|
|
| Police Continue to
Investigate Valley Murder
by Gerry L. Galvan More than a month after a gunman entered a corner grocery and murdered a Visitacion Valley storekeeper, San Francisco Police continue to investigate the vicious crime and take proper measures in bringing a criminal to justice. Neighbors were shocked to learn of the Apr. 3 murder of Sugi Kim, who had operated the KC Market at the corner of Wilde and Rutland Avenues. According to a police report, a masked gunman entered the store she operated with her husband at 9:18 a.m., demanding both liquor and money. After placing more than two dozen bottles of liquor into a duffel bag and removing a small amount of money from the cash register, he began to exit, then turned and fired three shots, fatally wounding Kim. Mayor Willie Brown, who attended an early evening vigil on Apr. 6 outside the closed doors of the KC Market, had promised a quick solution to the case when he spoke before a crowd of about 100 neighborhood residents and friends of the slain storekeeper. Uneasiness continues to pervade in Visitacion Valley as neighbors still question why the senseless murder took place. Both religious and civic leaders have expressed fear for innocent people in any public or private setting being vulnerable to the wrath of a crazed gunman's uncontrolled anger. Ray Esplana, a member of St. James Presbyterian Church, expressed concern that the recent outbreak of gun violence, both local and national, would occur again, suggesting that police, church and civic leaders work together in combating the serious problem. Bidding Still Open for King Housing Subcontractors With James E. Roberts-Obayashi Corporation
having been selected as general contractor for the forthcoming John King
Senior Community Project at 500 Raymond Ave., bids from all interested
subcontractors are being requested up until Tuesday, May 18, 1999 at 2
p.m.
Funded in part by HUD and the Mayor's
Office of Housing, all subcontractors performing work falling under the
jurisdiction of the Carpenters or Laborers unions must be signatory to
the applicable unions. HRC hiring and prevailing wage requirements will
be enforced.
New Valley Housing Applications Available for Three Days Following four years of collaborative planning between former Geneva Towers residents, community-based organizations, and federal and local government agencies, new, affordable family housing will begin to be available in Visitacion Valley around October 1999. Construction is expected to be completed by May 2000. Heritage Homes will offer 146 units of affordable family housing and will be located on the former site of Geneva Towers on Schwerin Street. Britton Court on Sunnydale Avenue will offer an additional 92 units of affordable family housing. Mercy Services Corporation is coordinating the tenant application process for Heritage Homes, while the John Stewart Company coordinates applications for Britton Court. Many of the families who resided at the former Geneva Towers are looking forward to returning to the community where they were raised and where they raised their own children. The new housing complex, child care centers, and the community center known as The Village will be as diverse as the Valley itself. "We are so excited to see this day arrive," said Brenda Lopez, board president of the Geneva Valley Development Corporation. "We have all worked hard as a community to make sure that this housing would return to the Valley and to ensure more and better services. This is a great time for Visitacion Valley." The Village, comprised of agencies and services formerly in Geneva Towers, as well as other community-based organizations serving the broader Visitacion Valley community, will be located at Heritage Homes. The new facility will provide a permanent home for a public health clinic, job training and placement programs by Visitacion Valley Jobs, Education and Training and Chinese for Affirmative Action, the Columbia Park Boys and Girls Club: Village Unit, the Girls After School Academy, Geneva Valley Development Corporation and other groups. Rental applications for both Heritage Homes and Britton Court will be distributed for three days only: May 11, 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Village, located at 333 Schwerin St. Applications will be available in Chinese, Spanish and English, and language assistance will be available for Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog speakers. All applications must be mailed to the respective management companies. All applications must also be answered in English and received by the respective management companies no later than May 21, 1999. First priority for both Heritage Homes and Britton Court will be assigned to applications from former Geneva Towers residents who were heads of household and left in 1995 in good standing. Second priority applications will be from those who were members named in the lease of the former Geneva Towers residents heads of household. Third priority will be given to applications from residents of the 94134 zip code area. In addition, the application process is open to the public. Individuals not initially selected will be placed on a waiting list. Community Center Honored with Institution Award Visitacion Valley Community Center will be one of seven organizations honored May 26 at Yerba Buena Center for the Performing Arts with the 25th Anniversary Community Institution Award. This award honors the seven community centers that have been part of the Community Development Block Grant program since its inception in 1975, and who each represent enduring neighborhood institutions. Other honorees include: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Association, Cameron House, Mission Neighborhood Centers, Hunters Point Youth Park, and Booker T. Washington Community Services Center. Local Youth Participate in Activism Conference Neighborhood students from the Visitacion
Valley Community Beacon joined more than 230 youth and adults from around
the Bay Area attended a Youth Activism Conference on Apr. 29.
