Supervisor Carmen Chu: Budget, Muni Meetings Coming

We can improve the lives of thousands of people with just a moment of time. The solutions and answers to improving our community are not just at City Hall, but here in our community.

I am launching my Community Crew program to tap into the energy of our neighborhood to improve lives in our community. We will be asking you to take a moment to get involved in improving our neighborhood.

This is about making our neighborhood a friendlier, safer place, a community that educates its children, cares for the elderly and provides a livable environment for everyone.

Have you upgraded your cell phone and don't know what to do with the old one?

The first action of the Community Crew is a cell phone donation program. Old cell phones can be used by senior citizens to dial 911 in case of emergency. We will be collecting cell phones for low-income senior citizens.

Simply drop off your cell phone at any of the following locations on April 19 or 26, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the Taraval Police Station (2345 24th Ave.), Ortega Branch Library (3223 Ortega St.), Parkside Branch Library (1200 Taraval St.) or Sunset Recreation Center (2201 Lawton St.). The Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center (3925 Noriega St.) will also accept phones during normal weekday operating hours.

The cell phones will be donated to our local non-profit senior service providers. Check my Web site at www.sfgov.org for additional drop-off locations.

By digging that old cell phone out of your junk drawer and donating it, you can make a senior citizen safer in case of an emergency, perhaps even saving their life.

We are also planning a book drive to help kids with their summer reading and a food drive. I encourage you to let us know about any needs or issues that we should take up.

2008-2009 Budget
As we head into the budget season, I want to make sure our community members are aware of opportunities for input into our budget decision-making process.

I was recently appointed to the Budget and Finance Committee at the SF Board of Supervisors, which reviews and holds public hearings on the mayor's proposed budget. With three years of experience working directly with the city's budget, I plan to use my expertise and knowledge of the budget process to ensure our residents have a voice in prioritizing the resources needed for our neighborhoods.

With a projected $338 million deficit for the city's 2008-2009 budget, I encourage you to contact me and share your concerns. I will also be holding office hours in the district, where I will provide updates on the budget process and listen to your input. Stay tuned to our office newsletter (www.sfgov.org) for more information.

Muni Community Meeting
The Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) has been undergoing an 18-month project to evaluate and make recommendations on the existing Muni transit system to improve service.

I had requested that Muni listen to community feedback before drafting any route proposals, and held a community meeting in January to discuss the transit lines. Muni has now developed route recommendations and will be seeking community feedback on the proposed changes. I have received a lot of feedback on Muni's proposal to cut the 66 Quintara line, and want to work with you to ensure that our residents' concerns are not overlooked.

We are having Muni come out to address our concerns on Saturday, April 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Dianne Feinstein Elementary School. It is absolutely important that your voice is heard before any changes are made.

For more information, call my office at (415) 554-7460 or e-mail chustaff@sfgov.org.

Carmen Chu is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 4.