precita.org

Mission Local has a good piece on the Cesar Chavez Redesign:

The first phase, which is likely to start this summer, involves redoing the sewage system to reduce flooding.

Above ground, the second phase will involve planting more trees, using energy-efficient street lights and converting the three lanes of traffic in each direction to two lanes. With concerns over safety, a 14-foot tree-lined median and widened curbs will be paved to decrease the time needed for pedestrians to cross the intersection. Bicyclists will also be able to enjoy the additional street space through permanent bike lanes.

More at Mission Local. It's all part of the Mission Streetscape Plan.

Labels: Cesar Chavez, News, Planning, traffic calming

Demece Garepis sends us this:


Supervisor David Campos/Precita Valley Neighbors

CALL TO ACTION ALL PRECITA PARK NEIGHBORS!

Saturday, October 3rd, 9:00am – Noon

at Childrens’ Playground in Precita Park

AGENDA:

1. Supervisor Campos will help us clean up the Childrens’ Playground and Precita Park: a) Sign Installation in the Childrens’ Playground b) Clean up of rubber tiles in Childrens’ Playground c) Painting benches and picnic tables d) Trash removal in Precita Park e) Painting Benches in Precita Park f) Butterfly Garden and park flowers maintenance

2. Supervisor Campos will be presented our letters to liquor stores owners and SFPD demanding a modification on local liquor licenses to stop selling alcohol after midnight.

3. Show Supervisor Campos Precita traffic calming is not working despite our best efforts, especially along the Precita Park perimeter and our solutions.



REFRESHMENTS: water and pastries will be provided for all volunteers

Labels: Planning, Precita Park, Precita Valley Neighbors, traffic calming

Demece writes:

• We were highly impressed with our new Ingleside Commanding Officer David Lazar and with Mike Farrah from the Mayor’s Office. We also want to thank Adam Gubser, Northwest Bernal Traffic Calming Planner at the SF Metropolitan Transit Agency for his update.
  Just a short background on Captain Lazar: He used to be an officer at Ingleside and wash the Police Departments’ Liaison with Homeless Connect: he is fully experienced in the social service deliveries of the city, and how the Police Department actively engages with people in need.  He also fought for and won a Crime Analyst for the Ingleside – our 5th Lieutenant who is in charge of the overall analysis of crime occurrence.  No other station has the combination of social services and crime analysis, and we have the second largest precinct in the city.  Here is the summary of the Ingleside Staffing:
  
  There are now 122 police officers, 17 Sergeants, and 5 Lieutenants.
  
  This is more staffing than at any other time of the Ingleside Station.  Ingleside Station is now fully staffed.
   


• Ingleside Station is now implementing its strategic plan.  In Phase I Implementation, Ingleside is considering 3 major factors in working with the community: Efficiency of Response, Problem Solving of Crime Issues, and Community Engagement.  In the Community Engagement section, as of April 18th, Ingleside Station is starting an infrastructure and community implementation plan.  Simply put, the station is focused on 1) creating community engagement and problem solving 2) crime analysis which can guide enforcement strategy 3) real-time crime descriptions 4) implementation of a 5th Lieutenant as Crime Analyst who serves who directs the Resource Unit, which is made up of the School, Foot patrols, and Park Patrol sectors. Captain Lazar holds problem-solving meetings with the Resource Unit and his 5 Lieutenants weekly.
  


• Please fill out the community survey attached.  This will clearly give the Station Lieutenants feedback on what type of hot spots we have typically encountered and they can better proactively deploy resource forces. The attached pdf file text is in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
  


• Precita Valley Neighbors Meeting representative from Ingleside Station will be Sergeant Michael Redmond until he gets promoted.!:)  He or is delegate will report to all our meetings and work with us directly.
  


• Captain Lazatta coordinates the Neighborhood Watch Groups.
  


• Precita Valley Neighbors requested and received a Bike Beat: The Bike Beat officers are Officers Preston, Wilson Lewis, and Cvetovac.  Give a big shout out to them, they are community resource officers equipped to handle and provide a wide range of community service information. 
  


• Operations Outreach Officers Najarro and McCarthy are actively working with the few homeless in Precita Park to link them into housing and services.
  


