Supervisor Fiona Ma: An Update on Community Happenings

Over the past 100-plus days, I've been working on many issues facing children and youth. Below is a summary of some of the things I've been working on. I have also included some pertinent information regarding youth and children's issues, including upcoming events and opportunities. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to call me at (415) 554-7460 or e-mail me at fiona.ma@sfgov.org.

Summer School Programs for Youth: I'd like to thank all the city departments, SFUSD, City College and summer program providers for coming to testify at the Thursday, April 10, SF Board of Supervisor's City Services Committee. We will be distributing a summary of the meeting as well as compiling a list of programs available for the summer. If you'd like to be included in our distribution list or you have available programs or funding, please contact us. Call my legislative aide, Jaynry Mak, at (415) 554-7460 or e-mail her at jaynry.mak@sfgov.org.

School Safety: We conducted outreach to elementary, middle and high schools in the Sunset and Parkside districts regarding traffic and safety issues around their schools and the need for yellow crosshatching in the intersections and new pedestrian crossing signs. We are continuing to work with the principals at each school and the SF Department of Parking and Traffic to meet the needs of each school.

Appointments: To keep updated and involved on childcare issues, I have appointed Lisa Jaicks to serve District 4 on the Child Care Planning and Advisory Council. The council was primarily established to advise the Board of Supervisors, mayor and SF Children and Families First Commission, but it also serves, to some degree, the SF Board of Education and the superintendent of schools on childcare issues. Lisa has a background in working family issues and childcare advocacy. If you have any questions regarding the council and its work, contact them at (415) 554-8482.

Stage 3 Childcare: I authored a resolution urging Governor Gray Davis to support and preserve Stage 3 childcare funding, which is critical for our young children and working parents. By supporting our working families, we can ensure economic vitality for our city's small and large businesses. For the full text of the resolution, visit the city's web site at www.sfgov.org/site/bdsupvrs_index.asp.

Lead Poisoning: My office held a press conference regarding lead poisoning and listed specific concerns for infants and young children and how children should get tested. I am continuing to work with the SF Department of Public Health to hold district brown bag lectures to educate residents about the concerns specific to District 4 residents. For more information, contact the Department of Public Health at (415) 554-8930.

Ongoing Childcare Issues: I participated at the Childcare Advocacy Luncheon earlier this year, where childcare providers and advocates met informally to discuss childcare concerns on a neighborhood by neighborhood basis. I also participated and spoke at the fourth annual legislative breakfast during the "Week of the Young Child," held in early April.

School Placement Concerns: I have been working closely with the school superintendent's office, the SF Board of Education and a group of more than 500 parents regarding concerns over student assignments for the 2003-2004 school year. I am happy to report that the School District has already re-assigned more than 400 students at the elementary and middle school levels to schools closer to their homes in order to address and alleviate parental concerns regarding safety and travel. For more information about this issue, call 241-6000.

Muni and Transportation Issues: As a result of safety concerns arising from the issuance of school assignments, I have requested efficiency analyses of Muni service for transportation lines running from the Sunset District to outlying schools, such as Balboa, Galileo and Mission high schools. These analyses will break out the service routes and schedules for lines between each location and compare the assigned bus schedule versus actual service records. As a result of the report, we will be able to work more closely with parents, schools and Muni to address actual deficiencies and improve service for our youth.

Mark Your Calendars

Support our Working Students: Youth ages 16 - 24 are invited to join the Youth Commission's SHOUT-OUT. This public forum will address the challenges of balancing school and work and give youth the opportunity to speak about their concerns to educators, employers and city officials. The forum is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, at 5 p.m., at City Hall in Room 250. For more information, call the Young Worker Project, (415) 621-4155.

San Francisco Youth Commission: The commission is accepting applications for next year's group of City Hall activists. San Francisco works with the mayor's office, Board of Supervisors and Board of Education to advocate on behalf of better youth policies. Appointed commissioners will serve a one-year term beginning in August. Applicants must be between the ages of 12 and 23. Applications are available at www.sfgov.org/youth_commission. They are due by May 2.

Hands On San Francisco: Join me on Saturday, May 10, at the Yerba Buena Gardens for the 10th annual Hands On San Francisco Day. Everyone is welcome to pitch in on a neighborhood volunteer project. For more information and how to register as a volunteer for the event, go to www.hosf.org, e-mail hosfday@hosf.org or call 541-9616.

Neighborhood Summer Program Directory: I have been working closely with the Sunset District Neighborhood Coalition to develop our second edition of the Summer Program Directory. The directory will be available online at www.NeighborNet.org or call Susan Suval at (415) 731-7322 or my office at (415) 554-7460 for a copy.

San Francisco Supervisor Fiona Ma represents District 4.