Proposed Home
Depot Draws
With Home Depot having proposed to open a new facility at the site of the soon-departing Schlage Lock, many Visitacion Valley residents and community leaders have been expressing mixed feelings about having the large retail store located in their neighborhood. As was explained in a recently published notice to the neighborhood, Home Dept wants to bring San Francisco residents the comfort of shopping closer to home by easing the current congestion at its Colma store, now operating at maximum capacity several miles southwest of the Valley. Home Depot estimates San Francisco residents spend more than $50 million annually at the Colma location, and that the new facility would keep San Francisco tax dollars in the City, helping to improve public services for the community. With the proposed opening of the new Bayshore Boulevard Store would come 200 to 225 new jobs, many full-time with benefits, and starting salaries higher than both the minimum wage and industry average. At a recent planning committee meeting organized by the Visitacion Valley Task Force to explore the impact of Home Depot moving into the community, both positive and negative aspects were explored by the members who concluded: *Home Depot's presence would foster economic development and bring relief to Visitacion Valley from its current economic distress. *Employment opportunities for neighborhood residents would be bolstered by the addition of more than 200 local jobs. *Visitacion Valley would benefit from Home Depot's commitment to helping its surrounding community. *Opening a location on Bayshore Boulevard would encourage other large retailers to consider doing business in Visitacion Valley. Discussions by the group also generated several negative aspects, including: *Home Depot offers limited use of the proposed site, which could be better utilized by the neighborhood. *Presence of a large retailer along an already congested thoroughfare would severely impact neighborhood traffic. *Smaller retailers would be unable to compete with Home Depot's volume discounting. Questions were also asked by the group concerning the potential retailer's impact on adjacent resident property values. Neighbors Want a Master Plan for Visitacion Valley by Fran Martin and Anne Seeman VISion, the Visitacion Valley Planning Alliance, is composed of a group of neighbors concerned with improving the quality of life in Visitacion Valley through intelligent planning based on the needs and desires of the community. Through thoughtful dialogue they wish to beautify the Valley, bring meaningful work to its inhabitants, create a more positive image, bring in better educational facilities, and unify the neighborhood. The best way to achieve these goals is to create a master plan defined by the community in conjunction with the Planning Department and various nonprofit community planning groups. There are already such neighborhood master plans, but Visitacion Valley has been excluded. The South Bayshore Master Plan for Bayview-Hunters Point extends only to Bayshore Boulevard and Jamestown Street. Historically, Visitacion Valley has been treated in a less than fair manner by those in power. With a high population density, a very low amount of open space and no amenities such as a large scale grocery store, downtown interest continue to leave the community out of the decision-making process. Many of the area's problems have been caused by poor planning. There is a great deal of potential for transforming Visitacion Valley both in the energy and vision of its people and in the physical layout of the region. Now the community is faced with a project that threatens to define the neighborhood for all time as a less desirable place to live. Siting a 107,000 square-foot Home Depot and 650 space parking lot at the entryway to Visitacion Valley is ill-conceived. Anything on this scale would be a blight and not contribute to the quality of life and economic development many are trying to achieve. For those concerned about property values, such a project would certainly be detrimental. A mixed-use type of development using the existing buildings at that site would take advantage of the future Third Street light rail stops and contribute to the revitalization of Leland Avenue and the ongoing general enhancement of Visitacion Valley. A neighborhood-serving development might include a public market, small businesses, a City College extension, housing, job training and daycare facilities. Far more numerous and diverse types of jobs would be created with such a development than Home Depot would provide. Open spaces artfully landscaped would be critical to the design. It is true Home Depot will bring in more taxes, but at what cost? There will be a negative trickle-down effect on the local economy--small hardware and lumber-related businesses will be wiped out as well as their suppliers and other support businesses. What will happen to their employees? There are hidden social and economic costs that are not addresses. Meanwhile, Home Depot's profits are sent back to its base in Atlanta, Georgia. Home Depot will not bring customers to other businesses in Visitacion Valley. The long chain link fence on Bayshore Boulevard would be a dead zone effectively cutting off Leland Avenue. Many nearby merchants realize that Home Depot will not be a panacea and, indeed, could pose immense problems for their survival. Traffic is already problematic at the intersection of Blanken and Bayshore. With the advent of the Third Street light rail there will be even more congestion due to the loss of two traffic lanes. All one needs to do is visit the Home Depot in Colma to see the future at that intersection. It is recognized by every planner, traffic and transportation expert VISion has consulted that it will be a nightmare totally counter to the goals of the $900 million light rail project and the needs of the neighborhood. Home Depot works in Colma because there are no homes nearby. That is not the case in Visitacion Valley. It would be irresponsible to allow such an extraordinarily large structure that is solely accessed by automobile in a residential neighborhood. Residents have expressed that they would rather not have to get on the freeway every time they want to shop, go to a movie or buy groceries. Having taken a closer look at the Home Depot proposal, they realize there are alternatives more advantageous to Visitacion Valley and San Francisco. They feel the needs of their neighborhood should supersede those of outsiders. Presently, there is a small window of time for the community to positively define this neighborhood. Mayor Brown is called upon to take a leadership role as he has done with the Giant's stadium and Mission Bay project and assist the community in creating a master plan and a mixed-use development at the Schlage Lock site that will truly benefit Visitacion Valley. Pancake Breakfast at Community Center State Senator Jackie Speier will be hosting a pancake breakfast at the Visitacion Valley Community Center at 50 Raymond Ave. on Saturday, May 22 from 9 to 10 a.m. All members of the community are welcome. Recently elected to represent San Francisco and San Mateo counties, Visitacion Valley will be the first of several breakfasts and town hall meetings throughout the district. "I will discuss topics such as education and healthcare, explained Speier, "but I am most looking forward to hearing questions and comments from members of the community on how I can best serve them in Sacramento." Congress Members Support Action
