by Steve Glumaz

Change has arrived for Visitacion Valley and the Bayview in the form of both residential and potential economic development which has observed the consumption of the City's least expensive properties.

With the Executive Park construction of 560 condominiums encroaching upon completion and added shopping outlets slated to open therein, developers and individuals are acquiring property where project housing once stood at breakneck speed.

"Visitacion Valley and Bayview will start looking like Manhattan, where those working at the lower end (financially) will be commuting from Pinole, Hercules and Antioch, as compared to those commuting from Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island," said Robert Middleton of Renaissance Realty in San Francisco. "Since February of '99, homes were $240,000, and now those same houses are worth $300,000. The homes are selling to singles kind of people, which precludes families if you really want to live in San Francisco. Add $300 a month in childcare and you can't keep a family here where most homes are two-bedrooms, unless rooms are built for family members downstairs while the nuclear family is upstairs."

According to Manuel Ramos a journeyman carpenter through Local 22 who helped construct the new low-income housing in Visitacion Valley, older homes being purchased are much better to live in than new ones being built in suburbia.

"It's boom city here in the Valley," he explained. "The older homes have more craftsmanship, more detail; plaster instead of sheetrock, artistic trim work, and real hardwood floors with creek-type sounds--a touch of class, not pressed wood or plywood. You won't go wrong, especially if you do the work (remodeling) yourself; it's fun and cheaper--the last of the city's affordable houses."

But Visitacion Valley and the Bayview still have a cancer, and that cancer is crime. Although on a decline as disclosed in community literature with "more upscale people moving in, they won't tolerate it and tend to run the riff-raff away," said a community member.
Another potential problem for both the Valley and Bayview includes the possibility of toxic soil nearby in the old railroad land. And with Home Depot and Muni light rail expansion soon to begin construction, traffic and noise pollution are of paramount concern to both community and business members. In fact, the Executive Park project alone calls for 4,255 parking spaces needed to support its almost 2,000,000 gross square feet of residential and retail outlets. According to an Executive Park Transportation Study report, Blanken Avenue through Little Hollywood will have a large increase in traffic added to that from game days at nearby 3Com Park as a result of Executive Park expansion.

According to Martha Dominguez, a public health nutritionist in the City, "As the neighborhood improves economically, it will provide an opportunity for a better quality of life. However, along with progress, there are always public health issues to consider such as noise and vehicle pollution."

Hence, in the Executive Park transportation impact analysis, the overall conclusion is that there would be significant impacts depending on the sort of effect it would have to the environment, existing transit system, and vehicles.

As an example, a proposed new intersection at Harney Way and Executive Park West could result in an average delay of 10.9 seconds per vehicle. Imagine then 15,000 to 40,000 vehicles attending a game at 3Com, at 10.9 seconds per vehicle. And these 10.9 seconds wouldn't even take into account the increased volume of traffic generated by the proposed Home Depot.

"I think the Home Depot is a good thing for the whole community," said Thomas Tam owner of L&T Building Supply Company, whose business will stay put just a block down Bayshore Boulevard from the forthcoming Home Depot. Tam, whose business offers all that a Home Depot does, on a property of approximately 14,000 square feet compared to a new Home Depot in East Palo Alto measuring 105,000 square feet, said an increase in traffic coming into the neighborhood is inevitable.

One way to reduce the projected extra traffic was put into action Oct. 15 with festivities commemorating the expansion of Muni's light rail service to the City's southeast sector along the Third Street corridor.

"Construction of the Third Street Light Rail is to begin around 2000, travel up to the Highway 101 overpass, south on Bayshore and East on Sunnydale to a new terminal," explained Sue Olive, a project manager for Muni. "Because buses get caught up in traffic, light rail is a positive contribution to improve transit service. The projected savings forecast is 11 minutes over the bus system in 2015." The newest extension of Muni service is scheduled to be completed in 2003.

Neighborhood traffic congestion may also be eased with the Giants no longer playing baseball at 3Com Park. But freeway access onto 101 North could suffer from closure of the Silver Street onramp. Still open today, the onramp has been secured from future access for an undisclosed reason, forcing those needing to access 101 North in the future to travel north on Bayshore to the Cesar Chavez Street entrance or use the ramp atop the 101 overpass at Bayshore and Third.

In contributing to public transportation for Visitacion Valley, Caltrain observes service approximately every 30 minutes at the Bayshore Station adjacent to Tunnel Avenue in Little Hollywood for commuters heading north to downtown San Francisco or south towards Santa Clara, an increase from every hour.

Most people in the community see the overall development of their neighborhood as positive, while others seemed unsure.
"You really don't know the neighbors anymore," remarked longtime resident Bruno Forner, a ticket taker at 3Com, "but the development I see as positive."

"When the time comes," explained L&T's Tam, "I'll specialize in something in order to survive when the Home Depot opens its doors."

Just a few miles down the road at Brisbane Hardware and Supply, owner Bill Del-Chiaro described how a business started in 1938 was purchased by his father in 1963. "It's American. We don't have customers here, we have friends. It's fun. I get here at 6 a.m. and the coffee is here."

Parent Workshops at Valley Beacon Center

Visitacion Valley Community Beacon Center will be offering Parent Workshops this fall in the early evening.

Conducted by Dera Blake, the workshops are designed to empower parents to help build positive relationships with their children while covering issues such as self-improvement and personal-development growth. They will be held in Room 101 at the Beacon center at Visitacion Valley Middle School.

Classes will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. For workshop dates and more information, call Michael Bennett, Beacon adult program director at 452-4907.

Free Legal Consultation for Seniors

A free clinic providing legal consultation for seniors is held the first Wednesday of each month at various neighborhood centers around Visitacion Valley.

A collaborative project of provided by Khin Mai Aung, an Asian Law Caucus staff attorney in association with Chinese for Affirmative Action, past topics of discussion have included: general legal rights, housing and eviction, and immigration and naturalization.

Next clinic will be held Wednesday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at John King Senior Center, 590 Leland Ave. For more information, call (415) 391-1655 and indicate you are calling for the Visitacion Valley Neighborhood Legal Clinic.

Anonymous Hotline at Valley Middle School

Under a banner to "Keep our schools safe for everyone," Visitacion Valley Middle School (VVMS) recently established its VVMS Hotline at 281-8406 that both students and neighbors can use to phone in anonymous messages.

