guardian illustration by patrick sean gibson Take back your life. Come to a FREE Knee Pain Seminar Now there are advanced robotic-assisted technology options for treating painful knee conditions – options that can get you back in action faster than ever before. To reserve your spot call 855.300.KNEE Wednesday, May 14 6:30-7:30 p.m. Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Lower Level A, B, C Rooms 900 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA SaintFrancisMemorial.org 2 SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN OpINION NewS STReeTS FOOD + DRINk The SeleCTOR mUSIC ARTS + CUlTURe FIlm ClASSIFIeDS SFMH Robotic Knee Surgery Seminar ad-SFExaminer_10.13x11_002.indd 1 4/29/14 11:01 AM OpINION NewS STReeTS FOOD + DRINk The SeleCTOR mUSIC ARTS + CUlTURe FIlm ClASSIFIeDS mAY 7 - 13, 2014 / SFBG.COm 3 inteLLigenCe Last ChanCe get Your groVe on to Vote! Don’t have $400 lying around to shell out for after all) and get there early if you actually want The San Francisco Bay Guardian Outside Lands tickets on Craigslist? You’re in to see the stage — all performances start at is pleased to salute small busi- good company. Luckily, there’s Stern Grove, 2pm. More deets: www.stern- nesses and recognize local the summer-long, admission-free festival that grove.org. | ap photo by John merchants who are creating provides killer live performances without killing davisson jobs, keeping neighborhoods your hopes of ever sending your unborn kids to lively, and contributing to the college. This year’s lineup of Sunday afternoon community. This year, our third shows, announced May 1, includes such heavy Small Business Reader’s Choice hitters as Smokey Robinson, Rufus Wainwright, Award will be given. What is your Andrew Bird (pictured), Darlene Love, Allen favorite small business in the Stone, and plenty of other local stars, like San Francisco Bay Area? Our LoCura, Vetiver, and, of course, the SF 2014 Small Business Awards Symphony. Pack a picnic, bring Issue hits stands May 14. a jacket (this is summer Voting will end at midnight on in San Francisco, Thursday, May 8. To qualify as a small business your nominee must employ no more than 100 people. One entry per person, Don’t B3 3ViL please. Visit sfbg.com for more. snaPshot: streets One local artist is disrupt- ing tech shuttle riders on Photo by @jumPstreet1983 their own turf: the Internet. Artist David Harris’ project Tag your Instagram photos #sfbgsnapshot for a chance to be featured DONTB33VIL mimics login here in next week’s paper. Each week we’ll pick a new theme, and a new credentials of the WiFi favorite. Next week’s photo challenge theme: “back to business,” in honor Drone zone routers provided by the of our upcoming Small Business Awards Issue. tech buses. When Google So the annual Maker Faire won’t and Facebook employees home seLLers FLee DoCs LaCk FunDs be coming to the San Mateo login to WiFi, all they’ll see Fairgrounds until May 17-18, is an approximation of the SF homeowners who sell tend to Resident physicians and interns but here’s a heads up that sidewalk their cell phone leave the city, according to new at Oakland’s UCSF Benioff drones will play a starring role or laptop is near. Harris numbers from Paragon Real Children’s Hospital are seeking in this year’s maker-movement said wants to confront Estate group. Their findings are federal mediation in ongoing labor fest. There will be an outdoor tech shuttle riders with an like a mini-horror story centered contract negotiations. The starting drone flying area, two indoor “indeterminate symbol of around SF’s gentrification: salary for resident physicians is drone areas, and an official failure, suggesting that · 60 percent of sellers are