Jake McGoldrick: Important Issue Updates

Fire Truck 14
I want to thank the many District 1 residents who turned out for last month's SF Board of Supervisor's Budget Committee meeting on the controller's recommendations to shut down Fire Truck 14, among others. Truck 14 is located at Station 14, on 26th Avenue between Geary Boulevard and Anza Street.

During the hearing, residents told personal stories illustrating the importance of quick response times for public safety. Representatives of San Francisco firefighters' Local 798 presented an excellent analysis explaining how crucial it is to maintain the current configuration of resources, particularly in the Richmond District. The controller's reports are always well done, but on this occasion the firefighters did a much better analysis.

The strong advocacy of residents and firefighters allowed me to present a compelling case to my colleagues on the Budget Committee and to representatives of the mayor's budget office. As a result, the Budget Committee clearly indicated they will not accept such cuts and the mayor's budget director has indicated that the mayor will not forward any proposal for closures in District 1.This is a great victory for public safety, as elimination of Truck 14 would have disastrous consequences for District 1 residents who rely on the truck for fire safety.

Still on the table is the controller's proposal to reconfigure emergency services. Chief Joanne Hayes-White is studying the suggestions and will present the department's thoughts later during the budget process, but has indicated that some of the ideas may make sense. If so, it will be possible to save money in the SF Fire Department's budget without impacting public safety. I look forward to that discussion.

Update on Muni Service Cut Proposals
As I mentioned last month, Muni recently proposed service cuts to several lines in the City, including the 5-Fulton, 38-Geary, 1-California and 2-Clement. After a good deal of pressure from District 1 residents, transit advocates and my office, Muni has indicated that it will not eliminate the 5-Fulton night owl.

Please help me keep up the pressure to ensure there will be no reductions in service on the remaining lines serving District 1 transit riders.

Rossi Update
As of this writing, Rossi Park continues to be on the chopping block at SF Recreation and Park Department. This, despite years of planning, organizing and fundraising by the community. I remain committed to getting Rossi back on the list of capital projects to be funded. I have let Rec. and Park know that Rossi playground will be my top priority in reviewing the department's budget this year.

I have supported this project from the beginning by obtaining a grant from Wells Fargo to help start the community planning process. Please help me keep up the pressure and together we will persuade the department to keep faith with Rossi neighbors.

Budget Hearings Continue
Last month's District 1 Town Hall Meeting provided an opportunity to hear your priorities on the City budget and proposals to close the budget shortfall.

The mayor will release his budget to supervisors on June 1. Committee hearings on the mayor's budget will begin on June 14 and continue on June 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 28, 30 and July 1. The public has an opportunity to comment at these hearings.

My priorities during this difficult budget year will be to preserve public safety, hold harmless programs for children and seniors, preserve gardeners for our beleaguered parks and convince my colleagues on the Budget Committee to keep open the Sunset Mental Health Clinic, which serves many Richmond and Sunset residents.

Next Town Hall Meeting
Please join me for our next District 1 Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, June 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Richmond Recreation Center, 251 18th Ave. We will once again discuss the city budget, this time with a focus on the actual proposals put forward by the mayor.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Jake McGoldrick is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 1.