advantage being the geography with the new 3rd Street light Rail coming on board.
Dr. Moses thanked Dr. Katz for the wonderful job he’s been doing with health care; however, he expressed concern about the Southeast Health Center with the impending layoff of the administrator. He stated that some of the equipment at Southeast is obsolete and asked that Dr. Katz advocate to ensure that the center remains open and that mental health is funded, as Southeast is the only health center in Bayview. Dr. Moses also reminded that the BVHP area is plagued with mental health problems as a result of the killings, drug abuse, and violence in the area and that many of the CBOs will also be affected by budget cuts who in turn will have to cut their programs. Dr. Katz stated that he is hopeful that BVHP Redevelopment (PAC), an advocate of the health center, will offer an opportunity for new funding. There will be an important vote of the PAC and one of the major proposals is the Southeast Health Center being the recipient of capital dollars. Dr. Katz stated his commitment to ensure that all the centers stay open.
Dr. Katz reiterated that none of the health centers -- Southeast, Silver, Potrero Hill, China Town have directors as of August 31st. And under the seniority system, he has no control. He is hopeful that he will receive an operating officer for all the primary care centers, which he will place at Southeast. Until that time, he along with Barbara Garcia will devote more personal time to Southeast. The specific issue regarding equipment (EKG/Defibrillator) at Southeast Health Center has been fixed. If there is more equipment that needs repair, that will be resolved.
Ms. Robinson asked to what extent are current problems resulting from the federal, state, or the city budgets? Dr. Katz responded he did not have exact dollars; however the three are implicated. The biggest problem is at the city level, which is taking in less money. Major reason due to drop in sales, hotel, and payroll tax. He stated no one understands the state budget. The city has taken approximately $50 million in cuts as a whole from the current state budget vs. last year. As far as the federal level, the new administration doesn’t care about California. Ms. Robinson asked whether Dr. Katz was receiving less money from the Feds than before? Dr. Katz stated federal dollars are mostly Medicare in which there is no inflation and there is no increase in employee salary.
Mr. Tompkins asked why are African American directors being lost at the health center? He explained when someone is lost in a position such as that, knowledge goes out the door and the quality of service goes with them. Regarding the civil service system, an exception needs to be made. He further questioned why the philosophy that is espoused in meetings not matching the dollars in the cutbacks in terms of budgetary cuts? Dr. Katz stated the basic tenet of the budget was that health services would not be cut. The cuts were made across the board by classes. Cuts were not made by ethnicity and the civil service seniority system cannot be overridden.
Ms. Coleman sympathized with Dr. Katz’s position and suggested the following: 1) DPH should look at alternative ways of providing clinical services, i.e., use of physicians/nurses/clinicians in training programs to volunteer their services; 2) grant funding; 3) focus-based priority needs assessment. Dr. Katz thanked Ms. Coleman for her suggestions and surmised that there will just be holes in which others will have to try and fill.
Ms. Epps-Miller stated that although she is appreciative of the hard position of Dr. Katz, she asked that the Commission lobby hard to try and create positions within community-based organizations, which would pick up some of the functions that were city functions.
Comm. Larkin asked that Ms. Miller meet with Dr. Moses to explore her suggestions adding that the idea of community-based organizations becoming involved is another avenue to explore.
Ms. Jacksongave a brief overview of the history of how the Southeast Health Clinic was built in BVHP and spoke of the mandate by the City and the exempt status BVHP workers held from civil service layoffs.
Ms. Jackson reported that Southeast was the first health center to deal with AIDS and that an MOU was drafted with regards to the services BVHP residents were to receive. Ms. Jackson reported that commitments were made to the BVHP community in back in 1972 as mitigation for the expansion of the treatment plant. Those commitments are still unfulfilled. Regarding the discrimination/racism taking place at the treatment plant, Ms. Jackson reported PUC is in the process of conducting an investigation and a lawsuit has been filed against PUC for the discrimination of African Americans working at the plant. She went on to state that the community has always been told there would be a health center in Bayview; however, the community is not getting the services they deserve. She urged the commission to come together and support the promises that were made, the commitments that were made to the community.