relo- $52,000 — not much for some- drone-flying competition, host- something in their high- cating outside San Francisco one tasked with, you know, saving ed by a maker known as Game ly-customized interface · 47 percent of buyers are lives, while shouldering the burden of Drones. One can even play has gone wrong, while employed in tech of hefty med school loans when drone beer pong. Visit maker- not saying exactly what or · 26 percent of homes are getting Oakland rents are skyrocketing. faire.com for more. why.” snagged with “all cash” offers Chase targets Fighting For $15 sexY PoLitiCking sex workers The fight for a higher mini- State Assembly candidate and Chase Bank unleashed the wrath mum wage is gaining steam San Francisco Supervisor David of the porn industry by taking steps throughout the Bay Area. Public Campos’ newest fundraiser will be to cancel the accounts of hundreds employee union SEIU 1021 is hosted by the local pornographers of sex workers, effective May 11. gathering signatures to place a at Kink.com, at the Armory Club The bank reportedly explained its measure on the November ballot on May 7. The porn-purveyors, decision to bewildered customers that would raise San Francisco’s known for ball-and-gag videos, by saying their work was deemed to minimum wage to $15. And submission wrestling and sex be “high risk.” As a private bank, while Oakland mayoral candi- raising reeL heLL robots, will feature a gyrating Chase has no legal obligation to date Dan Siegel released a pol- (non-nude) exotic dancer, pho- do business with anyone, but the icy paper pushing for a $15 an tos with porn luminaries, and a Here’s your latest chance to see excellent, locally made romantic implications are disturbing. hour minimum wage, a potential tour of the historic Armory. “He is drama Love and Demons on the big screen: it’ll make its way up to initiative for the November one of the rare politicians who has the Smith Rafael Film Center Sun/11 (www.cafilm.org) for a screen- FoLLow us For ballot seeks to raise Oakland’s minimum wage from $8 to ever reached out to me,” Kink. ing with director-writer-star JP Allen and other cast and crew mem- more inteLLigenCe com CEO Peter Acworth (pic- bers in person. An intriguing look at modern love, the film follows $12.25 per hour. Meanwhile, Oakland City Council considered tured) said, “and is unafraid of a dissatisfied couple on the verge of breaking up — until a pair of @sfbg the association.” | guardian meddlesome demons enter the picture, nudging these hapless San an ordinance that would enact photo by pat mazzera Francisco mortals into some really ill-advised life choices. Made SBaany GFruaanrcdiisacno a citywide minimum wage of creatively on a shoestring, Demons is full of recognizable SF loca- $10.20, but the proposal was @sfbayguardian tions — and preserves for posterity some that are no more, including held in committee. the thematically apropo Red Devil Lounge. www.sfbg.com 4 sAN FrANCIsCo bAy GuArDIAN oPINIoN News streets FooD + DrINk the seleCtor musIC Arts + Culture FIlm ClAssIFIeDs www.sfbg.com/mission-guide In association with the Mission Merchants: THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN | SFBG.COM An independent, locally owned and edited newspaper “IT IS A NEWSPAPER’S DUTY TO PRINT THE NEWS AND RAISE HELL.” Wilbur Storey, statement of the aims of the Chicago Times, 1861 Critical Mass ride for David Campos PUEBDLIITSOHRE Rs tmeavrekne t b. jieosncehske Cyclists are lining up behind the Campos campaign which promotes sells more bikes than any progress on bike safety and infrastructure. Tour the Mission and ride in EDITORIAL SENIOR EDITOR, ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT style with