WASHINGTON - In a move that drew bipartisan Congressional support, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Andrew Cuomo on Apr. 29 announced actions to preserve affordable housing for thousands of poor families around the country. "This is an important reform that will help protect families who need and deserve decent housing at a fair cost to the American taxpayer," explained Cuomo. Cuomo also released a report that documents the magnitude of the risk to the Project-Based Section 8 Rental Assistance Program and lays out a set of principles to guide a more permanent, comprehensive solution to the problem. Titled: Opting In: Renewing America's Commitment to Affordable Housing, the report quantifies the number and locations of subsidized units that are threatened by impending contract expirations. Cuomo's announcements cover a two-pronged strategy: *HUD will take immediate steps to adjust its rental assistance payments to landlords under the Project-Based Section 8 Program. The Department will adjust outdated payment levels set 20 years ago that are below current market rents with new levels that reflect today's market conditions. The adjustments will be targeted to well-maintained and well managed apartments that provide good housing for low-income families, giving landlords an incentive for remaining in the Section 8 Program. *HUD will work with Congress to develop a long-term, comprehensive solution to preserve Section 8 properties. Key elements of the long-term solution proposed by HUD will include: 1) Adequate resources to preserve the best Section 8 properties. 2) Reforming Section 8 contract renewals to remove uncertainties about the future of subsidies for particular developments. 3) Ensuring greater resident protection through the availability of enhanced vouchers to enable more poor families to remain in their homes when landlords withdraw properties from the Section 8 Program. The report released Apr. 29 points out that the Project-Based Section 8 Program now helps 1.4 million families around the nation afford good, safe housing. During the next five years, however, two-thirds of all Project-Based Section 8 contracts will expire, totaling almost 14,000 properties that contain 1 million subsidized housing units. When contracts expire, both HUD and the owner can choose not to renew. The majority of properties remain in the program, but the latest data show that about 10 percent of owners "opt-out" and convert their developments into unsubsidized housing. The report points out that 44 states have more than 50 percent of their Project-Based Section 8 units expiring in the next five years, and every state has more than 1,000 units expiring in the period. The Section 8 Program includes two forms of subsidy: Tenant-Based and Project-Based. Both help low-income households rent privately-owned housing units. Residents pay about 30 percent of their income for rent and HUD pays the rest. The Tenant-Based Program provides vouchers that remain with the households that use them. Families can take the subsidies to new rental housing if they decide to move. The Project-Based Program, on the other hand, provides subsidies that are tied to specific rental housing units. Environmental
Review for
A proposed childcare facility to replace the soon to be demolished First Years Academy on Raymond Avenue and be located on Tucker Avenue has been receiving an environmental review from the City's Planning Department. The proposed project, 99.193E Tucker
Avenue Childcare Facility, sponsored by the San Francisco Recreation and
Park Department, involves the installation of a licensable child care facility
for up to 40 children on approximately three-fourths of an existing, vacant,
Involved would be the installation of two modular classroom units totalling approximately 2,500 square feet, a rampway between the modular units for handicap access, an outdoor lawn play space, perimeter landscaping, and two vehicular spaces that would be used exclusively as a pick up/drop-off area. The site would be surrounded on the west, east and south sides by a six-foot wooden fence, and by a six-foot metal picket fence planted with vines on the north edge. The remainder of the parcel would be reserved for future development as a public open space. A time-restricted zone to serve as a second pick-up and drop-odd area is proposed along Rutland Street at Tucker Avenue, and would include the addition of crosswalks and four-way stop signs at the intersection. The site is zoned P (Public Use) with a 40-X Height/Bulk District. Ingleside Staation Police Report If you see any of the above described wanted suspects (or vehicles), phone 9-1-1 and give a complete physical description to the police dispatcher. Additionally, refer to the case numbers. District Robberies *On Apr. 26 at 1:40 a.m., a suspect went to the counter of the 7-11 on 2200 Bayshore and attempted to purchase some beer. When the cashier opened the drawer the suspect pushed him back, grabbed the money, and fled to a waiting car. The suspect is described as a black male, 5'10, 175, black hair, wearing a black skull cap, blue shirt, dark pants. The car, a four door Nissan Sentra, was new with dealer plates. The driver and front seat occupant were described as black males. Case 990502732. *On Apr. 23 at 10:45 p.m., a woman was walking on Raymond and Arleta when two juveniles ran up to her while a third juvenile suspect snatched her purse from behind. The suspects were all black males, 15-16. Suspect #1 was 5'10", 170, wearing white clothing. #2 & #3 were 5'7", 130-140, wearing dark clothing. Case 990495080. *On Apr. 22 at 9 p.m., a man walking near the Civic Center was attacked by two individuals who robbed him by throwing him down on the ground and rifling through his pockets. The suspects were not described. Case 990319991. *On Apr. 22 at 1:50 p.m., a woman returned home and was opening the door to her house on the 500 block of Moscow when she was approached by two male suspects who stuck a hard object in her back and told her to enter her house. The suspects went through her house and took various items and fled on foot. Suspect 1 was a Hispanic male, 55, 5'2", 145, grey hair, dark complexion, receding hairline, black pendelton shirt, black pants. Suspect 2 was a Hispanic male, 70-75, 5'8", 160, grey hair, grey moustache, one gold upper tooth, green baseball cap, light blue shirt with blue pin stripes, grey pants and dark shoes, carrying brown attache case. Case 990487413. *On Apr. 20 at 11:41 p.m., a couple had just finished working their shift at the Hungarian Sausage Factory on Cortland and were walking to their car on the unit block of Ellert Street when they were approached from behind by two suspects who shouted obscenities at them and demanded money. The suspects simulated guns and took money from each victim prior to fleeing on foot towards Hwy. 101. The suspects are described as: 1: black male, 17-20, 5'3", 150, short "bow cut Afro, wearing a dark jacket and dark pants; 2: while male, 17-20, 6'0", 150, wearing a black hooded nylon jacket and dark pants. Two suspects matching this description were seen leaving the area in a vehicle by arriving police officers, but they fled and managed to elude capture. The vehicle is described as a 1983 Honda Civic, white in color, California license 1GVV262. Case 990479846. *On Apr. 20 at 9 p.m., a suspect entered Walgreens at 4645 Mission, placed several items in her coat and left the store. An employee followed the suspect out, yelled for the suspect to stop, and trailed the suspect to a waiting car. Two men exited the vehicle and struck the employee several times in the face/ head. The suspects then fled in the car. The suspects are described as: #1: black female, 30-35, 5'6", 180, black hair, wearing a black jacket and black pants. #2 and #3 black males, 18-21, 6',175-200 lbs., black hair, black clothing. The car was a white, 1995 Ford Sedan. Case 990479404. *On Apr. 20 at 5:30 p.m., a couple was at the Glen Park BART Station when they were approached by two male suspects who demanded their property. One of the suspects then produced a knife and placed it to the throat of one of the victims and the victims turned over their property. The two original suspects were then joined by two additional suspects, and all four of them fled on foot towards Hwy. 280 at Monterey Boulevard. The suspects are described as: 1: black male, 20-25, 6'0", 200, very dark skin, wearing a gold chain, green cap, green shirt and blue jean pants. 2: Hispanic male, 20-25, 5'10", 200, wearing a white shirt. 3: black male, 20-25, 6'0", 200. 