Thursday, August 21, 2008
Oakes Children's center report
[Thanks to MMC for this report!]
I attended the Oakes Children's Center Community meeting on August 15th, and I left with a very good impression of the program and the staff.
I was worried about what it would be like to have another school here again. The high school that was here last created some problems, specifically, crazy gridlock on Treat Avenue in the morning and afternoon when parents dropped off and picked up their kids and couldn't turn around on the street, and also a problem of trash and graffiti. The people that ran the school were very unresponsive.
The Oakes people seemed really nice and professional, and assured all the neighbors that attended that their door was always open to us for any questions or comments. They are very happy to be moving to an area with such nice weather after being in the Sunset. There were a couple of parents there and they were really happy with the school and the staff and told some touching stories about how Oakes has helped their kids.
Here are some more notes I took... but keep in mind these may not totally be accurate due to me trying to type and listen, so feel free to contact the school if you have any questions!
I attended the Oakes Children's Center Community meeting on August 15th, and I left with a very good impression of the program and the staff.
I was worried about what it would be like to have another school here again. The high school that was here last created some problems, specifically, crazy gridlock on Treat Avenue in the morning and afternoon when parents dropped off and picked up their kids and couldn't turn around on the street, and also a problem of trash and graffiti. The people that ran the school were very unresponsive.
The Oakes people seemed really nice and professional, and assured all the neighbors that attended that their door was always open to us for any questions or comments. They are very happy to be moving to an area with such nice weather after being in the Sunset. There were a couple of parents there and they were really happy with the school and the staff and told some touching stories about how Oakes has helped their kids.
Here are some more notes I took... but keep in mind these may not totally be accurate due to me trying to type and listen, so feel free to contact the school if you have any questions!
- 15 students total at present, up to 25 kids maybe in the future
- aprox. 31 staff members
- Kids always supervised.
- Pick up/drop off: 4 buses a day, (2 morning, 2 evening) all kids ride buses, buses will offload on Folsom or drive through. Aides on the bus. Some small number of kids might come in the afternoon for counseling sessions.
- Ages of kids: 5-14
- Hours: Morning till around 6pm. No weekends, 11 months school.
- Funding: by SF Deptartment of Public Health and SFUSD
- They got a long lease
- 3 classes k-2, 3-4, 5-8
- Referrals come from school district
- Education and mental health services
- They have after school groups (from other schools) "outpatient" therapy, group sessions, autistic or developmentally delayed, in a small van. 5 groups with 5 kids each.
- They are happy to have people serve on their Board of Directors, and you do not need any special qualifications to serve.
Labels: News, precita valley neighboars, pvn
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Cesar Chavez Community Design Workshop
The second installment of the Cesar Chavez Community Design Workshop happens this Tuesday, August 26, 6-7:30pm at Leonard Flynn Elementary School, 3125 Cesar Chavez Street.
The project's goals are to:
Make Cesar Chavez Street a safer place for people by improving crossings, widening sidewalks, and enhancing lighting;
Redesign Cesar Chavez Street with high quality landscaping, gracious trees, pedestrian lighting, and other design treatments;
Reconnect the neighborhood by making Cesar Chavez Street a destination, rather than a divide;
Improve the area’s natural ecology by integrating stormwater design elements into the street;
Improve bicycle connections and safety in both directions;
Ensure that traffic doesn’t spill over into surrounding neighborhoods.
Next week, please join us for the 2nd Cesar Chavez Street Design workshop. Staff will present two design alternatives for Cesar Chavez Street based on feedback from the first community workshop in May.
The project's goals are to:
Make Cesar Chavez Street a safer place for people by improving crossings, widening sidewalks, and enhancing lighting;
Redesign Cesar Chavez Street with high quality landscaping, gracious trees, pedestrian lighting, and other design treatments;
Reconnect the neighborhood by making Cesar Chavez Street a destination, rather than a divide;
Improve the area’s natural ecology by integrating stormwater design elements into the street;
Improve bicycle connections and safety in both directions;
Ensure that traffic doesn’t spill over into surrounding neighborhoods.