Trees for Sore Sites

Friends of the Urban Forest presents Trees for Sore Sites, a talk on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. with Esta Kornfield, education coordinator for Friends of the Urban Forest at Bldg. 1007 in the Presidio.

Salt air? Narrow sidewalks? Automobile pollution? Overhead utilities? Join Friends of the Urban Forest in exploring those trees that best tolerate the stresses of our urban environment. Call 561-6890 ext. 108 for directions and to reserve a space.

Ingleside Community Forum

The next Ingleside Community Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 16. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the Ingleside Community Room at Ingleside Station. All are welcome.

Choosing the Right School for Your Child

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is now accepting applications for Fall 2000 during an open enrollment period that ends on Jan. 7, 2000.

All parents want their children to receive the best education possible. This means taking the time to choose the school that best meets your child's needs and interests. Parents are encouraged to visit several schools and carefully consider the variety of educational options available in San Francisco's public schools.

Parents of incoming kindergartners and students who are new to the SFUSD must register for school, including the school located in your neighborhood. Parents of students who are currently in fifth and eighth grade should also apply for middle and high school, even if they want their children to attend the school closest to home.

Applications can be picked up at any San Francisco public school or at the Educational Placement Center, 555 Franklin St. Assistance is available in Chinese, Spanish and Tagalog. For more information, please call 241-6085.

SFUSD Holds Middle School Information Fair

Is your child in fifth grade? Now's the time to learn about choosing a public middle school in San Francisco.

There will be a Middle School Information Fair on Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Everett Middle School, 450 Church St. Meet representatives from all the City's middle schools while hearing about unique programs each school has to offer.

Registration for the 2000-2001 school year ends on Jan. 7, 2000. Call 241-6607 for more information.

Ingleside Station Police Report

*On Sept. 27 at 11:16 p.m. on the 300 block of Arleta Avenue, Ingleside officers responded to a burglary in progress. The suspects had gained entry into a residence. When the police arrived the suspects fled the home. The suspects then entered a second residence next door to the first. The police followed them but the suspects fled again. A foot chase followed and several officers were able to take into custody the two suspects. Both male suspects were each charged with two counts of burglary, possession of stolen property, delaying and resisting arrest. Case 991190679

*On Oct. 6 at 9:47 p.m. on the unit block of Farragut, Ingleside officers responded to a call of a missing adult. The missing adult turned out to be a victim of a car jacking. The victim had a vehicle for sale. There was a subject who responded to the ad for the vehicle. The subject met the victim at his house and they both took the car for a test drive. A few blocks from the victim's home the subject stopped the vehicle and a second subject got into the car. The suspects were armed with a gun which they threatened the victim with several times. The victim was driven to Palo Alto where he was later able to escape his kidnappers. The gun was recovered by police. The first suspect was a Hispanic male, 20-25 years old, 5'5", 140 lbs. He was called "Peter" by the second suspect and was possibly Hispanic. He had slicked back hair, thin mustache, a white jacket with black sleeves. The second suspect was 5'5",  150 lbs. and had a chubby face. He had a fair complexion, clean shaven, and had short hair. He possibly had on sun-glasses, a red sweat shirt with a hood, and was carrying a two way radio possibly a scanner. Case 991230366

*On Oct. 11 at 6:43 p.m. on the 100 block of Oxford St., Ingleside officers responded to a call of a robbery. The victim was getting out of her car when a suspect came up from behind and grabbed her purse from her. The suspect then fled the area. The suspect was described as a black male juvenile approximately 5'8", 110 lbs. between the ages of 10-12. He was wearing a red tee-shirt and dark pants. He had medium length hair and a medium complexion. Case 991249878

*On Oct. 15 at 11:00 p.m. at 4175 Mission St., Ingleside officers responded to a call of a robbery at Cala Foods. Three suspects approached the check out line with beer. One of the suspects refused to pay for the beer. He ran out of the store with it without paying. A second suspect attempted to run out of the store with a Halloween mask. The security guard stopped him at the door. A struggle ensued and the suspect told the guard that if he pulled out his gun the suspect would also pull out his. The suspect let go of the mask and ran out of the store. The three suspects got into a white 1983 Oldsmobile with a license plate of 1HNT639 and fled the area. Officers made a search of the area with negative results. The first suspect was a black male, 34-40 years old 5'10", 160 lbs. He was missing a front tooth and wearing a light brown coat, dark pants, and was clean shaven. The second suspect was a Hispanic male approximately 35 years old 5'5", 200 lbs. He was clean shaven and wore a light colored shirt with a pattern. He had a pot belly and had a light complexion. The third suspect was a Hispanic male approximately 20-27 years old, 5'6", 150 lbs. He was clean shaven and wearing a dark jacket. Case 991269791

*On Oct. 15 at 1:37 p.m. at 4648 Mission St., Ingleside officers responded to a call of a robbery at Wells Fargo Bank. A suspect approached the teller and handed her a note stating this was a robbery. The suspect then told her he was not joking. He also said he had a gun in his pocket. The teller turned over about $2,000 in currency. The suspect then left the bank. The suspect was described as a black male, 25-30 years old, 6'0", 180 lbs. He had a medium dark complexion and was of medium build. He was wearing a faded black baseball cap, blue/white checkered flannel shirt and faded blue jeans. He had on dirty tennis shoes and was wearing knee pads construction type. Case 991267331

*On Oct. 16 at 10:47 a.m. on the 100 block of Brookdale Avenue, Ingleside officers responded on a call of a possible death. Upon arrival the officers found a black male adult lying on the floor inside his home apparently dead. The officers were unable to determine the cause of death at that time. Case 991271025

*On Oct. 17 at 2:20 a.m. on the unit block of Desmond Street, Ingleside officers responded on a call of a fire at Visitacion Valley Branch Library. The fire department told officers that the fire was suspicious in nature. Case 991273388

*On Oct. 17 at 3:50 p.m. on the unit block of Cortland Avenue, Ingleside officers responded on a call of a robbery. The two suspects entered the house and pointed guns at the four occupants. The suspects then tied up the victims and ransacked the house. The suspects took several items then left the house. The first suspect a black male, 30-40 years old, 5'8", 170 lbs. He was light complected and had a 9 mm. weapon. The second suspect a black male, 30-40 years old, 6'0", 200lbs. He had a dark complexion and wore a ski mask. He had a machine gun. Case 991275055

