Supervisor Jake McGoldrick: Update on Youth Programs

According to the 2000 census, the number of children and their families is decreasing in San Francisco. Given the high cost of living, the cost of childcare and the lack of jobs that pay a living wage, I am afraid that parents will choose to move away from the City. We cannot afford this loss. 

Moreover, recent budget cuts at all levels of government have had a detrimental effect on educational opportunities and programs for youth. The message that we are sending to our youth is that they "don't count." As adults, we say that young people are our future, but how often do we follow our words with actions? 

Fortunately, there are a number of community-based organizations (CBOs) trying to maximize what little resources they have to support, inspire and teach young people. Whether it is a film and arts program through the Richmond Beacon Center, a free exercise program through the YMCA or innovative youth leadership development programs run by a number of qualified CBOs, such programming prevents our youth from "falling through the cracks." 

During this challenging budget cycle, at a minimum, I will fight to keep the city's funding for our district's youth programs at its current level. I am also committed to working with the Mayor's Office of Community Development (MOCD) and the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) to expand funding for district programs that address mental health, physical health and violence prevention issues.  

I have heard from a number of youths that they would like increased job opportunities so that they can help their parents, learn how to be responsible with money and increase their job skills. To this end, I want to ensure that the employment opportunities available to our youth pay at least the minimum wage. Jobs teach young people the value of work. They should also teach youth what is fair and equitable. 

As promised, the Latch Key Program has not been cut. I will continue to work for more after school programs. I am currently exploring how CBOs can collaborate with the SF Recreation and Park Department and the SF Unified School District to increase programming at available sites in the district. 

Also, in order to increase programming, we need more city recreation directors. I will work with the Recreation and Park Department to ensure that recreational directors become permanent civil service employees. This will minimize layoffs in such positions during a budget crisis.

Budget Hearings
As I mentioned in my last column, I encourage you to provide your budget priorities and concerns before the mayor proposes his budget to the SF Board of Supervisors. You can do this in the following ways: Attend the mayor's budget information session on May 27; attend the Mayor's Budget Office overview of fiscal year (FY) 2005-2006 general fund budgets on June 9; and attend the Board of Supervisors citywide public hearing on June 25. 

You also have an opportunity to comment on the budget at the Board of Supervisors' weekly Budget Committee meetings. For more meeting information, to learn about the budget process or to fill out a "public input form," visit www.sfgov.org and click on "Board of Supervisors Budget Information Exchange."

One of my budget priorities is to keep San Francisco a "transit first" city.  To that extent, I have requested a line item review of the Municipal Transportation Agency's (MTA) proposed FY'05-'06 budget. This will help budget committee members inquire into MTA's operating deficit and the MTA's proposed actions to close the deficit. Join us in the legislative chambers at City Hall for this May 12 hearing, at 1 p.m. In the meantime, continue to contact my office at 554-7410 regarding your funding suggestions.    

Jake McGoldrick is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 1.