4: black male, 20-25, 6'0", 200. Case 990479103. *On Apr. 20 at 4 p.m., an elderly man was assaulted by a female suspect (known by victim) he gave a ride to. She hit him several times in the head with a closed fist, causing him to lose consciousness. The suspect is currently being sought by police, who have solid leads. Case 990478036. Suspect was arrested on Apr. 22. *On Apr. 19 at 10 a.m., a man was robbed while taking a walk in McLaren Park by a man who approached him from behind. The suspect placed a gun to the back of the victim's head and demanded his wallet. The suspect received the wallet and fled on foot. The suspect is described as: a black male, 30s, 5'11", 230. Case 990471206. *On Apr. 19 at 2 a.m., the Shell gas station at 3550 Mission was robbed by a man who came up to the door and knocked, and was let in by the attendant. The suspect produced a gun, then demanded the money and fled. The suspect was a white male, 28-35, 6', 175, wearing a ski cap, green and black plaid pendleton shirt, dark jeans, dark mustache, white shaving cream spread on his nose and cheeks, winged sunglasses. Case 990469897. *On Apr. 18, between 6:10 and 6:20 a.m., a young man was riding the 14 Muni at Mission and 24th when 5 juvenile suspects approached him and started to go through his wallet. The victim asked for his items back and was heckled by the suspects, one of which placed the victim in a headlock and threw him to the floor of the bus. The suspects are all 13-17 years old. #1: black male, 5'7", 140, close shaved hair, baggie black jeans. #2: black male, 5'8", 150, white jacket, blue jeans. #3: black male, 5'7", 145. #4: black male, 5'6", 140. #5: Hispanic male, 5'5, 145. Case 990474125. *On Apr. 18 at 10:12 p.m., a man was returning to his home on the 400 block of Munich when two men grabbed him from behind and asked for his money (in Spanish). The victim was frightened and attempted to flee to his house 10 feet away. He was struck on the head from behind by the suspects with a blunt object, but eventually made it to his home. The suspects were not seen at any point in time, one was presumed Hispanic. Case 990469518. *On Apr. 18 at 8:50 p.m., a woman exiting a bus at Geneva and Munich was assaulted by several suspects who demanded her purse. She did not hand over the purse and was beaten until the driver exited the bus and started toward the suspects. The suspects are described as: #1: Black male, 17, 5'8", 110, bald, wearing a red jacket, white pants. #2: black male, 15, 5'3", 105. #3: black male, 15, 110. Case 990469217. *On Apr. 17 at 2:40 p.m., a man entered Walgreens on 3398 Mission, grabbed several items, went to the cashier, and purchased the items. The suspect then demanded the money stating that he had a gun. The cashier refused, the suspect got flustered, and left when he noticed that a customer was watching him. The suspect was described as a black male, 30-35, 6'1", 200, bald, wearing blue short sleeve shirt. Case 990465215. *On Apr. 17 at 5 a.m., a young man was waiting for a bus on Mission (3400) when three suspects came up and asked for money. The victim replied that he had none, the suspects threatened him, and he handed over his cash and watch. The suspects then fled the scene. Officers arrived shortly and were able to arrest all three suspects. Case 990463065. *On Apr. 16 at 5:30 p.m., a man and a woman were waiting at the Glen Park Bart Station when two suspects approached them and demanded their money. A knife was placed up to the male victim's neck as the money was handed over. The suspects are described as: #1: black male, 6'; 200, 20-25, wearing green shirt, blue jeans, green cap, and a gold chain, very dark skin. #2: Hispanic male, 6', 200, 20-25, wearing a white shirt. The suspects fled with two other individuals: black males, 20-25, 6', 200. Case 990479103. *On Apr. 16 at 3 p.m., a female victim was followed off Muni line 43 at Geneva and London by three juvenile suspects. She went into a local store and waited for them to leave. When she felt it was safe, she left the store and had the remaining suspect grab her purse and run off. The suspect was seen fleeing with the purse by a passing officer who gave chase and apprehended the suspect. The suspect was arrested and booked. Case 990460215. *On Apr. 16 at 1:50 a.m. a man was at the El Faro bar speaking with two suspects. One of the suspects asked to use the victim's cell phone, the victim complied, and the suspect exited the bar but did not return. The victim left the bar and found the suspect who refused to return the phone. A short physical altercation occurred and the victim received his phone back. The suspects then fled the scene. The suspects are described as Hispanic males; 28-29 Suspect #1: 5'3", 130, black hair, wearing a white tank top, dark pants. Suspect #2: 5'7", 120, black hair, wearing brown/black sweatshirt, dark pants. Both suspects fled east on Precita. Case 990458870. *On Apr. 14 at 4:10 p.m., a woman was standing in front of her home on the unit block of Fair Street when she was approached by a man who grabbed her purse and ran to a waiting vehicle on Coleridge Street which was driven by a second suspect. The suspects are described as: 1: Hispanic male, 20-22, 5'10", 155, wearing a blue T-shirt and grey or black pants; 2: no description. The vehicle is described as a 1979 Ford, 4-door, rust colored, California license 1PRD187. Case 990450755. *On Apr. 11 at 8:05 p.m., a man walked into the Kwik Market at 600 Monterey and pointed a handgun at the store clerk and demanded all of the money from the cash register. The suspect then fled the store and a witness saw him entering a vehicle driven by a second suspect. Both suspects then fled the area in the car. The suspects are described as: 1) white male, 40, 6'0", 170, black glasses, wearing a black hat, black jacket, blue jean pants and black boots; 2) Hispanic male, no further description (driver of vehicle). The vehicle is described as a never two-door vehicle. Case 990437446. *On Apr. 11 at 8:50 p.m., a woman was walking east on Peru near Madrid when she was approached from the rear by a suspect who grabbed her hair from behind and pulled her to the ground, where she struck her head on the pavement. The suspect then took the victim's property and fled on foot. The suspect is described as an Hispanic male, 25-30, wearing a black and white jacket, black pants, and a green hat. Case 990437495. *On Apr. 12 at 3:35 p.m. three men entered Campos Jewelers on 4685 Mission with guns stating that they were police. They then proceeded to demand money and jewels, but left immediately without taking anything. The suspects fled in a red vehicle, possible Bronco. Suspects are described as: Hispanic males, 30-35. Suspect #1: 5'9", 200, wearing blue jacket, black pants, armed with automatic handgun. Suspect #2: 5'9", 195, wearing grey hooded sweatshirt. Suspect #3: not seen clearly. Case 990441356. *On Apr. 11 at 8 p.m., a man entered the Kwik Mart Market on 600 Monterey with a gun and demanded the money from the register. The suspect received the money and fled in a red two door vehicle with an accomplice who drove. The suspects are described as: #1 a white male, 40, 6', 170, wearing a black hat, black glasses, black jacket, blue jeans, black boots. #2 was a Hispanic looking male, no further. Case 990437446 *On Apr. 5 at 3 a.m., a man was walking by the corner of Foote and Mission when approached by an individual who asked for a cigarette. The victim was about to hand over a cigarette when two other suspects came from behind and demanded the victim's wallet. The victim refused, was struck several times in the face and back, and had his wallet removed. The three suspects fled the scene in an unknown older grey four door vehicle. The suspects are described as Hispanic males : #1) was 5'6", with a moustache; wearing a black leather jacket. #2) was wearing a black plaid shirt. #3) was 5'5", 30, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans. Case 990409417. *On Apr. 3 at 9:18 a.m., the owners of the KC Market at 400 Wilde Ave. were working in their store when a man entered wearing a ski-mask and waiving a gun. The suspect jumped over the counter and grabbed and