*On Oct. 17 at 4:39 p.m. at University and Woolsey, Ingleside officers responded to a call of a stolen vehicle. The male suspect was taken into custody without incident and charged with driving a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, driving without a license, and driving under the influence. Case 991275196

*On Oct. 17, 1999 at 8:20 p.m. on the 700 block of San Jose Avenue, Ingleside officers responded on a call of a battery. The officers arrived on the scene and found several people holding down a subject. There were three suspects attempting to steal items from a vehicle. The owner of the vehicle came out and confronted the suspects. Two suspects escaped and drove off in a gray 1980 Datsun 280Z. The third male suspect was charged with attempted auto burglary and battery. The first suspect was described as a Hispanic male, approximately 20 years old, 5'6", 125 lbs. He was dark complected and was a white shirt and white pants. The second suspect was a Hispanic male approximately 20 years old, 5'8", 145 lbs. Case 991275839

*On Oct. 17 at 2:20 a.m. on the 400 block of Huron, Ingleside officers responded to a call of a robbery. The two victims had just driven up to their driveway. They were exiting their vehicle when two suspects approached them saying this was a "jacking." One of the suspects had an uzi-type weapon. The victim handed over her purse then her husband and she ran from the area. The suspects fled the area on foot with the victim's purse. The police arrived on the scene and a "foot chase" ensued. The officers caught one male suspect who was charged with robbery, conspiracy, possession of stolen property, parole violation, and resisting arrest. The second suspect was described as a black male, approximately 25 years old, 5'11", 170lbs. He was wearing a dark jacket and colored jeans. Case 991273463

From the D.A's Office

Volunteer School Worker Sentenced for Embezzlement

Elois Lloyd, also known as Elois Quiroz, was sentenced Sept. 28 for the embezzlement of $326,000 from St. Monica's Catholic Grammar School and the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Lloyd stole the money from the school during the years 1990 to 1997 while working as a volunteer bookkeeper. Supreme Court Judge Donna Little ordered Lloyd to serve two years in State Prison and to pay restitution for the entire amount stolen.

The conviction and sentence resulted from and investigation conducted by the Special Prosecution Unit of the District Attorney's Office.

"This is another example of so-called white-collar crime that this office will not tolerate," said District Attorney Terence Hallinan. "We will prosecute such cases to the fullest extent to hopefully serve as a deterrent to others who may be contemplating similar crimes."

The investigation was stirred after the school's principal reported problems while attempting to pay legitimate school expenses. The administrator discovered than an account that should have contained enough funds to cover school costs did not have anywhere near the funds that it should have had.

When the principal attempted to get explanations from Lloyd, who had access to the account, Lloyd was uncooperative and the matter was referred to the archdiocese and then, subsequently, to the district attorney's office for investigation.

After being confronted with the facts of the case, Lloyd pleaded guilty to one count of grand theft.

Murderer Sentenced for Second Time

District Attorney Hallinan on Oct. 4 applauded the sentencing of a man who used kitchen utensils to brutally stab his victim to death 14 years ago.

Robert Anderson was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 16 years to life for the killing of Jack Greisman, who was found dead in his home on May 13, 1985. It is the second time Anderson has been convicted and sentenced on the same charge.

Fingerprints led police to Anderson. He confessed, then claimed police coerced him. He was convicted but the appellate court threw it out "based on the totality of the prosecutor's misconduct in unfairly taking advantage of the court's evidentiary ruling, arguing beyond the record and commenting on the defendant's right to remain silent at trial."

"This guy was a satanic worshiper and he stabbed the victim 21 times," said Assistant District Attorney Andrew Clark upon hearing the sentence.

Guilty Verdict in Same Sex Domestic Violence Case

A San Francisco woman was convicted Oct. 6 of three misdemeanor counts of domestic violence after wielding a knife at her former partner who refused to engage in sex with her.

Honorine Anderson was convicted of domestic violence battery and of intimidating a victim/witness after a scuffle with her housemate last June. Anderson was also found guilty of obstructing or injuring any line or apparatus of the telephone after she took the telephone from the victim and ripped it from the wall to prevent the victim from calling for help.

District Attorney Hallinan applauded the verdict as being in line with his office's crackdown on spousal abuse, including same sex domestic violence, even when the incident appears to be relatively minor.

"Domestic violence is the kind of thing that often starts out small but escalates over time. It is extremely important to nip these episodes in the bud because they can become much more dangerous and lethal," said Hallinan. "These cases can be hard to prove because, as in this case, the victim is often reluctant to file charges or carry through on the prosecution. But we are setting a tone: zero tolerance for domestic violence, period."

According to police reports and court testimony, Anderson and the victim had an off-and-on relationship for several years that had ended for a couple of months when the assault took place last June.

However, for economic reasons, both woman still lived in the same house the night Anderson's demand for sex was rebuffed. Anderson became angry, grabbed a kitchen knife and threatened to kill herself before pointing it toward and threatening to harm the victim.

The victim told police that when she picked up the telephone to summon help, Anderson ripped it away. But later the victim recanted her statement both to police and at trial. Three times in court, she excused Anderson's action's, saying that Anderson was drunk and didn't know what she was doing.

"But the jury did the right thing and convicted the defendant on three of four misdemeanor counts," said Assistant District Attorney Machaela Hoctor who prosecuted the case. "They felt very sorry for the defendant but knew that they had to set those feelings aside."
Anderson could face as much as three years in jail and a $1,000 fine.

"I've done numerous cases where the victim recants," said Hoctor, "but the juries always say it is important for us to intervene and hold the (assailant) accountable--to protect victims who, due to economics, fear and intimidation are sometime not in positions to testify."

Family Violence No Longer Leading Cause of S.F. Women's Deaths

District Attorney Hallinan on Oct. 6 released a report that shows that not only is domestic violence waning in San Francisco but also that, for the first time in eight years, spousal attacks are not responsible for the majority of female homicides.

The report: Domestic Terror: Family & Domestic Violence Homicide Cases in San Francisco was released following a rally and March to End Domestic Violence at the Westbay Filipino Multi-Cultural Center at 179 Seventh St.

According to the report, of the 11 solved homicides of women in 1998, five or 45 percent were the result of domestic violence, a 10 percent drop in such murders from the previous year.

