San Francisco Human Rights Commission (HRC) passed a Resolution honoring the memory of Wha Sook "Sugi" Kim, a San Francisco businesswoman and humanitarian, who was recently slain.

The Resolution, which praises and commends Kim for her efforts to renew a sense of community by establishing relationships with her customers and others in Visitacion Valley, was presented to Kim's family on May 13 at an HRC meeting at City Hall.

Kim, loved by her neighbors for her friendliness and generosity, was killed Apr. 3 during a robbery of her store which police are still investigating. A candlelight vigil attended by Mayor Willie Brown was held on Apr. 6 in her honor.

HRC Commissioner Youn-Cha Shin Chey said, "Sugi Kim was a remarkable, kind, and hard working minority woman business owner who struggled to become self-sufficient and contributed to the vitality of the San Francisco economy."

"The Resolution says to the community that Sugi Kim was an outstanding role model for immigrants attempting to succeed in America and it tells Kim's family how sorry we are for the loss of such a noble and loving person," said HRC Executive Director, Marivic Bamba.

VVES Students Participate in Stern Grove Performance

More than 30 students from fourth and fifth-grade classes at Visitacion Valley Elementary School took part in performing at an annual musical event on May 29 during the Memorial Day weekend at Sigmond Stern Grove in the Parkside district.

Together with 200 students from nine other San Francisco public schools, this is the seventh year "Little Vis" has participated in the musical performance, which drew more than 3,000 people from around the City.

Pancakes and Issues at Community Center

A full house was on hand at the Visitacion Valley Community Center on May 22 as State Senator Jackie Speier and her staff hosted the first of several planned pancake breakfast and town hall meetings to be held at various locations in her district.

Recently elected to represent San Francisco and San Mateo counties, Speier fielded questions on various issues from neighborhood residents and also attended the later regularly-scheduled meeting of the Visitacion Valley Task Force.

Summer High School Baseball and Softball

Entering 9th graders through graduating 12th graders can still sign up for summer baseball and softball on Thursday, June 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Balboa Park.

Participants will receive college-level instruction while playing two games per week with players from all San Francisco schools and neighborhoods. Games will begin Tuesday, June 22 at Balboa Park and Crocker Amazon Playground and continue every Tuesday and Thursday through July.

All youngsters entering 6th through 8th grades can sign-up to learn from coaches and high school students from Aug. 2 through 5 at Balboa Park.

For more information, call Columbia Park Boys and Girls Clubs at 861-8232.

Valley Foundation Still Seeking Support

by Gerry L. Galvan

After numerous solicitations for contributions from various sources, a local non-profit group in Visitacion Valley continues to seek donation for its charitable cause.

Following a basic life principle that humankind helps itself to exist, develop, and survive, the Foundation for Christian Education has set a goal to extend its support to fledgling congregations and missions in various parts of the world by providing funding and influential books and magazines extolling virtues of the Christian faith.

Inspirational ideas in the organization's formation came from the late Leonard E. Reed, founder and former president of the Foundation for Economic Education in Irvington-on-Hudson, New York from as far back as 1961.

Established as it was registered with the California Secretary of State on Jan. 9, 1997, the Foundation for Christian Education elected its first board directors and first set of officers on Mar. 28, including: Raquel S. Esplana, Leonard R. Galvan, Ludwig R. Galvan, Levi Lacanienta, Jesus M. Prado, Araceli N. Resus and your reporter, Gerry L. Galvan who was later elected president of the organization.

It has been the leadership's conviction that there exists the noble opportunity to put into practice a Biblical truth. In the book of Matthew, it is written: "...Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age."

The above words were the parting promise of Christ Jesus prior to His ascension to heaven 40 days after the Resurrection. Faith dictates that one should come to terms with the Godly instructions, carrying with the responsibility the undeniable promise of salvation.

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.

*Cholesterol and Herat Disease: from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, June 19.

*Back School: learn about ways to protect your back, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 1.

*Heart Healthy Nutrition: from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, July 17.

*Home Safety Class: from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 22.

Schools Honored for Outstanding Recycling Efforts

Twelve San Francisco schools were honored May 25 for successfully completing a Recycling Challenge. The top three winners: Children's Day School, Hoover Middle School, and Washington High School received awards of $2,500.

Clarendon Elementary School, Monroe Elementary School, Mission Education Center, Sunset Elementary School, and Wets Portal Elementary School received $1,200 awards. Honorable mention awards went to Hamlin School, Marina Middle School, New Traditions Elementary School, and Lowell High School. Other honorees included nominated teachers, Americorps members, and high school leadership program Earth Corps graduates.

Sponsored by the San Francisco Recycling Program, this awards event acknowledged San Francisco public and private elementary, middle and high schools that demonstrated significant progress and innovation in the area of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.

Participating schools tracked the amount of paper, cans and bottles that they recycled each week during a 12-week contest. In addition, teachers and administrators provided documentation of any other waste reduction projects that they participated in with their students.