placed 28 bottles of liquor in a light brown duffle bag, demanded and received the money from the register. The female owner of the store then opened the cash register for the suspect and he removed all of the currency, putting it into the bag. and turned to leave. The suspect then began to exit the store, and suddenly turned around and shot the female owner, Wha Sook Kim, three times. in the arm, leg, and chest. Mrs. Kim died as a result of the gunshot wounds. The suspect is described as a black male, 5'8", 160, wearing a black ski-mask, green jacket and black pants. The suspect was armed with a black medium sized handgun. If you have any information on this case, you can call the regular Dispatch phone at 553-0123, or you can phone Ingleside Station directly at 553-1603. Additionally, you can phone directly to the assigned Homicide Inspectors, Tony Casillas or Tony Camilleri at 553-1145. Anonymous information can be left by phoning 1-800-CRACKIT, or by phoning Ingleside Station's tip-line at 333-3433. *On Apr. 1 at 8 p.m., a woman was carjacked in front of the KC Market at 400 Wilde Ave. She was approached by a black male with a mask and a gun who demanded that she "start the car." She instead threw the keys to him and ran back to the store. The suspect was apprehended by police in the car a short time later and was arrested and booked for this crime. Case 990398133. *On Mar. 29 at 4:30 p.m., a man walking east on France Street was followed by a tan late model Ford, one of the occupants of the car exited the vehicle, pointed a gun at the victim, and demanded the victim's money. The money was handed over and the suspects fled south on Naples. Suspect #1 was a black male, 25-30, 5'8", wearing a black jacket, white tennis shoes. No information on the second suspect. Case 990382506. *On Mar. 28 at 10:45 a.m., a woman had just parked her car in the parking lot of the Pacific Market at 2900 Alemany when a vehicle drove by very close to her, and the passenger reached out and grabbed her purse, knocking her to the ground. The vehicle then fled south on Alemany. The suspect (passenger) who grabbed her purse is described as a black male, thin, wearing a black top. The vehicle is described as a Honda, possible Accord, black in color, license plate of 221MMK (unknown state: black numbers, red and blue symbol on top). Case 990376913. *On Mar. 24 at 8:15 p.m., two children had their bikes stolen as they exited the Boys and Girls club on London. The suspects are described as two Hispanic males; both 17-18, both 6', 170, both wearing black hooded jacket with blue "Fubu" jeans. Case 990362100. *On Mar. 24 at 4:45 p.m., 3 suspects boarded the 9X Muni at Geneva and London street, walked up to a man riding the bus and asked him for money. The suspects then began to strike the victim and go through his pockets, removing his pager, and the removed the victim's "Nike" shoes. The suspects are described as: #1: Filipino male, 17, 5'6", 145, bald, wearing a black coat, brown pants, white tennis shoes. #2: Filipino male, 17-18, 5'6", 145, bald, wearing black Giants jacket with San Francisco across chest. #3: Hispanic male, 17-18, 150, bald, wearing black medium length coat, brown pants. Case 990361099. *On Mar. 23 at 7:15 a.m., a young man was robbed inside the Burger King at 4780 Mission. He was approached by two suspects who asked him for money, and when denied, forcibly removed the victim's wallet. Both suspects are described as: Hispanic males; 15-20; 6', 180, black hair, one wearing a blue jacket, the other wearing a red windbreaker. Case 990353018. *On Mar. 22 at 9:44 p.m., a purse snatching occurred after a woman exited the 14 Muni line at Mission and Naglee. She was rushed from behind, pushed to the ground, and was stripped of her purse. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 40, 5'9", 180, wearing black long sleeve T-shirt with grey stripe in front, light grey pants. Case 990352048. District Burglaries *On Apr. 25 between 6 p.m. and 3:25 a.m., the Creighton Bakery on 598 Chenery had its store entered through a missing window and its safe opened. No suspect information is available. Case 990499797. *On Apr. 23 between 2 and 8 a.m., a residence on the 5600 block of Mission had its garage burglarized. The suspects made off with a 5-speed bike, two mountain bikes, and a Canon computer printer. No suspect information. Case 990491903. *On Apr. 22 at 12 p.m., a house on the 1400 block of Alemany was almost burglarized. The burglar attempted to enter the house through a window he broke. No suspect information is available. Case 990496420. *On Apr. 20 between 8:45 a.m. and 10:35 p.m., a house on the first block of Montezuma was burglarized. The suspect gained entry to the front porch area by prying the gate open. A red Sears bike was stolen. No suspect information. Case 990474727. *On Apr. 20 between 5 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., a house on the 1300 block of Brussels was burglarized through unknown means. The resident returned home to find her house ransacked and some cash missing. No suspect information. Case 990479686. *On Apr. 19 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., a house on the 300 block of Raymond was burglarized. The front door was pried open. Cash and gold necklaces were reported stolen. No suspect information. Case 990473779. *On Apr. 18 between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., an apartment in the 1500's of Sunnydale was burglarized through a window. Cash was stolen from the residence. No information on suspect(s). Case 990469251. *On Apr. 17 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., a house on the 300 block of Yerba Buena was burglarized through a bathroom window. Items taken include a red Diamond Back Voyager mountain bike and a turquoise Black Marin mountain bike. Case 990462095. *On Apr. 14 at 4:12 p.m., a man living on the 200 block of Staples Street saw a suspect breaking into his neighbor's truck and stealing the speakers. The man approached and confronted the suspect, who told them that the speakers were his and carried them to Staples and Edna Streets where he entered a vehicle driven by a second suspect and drove away. The suspects are described as: 1: black male, 30-35, 5'10", 230 wearing a black T-shirt; 2: black male, 30-35, 5'8", 160, wearing a hat, a brown shirt, and slacks. The suspect's vehicle is described as a tan colored 4-door Cadillac with no license plates. Case 990450777. *On Apr. 14 between 10:45 a.m. and 4 p.m., an apartment on the 100 block of 30th was burglarized through a window. A pearl ring was reported missing. No suspect information available. Case 990451684. *On Apr. 12 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., a house on the 2100 block of San Jose was broken into through a window. A pearl necklace was reported missing. No suspect information. Case 990442348. *On Apr. 12 between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., an apartment on the 200 block of Peabody was broken into. A pink/white bicycle was among items taken. No suspect information. Cases 990442489 and 990440803. *On Apr. 12 at 3 a.m., a house on the 100 block of 28th was broken into. A Trek (21 speed) was taken from the garage. No suspect information. Case 990438212. *On Apr. 11 at 5:07 p.m., a vehicle on the 100 block of Addison street was burglarized. Police on patrol in the area spotted the crime in progress and chased 3 subjects, catching 2. The two suspects (juveniles) were arrested and booked for the above crime. Officers also gained the identity of the third suspect. Case 990436993. *On Apr. 8 at 8:15 p.m., an apartment was robbed on the 300 block of Cresta Vista. The suspect was seen leaving the residence and was recognized as a former acquaintance of one of the residents. Police were contacted and the suspect was found, arrested, and confessed to burglarizing the apartment. Case 990426609. *On Apr. 5 between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m., a house on the 700 block of Prague was broken into through a patio door. Nothing was reported missing from the house. No suspects were