• Commanding Officer David Lazar asks all residents who walk and listen to music to swap their white earplugs with a different color earplug.  This way your mp3s or ipods won’t be as easily stolen and you wont be an easy target for a minor robbery.
  


• Precita Valley Neighbors will put up a sign in the Children’s’ Playground with a complete list of playground safety rules (No Loitering, No Smoking, Adults must be Accompanied with Children, etc. similar to the McKinley School Playground sign) this month.
  


• Precita Valley Neighbors has formally requested the soon to reopen Rite Way Market to not sell alcohol after midnight.
  


• Northwest Bernal Traffic Calming Update:
  
  Adam Gubser submitted a work order to re-stripe the intersection of Coso, Bonview, and Stoneman.  Stoneman/Manchester/Shotwell neighbors may want to discuss how to configure parking and/or median tree planting at Stoneman/Folsom to calm traffic.  Please email Adam Gubser directly at Adam.Gubser@sfmta.org to set up a meeting.  Thank you Adam!
  


Labels: crime, gangs, Neighborhood Watch, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn, traffic calming



# posted by Editor @ 6/20/2009 02:50:00 PM 0 comments

In a response to neighborhood complaints of traffic and pedestrian hazards at Precita and Alabama, the SF Planning Department has told us that the City will realign the crosswalk and stop signs at the south end of Precita and Alabama to maximize visibility.

Labels: Planning, Precita Park, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn, traffic calming

Andres Power from the SF Planning Department provided some more information on the left turn lanes on Cesar Chavez, and how these were determined.

We were curious as to the size of the left turn pockets, as well as if U-Turns would be allowed. There was some confusion over U-turns being allowed at Folsom, and hence if traffic destined for Harrison or Alabama would end up going down Precita or 26th.

Andres told us that generally where there is a dedicated left turn pocket with a left turn arrow, u-turns are permitted. This will likely be the case at Folsom, although the plan has not been formalized yet. It should be noted that Bryant has a No U-Turn sign currently.

We gathered week-long 24-hour traffic counts at all the intersections along Cesar Chavez Street about three months ago.  This gave us the typical 24-hour distribution of car volumes, including left turns.  At Folsom, during the peak PM hour there were 39 cars turning left onto Folsom in the westbound direction and during the peak AM hour there were 30.  Again, these counts reflect the peak AM and PM hours.  At all other times of the day, volumes were about half.  But, as a matter of course, traffic engineers typically design the roadway for peak functions. In addition, if we assume that all cars that would have otherwise turned left at Alabama and Harrison will now turn left on Folsom (which is a conservative assumption, since many of the cars, as you point out, will make a u-turn at Folsom), the total left turn AM peak into Folsom will be 69 cars per hour and 73 cars per hour for the PM peak.  

You can do the math, but this distributes out to a little more than 1 car per minute turning left from Chavez into Folsom during the peak hours.  This is in contrast, for example, to the 213 cars turning left during the peak PM peak at Mission and the 208 cars turning left at Bryant. [Editors note: the left turn at Bryant is largely used by people getting onto 101 southbound from westbound Cesar Chavez.]

Therefore, with the volumes indicated above, and assuming a 90 second green-red-green phase, the cue, as modelled, during the peak hour would typically be between 3 and 4 cars.   The turning pockets are designed to include a buffer, hence the designed length of five to six cars.

He also clarified some information on the streets that would have left turn pockets: The original plan was to include left turns at Bryant, Folsom, South Van Ness (eastbound only) and Guerrero. Recently, left turn pockets at Mission Street and one at Valencia Street were added.

Labels: Cesar Chavez, Precita Valley Neighbors, traffic calming

The city is installing a new catch basin at the intersection of Precita (North side) and Folsom, as well as replacing the sewer lines from around 343 Precita to Folsom. There will be no parking during working hours for the first 2 weeks in February along that stretch of Precita. Additionally, there is no parking along Folsom near Precita.
This is part of a more complex project that will also involve the building of "bulb outs" at Precita and Folsom, financed as part of the 'Safe Routes to School' project.

So expect there to be some parking issues around the park for the next few weeks, but the impact is expected to be less severe than most street cleaning times.