These included the tracking of waste generated by the school, low-waste lunch campaigns, composting projects, or other creative and effective projects.

Ingleside Station Police Report

If you have information on the following reports, phone 911 and give a complete physical description to the police dispatcher. Additionally, refer to the case numbers.

District Robberies

*On Apr. 26 at 6:45 p.m., a purse snatching occurred at Silver and Cambridge. The robber came from behind, forced the woman down to the ground and forcibly removed her purse, and fled on foot. The suspect was not seen. Case 990506790.

*On Apr. 29 at 1:30 p.m., a robbery took place aboard the Muni 15 at Geneva and Brookdale. Three Samoan males entered the bus, went to the rear and demanded a dollar from two juvenile victims. The victims first refused then when forced surrendered their money, a watch, and a pager. The three suspects were found and arrested while fleeing the scene. Case 990519367.

*On May 3 at 3:30 p.m., a man was leaving a friend's home on the 1400 block of Shotwell Street when he saw two men standing next to a nearby house. As the victim walked past the two men, he was pushed down the public stairs by the first man, who made anti-gay remarks and then demanded the victim's property. The victim turned over his money, and both suspects fled on foot. The suspects are described as: 1) white male, 20-25, 5'11", 160, short-cropped hair, large tatoo on the letter "A" on upper right arm, wearing a white T-shirt and black jeans; 2) black male, 20-25, 6'0", 180, short hair, wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans. Case 990538141.

*On May 3 at 9:00 p.m., a woman was inside the laundromat on Mission near Persia when a male suspect grabbed her purse from the counter top and ran outside with it. The suspect ran to a waiting car occupied by two additional suspects, and the two additional suspects approached the victim (who had followed the first suspect outside) and pushed her away. All three suspects then fled in the car south on Mission Street. The suspects are described as: 1) white female, 18-19, 5'6", 130, wearing a black jacket with a hood and white stripe; 2) white female, 18-19, wearing black clothing; 3) white female, 18-19, wearing black clothing. The vehicle is described as a 1980s Toyota station wagon, gray in color, partial California license of 2EK790. Case 990538470.

*On May 7 at 12:03 p.m., an armed robbery took place inside 3 Brookdale Avenue. The victim told the police that the two suspects entered his residence armed with a silver semi-automatic handgun and demanded all his money. One suspect was arrested while fleeing from the scene. Two others were detained and later released. Case 990556096.

*On May 15 at 11:14 p.m., a man exited a Muni bus at Arleta Avenue and Rutland Street and was walking home when he heard something behind him and turned around at Teddy Avenue to see two males approaching him. The two suspects pushed the victim against a wall, and then rifled through a bag he had been holding, robbing him of cash and credit cards before running away south on Rutland. The suspects were described as black males, 18-20 yrs., Suspect #1 was 5'9"; 120 lbs., with a light mustache and wearing an orange t-shirt and blue jeans. Suspect #2 was 5'6", 120 lbs., wearing a black baseball cap, black windbreaker and blue jeans. Case 990593628.

*On May 16 at 3:00 a.m., four employees of the Tapatio Night Club at 4742 Mission St. were inside the club after it had been closed when four men armed with 9 mm. semi-auto handguns entered the club from the rear door. The four suspects began to threaten the employees and eventually bound them with duct tape and removed all of the cash from both the registers and the safe. The suspects are described as: 1) Hispanic male, 20-30, dark skin, long curly hair in a ponytail, moustache and goatee, wearing blue jeans and black and white shoes; 2) Hispanic male, 20-30, "buzz-cut", mustache, wearing a yellow shirt and blue jeans, with one pant leg pulled up to the knee; 3) Hispanic male, 20-30, acne on face, moustache, wearing a white jersey with red trim and blue jean shorts; 4) Hispanic male, 20-30, no further. Case 990594284. *On May 16 at 1:40 p.m., a robbery took place in front of 5620 Diamond Heights Blvd. The suspect came from behind, pushed the victim from behind, forcibly took her purse from her shoulder, and fled. The victim sustained facial injuries. The suspect was not seen. Case 990595486.

*On May 18 at 10:56 a.m. while latching a gate at 5595 Diamond Heights Blvd., the victim felt someone tugging at her purse from behind. The force of the suspect's action caused the strap to break. The suspect fled with the purse containing cash and cosmetics across the street into a parked vehicle and drove away. The suspect was described as a light skinned black male adult, clean shave, 30-35 years, 6'0", 190 lbs., wearing a white long sleeve button down shirt, black slacks. Case 990598941.

*On May 21 at 10:15 p.m., a man was walking near Crescent and Gates Streets when he was approached by three male suspects who tackled him to the ground and then struck him numerous times on his body, and also struck him several times on his head. The suspects then took the victim's wallet and fled the area on foot. The suspects are described as: 1) black male, 17-25, 5'9", 180, wearing a white shirt; 2) black male, 17-25, 200 pounds, wearing an orange coat; 3) black male, 17-25, no further description. Case 990621542.