seen. Case 990413374. The above house was also broken into on April 2 through the patio door, again with nothing missing. No suspects in this case either. Case 990402988. *On Apr. 5 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., a house on the 200 block of Arleta was burglarized through a window which was pried open. Cash and gold jewelry were reported taken. No information is available on suspects. Case 990412181. *On Mar. 31 at 1:30 p.m., a house on the first block of Burr was nearly broken into. Residents heard strange noises from their roof and went out to look. They spotted two black males who offered several excuses and ran off. The suspects are described as: #1: black male, 20-23 years, 5'10", 150, bald, has gold front tooth, wearing yellow long sleeve sweater, brown pants. #2: black male; 20-23, 5'10", bald, with goatee, wearing grey long sleeve sweater and blue jeans. Case 990391507. *On Mar. 30 between 11 a.m. and 12 noon, a house on the 1500 block of Geneva was burglarized through an unlocked front door. No suspects were seen. Case 990400807. *On Mar. 28 between 7 and 8 p.m., a house on the first block of Gates was burglarized through a second story balcony door. There were no signs of forced entry. A CD/cassette boombox (RCA), Skill electrical saw, jade duck necklace, and Bell 900MZ phone were reported stolen. No information on suspects. Case 990379161. *On Mar. 25 between 8:20 a.m. and 6 p.m., a house on the 1200 block of Brussels was broken into through a back door. Jewelry and cash were reported stolen. No suspects. Case 990366497. *Between March 22 (8 a.m.) and March 25 (2:30 p.m.) a house on the 100 block of Raymond was broken into through a skylight. No items were reported missing. No suspects. Case 990366425. *On Mar. 24 at 10:30 a.m., a house on the 100 block of Maynard was burglarized by two men who claimed to be Water Department employees. The two suspect were let into the house (because there was a real Water Department crew down the street-so the resident believed they were truthful). The suspects stole a wooden box containing money. The suspects were described as: #1: white male, 25-30, 5'10", 145, black hair, wearing yellow coveralls. #2: white male, 45-50, 5'9", 155, black hair, wearing yellow coveralls. Case 990360013. *On Mar. 24 at 8:30 a.m., a house on the first block of Virginia was robbed by a man claiming to be from the Water Department. He was let into the house by the resident who accompanied him the whole time. The suspect examined several pipes, then left claiming there was some mistake. After the suspect left, the resident found that money was missing from her purse, causing her to believe that there was a second suspect that snuck into the house. The first suspect was described as a white male, 20-25, 5'7", 130, no further information. Case 990358836. *On Mar. 22 between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., a house on the 300 block of Trumbull was burglarized. The suspect(s) entered through a bathroom skylight and stole several hundred dollars. No information is available on the suspect(s). Case 990360688. Recent Major Cases *On Apr. 19 at 10 a.m. two males suspects were arrested for Possession of narcotics and Possession of cocaine for sale. Numerous complaints had been made against these two individuals selling drugs in the area. The suspects were taken into custody without incident and various drugs and drug paraphernalia were seized. Case 990471030. *On Apr.19, a male suspect was booked for stolen auto. Case 990369184. *On Apr. 9, a male suspect was booked for robbery with a knife. Case 990431244. *On Apr. 7, a male suspect was booked for a $500,000 burglary warrant for numerous daytime burglaries in Ingleside and Taraval Districts. Case 990308176. *On Apr. 3, a male suspect was arrested for heroin offense, cocaine offense, possession of narcotics paraphernalia. A call had come in that this individual was selling drugs on the street. Case 990404809. *On Apr. 1, four suspects were arrested for possession for sales of: mehtanphetamines, marijuana, cocaine, hashish, and ecstasy. Police received various tips that a house on 100 Circular Ave. was a drug house. Police set up surveillance and got enough information to be able to make these arrests and seize several thousand dollars worth of drugs and drug money. Case 990398337. *On Apr. 1, four suspects were arrested during a search warrant execution for possessions of firearms, crack, and cocaine. The warrant was served at 444 Sawyer Street. This residence was being used as a "safe house" where drugs could be sold and kept. Numerous drugs, drug paraphernalia, weapons, and items used in the drug business were seized. Case 990394379. *On Mar. 24, a female suspect was arrested for possession of heroin for sales, possession of cocaine, and narcotics paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested while San Francisco Police officers were conducting a service of a search warrant on an apartment at 141 Bertita. Various drugs, drug paraphernalia, and drug money were seized. The investigation is ongoing. Case 990362025. Household Hazardous
Waste
The City and County of San Francisco is the legal operator of the San Francisco Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facility located at 501 Tunnel Ave. Each quarter, the City publicizes information on the amount of paint and solvent emissions from the facility as well as other facility data shown below. July-September 1998 There was a One-Day Collection Event held during this report period on Aug. 16 at the Police Academy Training Center at 350 Amber Drive. Household Hazardous Waste Days
Small Business Drop-Off Days
General Facility Information:
October-December 1998 There were no One-Day collection events held during this reporting period. Household Hazardous Waste Days
Small Business Drop-Off Days
General Facility Information:
Submitted by Maisha Reed, San Francisco Solid Waste Management Program on Mar. 29, 1999. Frisbee Golf Weekend in Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park will host the World's Biggest Frisbee Golf Weekend on Saturday, May 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, May 16 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The game is played much like traditional golf, but a frisbee, instead of a ball, is thrown into an elevated metal basket. As players progress from the "tee" to the "hole," shrubs and terrain changes in and around. The goal is the same as golf: to complete the course in the fewest number of shots. This event is co-sponsored by the San Francisco Disc Golf Club and the Friends of Recreation and Parks which will distribute 150 golf frisbee packages and T-shirts to youth throughout the City who register for the event. Cost is $12. Call 474-3434 for registration and further information. First Neighborhood
Parks Caucus
It's a San Francisco first for parks advocates: an all-day, high-powered forum bringing together community groups and grassroots parks experts from New York, Chicago and Philadelphia to deal with key neighborhood park issues here in the city. Organized by the Neighborhood Parks Council in association with 21 community group co-sponsors, the Neighborhood Parks Caucus takes place Saturday, June 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Delancey Street Foundation Town Hall, 600 The Embarcadero. Admission is free and there is a complimentary breakfast and lunch. The event is expected to attract 300-400 people who are involved with preserving and improving parks all over the city. Providian Financial is providing major support for the Parks Caucus. Featured speakers from other cities who will report on their efforts to involve community groups in neighborhood parks improvement are: Tim Tompkins, director, Partnerships for Parks, New York; Elizabeth Cooke, executive director, The Parks Council, New York; Blaine Bonham, executive vice-president, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and leader of its urban program, Philadelphia Green; Erma Tranter, executive director, Friends of the Parks, Chicago. In the afternoon, caucus participants will