Labels: construction, News, Precita Park, Precita Valley Neighbors, traffic calming

Precita Valley Neighbors Meeting

Saturday, January 31st, 10am – 11:00am

Charlie’s Deli, 3202 Folsom Street -Folsom at Precita


This is a special continuation meeting from last weeks meeting, focusing on issues on Stoneman (neighbors want stop signs, SF traffic engineering wants bulb-outs and speed bumps):

AGENDA:

I. Stoneman Traffic Calming – Stoneman Neighbors discuss how to curb traffic speeds

II. NW Bernal Traffic Calming Requests Updates

Labels: Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn, traffic calming

At least 25 people showed up for the PVN meeting last Saturday.



Andreas Power from the San Francisco Planning Department spoke at the PVN meeting about the Cesar Chavez improvements. There have been many ongoing workshops with the extended community, and a final design has been chosen.

The features will include:

• 14’ planted median


• Regular spacing of trees on median and sidewalks. As well as the purely aesthetic and environmental benefits, trees along roads are proven to slow down traffic.


• Corner bulb extensions at most intersections increase visibility an provide a shorter street crossing distance for pedestrians.


• Pedestrian refuge areas halfway through cross-walk in the median (a safe place for a pedestrian to stop who is unable to cross the entire street in the time available)


• Pedestrian lighting


• Bike lanes


• 4 lanes of traffic with turning pockets at Bryant, Folsom and Mission


• Stormwater planters, designed to catch street runoff and not funnel all the water into the City's storm drain system

One of the issues that has come up is the removal of the left turns on Alabama and Harrison. Some neighbors are concerned that this will put more traffic onto Precita for the people who want to get to Harrison or Alabama, but other thought that drivers would just make a U-turn at the streets where permitted.

The Planning Department cited a traffic study they did that counted traffic flows and turns, and found out that a very small number of cars turn left on Alabama or Harrison, and they believe that this will cause very minimal disruption.

One other issue had come up: while funds had been set aside for this project, the State budget crisis is impacting its progress. However, there is also belief that Federal Stimulus funds will be available to fund the project in the near future.

Labels: Cesar Chavez, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn, traffic calming

Please attend the meeting of Precita Valley Neighbors this Saturday at 10am, at Charlie's Deli on Folsom and Precita.

Two important issues will be covered:

Restaurant at Harrison and Precita- a building permit has been granted for a restaurant at Harrison and Precita (398 Precita / 3200 Harrison). Several neighbors are opposed to this, others support development of this site, which is currently a blight on the neighborhood. Please come to discuss the ramifications of a restaurant here.

Stoneman Traffic Calming- there are concerns that there is traffic traveling much too fast down Stoneman, and neighbors will discuss methods to slow down traffic while not impacting available parking on the street.

Also:

Andres Power, Cesar Chavez Street Traffic Planner from the SF Planning Department will present the most current design of Cesar Chavez. There has been neighborhood concern that adding bike lanes and reducing traffic lanes will force more traffic onto Precita.

Demece Garepis will give an update on "Solar Panel District 9 Aggregate Organizing Results" and PVN's plans for the Community Matching Funds for installation of solar panels in Precita Park Children’s Playground.

Precita Valley Neighbors Monthly Meeting
Saturday, January 24th, 10am – 11:00am at the
Charlie’s Deli
3202 Folsom Street -Folsom at Precita

Labels: construction, parking, Precita Park, Precita Valley Neighbors, pvn, real estate, traffic calming, Zoning

Once again, No Parking signs have been installed on Alabama Street and Esmeralda Avenue.



This fixes the dangerous traffic situation where there was only enough room for one car to travel around the curve there when cars were parked on both sides.

Labels: parking, traffic calming

Many people have asked about the traffic situation near the top of hill on Alabama. This is of interest to residents of Precita Valley because that is the most direct route to Cortland street, and most of us travel that route several time a week.

Lately, cars have been parking on both sides of the street which leaves a very small space in the street for traffic, and there are no painted lines on the street which encourages cars to drive right down the middle of the street on a blind curve.

There is a Muni bus route that also goes down that stretch through the curve, and can block the whole street at times.

