Supervisor Jake McGoldrick: Conservatory of Flowers Reopens

Recently, I had the honor of attending the re-opening of the Conservatory of Flowers in the east end of Golden Gate Park. While the Conservatory has always been one of the City's jewels, the restoration of this building has made it spectacular. Beautiful from the outside, it is even more amazing on the inside. Added to the many wonderful plant exhibits are many organic steel sculptures and a delightful fountain. There also is a new room for traveling exhibits.

Currently, there is an exciting exhibit explaining the many ways that plants are pollinated, including several species of butterflies at various stages of development. During our visit, butterflies emerged from their cocoons to dry and test their wings before launching their maiden flights. This truly is a delight for children of all ages. Please make sure to go by the Conservatory and see the many delights it holds in store. The restoration of the Conservatory is a great example of how a public-private partnership can actually help make the City a better place. I have sometimes been opposed to such partnerships where they result in the private sector gaining control over public assets, but this project has resulted in exactly the opposite. The overwhelming generosity of Richard Goldman by donating $5 million to this project and repeatedly helping keep it on track was met by subsequent donations by the Fisher Family ($1 million), the Friend Family and Taube Family ($1.5 million jointly).

Helene York, executive director of Friends of Recreation and Parks, managed the Friends' leadership role in the successful public-private partnership with the SF Recreation and Park Department on all aspects of the Conservatory, including the volunteer program and concessions. And of course, the commission, management and staff of the Recreation and Park Department worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition. They all deserve our thanks in making the Conservatory even more beautiful than it was before its unfortunate damage by a storm. Go visit and take your family!

Geary Boulevard Citizens Advisory Committee

As I have mentioned in previous columns, last year I secured $600,000 in funding from the Transportation Authority for a Major Investment Study (MIS) for Geary Boulevard corridor transit improvements. In late September, the Transportation Authority began the process of establishing a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to involve community stakeholders in the process of evaluating potential improvements during this study. As currently proposed, the CAC will consist of 13 members and five alternates representing citywide and corridor interests. Eight members will represent corridor-specific interests, while five would be citywide. The CAC also will balance residents, businesses, transit users and advocates as members.

Applications for the CAC may be obtained from the Transportation Authority at (415) 522-4800 or info@sfcta.org. This study will identify improvements that will increase the ability of Richmond residents to travel to and from downtown in a quicker and more convenient manner without costing billions or shutting down Geary for prolonged construction.

Pedestrian Master Plan Considered

Last year, the Board of Supervisors passed my legislation establishing the Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) to advise City departments on the formulation and implementation of policies affecting pedestrian safety. The board subsequently made appointments to this body, including three residents of District 1 - Ed Franklin, Jeanne Lynch and Sue Vaughan. Beginning this month, PSAC will undertake the process of developing a Pedestrian Master Plan for San Francisco to help ensure that pedestrian safety and convenience is recognized and planned for in all city decisions. Please take the opportunity to give your input during this important process. The safety advisory committee holds its regular meetings in City Hall, Room 408, at 5:30 p.m., on the fourth Monday of every month.

Jake McGoldrick is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 1.