"The drop in the domestic violence murder rate is great news," said Hallinan following the march and rally. "But even one such death is one too many and we refused to be satisfied until we have completely eradicated domestic violence and its poisonous effects on our communities."

Hallinan was particularly disturbed by the fact that the study showed that all of the domestic violence murder victims in 1998 were women of color. The five spousal-related fatalities last year included a Chinese-American, two Filipina, an African-American and a Latina.

Because of language barriers and cultural sensitivities, immigrants and women of color are often more isolated, leading to a reluctance to report and a greater willingness to tolerate much abuses along with an inability to seek and obtain services from a variety of support networks, the study said.

Indeed, the report concluded that many women of various persuasions are either too ashamed to seek services or are unaware of the programs and laws designed to ensure their safety.

Among other things, the study also found that often there is a distrust of service providers, a fear of immigration consequences and, for some, a bewildering bureaucratic process that further inhibits access to badly needed programs and aid.

Mary Lou Castillo, whose sister was killed by a boyfriend last year, praised the District Attorney's office for its anti-domestic violence programs and implored all women to take advantage of the services available through community organizations.

"There are things that can be done. Lives can be saved if you seek out help early when problems first happen," said Castillo, speaking mainly to the women who had paraded several blocks in the March to End Domestic Violence. "Don't let what happened to my sister happen to yours."

Conviction for Attacks on Prostitutes

District Attorney Hallinan on Oct. 8 praised the conviction of a man who preyed on prostitutes including one he beat with a hammer, then put unconscious body into the trunk of his car and later tossed her body into the bay for dead.

Jake Bokin, 56, was found guilty of 25 felony counts stemming from a string of sex crimes that included attempted murder, rape, false imprisonment, sexual battery--with great bodily injury--against four women.

Bokin could be sentenced up to 27 life terms in state prison.

Hallinan said the verdict sends a strong message that San Francisco prosecutors are cracking down on violent crimes, particularly those against women.

"There are multiple life sentences hanging over this man's head and I'm sure he is never going to see the light of day," said Hallinan. "These are the kind of crimes that as a city we cannot tolerate and that as district attorney I plan to prosecute to the fullest. These were brutal, terrible crimes and my office will continue to remove from our midst the people who commit them."

Hallinan said the cases send a signal that the district attorney's office will protect the rights of women and pursue predators no matter who the victims might be.

"It was a tough and tangled case, and Assistant District Attorney Elliot Beckelman did a tremendous service to this city by winning it. I'm proud of the job Beckelman did to get this predator off the streets."

The case culminated after a 20-day trial and more than a week of jury deliberations, becoming the first ever trial in which a man has been convicted for assaulting three women who happened to be prostitutes.

Three of the four victims in the case were street-walkers who were terrorized after encountering Bokin as a would-be client.

Man Guilty in Hate Crime Related Case

After a three-day trial, Philip Baptista was convicted Oct. 25 of vandalism for painting swastikas on two Catholic church buildings. Each of the counts is punishable by up to six months in the county jail.

"We cannot let hateful messages and images be sprayed on our places of worship," said District Attorney Hallinan. "People have a right to feel safe and secure, particularly in their churches and synagogues. And we intend to do everything possible to ensure that."

Defense testimony during the trial suggested that Baptista was psychotic and delusional, and in need of psychiatric treatment. But Assistant District Attorney Thanh Ngo said the case went to trial because Baptista refused to participate in any treatment programs.

"I think some of the jurors even felt the guy was mentally ill and needed help--which was our position too," said Ngo, who prosecuted the case. "But we offered him diversion to get the appropriate help and he flat-out refused. At the same time, he needs to acknowledge that what he did was wrong."

In January, 1998, Baptista painted a swastika on St. Ignatius Church at the University of San Francisco. And while that case was still pending, he painted another of the hateful symbols on the Archdiocese of San Francisco on Church Street.

Sailor in Gay Sex Case Convicted of Murder

The office of District Attorney Hallinan registered its 17th murder conviction in a row Oct. 28 with the guilty verdict of a sailor who beat and choked his victim to death.

After 2 1/2 days of deliberations, a jury of nine women and three men found Steven Nary guilty of second degree murder in the death of newspaper publisher Juan Pifarre.

"We were appalled by the level of violence involved here and decided from the outset that we would aggressively prosecute the case," said Hallinan. "Our Homicide Unit has been vigorous and dedicated about removing violent criminals from our midst. I am especially proud of the way Assistant District Attorney John Farrell handled this trial."

Nary was 18 years old and in the Navy when he killed Pifarre, 54, in March 1996 in Pifarre's Potrero Hill flat.

Nary had claimed he acted in self-defense to ward off homosexual advances from Pifarre who had paid Nary $40 for oral sex but later demanded anal intercourse.

During the ensuing struggle, Nary created what prosecutor Farrell called :a blood bath" in the apartment, eventually choking his victim to death.

During the trial, the defense characterized the incident as Nary's way of "resisting unlawful sodomy."
'They argued it was self defense and the jury said it wasn't," Farrell said. "The jurors were very careful and took their job seriously. It was a tough case for them to handle but they were very methodical."

Nary will be sentenced on Nov. 30 and faces a minimum term of 15 years to life in state prison.

Arrest Warrant Obtained for Landlord

District Attorney Hallinan announced Oct. 28 that his office had filed criminal charges against San Francisco landlord Tom Anderson, also known as Hiroshi Arai, owner of an Inner Sunset apartment building. Anderson is charged with committing an unlawful eviction under the San Francisco Rent Ordinance.

In stark violation of the law, Anderson evicted three tenants under the pretense that Anderson intended to occupy their apartment as his own home. However, after the tenants moved out, Anderson converted the living room and the dining room of the apartment into bedrooms and then rented the apartment to eight new tenants--increasing his monthly rental income from $1,343 to $3,200.

The evicted tenants, including one who had lived in the apartment for five years, were forced to move to more expensive housing. One of them was forced to move out of San Francisco altogether.

"On its face, this seems to be fairly blatant and is exactly the kind of thing that the ordinance was supposed to protect against," said Hallinan. "Its' not right and it's not fair. Given the skyrocketing rents and shortages of housing in this city, my office will continue to review all complaints of illegal evictions whenever they are brought to our attention.

Such violations are punishable with a $2,000 fine and/or six months in the county jail.

