by Mayor Willie Brown

I am a firm believer in the tenet that there must be consequences when one violates the law--a concept which applies to each and every one of us in this nation.

One of my primary goals in the past three-and-a-half years has been to improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods, specifically to enforce city codes which prohibit urinating and defecating on the streets, trespassing on private property, sleeping in city parks, sidewalk vending, and other problem activities.

Every year, the San Francisco Police Department issues approximately 30,000 citations for these non-traffic infractions. Pro bono attorneys appear before our courts on behalf of the cited individuals, most of whom, by the way, do not attend the hearings. Virtually every citation is dismissed or minimal fines are imposed and immediately suspended by the Court Commissioner.
In short, there are no consequences for violating the laws. Many offenders accumulate dozens of infractions. Nothing happens to encourage changes in conduct and behavior.

This has led to a real breakdown in accountability for conduct occurring on the streets in our neighborhoods. While these offenders are minor in the judicial system, they have a major overall impact on how we perceive our neighborhoods and city. This affects the quality of life of every San Franciscan, including that of those individuals who have been cited.

Earlier this year, I asked City Attorney Louise Renne to represent the City before the Court Commissioners hearing these infractions. In my 1999-2000 budget approved by the Board of Supervisors, I have allocated $250,000 to establish a team of three deputy attorneys and one investigator to represent the city on these matters.

Let me be clear--individuals cannot receive jail sentences for infractions. Our sanctions are limited to fines or community service. We will be requesting that the individuals who violate quality-of-life codes perform community service such as street sweeping, cleaning up parks, etc. For individuals unable to perform community service, we will ask that they be assigned to appropriate social service or treatment programs. If an individual fails to appear or respond to an infraction, a warrant can be issued based upon the failure to appear.
This procedure will establish appropriate consequences for violating the law.

City Attorney Louise Renne should be commended for her willingness to ensure that infractions are upheld. This also supports our police officers, while at the same time, it protects the public from repeated nuisance activity.

The plan also engages individuals who refuse available services and opt instead for a nomadic urban lifestyle. Without enforcement, where is the incentive for such individuals to modify their behavior?

Our city directs about $60 million annually for homeless services and another $40 million for substance abuse treatment. It is reasonable and fair to ask that at-risk individuals use the available services and abide by the laws of our city. There are also many infractions which do not result from homelessness, and it is in the interest of the City Attorney to review all infractions and work with the Police Department to prioritize cases for court.

Our goal is a model program which promotes responsibility, accountability, and help for individuals in need. These programs can reclaim individuals and restore the public faith that individuals will return to clean and improve the community.

Five Years Ago in the Grapevine

AUGUST 1999

*Mayor Frank Jordan and S.F. Housing Authority (SFHA) Director Felipe Floresca joined SFHA staff and Sunnydale residents on July 20 in unveiling a completed model building consisting of four family units in front of the Sunnydale Community Center.

*Four students from Visitacion Valley Elementary School (VVES) and residents of the neighborhood won awards for excellence in science and math in an annual science exposition at the Whitney Youth Center.

*About three dozen fifth and sixth graders from VVES joined students from other Bay Area schools for Event '94, a citywide dance performance at Stern Grove.

*In a festive program of education, employment, health and activities, Juneteenth was celebrated on June 18 in the Geneva Towers courtyard.

*Merriment and plenty of good food were on hand June 18 as El Dorado Neighborhood Betterment Council sponsored its annual street party on Harkness Avenue.

Historic Proportions

Match clues to answers.
1981

1. They won the World Series on Oct. 28
2. On Apr. 12, first in a number of these is launched.
3. Infection identified this year for first time.
4. Divers brought up safe Aug. 27 from sunken ship.
5. Famous wedding was broadcast worldwide on July 29.
6. Actress died Nov. 29 in mysterious drowning.
7. French bullet-nosed train made its debut Sept. 22.
8. Hotel walkway collapsed here July 18 killing 111.
9. Brutal assassination Oct. 6 of this Egyptian leader.
10. Assassination attempt failed on May 13.
11. Hardware started becoming a popular necessity.
12. On Jan. 20 he was sworn in as 40th U.S. President.
13. After 444 days, they saw freedom on Jan. 20 in Iran.
14. Hundreds on London youth rioted here in April.
15. Crazed gunman tries to assassinate the President on Mar. 30.
16. Beginning in June, millions were thrilled by Indiana Jones.
17. Winners of Super Bowl XV on Jan. 25.
18. Nationwide strike beginning Aug. 3 crippled U.S. transportation.

A. John Hinckley, Jr.
B. Prince Charles and Diana
C. Anwar Sadat
D. Ronald Reagan
E. Oakland Raiders
F. Los Angeles Dodgers
G. Space Shuttle
H. Pope John Paul II
I. Personal computer
J. Kansas City
K. American hostages
L. TGV
M. Air traffic controllers
N. AIDS
O. Raiders of the Lost Ark
P. Andrea Doria
Q. Natalie Wood
R. Brixton

Answers: 1-F; 2-G; 3-N; 4-P; 5-B; 6-Q; 7-L; 8-J; 9-C; 10-H; 11-I; 12-D; 13-K; 14-R; 15-A; 16-O; 17-E; 18-M.

Sez Who?

Match quotes to speakers.

1. "Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names."
2. "Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence."
3. "Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing."
4. "When one pays a visit, it is for the purpose of wasting other people's time, not one's own."
5. "The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less."
6. "Only the little people pay taxes."
7. "It is only to the happy that tears are a luxury."
8. "In skating over thin ice, our safety is in our speed."
9. "People are getting smarter nowadays; they are letting lawyers, instead of their conscience, be their guide."

A. Eldridge Cleaver
B. Will Rogers
C. Ralph Waldo Emerson
D. John F. Kennedy
E. Oscar Wilde
F. Thomas Moore
G. Phyllis Diller
H. Leona Helmsley
I. Charles de Gaulle

Answers: 1-D; 2-I; 3-G; 4-E; 5-A; 6-H; 7-F; 8-C; 9-B.