Labels: parking, Precita Park, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn, traffic calming, trees
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Oakes Children's Center moving into old Immaculate Conception school building
Flyers have been distributed in on Treat about the Oakes Children's Center, which is moving into 1550 Treat, the old Immaculate Conception School (which was formerly housing Metro Arts High School).
Some information on Oakes:
Oakes will move into the new location on August 20th.
Their website has more information on services provided by Oakes Children's Center.
There will be a community meeting on Friday, August 15, from 4 to 5:30 PM at the school (1550 Treat) with representatives from San Francisco Department of Public Health and Oakes School staff to introduce the school and answer questions neighbors may have.
Unfortunately, this meeting happens during the time that many people are at work.
If you need more information, you can call 415 564-2310.
Some information on Oakes:
The mission of Oakes Children's Center is to help developmentally delayed and emotionally disturbed children develop the independence and self-awareness necessary to live and continue learning in the least restrictive setting possible within their local community.
Oakes will move into the new location on August 20th.
Their website has more information on services provided by Oakes Children's Center.
There will be a community meeting on Friday, August 15, from 4 to 5:30 PM at the school (1550 Treat) with representatives from San Francisco Department of Public Health and Oakes School staff to introduce the school and answer questions neighbors may have.
Unfortunately, this meeting happens during the time that many people are at work.
If you need more information, you can call 415 564-2310.
Labels: News, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn
Monday, June 30, 2008
Solar Picnic in Precita Park
Come join your neighbors for a picnic in the sun, Saturday, July 12th, from 11am - 1pm in Precita Park.
Learn how solar energy can be affordable for your home or business
SolarCity has been recommended by District 9 community groups as the neighborhood aggregate solar vendor. For every solar system we buy, SolarCity will donate part of the proceeds to the Neighborhood Parks Council to upgrade our parks.
Solar Picnic precita park
• Solar Power 101 – Q&A with SolarCity to learn how federal, state, and local
credits make solar more affordable than ever for San Francisco residents
• energy efficiency and solar panel information – Provided by The
SF Department of Environment
• Free children’s art activities – Provided by Precita Mural Arts Center
• Lunch – Provided by Charlie’s Cafe
Labels: Precita Park, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn
Monday, May 12, 2008
Recent robbery suspects caught
Suspects in the recent rash of street robberies are in custody. The SFPD is asking that victims of robberies, or witnessed a robbery & can identify the suspects, please contact Inspector Danker at 553-9256.
The police & the DA need the cooperation of the community to keep dangerous criminals off the street. If you or someone you know is the victim of a crime please report it & give us the tools we need to make this a safer place to live, work, & grow.
Once again, regarding the robbery suspects, contact Inspector Danker at 415 553-9256.
The police & the DA need the cooperation of the community to keep dangerous criminals off the street. If you or someone you know is the victim of a crime please report it & give us the tools we need to make this a safer place to live, work, & grow.
Once again, regarding the robbery suspects, contact Inspector Danker at 415 553-9256.
Labels: crime, Neighborhood Watch, police blotter, Precita Park, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn
Friday, May 09, 2008
Precita Valley Neighbors Meeting Tomorrow
NEXT MEETING 10:00 AM SATURDAY MAY 10th – CHARLIES’S CAFÉ AT PRECITA/FOLSOM
1. John Miller, Disctrict 9 Supervisor at the Recreation and Parks Dept., has provided carpentry staff to replace the broken planks in the Childrens’ Playground, and has utilized Urban Forestry to remove the stumps in Precita Park. He will also be using the gardeners to complete the crab grass removal job we did last month in the Childrens’ Playground. The crab grass was eroding the black pads in the Playground.