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District on Oct. 1 declared unconstitutional the $300 Non-Resident Vehicle Smog Impact Fee imposed by California on persons registering used vehicles that were previously registered outside the state.

The Smog Impact Fee is paid almost exclusively by people moving into California and registering the vehicles they bring with them. If everyone entitled to a refund filed a claim, the State would be required to refund approximately $250 million.

The Court of Appeal agreed with the trial court that the Smog Impact Fee violated both the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution and Article 19 of the California Constitution.

Unless the Court's ruling is modified by the California Supreme Court or United States Supreme Court, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be required to stop charging the $300 fee, which it is still collecting. It also must refund the fee, plus interest, to all persons who paid the fee and who file a timely refund claim. However, in light of other parts of the Court of Appeal's rulings, the DMV will not voluntarily notify taxpayers of the need to properly file refund claims nor will it automatically file claims on their behalf.

Leonard B. Simon, one of the lead lawyers for the plaintiffs, referred to evidence that the California Legislative Counsel had advised the Legislature that the $300 fee was unconstitutional both before and after its approval in july 1990. He stated that "the Court's ruling on the remedy is very unfortunate. It means that California can pass an obviously invalid fee, collect hundreds of millions of dollars, and then keep virtually all of the money collected by making the claims process very difficult." Simon further stated that "such a system gives government a perverse incentive to impose unlawful taxes, knowing they will get to keep most of the money. The remedy for this violation should be modified by the California Supreme Court or by the Legislature."

In the interim, however, Simon strongly urges those who are eligible for refunds to file claims as soon as possible in order to preserve their rights. "People who paid the Smog Impact Fee may lose their right to a refund if they do not file a refund claim," he stated.
Information about the procedures for filing a refund claim can be obtained by calling toll-free 1-877-SMOG-FEE or by visiting www.wwca.com on the Internet. Downloadable claim forms are available on the website.

National Bible Week Returns in November

Encouraging everyone to read the all-time best seller--the Bible--is the focus of the 59th annual celebration of National Bible Week, Nov. 21 through 28.

"The Bible has had an undeniable influence on our culture's art, music, literature, laws and even our sense of charity," said Stewart Furlong, chairman of the sponsoring National Bible Association. "For that reason alone, people should want to be familiar with this book."

Perhaps more importantly, countless millions of people over the centuries have looked to the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures for moral and spiritual guidance. An interfaith observance, National Bible Week enjoys the cooperation of civic and fraternal groups and public libraries, as well as religious organizations. The sponsoring organization is solely composed of lay leaders from the business and private sectors, and has no official ties to any religious or faith community.

The first National Bible Week was organized by business and community leaders 59 years ago to offer the nation a source of comfort and hope in the dark days when Europe was engulfed in World War II. As it turned out, the nationwide radio broadcast that launched that first National Bible Week was aired on the evening of Dec. 7, 1941 as the American people grappled with the breaking news and consequent fears generated by the events earlier that day at Pearl Harbor.

Beijing Revisited Slide Lecture at City College

John Wilde offers his unique view of life in Beijing from the perspective of an American studying in China. Beijing Revisited, a free slide lecture, will be presented on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Visual Arts 114 at S.F. City College.

For more than eight years, wilde, a City College counselor, has spent a sabbatical year and numerous summers studying the Chinese language in Beijing. In 1998 he presented a slide show titled 14 Months in Beijing filled with street adventures and anecdotes. One year later, Wilde encountered a different political climate upon his return to China.

In Beijing Revisited, Wilde reflects on changes in China's capital city after China's bid to join the World Trade Organization was rejected. He recounts how students in Beijing also reacted to the NATO bombing of a Chinese embassy in Belgrade by vandalizing the U.S. Embassy in Beijing.

Northern California's Senior Housing Market
Ideal for Active Adult Communities

According to the Concord Group, a San Francisco-based consulting firm, firm, Northern California's senior housing market is ideal for establishing successful active adult communities (AAC). To differentiate their communities and attract an under-served market segment, developers are now incorporating elements into their housing developments that accommodate seniors who want to live in an AAC without moving away from family, friends and other community ties.

Their are currently 14 AACs in Northern California that provide this enhanced lifestyle for active adults, seven of them large-scale communities of 500 homes or more. The 14 different projects are planned for a total of approximately 29,000 units, and of these, 13,000 units remain to be built. With a total annual absorption rate of about 3,000 units, their is approximately four years of remaining inventory in the pipeline and plenty of room in the Northern California market for locally oriented projects that follow these guidelines to create successful AACs.

California has the largest retiree population. One out of every 10 state residents, 3.7 million individuals, is over 65 years of age. With the Baby Boom generation, those born between 1946 and 1964, entering pre-retirement and retirement age, California's senior population is projected to double by the year 2020. The state's total population is expected to increase by only 60 percent over the same period.

The Concord Group has found that developers of master plan communities are taking note and planning ways to include this market segment in smaller, more intimate project sizes that offer less than 500 units are mixed into a community that includes a variety of family types.

'As long as the AAC has a separate club house in which to sponsor activities and the critical mass to create a full-fledged community, it can be successful on a smaller scale than the standard Sun City model pioneered by Del Webb in Arizona in 1960," said Mary Borsanyi, a principal of the Concord Group. Sun City was the first full-scale, age-restricted community designed to accommodate active seniors.

A study conducted by the Commerce Department's Office of Senior Living concluded that the key influences for retiree relocation to specific geographic locations include: natural beauty, warm weather, reasonable cost of living, affordable and plentiful healthcare and inexpensive housing. Retirees are more likely to move out of their current community if these key factors are present. In addition, the 10 percent of seniors who would be inclined to live in an AAC would choose one locally if it were available. According to Borsanyi, "Small town environments, relatively close to major metropolitan centers, are offering 275 to 500 homes that are attractive to seniors."

The factors that are essential to the success of senior housing facilities include the presence of an income qualified caregiver market, the availability of a demographic to support the development, proximity to the metropolitan area, an attractive, temperate environment and recreation facilities on the premises. The desire for active retirement makes living in an age-restricted community with a large, centralized recreation center, with plenty of social and intellectual activities preferable for many retirees.

