Richmond Roundup

Committee Formed to Improve Biking Conditions in Richmond
The SF Bicycle Coalition has formed a new coalition to improve bicycling conditions in the district. One of the coalition's top priorities is the installation of a bicycle lane running the length of Cabrillo Street, a plan that has the support of Richmond District Supervisor Jake McGoldrick.

"I like using Cabrillo because it is flat and calm," said Richmond District resident Cherie Chan, a regular bicycle commuter.

Currently, there are bicycle lanes on Lake Street and new lanes on Arguello Boulevard were recently made permanent. According to the bicycle coalition, there has been a 60 percent increase in people using pedal power on Arguello since the lanes were added.

The new committee will meet on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m., at the Zephyr Cafe on Balboa Street at 38th Avenue. For more information, call (415) 431-BIKE.

Chinese American Appointed to Public Utilities Commission
Mayor Willie Brown appointed San Francisco attorney Jeffrey A. Chen to the SF Public Utilities Commission, which provides drinking water and sewer services for the City, wholesale water to three other Bay Area counties and hydroelectric power to city government operations.

Chan is the only Chinese American on the five-seat commission. He has been a long-time community activist while practicing civil litigation at the San Francisco law firm Less & Weaver.

He is also a director at the community organization San Francisco Neighbors' Association and a founding director of the San Francisco Neighbors' Resource Center, a non-profit community service corporation.

Volunteers Needed to Lead Golden Gate Park Walking Tours
Park guides are volunteers who lead historical walking tours in Golden Gate Park and these positions are open to anyone who would like to share their enjoyment of the park with others. People of all ages, ethnic origins and cultures are encouraged to apply. No prior experience is necessary.

The new guides will be trained for two walks: from the Dutch Windmill to the Beach Chalet, and in the Japanese Tea Garden. Guides must commit to eight walks a year and attend five enrichment sessions.

Training will be held on seven Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, on Jan. 12, 19 and 26, Feb. 9, 16 and 23 and March 9. Friends of Recreation and Park will teach potential guides about the history of the park and give tips for leading a walk. For more information, call Alicia Ramirez at 750-5442.

Youth Track and Field Club to Compete
San Francisco Striders and Lady Striders Youth Track and Field Club welcomes new members.

Boys and girls aged 9 to 14 will represent San Francisco and the Bay Area at two upcoming events. The first competition will be for the USATF Age Groups Track and Field National Championship in Miami, Florida from July 3 to July 7.

The second meet will be for the USATF Junior Olympic Track and Field National Championship in Omaha from July 32 to July 27.

Training will begin at Philip Burton High School on Tuesday, Jan. 8 and continue on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. For more information, call 730-5160.

Free bicycle lights Jan. 15
In a campaign called "Get a Light," the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition plans to install 500 free bike lights in various neighborhoods on Tuesday, Jan. 15.

This campaign aims to highlight the importance of safe night-time riding, especially with the dark winter nights ahead. Group volunteers will also distribute a new 34-page safety guide called "Safe Bicycling in San Francisco," which covers all aspects of safe and smart bicycling.

The "Get a Light" installation project will be done on passing bikes between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at five intersections throughout the City, one of which is in the Richmond District at Cabrillo Street and Arguello Boulevard.

Health Insurance for youth
As of Jan. 1, San Francisco now offers health insurance for youths under the age of 18 who do not qualify for current health plans. It is estimated that half of the youth insured will be undocumented immigrants.

Health care coverage includes medical, dental and vision services.

The consumer's cost for the insurance is $4 a month. It is available to youth living in low- or moderate-income families. The cost to the city is expected to be about $2 million this year, with costs rising as additional youth are enrolled in the program.

On Sunday, Jan. 13, there will be a Healthy Kids Day Celebration and Enrollment Event at the Mission Dolores Auditorium, located at 3321 16th Street, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event features food, music and health screenings. For more information, call 777-9992.

Coastal 'hero award' bestowed
The California Coastal Commission gave a "Coastal Hero Award" to the Beach Chalet Restaurant and Brew Pub in December.

The honor was bestowed upon the owners and employees of the restaurant for their continuing commitment and dedication to preserving Ocean Beach.

Lara Truppelli, who runs the Beach Chalet with her husband Gar, is a founding member of the Ocean Beach Task Force.

McGoldrick endorses candidate
Supervisor Jake McGoldrick has endorsed Jeff Adachi to become the next SF Public Defender. McGoldrick represents the Richmond District at the SF Board of Supervisors.

Voters go to the polls to choose a new public defender March 5. The city's current public defender, Kim Burton, was appointed after Richmond District resident Jeff Brown resigned the post to join the state Public Utilities Commission.