2. Precita Area Crime Update and Bernal Wide Update – great response from the Ingleside Station – thanks Captain O’Leary and officers, the suspects have been caught regarding the recent chain of robberies and muggings in Glen Park/Bernal areas.
3. The Solar Picnic is delayed until the final approval is made for local San Francisco solar panel rebates. The local rebate, already funded through PG&E via the SFPUC, is clearing an approval process through the Board of Supervisors.
David Robinson (285-5957) and Demece Garepis (641-0507) Co-Chairs.
AGENDA
1. John Miller, Disctrict 9 Supervisor at the Recreation and Parks Dept., has provided carpentry staff to replace the broken planks in the Childrens’ Playground, and has utilized Urban Forestry to remove the stumps in Precita Park. He will also be using the gardeners to complete the crab grass removal job we did last month in the Childrens’ Playground. The crab grass was eroding the black pads in the Playground.
2. Precita Area Crime Update and Bernal Wide Update – great response from the Ingleside Station – thanks Captain O’Leary and officers, the suspects have been caught regarding the recent chain of robberies and muggings in Glen Park/Bernal areas.
3. The Solar Picnic is delayed until the final approval is made for local San Francisco solar panel rebates. The local rebate, already funded through PG&E via the SFPUC, is clearing an approval process through the Board of Supervisors.
Labels: Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
ICI Paints wins appeal to move into vacant Hollywood Video location
SFGATE: Chain store allowed to move into vacant Mission District space:
(Via SF Gate.)
We spoke with Supervisor Tom Ammiano's office this morning and they said that they had received a large number of calls about the hearing; and that they were pretty evenly split between those wanting a "upscale grocery store" at that location, and others supporting the paint store.
While it would be great to have a store like Rainbow, Good Life, Bi Rite or Canyon Market at that location; there have been no plans presented by any grocers to build a store at that location.
At a minimum, it will be good to have a non-vacant building at the location, as vacant buildings attract crime.
"The paint store's application for a permit to open at that location, which owners sought after closing a store on Market Street, had been denied by the city's Planning Commission. The supervisors' vote overturned that decision.
In changing the commission's ruling, the supervisors also mandated that the paint store comply with a noise ordinance in the area, not allow delivery trucks to idle and plant trees and shrubs outside the business."
(Via SF Gate.)
We spoke with Supervisor Tom Ammiano's office this morning and they said that they had received a large number of calls about the hearing; and that they were pretty evenly split between those wanting a "upscale grocery store" at that location, and others supporting the paint store.
While it would be great to have a store like Rainbow, Good Life, Bi Rite or Canyon Market at that location; there have been no plans presented by any grocers to build a store at that location.
At a minimum, it will be good to have a non-vacant building at the location, as vacant buildings attract crime.
Labels: News, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn, real estate
Monday, April 14, 2008
Police Report and resolution of shooting near Bryant and Precita
From the police blotter: good news: they caught the guys. Bad news, some innocent bystander's van got shot up.
4:15 pm Cesar Chavez and Bryant Streets
Ingleside and Mission Station officers responded to the neighborhood on the call of shots fired. Citizens reported seeing a gunman firing shots from an SUV. The investigation brought officers to the first block of Gold Mine Drive in the Diamond Heights neighborhood. There the officers found a handgun and ammunition. Three males: a 19 year old from the Mission District, another 19 year from Diamond Heights, and a 17 year old from the mid-Market Street neighborhood, were arrested for aggravated assault and gang charges.
Labels: crime, gang, gangs, police blotter, precita, Precita Park, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn
Monday, March 03, 2008
Precita Valley Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Saturday, March 8th, 10am – 11:00am at the
Charlie’s Deli, 3202 Folsom Street -Folsom at Precita
David Robinson (415 285-5957) and Demece Garepis (415 641-0507) Co-Chairs.
AGENDA
Charlie’s Deli, 3202 Folsom Street -Folsom at Precita
David Robinson (415 285-5957) and Demece Garepis (415 641-0507) Co-Chairs.