Regarding Dr. Katz’s comment of a potential site for the General Hospital rebuild at Mission Bay, Ms. Jackson reported that the land is sitting on a toxic dump. Ms. Jackson stated although she has been to many meetings in support of Dr. Katz, she is strongly opposed to S.F. General’s rebuild being anywhere near Mission Bay. She explained that it has been discovered that there is a green toxic fungus coming through the floor of one of the buildings at Mission Bay and now Catellus (developer) is trying to sale the property. She strongly urged that Mission Bay be forgotten. Ms. Jackson also urged Dr. Katz to speak with Robin Christmas who can attest to the fact that the community was exempt from civil service layoffs.
Dr. Parker reported that 40 years ago the Federal government declared BVHP as the only medical undisturbed community in San Francisco, which is why Southeast. Southeast is a federal project. He reported the federal government granted a community-based organization $5 million over a 5-year period to be the fiscal administrator for health care for residents in this community. That particular organization trained primarily residents of this community in administrative functions relating to medicine. Further, he stated logic dictates that since African American residents have such a great disparity of health problems, regardless of the budget size the budget should reallocate a portion to the disparity of the disease to three times the rate in BVHP.
Comm. Larkin thanked Dr. Katz for listening to the concerns of the community and commended him on a job well done; however, he stated the Commission strongly advocates keeping services open that are in the BVHP and keeping those who are employed in the community employed in their current positions and to possibly increase the services. He also suggested that perhaps some prevention can take place by coming up with some innovative ideas. President Larkin expressed displeasure on learning that the same problems regarding health, which existed three years ago, have not changed or has gotten worse. He concluded by pledging full Commission support in working with Dr. Katz to see that the issues tonight will be dealt with.
5.0 Director’s Report:
Dir. Moses reported that the electric gate in the SECF parking lot is complete and staff is awaiting training from DPW. A copy of Decorative Plant rental lease agreement is in included for review. The Annual Report for FY 2003 is included as well and will be sent to the Mayor’s Office and Board of Supervisors.
MOTION: Moved by Brown, secondedby Jones to accept the Director’s Report. Motion passed unanimously to accept report as presented (6-0).
.
6.0 Introduction of New Business By Commissioners:
Dr. Moses reported that as directed, staff prepared a list of several CBOs in order that the Commission might possibly collaborate towards some type of crisis intervention. Regarding “Stop the Violence/Back to School” event which was scheduled for September 11th at Martin Luther King Pool, Public Defender Jeff Adachi will be having a similar event taking place on August 28th and the Director suggested that it might be better if SECF and the Public Defender’s office combine their efforts into one. event, which is scheduled for August 28th. The Commission will be updated once everything is finalized.
Superintendent Ackerman will present on August 25, 2004 and on August 12, 2004 Tilly Chang will come back for follow-up and Marla Jurosek, SFPUC will also present re: “ethnic mix of Hetch Hetchy Water & Power.
Comm. Person announced that he will be out of town on business during several upcoming commission meetings and asked for clarification on the policy for excused absences. Comm. Larkin informed that a letter must be sent to the Commission with a copy going to the Mayor’s Office.
7.0 Introduction of New Business
Comm. Brown, referring to Ms. Jackson’s comment re: “exempt status of BVHP residents,” suggested that research be done to determine whether an MOU exists between the City of San Francisco and the community-based organization, Model City. President Larkin directed Attorney Bryan as well as staff to look into it and report back at the next commission meeting.
8.0 Public Comment:
Mr. Wyse, former employee at the Hunters Point Shipyard voiced support for changing the City Charter to bring healthcare cost down.
9.0 Announcements:
Comm. Fuentes announced that on September 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Point Auditorium, outgoing resident artist Mary Booker will hold a presentation to welcome Delores Graves, resident artist who will replace her at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and everyone is invited.
10.0 Adjournment
MOTION: by Comm. Larkin, moved by Comm. Brown, seconded by Comm. Jonesto adjourned the SECF Commission meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________
Commission Secretary
