Capt. Edgar Springer: Police Beat

The summer is over and it's time to shift gears. Think school, school, school.

With the beginning of the new school year we need to be even more cautious in our driving. Department of Parking and Traffic will be working with many of our schools to assist them with child drop-off issues.

The problem is most evident at elementary and pre-school locations. It is incumbent for schools to work with parents and D.P.T. to ensure safe drop off and pick-up procedures. For assistance, call D.P.T. at 553-1943. A reminder - it is a violation of the California Vehicle Code to double park. While D.P.T. and the police department attempts to work with schools on this issue, citations can and will be issued when unsafe conditions exist.

Those of you with teenage drivers, remind them to be cautious around the schools and drive responsibly. My school car and school resource officers are gearing up for the start-up of Washington High School and the other schools within the district.

We had a well-attended session at the Richmond Station in August when we hosted the annual meeting of the SF Police Commission in the district. I had the opportunity that evening to present citizen awards to members of our community who made a difference.

Erza Roan, Marcos DaSilva and Allana Greenham to the Rescue

On Wednesday, May 9, at 4:12 p.m., a woman was at Geary Boulevard and 17th Avenue when a male boldly walked in front of her, blocking her path and preventing her from crossing the street. The victim felt someone from behind pulling her purse off her shoulder, breaking the purse's strap. The suspects, both juveniles, ran off with the purse.

The victim began screaming for help and three citizens contributed to the capture of the two strongarm suspects.

Erza Roan heard the victim's scream for help and the victim yell "They got my purse!" He immediately went to the victim to assist her. The victim pointed out the suspects and Roan watched them until a police officer pulled up to the scene. He then ran over and pointed out the suspects to the officer and assisted in the investigation.

Marcos DaSilva was leaving for work when he witnessed the victim being robbed. He chased the one of the suspects with his car and cornered him, forcing the suspect to drop the victim's purse. He returned the stolen item and assisted police with their investigation.

Allana Greenham was walking with her two young daughters towards Geary Boulevard when she heard the victim scream. Greenham yelled for the thief to stop and positively identified the suspects when they were caught.

For the brave actions of Roan, DaSilva and Greenham, they were presented certificates of recognition from the SF Police Department.

Local Heroes Honored

On Jan. 19, at 3:45 p.m., a two-alarm fire of a residence broke out at 236 Eighth Ave. Several officers from the Richmond Station responded for traffic and crowd control.

Mr. Guolin Yu and his daughter Julie, owners of the Red Star "A" Bakery at 634 Clement St., were circling the block in their car when they saw the fire. The Yus entered the smoke-filled building in order to save the life of an elderly 87-year-old man who was trapped inside. The duo, and an unidentified FBI agent, assisted the elderly man to safety and into the hands of paramedics arriving on the scene.

Their efforts resulted in the saving of the resident's life, despite risking their own lives by being exposed to fire and smoke. For their brave actions, the Yus were also presented certificates of recognition from the SF Police Department.

Parks Cleanups

The parks in the Richmond District are a cleaner and safer place to be, thanks to the dedicated efforts of one of its employees, Brian Pangan. He is a section supervisor, responsible for Golden Gate Park, Park Presidio Boulevard and the Golden Gate Park Panhandle.

Pangan has the onerous job of dealing with the mess in the parks left by illegal encampments. He works with Work Fair, public service trainees provided by the Department of Human Services. It is a job training program to teach individuals skills necessary to qualify for entry-level environmental service employment. The next step being a gardener. This program has already produced results.

Several participants of the program have been hired as city gardeners. Pangan goes one step further, providing information to officers regarding several sexual assault suspects and one suspect who was wanted in connection with a homicide. He is an ongoing resource of information and he links us with other park employees.

Pangan was presented with a certificate honoring him for not just his outstanding work, but for helping make the Richmond District a safer and cleaner place to be.

In closing, I would like to thank Alan Oliver, a member of the Richmond Neighborhood Coalition. Oliver has been working closely with myself and members of the community to act on issues that are important to all members of the Richmond District. Many of you were involved in the needs assessment process initiated by the RNC. Oliver has taken a lead working with the community to address those issues.

If you wish to become involved and assist in this venture, or just want to find out more about what is going on in the Richmond, give Oliver a call at (415) 668-5998, ext. 103.

I am looking forward to seeing you at the next community forum on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m., at the Richmond Police Station, located at 461 Sixth Ave. Free parking is available at the Kaiser garage, located across the street.