Christmas in April Seeking Applicants for Home Repair Program

Christmas in April is seeking San Francisco homeowners in need of home repairs for its 11th annual Rebuilding Day.
On Apr. 29, 2000, thousands of volunteers from business, labor and the community will come together in neighborhoods throughout San Francisco to repair and refurbish the homes of their low-income, elderly and disabled neighbors. All work is free of charge and everyone is encouraged to get involved.

Renovations and repairs vary from house to house, but may include: painting, carpentry, plumbing, plastering, electrical, appliance installation, and other tasks. Weatherization, clean-up and yard work may also be included. Each house will be provided with deadbolt locks, smoke detectors and lighted stairwells, if needed. Christmas in April does not do roof work.

Income guidelines and applications for homeowners, which must be submitted by a Nov. 30 deadline, may be obtained from Christmas in April, San Francisco by calling (415) 905-1611.

In April 1999, more than 4,000 volunteers from corporations, congregations and the community donated their time to make 45 homes and 22 nonprofit facilities safer and more comfortable for their residents.

Working together in the tradition of neighbor helping neighbor, Christmas in April, S.F.'s skilled and unskilled volunteers make renovations that emphasize safety and energy conservation. They install handrails and grab bars, rebuild unsafe stairs, clean out debris, paint interiors and exteriors, provide minor plumbing and electrical upgrades, and clean up yards.

Christmas in April, S.F. relies on the support of labor unions, local businesses, service organizations, and volunteers. In addition to qualified homeowners, community volunteers are being sought with time, energy and the desire to make a difference. Tax-deductible donations of money or building materials and supplies are also needed.

CDC Reports Little Progress In Reducing Smoking in U.S.

Smoking rates in the US have remained virtually unchanged in the last decade, according to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Some 48 million Americans smoked in 1997, or 24.7 percent of the nation's adult population, the same rate as 1995. According to the survey 27.6 percent of men and 22.1 percent of women smoked in 1997, with the highest smoking rates among 18 to 44 year olds.

Officials say the smoking rate of 18 to 24 year olds, which rose from 24.8 percent in 1995 to 28.7 percent in 1997, is likely the result of growing levels of teen smoking. "For the first time that we've been collecting data, there are as many young adult smokers, 18 to 24, as there are middle-age smokers," said Michael Eriksen, director of the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health.

The survey also found 26.7 percent of blacks, 25.3 percent of whites and 20.4 percent of Hispanics smoked regularly in 1997.  Adults who lived below the poverty line were more likely to smoke than those living above the poverty line, and high school dropouts were three times more likely to smoke than college graduates.

About 44.3 million adults described themselves as smokers who had quit. As a result, the CDC expects to fall short of its goal to reduce smoking to 15 percent of the adult population by 2000.

Eriksen commented, "During the 1990s we've made virtually no progress whatsoever. The fact that we can't get rates below 25 percent really speaks to the addictive power of nicotine."

DANVILLE - Approximately 1,461 small and mid-sized businesses were sold in California during October, with 16,901 total small and mid-sized businesses sold in California so far this year.

Viewers can see what types of businesses are selling and amounts of sale by getting onto the California Businesses For Sale Online website.

Considered a central clearinghouse by most California real estate agents, brokers and business owners, the website was created 6 years ago to track the number of businesses sold in the California marketplace while providing an ideal way in finding buyers wanting to purchase a business for sale.

It is estimated more than 80 percent of all California real estate agents/brokers, and business owners who are selling in the state of California utilize this site to sell a business. More than 12,000 viewers (mostly business buyers) visit the site each week to see what agents and owners have posted a business for sale. The site is updated every Monday and is free to view by visiting: www.califbusinessesforsale.com 

Caffeine Experts Clarify the Controversies

If you think you know all there is to know about caffeine, you may be surprised. Caffeine is one of the most discussed and comprehensively studied ingredients in the food supply. But, despite considerable interest in this ingredient, some questions and misperceptions about the potential health effects associated with this ingredient still often persist.

A session held at The American Dietetic Association (ADA) annual meeting in Atlanta sponsored by the International Food Information Council recognized the confusion about caffeine and put the subject of caffeine and health into context for dietitians, nutrition communicators and the public in general. Three experts provided comprehensive information on caffeine in the diet and examined current clinical and epidemiological research conducted on caffeine and bone health, caffeine and addiction and caffeine and specific female reproductive issues.

"Increased attention to caffeine naturally follows recent societal trends such as the increased popularity of gourmet coffees and a growing interest in teas," said moderator and ADA spokesperson, Edith Howard Hogan, RD,LD, in her overview of the environment today. "The public is confused and dietitians and other health professionals can help answer their questions about caffeine.

"Illustrating her point, Hogan shared the results of an informal survey she conducted with ADA National Media spokespeople and ADA Resource spokespeople to learn what sort of questions they are asked by the news media. One of the key questions these spokespeople hear is, "Are there negative effects from consuming caffeine?" This and other questions were answered by the session's presenters.

Tom Lloyd, PhD, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology in the Department of Health Evaluation Sciences at Penn State University, shared findings from clinical research on caffeine and bone health in post-menopausal women and more recent studies on caffeine and bone health in teenage girls.

"The bottom line is that there appears to be no link between moderate caffeine consumption and bone density in women who consume some calcium in their diet," said Lloyd. "If you enjoy caffeine containing products in moderation, there isn't a need to discontinue them because of a long-term health consequences," said panelist, Herbert Muncie, MD, professor and chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Maryland. Dr. Muncie reviewed current research on caffeine as it relates to reproductive health and children's health. "There is no evidence that caffeine harms children or leads to hyperactivity," he said.  "The real issue is nutrition, making sure that children are getting sufficient nutritious foods in their diets."

New HUD Report Shows Growing Shortage of Affordable Housing

WASHINGTON - The number of houses and apartments that families with low-wage incomes can afford to rent is shrinking, burdening more families with high housing costs and threatening many with homelessness, according to a Department of Housing and Urban Development report issued today.

"The sad truth is that more and more people working at low-wage jobs, as well older Americans living on fixed incomes, are being priced out of the housing market as rents rise," said HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo.

The new report, called The Widening Gap: New Findings on Housing Affordability in America, has four main findings, based primarily on new data from the U.S. Census Bureau's latest American Housing Survey:

Despite a period of robust economic expansion, the housing stock affordable to struggling families continues to shrink. The number of such affordable rental units decreased by 372,000 units--a 5 percent drop--from 1991 to 1997. Struggling families are defined as those with incomes at or below 30 percent of the area median.