divide into work groups to deal with issues ranging from safety, dogs, and environmental education, to navigating city hall and lobbying the city for improvements. "Our members have been urging us to provide an all-day forum where park and recreation advocates could share experiences and discuss strategies for improving parks all over the city," said Isabel Wade, executive director of the Neighborhood Parks Council. The Council is a coalition of 58 neighborhood groups, each of which has several dozen to several hundred members. Joining the NPC in presenting the Caucus are Green City Project, Friends of the Urban Forest, the Garden Project, Coleman Advocates for Children, Japanese Community Youth Council, Committee for Better Parks and Recreation in Chinatown, Golden Gate National Parks Association, San Francisco Tomorrow, San Francisco Beautiful, San Francisco Conservation Corps, Friends of Recreation and Parks, San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, the Healthy Children Organizing Project, Morrisania West, San Francisco Urban Service Project, Safety Network, SLUG, Trust for Public Land, San Francisco City-Wide Rec Council, Bay Area Women's and Children's Center, and Inner City Youth. Community Lectures on Health Issues St. Luke's Hospital is sponsoring the following free community lectures at 3555 Cesar Chavez St. Call (415) 641-6465 to register for each class. *Pain Management: What you need to know about anesthesia and treatment for chronic pain, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, May 15. *Home Safety Class for Seniors from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 27. *Back School: learn about ways to protect your back, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 3. *Kids Aches and Pains: What to do when the doctor's office is closed, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, June 5. Stand for Children Day Celebration Everyone is invited to Stand for Children Day '99, San Francisco's Family Festival on Saturday, May 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Yerba Buena Gardens on Mission Street between 3rd and 4th Streets. Entertainment by local children's groups will include: Loco Bloco, Culture Shock, Young People's Musical Theatre, and Orquesta Kalichin. Activities for children with prizes will be sponsored by the YMCA. Animal Wingding at SPCA Animal Wingding, the warmest and fuzziest animal street fair, takes place on Sunday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the S.F. SPCA, 2500 16th St. Bring your favorite pet pal and enjoy shopping for the newest pet merchandise and animal arts and crafts. Also featured will be the Parade of Life with a flotilla of fancy cars, marching bands and floats. Summer Reading Club at S.F. Public Library S.F. Public Library kicks off its 1999 Summer Reading Club of Saturday, June 5 with a special program by Youth Audiences at the Main Library's Koret Auditorium at 2 p.m. This year's theme, Thrills and Chills, conveys the excitement and enjoyment that young people can get from reading any of the thousands of children's books at the Library. A highlight of the summer reading programs will include a visit from S.F. Giants starting catcher Brent Mayne who will read a story in the Children's Center at the Main Library on Monday, June 7 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. All children through age 13 are invited to join the Summer Reading Club where they can earn prizes such as tickets to Giants games, the Zoo, the California Academy of Sciences, or Ripley's Believe It or Not. The program runs through Aug. 7. Children can sign up at any one of the
26 branches or at the Main Library beginning June 5. Small prizes will
be awarded to children who read two, four and six hours during the nine-week
period. Grand prizes will be awarded to children who read for eight hours
or more.
The S.F. Public Library also will sponsor
a Teen Summer Reading Program from June 5 through July 17 at the following
libraries: The Main, Anza, Bayview-Anna E. Walden, Bernal Heights, Chinatown,
Portola, Potrero, Sunset, Visitacion Valley and Western Addition.
Additionally, literacy rates across the country are on the decline and do not show signs of improving, according to the Bay Area Book Council. Prizes for finishing time increments of reading and special multicultural programs throughout the system all function as incentives for drawing young people into the library over the summer. Computers,
Vacations Top List of
New computer equipment and vacations top the list of major purchases planned by consumers over the next 12 months, according to a leading national marketing research firm. In its recent Internet survey of 4,330 consumers, Decision Analyst, Inc. (DA) found that 39.8 percent of respondents plan to buy a new personal computer or computer equipment for the home over the next 12 months. This survey was conducted over the Internet via DA's American Consumer Opinion website (www.acop.com) where survey participants are paid cash for completing surveys (typically $3 to $10). Those most likely to purchase computer equipment reside in either New England (42.8 percent) or Pacific West (41 percent) the survey also shows. Second on the list is vacations costing more than $1,000. About 40 percent of respondents--with the highest percentage living in New England and the Northeast--said they plan to take such a vacation. Other planned major purchases include: new furniture for the home (32.5 percent), a new car or truck (22.9 percent), home remodeling (18.6 percent), an existing home (10.4 percent), a newly-built home (3.8 percent), or a new boat (1.5 percent). DA's national survey of consumer purchase intentions has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. New Theory
Unifies Religion with
Linguist Dennis Goldwater has developed a comprehensive new Theory of Everything. He has traced the modern languages of the world back to a common origin in Africa. By analyzing the grammar of English within the unified context of the other languages of the world, this theory enables a detailed understanding of each of the stages in the evolution of language and consciousness throughout the history of our species. According to this theory, the human species did not become fully conscious all at once, but in incremental stages, which are known as dimensions. Modern languages reflect human evolution to the awareness of each of FIVE dimensions, such that we currently live in a world of linguistic awareness of five dimensions of space. The existence of each of these dimensions of space can be comprehended by the mind only in relation to a simultaneous awareness of the existence of a corresponding dimension of time. In other words, space and time are understood by the mind in terms of five dimensions, each of which is a dimension not of space alone or of time alone, but of space-time. While our ancestors in the homeland of mankind in Africa were evolving to the awareness of each of the dimensions of space-time, small groups continuously migrated out of Africa and around the world. Although the descendents of all such groups continued to evolve to become aware of all five dimensions, the entire organization of the grammar of each of the modern languages of the world has remained oriented to the dimension of consciousness of the ancestral speakers at the moment that they left the homeland in Africa. The evidence includes 175 photographs of the hands, which demonstrate that the human body, with its five senses and five fingers per hand, is designed to develop awareness of five dimensions, and not three dimensions. Mankind's evolving awareness of relationships among the fingers paralleled and enabled the evolution of human language, consciousness, and awareness of the dimensions of time and space. Physics, the science of the dimensions of time and space, is fundamentally dependent upon the organization of the grammar of language. Language is the tool by which the mind is aware of the dimensions of time and space. The primary function of language is to enable the mind to relate changes in time with changes in