Capt. Sandra Tong: Police Beat

Greetings to all! I have had the pleasure of working with the community on many projects and developing important partnerships. I have served on the steering committee for the Richmond District Police/Community Police Forum, which organizes topics and outreach for the monthly community meetings. I am saddened to report that our steering committee has been involuntarily disbanded due to budget cuts and layoffs at several agencies.

I would like to thank Tim Himes from the Safety Network, Alexa Foote from SF SAFE and Patrick Seid from the mayor's office for their support and dedication to the community. I wish each of them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mini-motorcycles (Pocket Bikes)
There's been a lot of publicity recently regarding the very small motorcycles commonly known as "pocket bikes."

Pocket bikes are small, light and fast, which makes them extremely dangerous. Riders of pocket bikes often sit lower than the hood of an average passenger car, rendering them virtually invisible.

These small bikes, which can reach speeds in excess of 50 m.p.h., are illegal.

Technically speaking, pocket bikes are motor-driven cycles (motorcycles that displace 150 cubic centimeters or less). As such, operators are required to meet licensing requirements and obey all rules of the road. Also, for the small motor-driven cycles to be legal they would have to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Fortunately, for the safety of our community, they cannot be registered because the serial numbers do not conform to DMV standards. Also, to be legally registered they would have to be equipped with headlights, brake lights, horns, mirrors, etc., which they are not. Pocket bikes may not be operated on public streets or in parks. They can only be operated on private property with the consent of the property owner. Operators of pocket bikes on the streets and in the parks of San Francisco are subject to citation and the pocket bike is subject to towing, per the California Vehicle Code.

National Night Out
Last year's National Night Out was a huge success but we hope to have an even greater turnout this year. Once again, the event will be held at the Mini Park behind the Richmond Station on Seventh Avenue on August 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Richmond Station will be providing hot dogs and we are asking everyone who attends to bring a pot-luck item to share. Last year's festivities included a presentation by the SF Police Department's K-9 Unit. Plan to join members of the police department and other members of your community in a demonstration of unity and continued good will.

If you would like to organize your own block party in honor of National Night Out, please do so. It's a great way to get to know your neighbors and build a partnership in the neighborhood.

Community Meeting
July's meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 20, at 7 p.m., at the Richmond Recreation Center on 18th Avenue, between California and Clement streets. We invite residents and merchants in the area to bring their concerns and learn more about what is occurring in the neighborhood.

Capt. Sandra Tong is the commanding officer at the Richmond Police Station.