By Bob Barnwell

The HVNA Public Safety Committee heard from a spokesman from the SFMTA (Muni), at the meeting on April 2nd. Sululagi Palega, Muni Transit Assistance Program manager, talked about how to be safe while riding public transit.  The biggest crime on Muni is theft of smartphones, tablets and computers.  Palega suggests to riders: be aware of your surroundings, put your electronic devices in safe places and be very alert when sitting by the door, as this is one of the most frequent spots on the buses for pick-pocketing. Statistically, the most crimes occur between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., however riders should be aware of their surroundings at all times while in transit. Palega also recommends sitting near the bus operator when riding transit late at night.

Bus drivers cannot stop to help document a theft or pursue a perpetrator of an alleged crime. However, Muni is implementing measures to make transit safer. 95% of buses now have operating cameras and Muni has their own police, including undercover officers.

To ensure riders are paying their fare, Muni’s division of Proof of Payment (POP) officers drop in on buses throughout the day.  In January and February, 2012 there were over 3,200 citations issued for lack of proof of payment. Make sure you pay your fare and ask for a transfer, as citations are $85 to $95.

Muni relies on feedback from the community to improve the quality and safety of service. In addition to asking transit-related questions, calling 311 can be used to report a crime (911 in an emergency), poor bus service, or to ask for an increase in good service. Palega reminds that with over 700,000 boardings each day, ultimately, Muni is a busy system that relies in part, on alert riders to help maintain safety.

By Bob Barnwell

San Francisco Chief of Police, Greg Suhr, spoke before the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA) at the general meeting on March 22nd. The Korean American Center was packed to hear the “Top Cop” and Captain Ann Mannix of Northern Police Station while enjoying food from a variety of local restaurants who provided a “Taste of Hayes.”

Chief Suhr, born in San Francisco, is a thirty-one year veteran of the department. He started the meeting by talking about the correlation between a lack of education and crime, citing that high school dropouts are 82% of the people in jail. Seeing the community building activities and youth programs in Hayes Valley and Western Addition is encouraging to the Chief.  He wants to see our kids doing well and keeping out of trouble.

San Francisco Chief of Police, Greg Suhr

Two years ago there was a major drop in crime in San Francisco, especially in the Northern Police District. The crime rate has remained flat despite the 10% reduction in police officers at each station. Knowing the importance a community plays in preventing crime, Suhr not only conveyed his support for community policing, but also gave praise to the housing officer unit in Hayes Valley, which was represented at the meeting, along with members of the Western Addition gang task force. With SFPD losing 90 officers a year due to retirement, the Chief talked about the need for more graduates from the Police Academy.

Captain Mannix and the officers in attendance provided an update on recent crimes in the neighborhood and the types of public safety situations being addressed by the police force. Several members of the community asked questions regarding trash and traffic problems, including the safety of pedestrians crossing thoroughfares like Fell, Oak, and Octavia.  The Chief noted that motorcycle police officers and their motorcycles have been distributed to the stations for use in addressing traffic-related issues in their respective districts. Another problem discussed was the health and safety issues regarding trash bin spillage. This difficult and complicated problem directly affects the businesses and beauty of the neighborhood.  The police have only a minor role in curbing trash theft.  (If you would like to join a task-force addressing underground scavenging of recycling and trash please contact SFSAFE’s Troy at 553-1968 or troy@sfsafe.org.)

Captain Mannix took notes and talked to many individuals after the meeting regarding many of the issues the community raised. If you have any additional crime issues to report, please email (SFPDNorthernStation@sfgov.org) or call Northern Police Station (415) 614-3400. In an emergency, always call 911.

We appreciate Chief Suhr coming to our meeting with his enthusiasm and appreciation for the vibrant community that is Hayes Valley.  We thank Absinthe Brasserie, Nabila’s, Arlequin Cafe, Suppenküche, Lynne Winslow Events, Two Sisters Bar and Books, Dobbs Ferry, The Boxing Room, La Boulange,  Richard Johnson, and Original Hayes and Kebab for providing food and drink for the meeting.

By Bob Barnwell

On October 3rd we had a good Public Safety that included nine panelists from city departments and city wide non-profit groups discussing crimes against businesses and non-profit groups.  From the notes of the meeting a team that included Maria McDonald, Jay Werber and Larry Cronander designed a flyer that was passed out around the neighborhood.  To see the flyer check our blog public safety bulletin ‎ or e-mail Bob Barnwell at safety@hayesvalleysf.org for a copy.  Our next meeting is Monday, January 8, 2012.

by Bob Barnwell

The next Public Safety meeting is Monday, October 3 at 7:00PM at the Korean American Center at 745 Buchanan. The theme of the meeting will be crimes against merchants and businesses. We will discuss (with San Francisco City officials and Northern Police Station) the extent of crime against the businesses in our area. What are the crimes against merchants? Is it on the increase or decrease? What can businesses do to protect themselves? How can the community help our local businesses? What is the city doing? We encourage our local business owners and community members to come to the meeting and get answers to their questions. On Monday, November 7 we will discuss preparing for the holiday season.