Rents are rising at twice the rate of general inflation. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, in 1997 rents increased 3.1 percent while the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by only 1.6 percent. In 1998, rents increased 3.4 percent while the overall CPI increased 1.7 percent.

As the affordable housing stock shrinks, the number of renters at or below 30 percent of median income continues to grow. Between 1995 and 1997, the number of struggling renter households increased by 3 percent, from 8.61 million to 8.87 million--one of every four renter households in America.

The gap between the number of struggling Americans and the number of rental units affordable to them is large and growing. In 1997
for every 100 households at or below 30 percent of median income, there were only 36 units both affordable and available for rent.

"The four findings in this report clearly demonstrate that the affordability gap in rental housing is at crisis levels and continues to worsen," the report says. "The continued widening of this gap can be attributed in large part to the lack of federal appropriations for new housing assistance."

Congress Members Barbara Lee of California and Bruce Vento of Minnesota joined Cuomo at a news conference on the new report and called for more federal funding for affordable housing.

The report says President Clinton's Fiscal Year 2000 budget that calls for HUD to issue 100,000 additional rental assistance vouchers is
needed to stop the loss of affordable housing.

The figure for 30 percent or less of the area median income varies in different communities, but the national figure amounts to $12,900 a year for a family of three and $14,350 for a family of four. That's more than the $10,700 annual income of a person working full-time at the national minimum wage of $5.15 an hour.

In areas with high living costs, the 30 percent of median income figure is higher, putting affordable housing even further out of reach of low-wage families. For example, in the Washington, DC area the limits of 30 percent of median income are $21,250 for a family of three and $23,600 for a family of four. The latter figure is more than two people working full-time at the minimum wage would make in a year. Localized figures for 30 percent of median income are available on the web (see note at top of release).

After four years when Congress did not provide funds for HUD to issue new rental assistance vouchers, Congress provided HUD with 50,000 new vouchers for the current fiscal year. HUD now provides housing assistance through Section 8 rental assistance to 3 million households and subsidizes public housing units for another 1.3 million households--for a total of 4.3 million.

In the past, Congress has responded to findings of serious housing affordability shortfalls by providing new rental assistance. For instance, the period between 1985 and 1987 saw a decline in the number of families in need of affordable housing. This period saw the number of rental assistance vouchers issued by HUD grow by 80,000 to 100,000 additional families each year. In the 1970s Congress often provided vouchers for hundreds of thousands of new families each year.

"The nation is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis," said Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi. "Millions of parents must choose between having a roof over their family's heads or putting food on the table. That is a choice no parent should have to make."

New HUD Budget Will Expand and Preserve Affordable Housing,
Benefit Senior Citizens and Create Jobs

WASHINGTON - The landmark $26 billion Department of Housing and Urban Development budget for Fiscal Year 2000 signed into law by President Clinton Oct. 20 will expand and preserve the supply of affordable housing, benefit senior citizens, create jobs, and help revitalize communities.

"This legislation is important and not just for what it will achieve but for how it was achieved," President Clinton said. "It was achieved because members of Congress chose to put aside partisanship and work with us in good faith, on matters crucial to the future of our nation."

HUD Secretary Andrew Cuomo joined the President in saying the HUD budget was a model of how bipartisan cooperation can be used to resolve remaining budget disputes.

"This is the best HUD budget of the Clinton Administration," Cuomo said. "The budget is a direct result of President Clinton's strong and effective advocacy of HUD programs, his willingness to veto any budget that failed to provide adequate funding, and his work with Congress."

"This budget benefits our nation by putting HUD back in the business of creating and preserving desperately needed affordable housing, jobs and economic development for America's people and places in greatest need," Cuomo added. "The budget is also a vote of confidence in the performance of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the management reforms we've successfully implemented. "

Cuomo said the budget, which provides $1.5 billion more for HUD programs than the Department received in Fiscal Year 1999, includes:

*60,000 new rental assistance vouchers--the largest expansion of affordable housing in seven years--along with increased funding for public housing, and a new initiative to protect residents of subsidized housing opting out of the Section 8 program.

*A Housing Security Plan for Older Americans that will enable HUD to develop a broad range of housing options to meet the changing housing needs of senior citizens.

*Major job creation and economic revitalization initiatives that include the new America's Private Investment Companies (APIC) initiative, a second round of new Urban and Rural Empowerment Zones, and redevelopment of formerly polluted commercial and industrial sites know as brownfields.

*Increased funding for public housing authorities, homeless assistance and prevention programs, and the fight against housing discrimination.

"Last February I said the budget President Clinton proposed for HUD would open new doors to opportunity for people throughout this nation," Cuomo said. "Today, I can say that the budget the President has signed achieves this important goal."
Here is a more detailed look at the highlights of the new HUD budget:

Expanding and Preserving Affordable Housing

*$347 million to provide new Section 8 rental assistance vouchers to 60,000 low-and moderate-income families. This exceeds the 50,000 new vouchers in HUD's 1999 budget. The expansion in this critical program follows a four year period between FY 1995 and 1998 when Congress failed to appropriate any funds for new Section 8 vouchers.

*An increase in public housing operating funds from $2.8 billion in 1999 to $3.1 billion in 2000, and funding of $575 million for the HOPE VI public housing revitalization program. These programs are transforming public housing by removing and replacing the worst units, restoring troubled public housing authorities to financial integrity, demanding household accountability and promoting greater income diversity.

*Extending and expanding a HUD initiative that will benefit people already living in apartments that receive Project-Based Section 8 rental assistance subsidies. During the past year, communities across the country have experienced the loss of thousands of units of affordable housing when landlords opted out of the Project-Based Section 8 program. When this happens, residents who can't afford big rent increases have to move out of their apartments, and many have nowhere to go. In the next five years, more than 900,000 HUD Project-Based Section 8 contracts with rental property owners will expire. In April, HUD began an emergency initiative to address the growing problem of opt-outs. The new HUD budget supports the approach HUD took in April by incorporating the emergency initiative into law. The initiative provides market rents to below-market properties most likely to opt out, giving landlords of high-quality housing an incentive to remain in the Section 8 program. To protect residents living in apartments that withdraw from the Project-Based Section 8 Program, the budget allows HUD to provide rental assistance that will allow residents to continue paying their current rents. The budget also takes other steps to protect residents.