music, video, and great food (Bicycle Banh Mi will be serving other S.F. Bike Dealer... cheryl eddy up amazing bike-powered Vietnamese food) followed by a post- NEwS EDITOR rebecca bowe ride happy hour at Virgil’s Sea Room. Meet at the Northeast corner MUSIc EDITOR emma silvers STAff wRITER joe fitzgerald rodriguez of 16th and Mission Streets, make new friends, meet your supervisor, there must be a reason! cOLUMNISTS marcia gagliardi, and celebrate! jason henderson, jessica lanyadoo cOPy EDITOR stewart applin Sunday, May 11 from 2-4pm | Meet at 16th Street BART/ EDITOR AT LARGE bruce b. brugmann SELECTION, PRICE, SERVICE! cONTRIBUTING EDITORS kimberly chun, End at Virgil’s Sea Room, 3152 Mission, SF susan gerhard, johnny ray huston, lynn rapoport, j.h. tompkins cdOaNvTiRdI bBaUcToINnG, dwaRrITwEiRnS b roonbdegrrta ahvailma, , BBBBeeeerrrrnnnnaaaallll HHHHeeeeiiiigggghhhhttttssss garrett caples, michelle devereaux, Collective COME CCoolllleeccttiivvee camper english, rita felciano, peter galvin, shawn gaynor, nicole gluckstern, HHHooommmeee ooofff ttthhheee $$$555 GGGrrraaammm JJJoooiiinnnttt!!! gary hanauer, dennis harvey, martin a. lee, *High Grade Cannabis sean mccourt, d. scot miller, ***GHHriieggahht SGGerrlaaeddceeti oCCnaannnnaabbiiss renymoairnlm yp arsnaevn sadogilveoi,l malmoen,b b,e mern as trctihc sahudaserswdmasalondn,, , *V****AiGAGAsiwtwwrr oeeeueeaasrsstt owoo mSSemmeebeslleeeei t EeccEE dttfddoiiioorbii bbnncloelleeuspssons, CELEBRATE michelle tea, andre torrez, sVsVppeiisseciicttia iooalsluus &rr & wwi nieenvbbvesseniinttteeoto rffryooyrr ccoouuppoonnss,, sara maria vizcarrondo specials & inventory BENDER’S BaR INTERNS francisco alvarado, On-site bryan augustus, laura b. childs, LOounn-sgiete! brian mcmahon, sabrina rubakovic ReLOolanux-n saginteed! May aRtiSt BIKE TO RSLemolauoxnk gaene.!d ART RSemlaxo kaen.d of thE MoNth: ART DIREcTOR brooke ginnard Smoke. SEcTION ILLUSTRATOR lisa congdon Open 7 days a week 8am-8pm kebesnrixaiettmcyte aO+aenNnn ldTytRaa hmwI rB +. hUpp hToobIaowrNdtoeGoea lAsgdlR,,rw cTmaaIhpaSyathT prtSyhlh, t oemeitsmwiok r drgeua erkswaaosm,poo hez, rym ,,i n , 3SO3SO3SFOa3,FFOna33n pp,,ndCn2l yd/eeCC22lo y9A/ionnnr 99AAi tnrd id htt9di i77vdehh99i i4nved S i44ntdddu1SSittfiu11a.aaitt1cfil a..sa11yyc(lW 0 staww((ssWWi00 to www ii(Wont aa/ih4((WWMnt //ch 44 MM l1Wawwce l11irWWage5sdiir.geea55ssdssB)..la eelsssi6mBB))yl oElii66mkk y4aoorEEn Rey44a r2nnRRce88 yN)oo22c -NN))oaabog5--Abtgnmm55aAA8tniLiazn88iLL--e9izHn 88de99mHH5 d mEppma55 EEmraIemmiGrjIIdeuiGGjdiuaHcinaaHHcnalaT calTTf Sa rcfSSona.rOomnn..OOmna aRba aRRbimGs i mGGsre edrecediocciaomclam mdl mdiesinepsndpednaetnasiatosiraonyrns.y s. kWitchENi hlouRlS: oMoNW - fRi 6 pMh - 11EpMa • Satt 4poM - 1N0pM WORK DAY luke thomas, tom tomorrow Only individuals with legally recognized medical cannabis recommendations WWW.BENDERSBaR.coM and/or identification cards may obtain marijuana from a medical dispensary. PRODUCTION cREATIvE SERvIcES DIREcTOR bill evans ASSISTANT PRODUcTION MANAGER 20% OFF! doran shelley BUSINESS WEDnESDAY 5/07 AT 9Pm, FREE FREE FREE! cONTROLLER rachel liu FRiGo-BAR! SALES AND MARKETING inT’L DAnCE PARTY ADvERTISING SALES MANAGER emily forster MARkETING MANAGER jackie andrews DJ 2 SHY-SHY & DJ mELT W/ U all parts, accessories AccOUNT ExEcUTIvES jessica bates-smith, CUmBiA/THAi FUnK/SAmBA/AFRo-BEAT & moRE! shauna casey, veronica guevara, tim hayman, cslaabyrtionna lsahmeblt, odnav, ijdo lredea,n s sapmi elrisss, , SWTHURESEDATY 5 /C08H ATA 7RPmi, $o8T CCAARRNNAAVVAALL & clothing* keith winston ADvERTISING SALES cOORDINATOR myeisha keys iAn mooRE CCEELLEEBBRRAATTIIOONN!! WiTH THE 2S2A5N b uFRshA NstC.I, S17CtOh M flEoDoIAr CO. FoLLoWinG AT 10Pm, no CoVER! 