space. For example, it is only through awareness of the periodic presence and then absence of the light of the sun (change in space) that is it possible to be aware of the passing of days (change in time). This theory unifies the four forces of physics, and demonstrates that there is one force in the entire universe that enables time to interact with space. This theory unifies this one unified force of science, the force of nature, with the one unified force of religion, the force of God, and demonstrates that at a fundamental level they are one and the same. Science and religion are two symmetrical understandings of the same one nature. This theory is used to explain evolutionary differences among the races, and to demonstrate how these relate to and parallel differences in language, cultural, and physical development. This theory is used to explain human instincts, human emotions, and even the physical characteristics of the male and female sexual organs. Unlike current models of science, which are extremely complex, this unified model of the world is surprisingly simple to comprehend, as everything is organized according to the same one unified pattern. The book Evolution Through The Dimensions of Time & Space, together with supplementary materials, can be read on the Internet, at the website http://5dSpace-Time.org. More Summer Courses at City College To better serve its students and the community, City College of San Francisco (CCSF) has expanded the number of courses to be offered during Summer Session 1999. There will be 150 additional sections of courses which will run anywhere from one day of highly intensive instruction to a short-term semester of six weeks duration. Non-credit courses, which are free of tuition, will begin Tuesday, June 1. Credit courses, which cost $12 per unit for all California residents, including those who hold a bachelor's degree or higher, will begin on Monday, June 14. Classes are offered during the day, evenings and on Saturdays. A complete Schedule of Classes for the Summer 1999 Session at CCSF is available for 25 cents at all campuses. For further information, prospective students should contact the Admissions and Records Office during regular business hours at (415) 239-3285. Experts Ponder Violence Among Kids In the wake of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, experts are examining the reasons why America's youth are turning to such violence, the Associated Press reported Apr. 23. "When things don't go right for them, it's a high-speed rage," said Joanne McDaniel, research director of the Center for the Prevention of School Violence at North Carolina State University. While both educators and experts agree that too many kids have access to guns, they disagree as to why we are seeing more school massacres. Franklin Zimring, a professor at Boalt School of Law at the University of California at Berkeley, believes there's nothing wrong with American society, but rather said that the young gunmen are copycats, inspired by and imitating others. Joseph Kett, a professor of history at the University of Virginia, however, questioned whether students of today are more violent than those of the 19th century. McDaniel noted that today's youth are exposed to more images of violence on television, over the Internet, in music and elsewhere. Sissela Bok, author of "Mayhem: Violence as Public Entertainment," explained that violence is marketed in ways that young people find exciting. She added, however, that media violence is not the major factor in violent acts. Also playing a role are dysfunctional families, psychiatric problems and substance abuse. Sally Downham Miller, who has been an educator for 25 years, says she has noticed that children lead more isolated lives. She added that our mobile society has deprived children of extended families, older relatives who have served as sounding boards. In addition, many children come from families in which both parents work, so they come home to empty houses and to the violence on television and in other media. Survey Helps
Guide People with
PORTLAND, OR (Internet Wire) Millions of Americans suffering from scalp dermatoses-a group of chronic, recurring conditions characterized by an irritated, itchy scalp-can now get guidance in treating these often frustrating and painful conditions by completing a survey developed by a Stanford University medical researcher. Called Scalp Sense, the survey is the first of its kind to use a detailed questionnaire and scientific methods to help respondents identify their scalp condition and direct them to appropriate treatment. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), the questionnaire was developed in order to provide an easy and non-threatening way for people to identify their problematic scalp conditions and then direct them toward an appropriate treatment. "Many people with scalp problems do not see a physician or, frustrated by previously limited options, have not seen one for a long time," said Gail Zimmerman, President and CEO of the NPF. "They need to know that they can get help. A tool like Scalp Sense can help identify the nature of their problem, while guiding them toward an effective solution." There are various types of scalp dermatoses, some of which can be quite severe and painful or flare up unpredictably. The most common is psoriasis of the scalp, which affects more than 3.5 million people. Psoriasis is characterized by raised, inflamed lesions covered with silver-white, flaky scales, and can affect skin anywhere on the body in addition to the scalp. Other common types of scalp dermatoses include seborrheic dermatitis and eczema. Common symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include scaling and flaking, as well as itching and crusting. Eczema--sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis--is usually first characterized by uncontrollable itching, which then leads to red, irritated and flaky skin when the affected areas are scratched. Scalp Sense differs from other diagnostic surveys because it uses formalized algorithms to take into account patient preferences as they relate to their scalp condition. The survey takes a logical, scientific approach to calculate the results while, in appropriate circumstances, encouraging patients to seek help from a dermatologist. The Scalp Sense questionnaire consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that evaluate the type and severity of symptoms and assess the steps taken to treat them. After submitting their responses for evaluation, respondents receive a detailed, personalized analysis of their condition and, when appropriate, a recommendation to see a dermatologist. The evaluation includes four categories: possible diagnosis, clinical severity, therapeutic options, and education. Scalp Sense was developed on the basis of focus group sessions with patients, dermatologists and psoriasis clinic nurses. The sessions were used to identify the symptoms that most bother patients suffering from scalp dermatoses, the factors that motivate them to seek therapy, and the treatment efforts they commonly undertake, for incorporation into the survey. Dr. Suephy Chen, dermatology clinician, Stanford University School of Medicine, developed the questionnaire. To obtain the free Scalp Sense questionnaire, call toll-free, 1-877-DRY-SCALP (877-379-7225) or visit the Scalp Sense web site at http://www.scalpsense.org. When you visit our web site, you can get immediate results from your questionnaire as well as additional information on scalp dermatoses. For more information about all forms
of psoriasis and its treatments, including scalp psoriasis, call the National
Psoriasis Foundation at (800) 723-9166 or visit the NPF web site at http://www.psoriasis.org.
For more information on eczema/atopic dermatitis, call the National Eczema
Association for Science and Education (NEASE) at (800) 818-7546 or visit
the NEASE web site at http://www.eczema-assn.org.
For additional information, or a hard copy of the Scalp Sense questionnaire, contact: Jennifer Somers, Ruder Finn, (212) 715-1654, somersj@ruderfinn.com. |