So w were happy to received this information from Richard Cho at SFMTA / DPT Engineering:

We have already completed recent reviews for these two streets and in addition, have already processed approved legislation to restrict parking on the south side of Alabama Street/Esmeralda Avenue after holding a public hearing on September 19, 2008. Work orders have been sent to our maintenance shops to install the “Tow Away No Parking Anytime” signs and repaint the centerline striping on Alabama Street/Esmeralda Avenue between Ripley and Bradford Streets. This work will be completed by our shops when schedule permits.

Update: The signs are now installed.

Labels: parking, traffic calming

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.

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

June 26th, 1:50 pm at Precita Ave & Alabama St. Car/Bike Collision

A 32 year old Bernal Heights bicyclist was hit by a car as she crossed the street. She was taken to San Francisco General Hospital for treatment.

Please be careful when driving down Precita. There are often children, pets, bike riders and more coming out of the park from between the parked cars, which are hard to see. This goes for non-drivers as well, do your part and don't rush into the street, it's often hard to see you because of all the parked cars.

Labels: Precita Park, Precita Valley Neighbors, traffic calming

The California Highway Patrol will assist the San Francisco Police Department in traffic and law enforcement in the Ingleside Police District on Friday, June 20th. Operation Impact will deploy a significant visual police presence to engage in various traffic enforcement operations. Operation Impact is designed to reduce traffic violations and collisions and to provide additional police presence thereby increasing the safety of residents in the community.

Labels: traffic calming

Please attend a Special Precita Valley/Mission Chavez Traffic Calming Update on Tuesday, December 11th, 7pm – 8:30pm at the Park Bench Cafe, 3214 Folsom Street (at Bessie/Precita)

AGENDA:

Traffic Calming Plan of Northwest Bernal Heights 7pm - 8pm

A. Balloting Precita for speed humps

B. Next phase of existing Traffic Calming Plan

C. Installing diamond yellow caution signs of children playing along specific Precita, Stoneman, and Manchester Streets as requested by neighbors. Mission neighbors have raised the same requests.

D. Cesear Chavez Traffic Calming updates and the possibility of forming a regional (Mission, Bernal, BVHP) Transportation Planning Committee which all groups (Si Si Puede, Precita Valley Neighbors, NWBA, Mission Neighbors, Rolph Park Neighbors all agree to form).

E. Any possibility of slowing down the ramp traffic on Caesar Chavez to 101/280 by any other federally funded means.

II. A. Mission Area traffic calming updates regarding 26th Street neighborhood group concerns 8pm –8:20

III. Precita Park Area Gang Activity 8:20 – 8:30

A. Gang and criminal activity along Precita/Alabama

Questions?

David Robinson (285-5957) and Demece Garepis (641-0507) Co-Chairs.

Labels: gangs, Precita Valley Neighbors, traffic calming

SF Chron article on the Greening Cesar Chavez Street:

The stretch of Cesar Chavez from Guerrero to the 101 interchange remains a stark landscape, six lanes wide and choked with traffic circulating in and out of the interchange. It presents a formidable barrier - some residents call it a "Berlin Wall" - dividing Bernal Heights from the Mission District. Surrounded by streets that are green and vibrant, Cesar Chavez remains unredeemingly blighted and monochromatic. Valencia Street, 24th Street, and Mission Street teem with foot traffic and small shops. Cesar Chavez is dominated by institutions - churches, schools, the Salvation Army and St. Luke's Hospital; day laborers waiting for work on curbs and street corners are the dominant human presence.

(Photo: SFGate)

Residents on the gentrified Bernal Heights side tend toward the same view as the traffic engineers, and worry that traffic taming on Cesar Chavez, especially any reduction in its traffic lanes, will cause a spillover to their quiet residential streets.


Much of the opposition to CC Puede's efforts has come from the Precita Valley Neighbors, a Bernal Heights neighborhood group. When Taylor and her cohorts began promoting their traffic-calming ideas and circulating their petitions two years ago, Precita Valley co-chair David Robinson expressed his firm opposition to any removal of traffic lanes on Cesar Chavez: "We'd all like to see Cesar Chavez not so ugly and not so fast, but that's not the practical reality," he told The Chronicle.

Labels: traffic calming