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| Neighbors Gather
to Decide Demolition of Towers
by Marlene Tran An enthusiastic attendance of more than 200 Visitacion Valley residents Aug. 20 indicated the level of interest and involvement participants have regarding the landmark decision to demolish Geneva Towers. The large auditorium at Visitacion Valley Community Center (VVCC) was filled up fast as streams of eager people came to see and hear a presentation Thomas Lam, a court interpreter, who was hired at my request to facilitate communication for the majority of the monolingual Chinese audience Before two smaller July meetings where community leaders were invited to plan and meet with Art Agnos, regional director of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and demolition contractors, I had several meetings and phone conversations with Kathleen Cha, a communication specialist with Imtech Communication of Berkeley, to plan for this bilingual presentation. A presentation Aug. 19 at Church of the Visitacion on Sunnydale Avenue drew fewer than 20 participants. In addition, I did a lot of outreach work as a guest speaker on a Aug. 15 radio program sponsored by the San Francisco Neighbor' Association to explain the importance of all community involvement and especially about this milestone decision for Visitacion Valley. Since Channel 26 is the most accessible Chinese news media in the Bay Area, I was very happy to have the opportunity to reach a vast audience and invite interested viewers to attend the Aug. 20 presentation. Before the 7 p.m. meeting time, throngs of eager residents were crowding around a table in the VVCC courtyard to sign petitions in support of a Safety Proposal submitted by the Visitacion Valley Bilingual Education, Supportive Services and Training (VVBESST) to the San Francisco Enterprise Community. Mrs. Cha began the meeting by welcoming the residents, introducing Art Agnos, the demolition contractors, Mr. Lam, and members of the Imtech team before thanking me for my outreach work and helping her with arrangements. Through an interpreter, Mr. Agnos began with a short history of Geneva Towers, the decision of HUD to take over the property, the major decision by HUD and Geneva Towers residents to tear down the twin 20-story highrises and the important demolition decision ahead by residents of the Valley. Since both Mr. Agnos and I were interviewed by Channel 26 during the same program, I asked him to elaborate on one of the agreements in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached in January, 1995 between HUD and Geneva Towers residents about a "police substation" and, the promise to have only one police precinct for Visitacion Valley. I was specifically asked to have him elaborate on this promise since in generated a lot of interest from viewers and especially from residents in the southeast sector of San Francisco along with their relatives and friends. The truth is that while there are more Asian residents combined in Visitacion Valley and Bayview than there are in Chinatown, there is essentially little or no bilingual services for us. Mr. Agnos pointed out that while the MOU did not actually specify a police substation, it clearly stated that the safety aspect would be addressed as part of the memorandum. I pointed out to him that since the major decision to demolish Geneva Towers was made by HUD and the former residents, there were several positive terms in this agreement that convinced the non-Geneva residents to go along with these key decision-makers. However, even though the MOU was signed in 1995, the truth is that most of these promises to the peripheral residents have not remotely reached any level of reality. For this reason, I need to set up an appointment set up an appointment with him to address the ongoing concerns of the community that is causing a lot of disharmony in this diverse neighborhood. Next, the demolition contractors showed a short video of the implosion and wrecking ball methods to the audience. Later, they answered a lot of concerns particularly about the safety and insurance aspects for the residents and their properties. While there was some level of understanding for former Geneva Towers residents to move back to the new complex, there was an overwhelming concern (particularly from amongst the residents who contacted me personally) and from participants that these new residents receive stringent security screening for the benefit of their immediate community and for their neighbors. There were many questions relating to the hiring of Visitacion Valley residents for the new complex.Mr. Agnos and Mr. John Jaeger of Republic Management Services, Inc., said that the revised hiring process would involve hiring 90 percent of local residents. If this is the case, I suggest the job training team make a real effort to outreach the sizeable bilingual community as soon as possible and to provide Bilingual Vocational Education programs and job training soon. There were so many inquiries on Aug. 20 that Mr. Agnos had to limit the number of questions from each participant to end the session at about 9 a.m., even though people were still lining up and waiting for more responses. Before the participants left, they were told how to fill out the circulating demolition preference surveys while being given a list of general questions and answers relating to each demolition process in both English and Chinese. There is also a bilingual hotline set up to take responses from monolingual residents. While some of those in attendance readily made their decisions and promptly deposited surveys in plastic ballot boxes, others were given a list of key locations where they could later submit the forms. Mrs. Cha complied with requests to arrange a future time and date to have all surveys counted at the VVCC auditorium, a location familiar to the participants. Answers to Community
