Letters to the Editor

Editor:
Supervisor Jake McGoldrick is once again trying to restrict access to Golden Gate Park by introducing legislation for an immediate trial Saturday closure of JFK Drive, from Kezar Drive to Transverse Drive, for six months starting April 1.

Anyone who knows the SF Board of Supervisors knows that this "temporary closure" will become permanent and it is a well-known tactic being used by McGoldrick to deceive San Franciscans and to satisfy a small and well-connected group who have the time and money to lobby City Hall, while the majority of San Franciscans put our faith in the democratic process.

We have already rejected two ballot measures that would restrict access to the park, and yet McGoldrick chooses to disregard the will of the people. This is a classic example of tyranny of the powerful who have the know-how to influence the Board of Supervisors, led by McGoldrick, to overturn the mandate of San Franciscans.

There is substantial evidence that park closure would hurt the elderly, disabled, and working poor (primarily immigrant Hispanics and Chinese). This is a voiceless group whose views should be taken seriously as it impinges on their ability to make a living and to enjoy the park as others do.

Instead, McGoldrick mindlessly uses the "Healthy Saturday" mantra of the group he represents to push through their agenda. This group can afford to indulge in Saturday closures while many of us have to work for a living and need park access, actually seven days a week. The Sunday closure has been a generous compromise.

The Richmond District deserves a compassionate and competent supervisor to represent us, someone we can be proud of to help solve the more pressing problems of the City. Residents of the Richmond should be asking whether or not our representative should be spending so much of his time on an issue that benefits very few and would hurt the most vulnerable in the City.
Margie Hom-Brown

Editor:
We managed to sell 20 copies of our book, "We Didn't Know We Were Heroes," at Green Apple Books. Proceeds from the sales went toward a donation to our old church.

Our sales success was due to Kevin Ryan at Green Apple and your fine article and pictures in the Richmond Review (April 2006).
Ken Ross, Normand Black, Carl Swendsen