AGENDA
I. Talk to David Alumbaugh, the Planning Dept’s Cesar Chavez Traffic Calming Planner: Opposition to ICI Paintstore Commercial Lease at (old Hollywood Video store) 1575 South Van Ness at Chavez: Tell Mr. Alumbaugh we oppose a paint store serving commercial contractors in the middle of a residential neighborhood because it is incompatible with the existing neighborhood traffic flow. Please email your concerns to Diego Sanchez, Planning Dept. Project Manager, at diego.sanchez(at)sfgov(dot)org by this Wednesday.
II. Precita Area Crime Update – great response from the Ingleside Station – thanks Captain O’Leary and officers!
III. Solar Picnic May 10th from 10-3pm in Precita Park. Details and marketing – help plan SF’s first Green Event!
IV. Precita Park Dog Run contacts/ideas, miscellaneous.
I. Talk to David Alumbaugh, the Planning Dept’s Cesar Chavez Traffic Calming Planner: Opposition to ICI Paintstore Commercial Lease at (old Hollywood Video store) 1575 South Van Ness at Chavez: Tell Mr. Alumbaugh we oppose a paint store serving commercial contractors in the middle of a residential neighborhood because it is incompatible with the existing neighborhood traffic flow. Please email your concerns to Diego Sanchez, Planning Dept. Project Manager, at diego.sanchez(at)sfgov(dot)org by this Wednesday.
II. Precita Area Crime Update – great response from the Ingleside Station – thanks Captain O’Leary and officers!
III. Solar Picnic May 10th from 10-3pm in Precita Park. Details and marketing – help plan SF’s first Green Event!
IV. Precita Park Dog Run contacts/ideas, miscellaneous.
Labels: Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn
Neighborhood Watch Meeting
There is a neighboorhood watch for the 300 Block of Precita Avenue and the 1500 and 1600 Blocks of Treat Ave on Thursday, March 6 at 6:30 at Mona Tong's office, 326 Precita Ave.
This is our 4th meeting!
The purpose of this meeting is to join other neighbors in helping to reduce crime and improve quality of life issues in the immediate neighborhood.
We will be welcoming Captain O'Leary, the new Captain from Ingleside Station.
Please join us and invite others to help get this group underway.
Thursday, March 6 at 6:30pm SHARP at Mona Tong's office, 326 Precita Ave. The meeting will last 1 hour.
This is our 4th meeting!
The purpose of this meeting is to join other neighbors in helping to reduce crime and improve quality of life issues in the immediate neighborhood.
We will be welcoming Captain O'Leary, the new Captain from Ingleside Station.
Please join us and invite others to help get this group underway.
Thursday, March 6 at 6:30pm SHARP at Mona Tong's office, 326 Precita Ave. The meeting will last 1 hour.
Labels: Neighborhood Watch, Precita Park, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Precita Valley Neighbors Report 2/10 Meeting
Precita Valley Neighbors meets 2nd Saturdays, 10 am to 11 am At Charlie’s Deli (Precita/Folsom)
CONTACTS: PVN Co-Chairpersons are David Robinson (285-5957), Gary Richmond (641-0115) and Demece Garepis (641-0507).
Report of meeting with leadership of Cesar Chavez Puede, re: a bigger area-wide traffic study. David Robinson and Demece Garepis met with leader Fran Taylor. Judge has ordered a professional environmental study, which will result in a slower timeline. PVN and CCP will jointly support and work on this broader study, which will now include 25, 26, and Precita streets.
The talk with Adam Gubser, Bernal Area Traffic Planner was postponed. Reimbursement will be made if there are pocket expenses by the "Butterfly Garden Planter" (?)
A probable sale of property by the Catholic Diocese for development of housing - likely condos. A Bernal Heights delegation may attempt to change the church’s mind and consider NON-PROFIT AFFORDABLE housing units. Current occupant, Metro High School vacates in the summer.