Questions
Although the end result of both implosion and wrecking ball is the same--the demolition of Geneva Towers--the noise, duration and extent of disruption to the community vary greatly. To help local residents assess advantages and disadvantages of both methods, the demolition contractors, Aman Environmental Construction and Controlled Demolition Incorporated (CDI), have addressed the following specific questions: How long would the demolition of Geneva Towers take if we chose wrecking ball as compared to implosion? The conventional demolition--the wrecking ball--which knocks down a building using a crane, takes six to eight months, characterized by noise, dust and debris collection. In contrast, implosion is relatively quick. The actual implosion takes less than 15 seconds. Cleanup of surrounding dust is usually completed in four to five hours, with removal of the remaining debris from the building site taking approximately two months. What effects will I feel from demolition by wrecking ball as opposed to implosion? The wrecking ball produces a resounding, pounding sensation throughout surrounding neighborhoods. At the same time, residents also hear back-up beepers and feel frequent vibrations caused by construction vehicles operating over a several month period. With implosion, those just outside the security perimeter may experience a pulse-like sensation from the air-blast generated during detonation. This sensation is enhanced by the noise you hear simultaneously with seeing the building collapsing. The actual resulting ground vibration is virtually imperceptible to a human; it lasts 15 seconds. Which method of demolition is safer for the community? Demolition by wrecking ball is performed over a long period of time. Because of its duration, there is a greater likelihood of accidents involving both workers and residents due to the accidental fall of debris. Since implosion requires very little time, the potential for accidents is minimized. To ensure safety, on the day of the implosion, a strong security force is assigned and residents are evacuated from the immediate implosion area for two hours. In this particular case, residents would vacate only the first row of houses surrounding Geneva Towers. How much dust will be generated by each demolition method? How long will the dust persist after the buildings come down? Both demolition methods, wrecking ball and implosion, produce the same quantity of dust. Following implosion, dust generally accumulates within 75 to 125 feet around the base of the structure. The direction and speed of wind at the time of implosion dictate how far the airborne dust will spread. Unlike the wrecking ball process, dust caused by an implosion occurs at one "predetermined time," which helps controllers prepare and take precautionary measures to protect residents and the surrounding environment. Similar measures are not possible using a wrecking ball, since the dust is continually generated over a long period of time. What is the implosion safety area? How will implosion impact nearby homes and streets? Will residents have to evacuate? Before implosion, a safety perimeter is established. Based on prior experience, it is estimated that the perimeter of the radius would be approximately 600 to 700 feet. Following completion of a detailed field study, this radius may later be adjusted to guarantee the safety of all employees and residents. On the day of the implosion, residents closest to the demolition site--within 600-700 feet of the buildings--will need to leave their homes for about two hours. Other nearby residents and shop owners will be instructed to close windows and turn off air conditioning units to keep dust out of their buildings. What is the seismic stability of the Geneva Towers area? An implosion does not trigger a seismic event, like an earthquake. Their are air vibrations from the noise, but there is so little below ground movement that you can not get a reading on a Richter Scale which measures movement. Who is responsible for any damages caused by the implosion? Damage to adjacent structures is highly unlikely. Should damage occur as a direct and immediate result of the implosion, the demolition contractor would pay for the repairs. Photographs and a detailed survey will be taken of adjacent properties prior to and immediately following the implosion. These two inspections will promptly identify any problems which may have been caused by the implosion. It should be noted that the demolition contractors have an unparalleled safety and success record, with no record of injury to workmen or to the public during implosion operations. They are accustomed to working in highly congested, urban areas, including public housing facilities. Researcher Claims
Government Housing
by Gerry L. Galvan Now it can be told...Direct and active involvement of federal, state and city government with housing in Visitacion Valley, or anywhere in the country for that matter, is unconstitutional. Geneva Towers, as they now stand and the proposed John King Senior Housing are concrete local examples of unconstitutional activity of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Mayor's Office of Housing. Public housing was never envisioned, much less sanctioned by the framers of the fundamental law of the land. Such truth in the U.S. Constitution was brought to light by Stephen Moore, director of the fiscal policy studies at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. He was research director of President Reagan's Commission of Privatization and has served many other organizations that keep a close watch on government activities. In a speech delivered recently on the Hillsdale College campus, he said among other things, "The Founders did not create a Department of Commerce, a Department of Education, or a Department of Housing and Urban Development..." Moore's speech criticizes, in no uncertain terms, the federal government's propensity to trample upon the U.S. Constitution by creating HUD. Public housing, according to Moore, is a slap on the face of the founding fathers. "The federal government has no authority to pay money to anyone wanting to build houses, parking garages, tennis courts and swimming pools." Moore's remarks were printed in the July 1997 issue of Imprimis, official publication of Hillsdale College, copies of which were sent to your reporter for dissemination to the public, including Visitacion Valley residents. Meanwhile, scaffolding jobs at Geneva Towers appear to be in full swing. The Towers have been scheduled to come down during the first quarter of 1998. John King Senior Housing, projected to rise on the property at 500 Raymond Ave., will be constructed on schedule. A projected community meeting set for Aug. 23 at St. James Presbyterian Church was canceled by Mercy Charities Housing at the last minute and rescheduled for Sept. 6. Community Thanks GES for Carpet Donation A very special "thank you" to GES of South San Francisco for their generous donation of serviceable carpet that had been formerly used with temporary displays at convention centers. A "thank you" also goes to Magik, Inc. and the Little Hollywood Association for relaying the information about the giveaway. One thousand, five hundred yards were donated to the Asian community through Marlene Tran and Winnie Tsang of the Visitacion Valley Bilingual Education, Supportive Services and Training (VVBESST). One thousand yards were donated to the Latin community through Ralph Oroquita of the Little Hollywood Committee for low income, single parent, retired or elderly households. Appearances by Billy
Graham
by Gerry L. Galvan The religious and faithful around the world could get a much closer look at Visitacion Valley this October when Evangelist Billy Graham will bring his Crusade to the Cow Palace. Scheduled to appear at three Bay Area locations, the first leg of the tour takes Graham to San Jose on September 26-28, followed by appearances Oct. 9-11 at the Cow Palace and the Oakland Coliseum Oct. 25.26 where he will deliver sermons. Bay Area Billy Graham Crusade's choice of the Cow Palace as pulpit for this Biblical revival appears to be significant to Visitacion Valley, as the event could help focus to the world some of the Valley's variety of issues and problems. First, there's the seemingly obvious dearth in faithful search of the Biblical truth among residents and transients. Second, the seemingly dragging solution to the housing issues of Visitacion Valley as demonstrating in the future tearing down and replacement of Geneva Towers. Third, the perennial peace and order issues in the neighborhood. Undoubtedly, the three day presence of Graham and his group will inject a tremendously meaningful spiritual consciousness among the residents as the Valley is exposed to the whole world. "I'm sure it will warm your hearts to know that over 1,000 churches representing 10 denominations are involved..." wrote Rev. Mr. Karl L. Overbeek, chairperson on the Crusade's board of directors. Local church lay leaders such as Ray Esplana, Levi Lacanienta, George Siebel and Gene Arao have applauded the Crusade's Cow Palace selection. "This could be an experience of a lifetime," said Esplana, elder and Sessions committee chairperson at St. James Presbyterian Church. Visitacion Valley
Greenway Holding
Visitacion Valley Greenway has rescheduled its potluck rally and picnic at the SLUG Community Garden on Arleta Avenue near Rutland Street for Saturday, Sept. 6 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Formerly known as Friends of Visitacion
Valley Parks, the group is interested in retaining several empty lots to
use as community gardens and open space. These plots include several Reis
Tracts currently owned by the San Francisco Water Department and are adjacent
both east and west to Rutland Street between Leland
Greenway project coordinator Anne Seeman, who continues to advocate for the group, explained that keeping the lots for open space in the midst of housing was a luxury that would benefit everyone in the neighborhood as they helped their community. She stressed that attending the Sept. 6 event was crucial in sending a message to the rest of the City that Visitacion Valley wants to keep its open space. Seeman also expresses her gratitude to the following organizations for their support of the Greenway plan: The Trust for Public Land, S.F. League of Urban Gardeners, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. S.F. State Ranks
High in
San Francisco State University (SFSU)
ranks 17th among all U.S. colleges and universities producing Peace Corps
volunteers, according to Peace Corps Director
Among the 23 campuses of the California State University system, S.F. State ranks the first in the number of Peace Corps volunteers among its alumni, and is first among non Ph.D. granting universities nationwide. In the Peace Corps' 36-year history, 1,044 S.F. State alumni have joined the Peace Corps. In 1999, S.F. State will celebrate its 100th year of service to San Francisco and the Bay Area. "Throughout its history, the Peace Corps can trace much of its success to the energy and idealism of American college students," wrote Gearan in his letter to Corrigan. "These colleges and universities are to be commended for producing students committed to making a difference, with a thirst for adventure, and with the desire to experience a new culture in an ever-changing world." Survey Finds Internet Vital Teaching Tool by 2000 By the year 2000, there is a good chance that students' backpacks will not be weighed down with numerous textbooks. Instead, it is likely that the Internet will be the preferred educational tool. A recent national survey of teachers found that within the next three years the Internet will be equal to or more valuable than print materials and videos in the classroom, currently the most useful resource for teachers. The research, conducted in March
1997 by Axiom Research Company for the International Food Information Council
Foundation, surveyed 2,567 fifth through
The survey revealed that approximately
79 percent of the teachers have access to the Internet through school or
home, and one-half of those without access expect it by the year 2000.
The year 2000 seems to be magical year--it is also the year when President Clinton plans to have schools connected to the Internet. The top two benefits teachers believe they might receive from the Clinton Administration's Presidential Technology Initiative were: "the ability to buy or upgrade equipment" and "more or better access to the Internet." According to Henry Kelly, acting associate director for Technology, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, "The 'Net really does define what's possible, and it allows you to bring more into the classroom. It really is the World Wide Web." In the recent Report to the President on the Use of Technology to Strengthen K-12 Education in the United States, the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology cited possible uses for the Internet inside the classroom. According to the report, "technology can serve as a potentially powerful tool for teachers, who may use computers and computer networks to: prepare materials for use in the classroom; monitor, guide and assess the progress of their students; consult with experts in a variety of fields; and exchange ideas, experiences and curricular materials with other teachers." By using the Internet for curriculum
enrichment, teachers can assess a multitude of information rapidly. As
this study showed, many teachers currently have access to
Recycling Program
Awards More Than
The San Francisco Recycling Program has awarded more than half a million dollars to non-profit organizations and businesses to set up and expand innovative programs to reduce waste. Grants awarded include: *$9,360 to the Children's Book Project to collect books from individuals, organizations and publishers, and distribute the books to schools, shelters and day care facilities. *$23,168 to Ecology Action to conduct waste assessments for 50 San Francisco businesses and help them evaluate, set up and expand waste prevention and recycling programs. *$16,795 to the RACORSE Network to collect reusable healthcare equipment (such as wheelchairs) and distribute this equipment for reuse. *$63,460 to the San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners (SLUG) for the operation and promotion of a facility for residents and landscapers to take prunings, branches and hedge clippings for composting. *$3,990 to the Treasure Island Homeless Development Initiative to assess the feasibility of deconstructing buildings targeted for demolition and reusing materials from these buildings. Applications for grants for 1997-98 will be available in September. Organizations can call 554-3400 for an application form. Visitacion Valley
and Portola Each
By exceeding recycling targets, residents
of both Visitacion Valley and Portola neighborhoods have won grant funds
for summer youth programs. The San Francisco
Residents of Visitacion Valley and Portola recycled an average of 15 percent more during the campaign, the best of any neighborhoods. Funds for neighborhood youth programs were promised to any of the five neighborhoods that showed a recycling increase of 10 percent during April, May and June. Other participating neighborhoods included Bayview/Hunters Point, Bernal Heights, Potrero Hill, and the Mission. "We're very pleased with neighborhood support for recycling," said David Assmann, public outreach coordinator for the Recycling Program. "In the first month of the campaign, recycling in Visitacion Valley rose by 8 percent. This increased to more than 18 percent in the second month and reached 19 percent in the final month of the campaign." Palega Recreation Center of Portola will use their grant funding to purchase new uniforms for youth sports leagues. |