The Housing Security Plan for Older Americans

This initiative provides a full range of options--a continuum of care - to meet the housing needs of America's senior citizens. This includes:

1) Continued funding of HUD's successful Section 202 elderly housing program at last year's level of $660 million.

2) A $50 million increase in funds to hire service coordinators, who help senior citizens get services they need to continue living in their HUD-subsidized apartments.

3) $50 million to convert existing HUD senior housing to assisted living facilities for senior citizens who need a higher level of care. The legislation also allows seniors already receiving assistance through housing vouchers to use the vouchers in assisted living facilities for the first time, enabling many to avoid moving into more institutional and expensive nursing homes.

4) An expansion of HUD's reverse mortgage program, which allows older Americans to borrow against the value of their homes without selling the homes, so they don't have to sell their homes to get needed cash.

Creating Jobs and Revitalizing Communities

*$4.8 billion--a $50 million increase--for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is the mainstay of HUD's economic development activities. CDBG provides local communities with flexible tools and resources to meet local community development priorities and objectives.

*$20 million for the new America's Private Investment Companies (APIC) program. The $20 million investment provided in the legislation is designed to stimulate the investment of over $540 million in privately issued, government guaranteed loans and an additional $275 million in private equity capital. These funds will help businesses create jobs in inner cities and rural areas.

*$70 million for communities selected earlier this year as part of a second round of Urban and Rural Empowerment Zones. The Empowerment Zones are designated areas that receive important federal tax incentives as well as direct federal, local and private funding for economic development and social services. A total of $55 million will go to these Round II Urban Empowerment Zones: Boston, MA; Cincinnati, OH; Columbia/Sumter, SC; Columbus, OH; Cumberland County, NJ; El Paso, TX; Gary/East Chicago, IN; Huntington, WV/Ironton,OH; Knoxville, TN; Miami/Miami-Dade County, FL; Minneapolis, MN; New Haven, CT; Norfolk/Portsmouth, VA; Santa Ana, CA; and St. Louis, MO/East St. Louis, IL. In addition, a total of $15 million will be provided to the following Round II Rural Empowerment Zones: Cordele, GA; Fargo, ND; the Oglala Sioux Reservation in SD; Riverside County, CA; and Ullin, IL.

*$25 million for Brownfields Redevelopment. Redeveloping Brownfields--moderately contaminated former commercial or industrial sites--and stimulating new investment to create jobs at the sites is central to the task of tapping markets in distressed communities, especially in inner cities and older suburbs.

Other Programs

*A $45 million increase for HUD's homeless assistance and prevention programs for a total of over $1 billion, to help ensure the continued success of the innovative Continuum of Care strategy. The additional funding will support coordinated community approaches to moving homeless people and families to stable, permanent housing and into jobs and self-sufficiency.

*A $7 million increase to provide $232 million for the Housing for Persons With AIDS (HOPWA) program, which provides a broad range of housing and service assistance.

*A $4 million increase to provide $44 million to fight housing discrimination. The increase will fund HUD's groundbreaking nationwide audit of housing discrimination. The audit will provide an in-depth examination of discriminatory barriers and create a detailed understanding of the patterns of discrimination in housing for rent and for sale nationwide. This is the first such effort to include all of America's major racial/ethnic groups and to cover urban, suburban, and rural communities.

The budget also preserves and makes permanent HUD's innovative Community Builders Program, which has made HUD more responsive and effective in serving the American people. The Community Builders have been widely praised by independent experts on government reinvention, including: Booz-Allen & Hamilton, Ernst & Young, Andersen Consulting, Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, and author David Osborne. The budget preserves the jobs of the 400 Community Builders serving in permanent positions.

The additional 400 Community Builders serving in two-year temporary positions will be allowed to serve in those positions until September 1st, 2000. They will be able to compete for 400 new permanent Community Builder positions.

The budget also continues funding at 1999 levels for the following programs: $1.6 billion for the HOME program allowing HUD to continue to utilize this important tool for enhancing the capacity of the nation's affordable housing producers; $43 million for the Youthbuild program that provides educational and job skills training for at-risk youth while expanding the supply of affordable housing; $80 million to reduce health hazards from lead-based paint; and $25 million for HUD's Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development for affordable housing, economic development and capacity building efforts in rural and Native American tribal areas. The budget also increases funding for the Section 811 housing program for people with disabilities to $201 million from $194 million in 1999.

Vehicle Auctions on the Internet

PHILADELPHIA - Consumers interested in purchasing or selling a used car or truck can toss away the local want ads, for they now have a virtual vehicle auction site on the Internet. VehicleQuest.com, a new web site launched on Nov. 1, is a consumer-to-consumer auction site that enables both buyer and seller to make the most of each vehicle transaction.

"This 'vehicle auctioning' includes cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, parts and accessories, and basically anything with a motor in it," explained John McGratton, president of VehicleQuest.com. "As our company slogan states, 'Does it have a motor? Yeah, we got that!'"

VehicleQuest.com even has categories for car-related items, such as die-cast toy cars; vehicle-related clothing, such as jeep hats and motorcycle leathers; electronics equipment such as radar detectors, CB radios, and marine VHF radios; lawn and garden equipment; and farm and industrial machinery.

"In addition to helping consumers complete individual sales, VehicleQuest.com is committed to creating a well-rounded community of car and vehicle enthusiasts," added McGratton. "We will accomplish this by offering many services, including free email, free vehicle-related message forums, and a fully customized and discounted vehicle classifieds section." VehicleQuest.com has partnered with many respected industry leaders, such as Warranty Direct, Bidfind, Lending Tree, I-Credit, Progressive Insurance, I-Escrow, CarFax, Auto Detectives, and Advertisement Wizard Software. VehicleQuest.com will be offering the user community the option of auctioning vehicles off on behalf of a selected charity organization, generally with a tax deduction. The company is also in the process of negotiating a contract to provide seized government vehicles through the auction site.

"The government vehicles will be auctioned with no reserve price," commented McGratton. "Assuming the contract is finalized, consumers will be provided the unique opportunity to obtain quality cars at incredibly low prices."

For more information about VehicleQuest.com, visit the website at http://www.VehicleQuest.com or call John McGratton at 1-215-673-8345.