*On May 23 at 6:54 p.m., a 15-year-old boy was waiting for the bus near 5454 Mission St. when he was approached by a group of 7 to 8 teenage boys who surrounded him. Two of the teenage boys then demanded the victim's property, and when he told them he had only a bus transfer, one of the suspects struck him in the face, knocked him to the ground, and kicked him in the back of his head and also on his legs. The suspect (who had done the kicking) then removed the victim's hat and keys and fled the area on foot with the other suspects. This same suspect returned moments later to look for his pager, which he had apparently dropped during the robbery. The two suspects are described as: 1) Filipino male (possible name of Michael), 16-19, 5'5", 125, wearing a black beanie, dark puffy jacket and black pants; 2) Filipino male, 16-19, 5'0", 135 wearing a grey shirt and dark pants. Case 990828581.

*On May 24 at 9:38 p.m., a man and a woman were leaving the corner store at Andover and Ripley Streets when they noticed that three men who had been in the store with them appeared to be following them. As the couple reached Park Street they noticed that the three men had separated and appeared to have them surrounded. The first suspect then approached the couple and asked, "You got the time?" The victims then noticed that the suspect had a black revolver in his hand, and the suspect pointed it at the victims and demanded their money. The victims gave the suspect their money, and all three suspects then fled east on Park on foot. The suspects are described as: 1) black male, 19-24, 6'3", 185, wearing a do rag and all black clothing; 2) black male, 18-24, 5'8", 145, wearing a stripped yellow shirt and blue jean pants; 3) black male, no further description. Case 990634432.

*On May 24 at 10:05 p.m. a man and a woman were walking west on 29th at Church Street when a man and a woman approached then and the man said, "Excuse me, do you have the time?" The male victim looked down at his watch and then looked up to see that the male suspect was pointing a gun at him. The male suspect then demanded the male victim's money, and the female suspect ordered the female victim to turn over her purse. Both suspects fled on foot with the victims' property and were seen by a witness entering a white vehicle, possibly a Chevy Nova or a Ford product at 29th and Dolores Streets, and fleeing south on San Jose Avenue. The suspects are described as: 1) black male, 24-25, 6'0", 170, wearing a black Kangol hat, red mesh jersey and black baggy pants; 2) black female, 18-20, 5'6", hair in ponytail, wearing a blue zip-up sweatshirt, white T-shirt and dark pants. Case 990634 589.

District Scam

*On May 12 at 7:17 p.m., an elderly woman was in the Safeway parking lot at 30th and Mission Streets when she was approached by two women who told her that they had just "found $50,000." The two women showed the victim a brown paper bundle with "Chinese" writing on it. The bundle was partially open and appeared to contain a large amount of U.S. currency. The two women then told the victim that they wanted to keep the money, and offered to "split it" with her by giving her $17,000 if she "helped" them out. The two women then told the victim that she would have to give them $7,000 as "security" money if she wanted to split the other money. The two suspects then accompanied the victim to a downtown bank where she withdrew $7,000 in cash and gave it to the suspects. The suspects drove the victim back to Mission Street and told her to enter a building until she would "receive further instructions." The victim exited the building moments later after finding no one inside, and saw the suspects driving away. The suspects are described as: 1) black female, 50-80, 5'5", 200, jaw-length dyed blond hair, dark complexion; 2) white female, 50-60, 6'0", 180, light brown hair, wearing a brown sweater. The vehicle is described as a gray sedan with a dark interior, missing its front bumper. Case 990578937.

District Burglaries

*On Apr. 26 at 3:30 p.m., a house on the first block of Pretor was burglarized through a front gate. The suspect was still in the house when the occupant returned home, leaving when they saw each other. The suspect was able to take three rings, a watch, and several thousand dollars cash. The suspect was described as a white male, 5'9", 140, black medium length hair, blue jeans, white t-shirt. Case 990505720.

*On Apr. 26 at 7:30 p.m., a house on the 200 block of Silver was burglarized through a bathroom window. Items missing include: a diamond ring, a gold ring, $6000 cash, a Yamaha stereo (RX-V595), and an IBM Think Pad. No information is available on suspect(s). Case 990507312.

*On Apr. 28 between 8 p.m. and 11:50 p.m., Katie's Nail was broken into through front glass door. No items were taken. No suspects were seen. Case 990517010.

*On Apr. 29 between 7 p.m. and 9:30 a.m., Wei's Restaurant at 4543 Mission was burglarized. The suspect(s) broke the front glass door and had taken money from the cash register. No information available on suspect(s). Case 990518234.

*On Apr. 29 between 11:30 p.m. and 4:35 a.m., two apartments on the 4000 block of Mission were illegally entered, nothing was reported missing but several pieces of furniture were moved. No information on suspect(s). Case 990517521.

*On Apr. 30 between 11 a.m., and 1 p.m., a house on the first block of Peabody was broken into through a rear door with a crowbar. The resident returned home and saw two Asian males exiting the residence with a safe. When the suspects saw the resident they ran to a waiting auto and fled south on Peabody. The suspects were described as four asian male juveniles wearing white shirts. The vehicle was white with plate _Z_ _ 397. Case 990526033.

*On May 2 at 2:12 a.m., the Three Stars Yong De Restaurant was broken into through the front glass door. A cash register was taken (with $150 inside). No suspects were seen. Case 990531349.

*On May 5 at 4:24 a.m., a woman was asleep in her apartment above the Viking Giant Sub Shop at 601 Bosworth St. when she was awakened by the sound of breaking glass. The woman looked outside to see a yellow van (with a partial license plate of 37 or 39) drive off south on Diamond Street towards Monterey Boulevard. The owner of the business was contacted and he verified that he had closed and locked the business the previous evening, and that unknown suspects had then smashed out the front window to his business and stole the cash register. This case may be related to other similar burglaries committed nearby. On May 4, Pebbles Cafe at 2852 Diamond St. was burglarized, and on May 2, the Three Star Restaurant at 2922 Diamond St. was burglarized. No suspects were seen in either of these two cases. Cases 990544392, 990539694 and 990531349.

*On May 10 between 7:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., a suspect entered a locked unit at the unit block of Trumbell by unknown means and took a cellular telephone, a vase and a vacuum cleaner. The suspect may be known to the victim. Case 990581253.

*Sometime between May 13 at 8:30 a.m. and May 17 at 8:30 p.m., an unknown suspect forced the front door lock of a residence in the 100 block of Everson Street and fled with a lap top computer, video recorder, and misc. clothing. No suspect information available. Case 990602611.

*On May 13 between 9:05 and 9:22 a.m., an unknown suspect entered a house on the 200 block of Trumbell by prying off the security gate. A bicycle was taken. No entry was gained into the residence. No suspect information available. Case 990581253.

*On May 14 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., an unknown suspect entered a residence in the 300 block of Teddy Street by breaking/prying the front gate and front door locks. The suspect(s) took cash and jewelry. No suspect information available. Case 990588500.

*On May 15 between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., an unknown suspect gained entry into a residence located in the 300 block of Edinburgh Street and stole a Sony PlayStation. No suspect information available. Case 990594052.

*May 15 between 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m., the victim was inside the residence in the 300 block of Hazelwood when they heard the downstairs laundry door shut. Upon investigation, they found the laundry room window pried open. The bedroom was ransacked and clothing taken. No suspect information available. Case 990594701.

*On May 15 between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. the following day, an unknown suspect forcibly gained entry into a residence, possibly by prying the front door lock, in the 100 block of Blythedale Avenue and fled with a stereo, VCR and television. Case 990597084.

*Between May 15 at 9:40 p.m. and May 16 at 11:00 a.m., an unknown suspect entered a residence located in the unit block of Brookdale Avenue through the second floor bedroom window and stole cash, a television, a stereo system, and misc. clothing. No suspect information available. Case 990595088.

*On May 16 at 5:48 p.m., officers were dispatched to the S.F. Park and Recreation Building on a silent alarm. Officers arrived as saw several juveniles flee the scene. One juvenile was detained. Officers determined that the juveniles broke a window to gain access into the swimming pool. The juvenile was questioned and released to the custody of his grandmother. Case 990596638.

*Between May 17 at 4:00 p.m. and May 18 at 2:15 p.m., a family member checking a house, while the owner was away on vacation, found the front garage door wide open. Officers conducted a search of the residence and found no signs of forced entry. A cellular telephone, stereo equipment, jewelry, watches, several VCRs, clothing, tools furniture, a safe, cash, and the owner's vehicle were stolen from the residence. No suspect information available. Case 990499797.

*On May 18 at 12:28 a.m., officers responded to the 2750 block of Alemany Blvd on the report of an auto burglary in progress. Officers arrived and arrested the suspect, who was found sitting inside the vehicle. A witness positively identified the suspect as the same person she saw removing the tires from the vehicle. The suspect later admitted to stealing the tires. The suspect was booked on auto burglary charges. Case 990603067.

*On May 18 at 2:40 p.m. at the 1100 block of Brussels Street, suspect #1 rang the front door bell. The victim looked outside and decided not to answer the door because she did not recognize him. A moment later, the victim heard the sound of the suspect prying the front door lock. The victim screamed that she was going to call the police. The suspect then fled into an unknown vehicle, occupied by suspects #2 and #3. The suspects are described as: #1) Asian male, 20-28 years., flat-top type haircut, wearing a grey jacket and blue jeans; #2) Asian male, 20-28 years, wearing black clothing; and #3) Asian male, 20-28 years, unknown clothing. No vehicle description available. Case 990605530.

Recent Major Cases

*On Apr. 26 at 11 a.m., a male suspect was taken into custody after a foot pursuit in McLaren Park with 10 Ingleside officers. The suspect is thought to be involved in a local robbery. At the time of his arrest he was in possession of a loaded firearm, which he stashed near the park during the pursuit and was recovered by Ingleside officers. Case 990504421.

*On May 12 at 9:25 p.m., a victim left his car running and unattended while inside a grocery store at Sunnydale and Hahn. When the victim came back outside, he was confronted by two suspects brandishing a handgun. Suspect #1 demanded money. The victim gave the suspects his money and pager. The suspects then took the victim's car and fled. Officers stopped the vehicle on 3rd Street at Carroll Street and arrested two suspects for carjacking and robbery. Case 990579286.

*On May 15 at 4:00 a.m., an unknown suspect shot at a residence located in the 400 block of Madrid Street. Case 990592335.

*On May 15 at 8:35 a.m., officers arrested a suspect at Geneva and Prague for driving a stolen vehicle. Case 990502970.

*On May 16 at 10:40 a.m., a male suspect was arrested in the 200 block of Brookdale Avenue for driving a stolen vehicle. Case 990594892.

*On May 16 at 2:30 a.m., officers spotted a stolen vehicle driven by a male suspect in the 3000 block of Mission Street. The suspect shot at pursuing officers with a semi-automatic handgun. The suspect crashed the vehicle into a residence located in the unit block of Josiah Street and fled on foot. Officers surrounded the area and, after an intense search, found the suspect hiding in bushes. A semi-automatic handgun was also recovered. The suspect was booked for attempted murder on a police officer, driving a stolen vehicle, evading a police officer, resisting arrest, and fleeing the scene of an accident. Case 990594143.

Narcotics Arrests

*On May 1 four suspects were arrested during a search warrant execution for possessions of firearms, crack, and cocaine. The warrant was served at 444 Sawyer St. 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 May 1, four suspects were arrested for possession for sales of: methamphetamines, 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 May 5 at 1:15 a.m., a person called to complain about drug activity in the 500 block of Ellsworth Street. Officers conducted an undercover surveillance of the area and observed a narcotics transaction. Officers arrested a female suspect for possession of cocaine, and a male suspect for possession for sales of cocaine and sales of cocaine. 990599892.

*On May 13 at 8:00 a.m., during a search warrant of a residence, a suspect was booked for possession for sale of cocaine, and parole violation. Case 990531173.

*On May 13 at 3:40 p.m., a citizen called to complain that two individuals had been selling "kilos" of drugs in the neighborhood. Officers conducted a surveillance of the area and observed one suspect selling drugs to another. Officers arrested both subjects and recovered 4 kilos (almost 9 pounds) of cocaine and a handgun. Case 990583077.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility Report Data

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.

January-March 1999

There were no One-Day Collection Events held during this reporting period.

Household Hazardous Waste Days
Days of Operation: Thursday-Saturday of Every Week (except holidays)
Average Emissions: 2.23 pounds
Highest Emissions: 2.86 pounds on Mar. 11, 1999
Number of Participants: 2,383 residents

Small Business Drop-Off Days
Days of Operation: Jan. 27, Feb. 24, and Mar 31.
Average Emissions: 8.6 pounds
Highest Emissions: 8.87 pounds
Number of Participants: 155

General Facility Information:
Total amount of waste recycled or shipped out: 139,340.5 pounds
Maximum amount stored: 4,792 gallons on Jan. 27, 1999.

Submitted by Maisha Reed, San Francisco Solid Waste Management Program on May  25, 1999.

School Drug Programs Called Effective, But Not Whole Answer

A recent study found that school drug programs are cost-effective, but cautioned against pitching prevention as the solution to the nation's drug problem, the Los Angeles Times reported May 26.

A new Rand study, which focused on cocaine use, found that Project ALERT and Life Skills--the best school-based drug prevention programs--are worth the cost, but only produce modest results. As a result, the study concluded that school drug programs are not a "silver bullet" in the U.S. government's war on drugs.

According to the study, "An Ounce of Prevention, a Pound of Uncertainty," the best anti-drug prevention programs will curtail lifetime cocaine use by an average of 8 percent. This result compares favorably dollar for dollar with government efforts to reduce demand by destroying coca leaves overseas or by patrolling the border.

But the report also cautioned that it could take up to 40 years for the full effects of prevention programs to be realized. "The bad news for prevention enthusiasts is that prevention does not appear to be the hoped-for silver bullet," the study concluded. "It is not likely that with current technology, prevention can play a decisive role in eradicating our current drug problem."
-Join Together Online

Supervisor Calls for Legislation to Provide Incentives for Child Care Workers

Supervisor Mabel Teng on May 18 introduced legislation urging the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families to implement S.F. CARES (Compensation and Retention Encourages Stability), which will offer stipends to child care professionals and providers to encourage them to remain in the profession.

"The problem of keeping qualified child care workers has reached crisis levels," said Teng. "Compensation is simply too low to retain the best people. If we are committed to universal child care for all San Franciscans, we must show our commitment to child care professionals."

Teng's proposal will make child care teachers and family day care providers eligible to receive annual stipends ranging from $500 to $6.000 as incentives to remain in the profession. Stipends, which are contingent upon remaining in the field for one year, can be used for continuing education and training.

The goal of universal childcare is to make child care affordable, accessible and of high quality. Most research has found that consistent, sensitive and well-compensated caregivers are the most important factors in quality child care. Conversely, poor compensation and high turnover has been linked with poor quality of care. However, turnover in the child care field is high, due largely to poor compensation and few  opportunities for advancement. Nearly one out of every three child care teachers leaves the profession each year.

Tenderloin Economic Initiative Hits the Streets

Mayor Willie Brown was on hand May 19 for a new sidewalk cleaning program that commenced in the Tenderloin with a sidewalk sweeper and scrubber making its maiden voyage at the corner of Turk and Jones Streets.

"This program demonstrates that our neighborhoods can work together to take the fundamental steps to clean up and revitalize the Tenderloin," said Brown. "A simple thing like keeping the sidewalks clean every day can lead the way to economic vitality for the neighborhood's businesses and residents."

Survey Reflects Need for Better Communication
Between Parents and Kids About Drugs

In light of a recent national survey reporting a serious gap in communication between parents and kids about drugs, the American Council of Drug Education (ACDE), an affiliate of Phoenix House, has made available a valuable guide called: Let's Talk: Communicating With Your Child About Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Released Apr. 26, the Partnership for a Drug-Free America survey found that while virtually all American parents (98 percent) say they've talked with their children about drugs, only 27 percent of teens say they're learning a lot at home about the risks of drugs. The study also reported that drug abuse was significantly lower among kids who have learned a great deal about drugs at home.

"These findings show that parents, while making some effort, are not getting the message across about the dangers of drug abuse," said Dr. Peter Provet, director of Adolescent Services for Phoenix House. "They need to be authentic in their discussions with their kids about drugs and their messages need to be grounded in the realities of the lives of their youngsters. When they accomplish that, the report shows, they can have a significant and positive effect."

Recognizing important distinctions, the guide presents drug prevention strategies and information for three different age groups: pre-schoolers (3-5), school age children (6-10) and young adolescents (11-15). For preschoolers, the emphasis is on developing self-help, problem solving and personal hygiene.

"We begin with pre-schoolers not because we fear children this age will become users," explained Provet. "But we are worried about them turning to tobacco, alcohol and other drugs when they are 10, 11, or 12; the time to begin drug education is before the problem exists. The foundations for all healthy habits, from eating nutritionally to dressing appropriately for the weather, are laid down in the preschool years.
"It's also important to realize that even young children hear about drugs. Unless adults take the time to help children sort through the messages they receive, the youngsters may begin to understand drugs in a way which could lead to trouble in the years ahead."

School age children are influenced by peer groups, but appreciate having limits in place. Young adolescents encounter an array of challenges, including self-doubt, concern about personal appearance, and expanding social consciences. These circumstances create the need for different parental approaches to drug information and prevention, according to Provet. "Conversations with children at all age levels must be rooted in the realities of their lives," he said.

Asthma Study Finds Bayview Children at Risk

In recent years, school principals, counselors and nurses in Bayview/Hunters Point began noticing a dramatic rise in the numbers of children with asthma. San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) along with community groups and health agencies as part of the Bayview/Hunters Point Healthy Start Collaborative formed an Asthma Task Force to study the problem and take actions against a problem that is increasingly affecting low-income urban communities.

Condition Critical is a report based on a survey of 2,200 students attending six elementary and middle schools in Bayview/Hunters Point between January and March of 1998. Significant findings of the study include:

*One out of four respondents reported  a child in their family diagnosed with asthma.

*Nearly half of all respondents reported children with asthma-like symptoms.

*Some families identified as many as three to five relatives in the same household with asthma.

*Hospitalization resulting from asthma is four times greater in the Bayview than the state average.

Based on these findings, the Bayview/Hunters Point Healthy Start Collaborative has taken action to monitor air quality, ensure better health care and information through the Yes We Can asthma management project.

Star Wars Propulsion Drives Soar Toward Reality

Futuristic propulsion drives that send spacecraft streaking across the screen in Star Wars movies may leap from science fiction to science fact in the not-so-distant future.

Scientists and engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama are developing propulsion technologies closely akin to the hyperdrives of Star Wars fame.

"Many of today's technological realities originally belonged to science fiction," said Garry Lyles, manager of NASA's Advanced Space Transportation Program at the Marshall Center. "It's not unusual for science fiction to become reality, and it's exciting to see that transformation now in the space transportation arena."

The hyperdrive in Star Wars gets its punch from fusion--an exotic propulsion technology being developed at Marshall. Fusion combines two or more atoms to form on heavier atom, releasing a tremendous amount of energy which could be used to drive a spacecraft. The energy efficiency of fusion compares to a car traveling 7,000 miles on one gallon of gas.

"Prodigious amounts of energy will be required to go to the outer planets, let alone other star systems," said George Schmidt, deputy manager of Marshall's Propulsion Research Center. "Achieving the level of technology portrayed in Star Wars is quite a challenge. It will require very powerful fission, fusion or antimatter-driven rockets for rapid travel within interplanetary space."

Schmidt said it will also require overcoming the physical limitations of space itself in order to travel faster than the speed of light. "We're examining a variety of propulsion technologies which will help us conquer the incredible challenges of interplanetary and even interstellar travel" said Schmidt. "We're convinced that several of these technologies will likely transform the space seen in sci-fi movies into real-life experience."

Marshall also is experimenting with futuristic concepts of launching rockets to space on laser beams and propelling sails through space with sunbeams--just as the wind pushes sailboats on Earth. "Laser propulsion and antimatter have long been the stuff of science fiction," said Lyles, "and now we're experimenting with them as viable options for space travel."

Because of its superior energy density, antimatter annihilation is often suggested as the ultimate source of energy for propulsion.

Antimatter is identical to matter except that the electrical charges are reversed. A proton is positive, whereas an antiproton is negative.

When regular matter collides with antimatter, they annihilate and produce phenomenal energy. In an antimatter engine, the charged particles would be channeled out the back of a spacecraft to produce thrust. "A little bit of antimatter goes a long way," said Schmidt.
Marshall Center engineers are currently building a High Performance Antimatter Trap which will store antiprotons for a 10-day lifetime. The trap will be used in future antimatter experiments for space propulsion of the 21st century.

So, when real-life adventure in distant galaxies premiere?

"Right now, no one knows which of the technologies we're developing will open the space frontier," said Lyles.

"What we do know is that we must push technology to achieve breakthroughs that are necessary to travel beyond our solar system," said Lyles. "I believe that some of the technologies we're working today could make it happen in the next century."

Strong Opportunities in Nation's Senior Housing Market

According to a five year forward planning analysis by the Concord Group, a California-based consulting firm, strong opportunities exist in the seniors housing market nationwide, despite emerging concerns that segments of the industry are becoming overbuilt. The Western region of the United States presents the highest market opportunity in all senior housing types, followed closely by the Southeast.

Fueled by an aging population and those who have relocated for retirement, these two regions have ample concentrations of age 75-plus target populations. Coupled with the relative affluence of the elderly residing in these regions, the opportunity for senior housing is high.

Regions that may present challenges for development include the South, due to limited market depth, and the Northeast, which is forecasted for a demographic bust in the elderly population.

"In today's senior housing market, developers must be increasingly selective when choosing sites. They need to avoid markets, developers must be increasingly selective when choosing sites. They need to avoid markets that have insupportable levels of supply while considering areas that have strong demographic support not only today but five and ten years out," said Richard M. Gollis, principal of the Concord Group.

The Concord Group's recently completed nationwide analysis identified the areas with the highest market opportunities for Independent Living, Assisted and Specialized Assisted Living market segments based on supply and demand trends. Factors considered in the evaluation of the regions included population growth in key age groups (45 to 64, 65 to 74 and 75-plus age cohorts), market depth by product segment based on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and ability limitations, and a regional supply index of both existing competitors and communities under construction.

Continued growth in key elderly and "sons-and-daughters" (i.e., those responsible for caring for aging parents) age groups is the primary factor for the domination of the West and Southeast regions. Combined, the West and Southeast currently represent 35 percent of the nation's 75-plus population but are projected to capture 44 percent of the nation's growth in this cohort during the next five years. Another positive indicator is the presence of a growing caregiver population (ages 45 to 64). Roughly one-third of both the nation's existing and forecasted "sons and daughters" market are concentrated in the West and Southeast.

Demographic obstacles in the Northeastern and Southern regions are challenges in those senior housing markets. Currently, there is a limited market depth in the Southern region's 75-plus age group, which is offset somewhat by the strong growth projected over the next five years within that group. Similar to the South, the Northeast has limited market depth in the target age group; however unlike the South, there are no demographic trends forecasted that indicate a diminishing target market in the future.

Heavier concentrations of supply in the Southeast led to the West receiving a preferred ranking. Emerging markets in the West have not yet witnessed the levels of construction common in other regions. In addition, the West has had barriers to competition, such as the high cost of land in some markets such as California.

Saturation of some markets across the nation has been he result of the rush to expand by both local and national competitors. The decision to build must be made after considering several factors besides the existing number of prospective residents in the given area.

Key factors that continue to play critical roles in the success of senior housing facilities include the presence of an income qualified caregiver market and availability of demographic support for the project five and 10 years after development.

The Concord Group is a real estate advisory firm with offices in San Francisco. 

Elderly and Disabled Receiving State Assistance

More than a million elderly and disabled homeowners and renters are eligible for a state payment through the Homeowner and renter Assistance Program that runs through Aug. 31, 1999, according to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).

"This year literally thousands more of our most deserving citizens will qualify for this program," said State Controller Kathleen Connell, chair of the FTB. "I encourage anyone who feels they may qualify but have not filed in the past to call the FTB for help in determining their eligibility."

To qualify, claimants must be at least 62 years old, or be blind or totally disabled as of Dec. 31, 1998. In addition, claimants' total household income must have been $33,132 or less in 1998. Homeowners can receive payments equal to four to 96 percent of the property tax they paid on the first $34,000 assessed value of their home for a maximum payment of $326.40. Renters can receive assistance ranging from $10 to $240. Claimants should refer to the claim booklets for additional requirements.

Last year, 160,000 individuals claimed assistance totaling nearly $15 million. The average amount received per claimant was $92. This year, FTB expects to receive 650,000 claims and pay out $85 million in assistance checks averaging approximately $200.

FTB sent labeled booklets in mid-May to 144,000 claimants who filed in the past two years. To encourage individuals newly qualified for assistance, FTB is sending an additional 630,000 booklets to potential claimants based on FTB records. To ensure claims are processed timely, FTB reminds claimants to include their social security number on the forms when filing.

Volunteer assistance sites are available throughout the state to explain qualifying requirements and help with preparing the forms. Anyone interested can call their Senior Information and Referral Center for the location and hours of the nearest site. For more information about Homeowner and Renter Assistance, call FTB at 1-800-852-5711 or check the Internet at www.ftb.ca.gov

Bill Remembering Tiananmen
Square Massacre Passes House

A resolution introduced by Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to remember the 10th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in Beijing was unanimously passed May 25 by the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I introduced this bill to commemorate the brave dissidents who sacrificed their lives and personal security to promote freedom in China," explained Pelosi.

The legislation parallels a petition circulated by Tiananmen leader Wang Dan and the Global Campaign for the Anniversary of June 4. Both call on the Chinese government to reverse the Verdict of Tiananmen Square, to free the prisoners, to allow them and all Chinese to speak freely, and to allow for the return of Chinese exiles.

Bike Ride to Support Youth After School Programs

Actor Andrew Shue and the youth leadership organization Do Something are inviting Bay Area residents to bike a day and change the world. The former star of Melrose Place and co-founder of Do Something is seeking bike riders to participate in the Do Something San Francisco Day Ride, a 25-mile bike ride on Saturday, June 19 to raise funds for after school programs sponsored by Do Something to inspire and empower young people to be leaders in their communities.

The Ride begins at 9 a.m. from the north end of the Great Meadow at Fort Mason and will take riders on a scenic tour of the Presidio and Golden Gate Park before returning to Fort Mason for a Greenbucks concert and community festival.

Participants can pick up a registration brochure at any Blockbuster Video or Timberland store, or by calling the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition at (415) 431-2453, ex. 7.

Artisan to Demonstrate Figurine Sculpting

Emma Chen, one of only 20 artisans in the world from the Cherished Teddies Design Studio in Taiwan, will be displaying her talents on Saturday, June 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Designers Center, 302 B, at Tanforan Park in San Bruno.

Chen will be demonstrating her intricate sculpting process in creating Alex, a 2-inch resin teddie bear figurine.

World Press Photo Exhibition
At Public Library and City Hall

The San Francisco Public Library and the Art Commission Gallery in association with the Mayor's Office is presenting the annual World Press Photo Exhibition from June 11 through July 1 at both the Main Library's Jewett Gallery and at City Hall. Exhibitions at both locations are free.

Considered to set the standard in photographic reporting, the World Press Exhibition is a collection of the award-winning images from one of the most distinguished contests in the world. Nearly 200 photos depicting newsworthy events from 1998 will be on display from the international community of photo journalists. The competition not only features the best in press photography from the past year, but also serves as an historical document chronicling the main international events of 1998.

This year, tens of thousands of entries were received and reviewed by an international jury composed of nine editors, photographers and representatives of press agencies invited to evaluate the works.

San Francisco Ranked Ninth
Worst City in Mouse Infestation

According to sales of rodenticide products sold in 1998, San Francisco has been ranked ninth worst city for rodent infestation by Reckitt & Colman, the company which makes d-Con rodenticide.

Rankings include: 1. Los Angeles, 2. New York, 3. San Antonio, 4. Salt Lake City/Boise, 5. Dallas, 6. Philadelphia, 7. Houston, 8. Chicago, 9. San Francisco, and 10. Denver.