SF police have said that home break-ins are usually "daytime" and through "open back doors". Car stealing rates have risen.
Bruno DeMartis is a neighbor and a Solar Power Consultant, who was going to speak with us on how we can organize a bulk solar panel purchase and installation – greatly reducing individual homeowner costs. INFO: Email and Web.
PVN hasa little money in its 501c3 account, received in the past from different park awards. The San Francisco Parks Trust, has, in the past, offered its direct support for Music in the Park, Butterfly Garden, Work Days, etc. Now our account now has been moved from former host Bernal Community Center to current host SF Parks Trust, which offers more services and free activity Insurance.
The planning is about to begin for a neighborhood mid- September Friday or Saturday event. Want to work on this? Contact: drinsf@pacbell.net
A pair has been spotted, by different people at different times, living on the hill!
Some Garbage Bins are not being put back off the street after the garbage collection. It has become both a public health, and beautification problem. Also, the current Park Bins, especially in the playground area, overflow almost every week, especially on the weekend.
One store in the whole Bern al Heights area (Alabama and Precita) is open each morning until 2:00 am. The rest close at midnight, as do all the Mission Precinct similar stores. This attracts loitering, drug deal galore, noise, and other neighborhood detractors. A delegation is going to go talk with Supervisor Ammianno, asking his help in getting some help in dealing with the issue.
CONTACTS: PVN Co-Chairpersons are David Robinson (285-5957), Gary Richmond (641-0115) and Demece Garepis (641-0507).
Feb 10th Meeting Report: (10 people Present)
TRAFFIC CALMING
Report of meeting with leadership of Cesar Chavez Puede, re: a bigger area-wide traffic study. David Robinson and Demece Garepis met with leader Fran Taylor. Judge has ordered a professional environmental study, which will result in a slower timeline. PVN and CCP will jointly support and work on this broader study, which will now include 25, 26, and Precita streets.
The talk with Adam Gubser, Bernal Area Traffic Planner was postponed. Reimbursement will be made if there are pocket expenses by the "Butterfly Garden Planter" (?)
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PROPERTY (Metro Arts School)
A probable sale of property by the Catholic Diocese for development of housing - likely condos. A Bernal Heights delegation may attempt to change the church’s mind and consider NON-PROFIT AFFORDABLE housing units. Current occupant, Metro High School vacates in the summer.
NEIGHBORHOOD BREAK-INS
SF police have said that home break-ins are usually "daytime" and through "open back doors". Car stealing rates have risen.
SOLAR-POWER DISCUSSION POSTPONED
Bruno DeMartis is a neighbor and a Solar Power Consultant, who was going to speak with us on how we can organize a bulk solar panel purchase and installation – greatly reducing individual homeowner costs. INFO: Email and Web.
SF PARKS TRUST:
PVN hasa little money in its 501c3 account, received in the past from different park awards. The San Francisco Parks Trust, has, in the past, offered its direct support for Music in the Park, Butterfly Garden, Work Days, etc. Now our account now has been moved from former host Bernal Community Center to current host SF Parks Trust, which offers more services and free activity Insurance.
FESTIVAL IN THE PARK:
The planning is about to begin for a neighborhood mid- September Friday or Saturday event. Want to work on this? Contact: drinsf@pacbell.net
GRAY HORNED OWLS:
A pair has been spotted, by different people at different times, living on the hill!
GARBAGE BINS / STORE HOURS
Some Garbage Bins are not being put back off the street after the garbage collection. It has become both a public health, and beautification problem. Also, the current Park Bins, especially in the playground area, overflow almost every week, especially on the weekend.
One store in the whole Bern al Heights area (Alabama and Precita) is open each morning until 2:00 am. The rest close at midnight, as do all the Mission Precinct similar stores. This attracts loitering, drug deal galore, noise, and other neighborhood detractors. A delegation is going to go talk with Supervisor Ammianno, asking his help in getting some help in dealing with the issue.
Labels: Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn
