[Reprinted from The Richmond Police Station Newsletter of August 7, 2009. To be added to their mailing list, email the station at sfpd.richmond.station@sfgov.org or visit their website.]

CAPTAIN RICHARD CORREIA’S MESSAGE
On 08/03/09 at 1:06 am officers responded to 19th Avenue and Geary Boulevard regarding a report of four juveniles committing graffiti vandalism on a wall at the parking lot behind the Wells Fargo Bank building. Officers captured all four suspects, who each possessed permanent markers and spray paint cans. The fresh paint on the walls of the building matched the color found on the suspects’ hands and clothing. The suspects were arrested and released to their parents. DPW’s graffiti abatement folks were notified regarding this incident. Working together we can make the Richmond District a Graffiti free zone.

During the month of July Richmond Station Officers arrested seventeen individuals for DUI. With July’s arrests our year to date total stands at seventy-five arrests, higher than any other Police District.

During the past week, there were 20 traffic accidents, 2 involving injuries.

NOTEWORTHY ARRESTS
On 07/30/09 at 10:11 pm a vehicle was stopped for an unsafe lane change after nearly colliding with an officer’s marked patrol vehicle. Upon making contact with the driver the officer observed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver’s breath. Based on the objective symptoms of intoxication the driver was arrested for DUI and booked at the county jail.

On 07/31/09 at 11:30 am officers responded to the area of 3700 Geary Boulevard regarding a fraud incident. Officers on scene had detained two subjects that matched the suspects’ descriptions. One of the suspects attempted to flee the scene but officers were able to apprehend him. Further investigation revealed that the motorcycle the subjects were using was stolen. Numerous controlled substances were found on both suspects. The adult male suspect was arrested and booked for numerous felony charges including a no bail warrant, possession of stolen property, grand theft auto, resisting arrest and possession of burglary tools. The juvenile suspect was arrested, and consequently cited out to his parents.

On 07/31/09 at 1:00 pm officer’s responded to the Safeway Store at 735 7th Avenue regarding a known shoplifter that went into the store. Upon arrival, plain clothes officers located the suspect and observed him take 2 bottles of wine and placed them inside a bag. Video surveillance revealed that the suspect was also responsible for a prior theft that occurred on 07/29/09. The suspect was arrested and booked for felony grand theft.

On 08/01/09 at 7:40 am a vehicle was stopped at 14th Avenue and Fulton for making an illegal left turn. A computer check revealed that the driver’s DL had been suspended. The driver was arrested, cited, and released on scene. The driver’s vehicle was towed per the vehicle code.

On 08/01/09 at 2:26 pm, a vehicle was stopped at Geary Blvd and Lake Street for having expired registration tabs. A computer check revealed that the driver’s DL was suspended. The driver was arrested, cited, and released on scene. The driver’s vehicle was towed per the vehicle code.

On 08/01/09 at 5:29 pm, a vehicle was stopped at 15th Avenue and Geary Blvd. for a cell phone violation. A computer check revealed that the driver’s DL was suspended. The driver was arrested, cited, and released on scene. The driver’s vehicle was towed per the vehicle code.

On 08/02/09 at 5:54 pm, a vehicle was stopped at Bernice Rogers (Golden Gate Park) for a cell phone violation. A computer check revealed that the driver’s DL had been expired since 02/09. The driver was arrested, cited, and released on scene. The driver’s vehicle was towed per the vehicle code.

On 08/02/09 at 6:55 pm an officer stopped a vehicle with three occupants for a speeding and equipment violations. A computer check on the driver revealed that he had a warrant out of Palo Alto. The two passengers in the vehicle were found to be on probation for drug related charges. A probation search was conducted on the passengers and 3 small baggies of suspected cocaine were found on one of the passengers. The suspect attempted to ingest the substance but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was searched and a syringe filled with suspected heroin and narcotics paraphernalia were found in the vehicle. The suspects were arrested and charged with numerous felony drug charges. The vehicle was towed.

On 08/02/09 at 9:43 pm officers on patrol stopped a bicyclist for riding on the sidewalk. A cursory search for weapons revealed a screwdriver that the subject claimed was for “protection”. Narcotics were also found in the suspect’s jacket. The suspect gave a false name to the investigating officer’s to conceal his real identity. The suspect had bank cards with different names on them in his wallet. An officer called one of the individuals named on a bank card who said that she had reported the card stolen. the suspect was booked for a warrant and for numerous felony charges including possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.

On 08/03/09 at 3:25 pm a beat officer was dispatched to the 7800 block of Geary Boulevard regarding a person sleeping on the sidewalk. The officer made contact with the subject and immediately recognized her from a previous arrest. A computer check through dispatch revealed that the subject had a no bail warrant. The suspect was arrested and booked for the warrant at the county jail.

On 08/04/09 at 1:38 pm officers responded to the intersection of 39th Avenue and Geary Boulevard regarding 3 intoxicated individuals whom were trying to start a fight. Upon arrival, numerous citizens pointed towards the 3 suspects whom were all walking away from the scene. The 3 suspects were detained but began to resist officers by attempting to walk away. Two of the three suspects had outstanding warrants. The suspects were booked at the county jail for public intoxication and warrants.

NOTEWORTHY INCIDENTS
On 08/01/09 at 12:50 am officers responded to Geary Blvd and 12th Ave regarding a report of a robbery. The victim said he was on the bus at the corner of Geary Blvd and 30th Avenue when two unknown suspects approached him and started a conversation with him regarding the his phone. One of the suspects snatched the victim’s cell phone but the victim fought him off. The suspect then punched the victim on the face numerous times until the victim gave up the phone. The bus driver prevented the suspects from getting off the bus until they gave the victim his cell phone back. The suspect threw the cell phone back to the victim and all suspects fled.

On 08/01/09 at 2:02 am officers responded to the 4600 Block of Geary Boulevard regarding a fight. Upon arrival officers located two victims who suffered lacerations and bruises to the left side of their faces. The victims said they were attacked by several unknown male suspects as they entered the Jack in the Box restaurant. Medics were summoned to the scene and treated the victims. The incident was captured on video.

For the last couple of weeks, Green Apple Books has been releasing a series of video parodies where they pit the traditional book against Amazon’s Kindle, the electronic book reader.

The two opponents face off in situations we often take for granted with a regular book like sharing, falling asleep while reading, storytime with the kids, and even durability. Each episode is hosted by two characters that remind me a bit of the guys on the TV show “Wipeout”.

Though they’re meant to be funny, the videos do point out some real shortfalls of Amazon’s hyped gadget. Most notable is the inability for the Kindle to match the selection of a store like Green Apple, as well as its supremely inviting shelves where you can get lost for hours. Another video illustrates how the deep knowledge of a Green Apple staffer can be much more useful than a search box. Snap!

Another hilarious segment that is quintessential Green Apple shows how the book fares versus the Kindle when a customer wants to sell back their used books. But after watching it I thought, “Who the heck earns $80 when selling their books?” Certainly not me! I better start collecting superhero tomes…

I’ve included a couple of my favorites from the 10-part series. They’re all very short, so if you’ve got a few minutes, head over to Green Apple’s YouTube Channel to check them all out.

Well done, Green Apple, well done.

Sarah B.

Do you enjoy photographing our neighborhood, or are you a photographer that lives in the Richmond District? Then listen up!

Our Supervisor, Eric Mar, is planning a reception in his City Hall office on Friday, October 16 to showcase photography of the Richmond District. The event will run from 5:30-8pm.

If you are interested in submitting your photography for the event, please contact Mar staff member Lin-Shao Chin at linshao.chin@sfgov.org.

Need some inspiration? Check out the Richmond District photo group on Flickr.

I’ll keep you updated here on the blog as the event comes together. In the meantime, go grab your camera and head out to snap some pics. Between Lands End, Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park, Clement St., Balboa St…well, let’s just say there’s lots to point your lens at.

Sarah B.

“Distant Cliff House” by Flickr member 2composers

Calling all tree huggers!

SF Environment and Friends of the Urban Forest are hosting a free tour of the best trees in the city next Saturday. All of the trees being toured are part of SF Environment’s Landmark Tree Program. All the details of the free event are below.

Turns out one of the trees on the tour is right here in the Richmond at 370 28th Ave. It’s a California buckeye (Aesculus californica) and by the looks of it, has been growing for a very, very long time.

According to Wikipedia, the California buckeye is the only buckeye native to our state, it sprouts beautiful flower spikes, and Local native American tribes used the poisonous nuts to stupefy schools of fish in small streams to make them easier to catch.

If you can’t make the event, you can take the tour yourself. There’s a handy Google Map showing all the Landmark Tree locations.

Sarah B.

[Via Curbed SF]

EVENT INFO

Join SF Environment and Friends of the Urban Forest on a tour of San Francisco’s officially recognized Landmark Trees!

We’ll visit trees with connections to people that helped shaped San Francisco; trees that stem from the genetic roots of the City before it was developed; and trees that have spurred the growth of active San Francisco communities. From the stately to the small, our biodiesel bus will tour the trees that have had the biggest impact on making San Francisco – what it is today and what it will be tomorrow.

The tour is August 22nd from 1:30pm to 4:30pm and will feature 10 different sites across the City including Noe Valley, Mission, Bernal Heights and Bayview. Meet us at the eucalyptus tree on the corner of 1801 Bush Street.

No RSVP is required for this FREE event, but space on the tour bus is limited, so make sure you arrive early! For more information contact meiling.hui@sfgov.org.

A new session of dance classes will kick off soon at our local YMCA. You get 12 classes for just $72. They cater towards beginners or students who would like to practice their fundamentals.

And you don’t even have to bring a partner. According to the instructor, Catrine Ljunggren, “students don’t need to bring a partner, we change partners during the class so they will have the opportunity to dance with the other students”.

Class list and start dates are below. Note that pre-registration is required so drop by the YMCA at 360 18th Avenue, or call them at (415) 666-9622 to sign up. Note that no drop-ins are allowed, you have to sign up for the whole session.

Argentine Tango
Monday 8-9 pm (starts August 31)

Tap dance
Thursday 10-11am (starts September 3)

East Coast Swing
Friday 7-8 pm (starts September 4)

Lindy Hop
Friday 8-9 pm (starts September 4)

The YMCA will also host a kick-off dance party on Friday, August 21, from 6 – 9pm. Free dance and free snacks.

Sarah B.

If you purchased iced, jumbo green onions recently from El Grande Grocery & Produce at 2214 Clement Street. you need to destroy them or return them to the store for a full refund.

From the PR Newswire:

A precautionary voluntary recall of 772 cartons of iced jumbo green onions under the brand names Omo and Fu Choy distributed from three locations, R.A.M. Produce Distributors of Detroit, Michigan, Franzella Distributing of San Francisco, CA, and United Food Service of East Point, GA has been issued by California-based NewStar Fresh Foods due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

No illnesses have been reported. The product is packaged in a 48-count iced carton, item numbers 02487403 and 02487452, product lot numbers 40550707 and 40510707, with production dates of July 20th and July 21st 2009. No other food service distributors or products are involved in this recall.

All affected product within the foodservice channel has already been accounted for and destroyed.

58 cartons were shipped from two distributors to small grocery outlets in the Detroit and San Francisco areas. Consumers in California may have purchased the product from Larry’s Produce in Fairfield, La Loma Produce, Good Life Grocery and El Grande, all San Francisco, and Valley Produce & Meat Market, San Pablo.

Although it is likely that the jumbo green onions are now beyond their usable life, the recall is being issued by the company out of an abundance of caution for consumer well-being in the possible event some consumers might have purchased from the listed retail outlets and still have the product in their home refrigerators.

Customers who have purchased the jumbo green onions are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Customers with questions may contact NewStar Fresh Foods at 1-831-758-7810.

Sarah B.

[via SFist]

[Special thanks to Richmondsfblog reader David for providing this report.]

About forty neighbors gathered Tuesday night at Congregation Beth Shalom on 14th Avenue, where SFMTA officials held a public meeting to discuss proposals for a new terminal for the 2 Clement MUNI line.

The terminal is part of a planned service change for the 2 Clement that results from budget cuts the SFMTA is making to several MUNI lines. Beginning in October, the 2 Clement line will no longer run all the way to 33rd Avenue, but will instead end at 14th Avenue. View the current 2 Clement route

As a result, SFMTA officials sought input from Richmond District residents about whether to locate the new terminal (where the buses idle between runs) at Funston and Geary, or at 14th Avenue and Geary.

According to Muni officials, at any one time there are ten or so riders going downtown now on the 2 Clement with five buses in service on the line during daylight hours.

In previous meetings, the proposal to terminate the 2 Clement on 14th Avenue had received stiff resistance from neighbors and this meeting was no exception. Questions and comments ranged from the number of parking spaces gained and lost (gain of approximately 25 over the old abandoned route) to abolishing the route entirely.

Of the two terminal location proposals, overwhelming support was voiced for the second option presented which would terminate the bus at Funston and Geary. There were a few Funston Avenue residents present at the meeting.

Assuming this terminal location is approved, it will route the bus left from Clement onto Funston with the last stop across from the now abandoned gas station at the corner of Geary. Buses will then make a tight right turn onto Geary, right on Park Presidio and right again onto Clement to resume their route.

Muni officials did not have substantial data to present on the impact that this new terminal and route would have on Geary Boulevard traffic, other than anecdotal information from two test trips made recently and some template modeling being done in their offices. With a right turn lane onto Geary at Park Presidio, the 2 Clement’s new line is bound to tangle with the heavy pedestrian traffic and numerous 38 Geary buses.

Also up for consideration but not yet approved is a possible first stop along Park Presidio Blvd. An additional public meeting will be September 1st at 2pm in City Hall, Room 400, where the last public comments will be heard before the SFMTA Board presents their final plans for approval.

At last night’s meeting, several residents commented about the lack of information and notices for the meetings. Here on the blog, a few commenters noted they had no idea the meeting was happening.

Another Richmondsfblog reader, Rachel, attended the meeting and commented “I genuinely felt that the MTA workers who attended really do plan to take our ideas into account. Slightly disturbing but there were few to none Funston residents at the meeting, despite apparent outreach attempts.”

Sarah B.