99AAMM-2-2AMA,M M,A YM 2A6TYH 25TH ALL DAY LONG! $6 Margarita · $6 Rio Rum Punch · san francisco, ca 94104 FESTiVAL ‘68 D$r6in Ska amnbda f oSoadn gsrpiaecials all day! EExxEEccUPUTRTIEvIvSEIE Dv vE.P.NP. T.A dtNoaDvd ciddf Oca e.p vcaoctga brtreolwlin RSoECLKESCTTEoARDYS,: EAADRALYm R E&G GVAAEn &E SSSKAA 33220000 22444t4th1h1 5 S5St-t-r5re5e5e5e0t0t @-@-77 5 S5S1.1. V0V0aann NNeessss Thursday, May 8th!! cIRcULATION DIREcTOR mike higgins 3225 22nd ST. @ miSSion SF CA 94110 Mon-Fri 11AM-2AM • Sat-Sun 9AM-2AM 415-647-2888 • www.makeoutroom.com Mon-Fri 11AM-2AM (cid:127) Sat-Sun 9AM-2AM EDITORIAL, BUSINESS (415) 255-3100 cIRcULATION (415) 359-2862 KICK-ASS FLAVOR *Sale limited to stock on hand fAx (415) 437-3657, (415) 255-8955 DISPLAy/NATIONAL ADvERTISING (415) 255-4600 fAx (415) 487-2594 fOUNDERS AND cO-PUBLISHERS, 1966-2012 bruce b. brugmann and jean dibble THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN (ISSN0036 4096) PUBLISHED fri FIX YR hAIR WEEKLY EVERY WEDNESDAY BY SAN FRANCISCO mEDIA CO., 225 BUSH ST., 17TH FLOOR, SF, CA 94104. COPYRIGHT © 2014 BY SAN 5/9 A CRAzY FLAMBOYAnT V ALENCIA CYCLERY FRANCISCO mEDIA CO. LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION 10pM quEER DAnCE pARTY OR USE WITHOUT PERmISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. THE SAN $8 JEnnA RIOT, AnDRE FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN WAS ADJUDICATED NOV. 5, 1975, AS A wITh DJS NEWSPAPER OF GENERAL CIRCULATION IN SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY. AnD DAVO (SwAggER LIkE uS) NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR UNSOLICITED mANUSCRIPTS OR ART. BACK ISSUES: CHECK OUR SEARCH ENGINE FOR ARCHIVES OF sat BERSA DISCOS pRESEnTS AISRSTUICESLE CSA PNU BBEL IFSOHUENDD I NA T1 9TH95E OSRAN L AFTREARN.C AI SCCOOm PPULBELTIEC F LILIBER OAFR BY,A CK 5/10 TORMEnTA TROpICAL 1065 & 1077 Valencia (Btwn 21st & 22nd St.) (cid:127) SF mAIN BRANCH. BACK ISSUES ARE AVAILABLE BY mAIL FOR $5 PER 10pM FACTIOn SOunD CREw ISSUE. ADD $2 FOR ISSUES PRIOR TO 1985. CURRENT COPIES OF THE $5 B4 DJ AREMS (VAnCOuVER), SALES 415-550-6600 (cid:127) REPAIRS 415-550-6601 PGGEUURAA RRRDDEIIAAADNNE AARRR. EEA DAADVVAAITIILLIOAANBBALLLEE CFFORRPEEIEEE AOST FO TCFH HTEAH GREGU CEAU,R RLDRIImAEINNT TEO DIFS FTSIOCU EEO, N OOEFR CT FHOOEPR Y 598 V@A 17LTHE SNTRCEEITA ST. A1$F11TpE0MR (DMJI ATMAIn), nBERRO A(nDYwC),A IYR OSnLI MLY O n Mon-Sat 10-6, Thu 10-7, Sun 11-5 $IA5N B, YTA mKAEI Lm. ONROE P TEHRASNO ONN mEA CY,O WPYIT OHFO UEAT CPHE RGmUIASRSDIOIANN O WF ETEHKEL YG UISASRUDE-. 431-3351 (wpIITChk SRTEESRID &E nRTIO DTJ SE A Rp, Az) valenciacyclery.com ORO 11 & DEEJAY ThEORY SFELTORO.COM • OPEN 10AM-10PM DAILY ELBO ROOM IS LOCATED AT 647 VALEnCIA nEAR 17Th opinion newS StreetS Food + drink the Selector muSic artS + culture Film claSSiFiedS may 7 - 13, 2014 / SFBG.com 5 opinion This Was aBouT poliTical paTronage, pure anD simple Chiu for Assembly By DeBra Walker one of our city’s largest existing stocks of affordable housing. OPINION San Francisco is at a David will continue to work to crossroads. While some residents stem San Francisco’s affordable benefit from prosperity, an afford- housing crisis in the Assembly, able housing crisis coupled with including pushing hard to reform income inequality make this a the Ellis Act. time of struggle for other San David has been a leader on a Franciscans. host of other important issues. Our inclusive, diverse cul- An avid biker who doesn’t own ture that has historically made a car, David has spearheaded San Francisco a haven for artists, groundbreaking environmental immigrants, and innovators is at legislation, banning the sale stake. Given this, effective pro- of plastic water bottles on city gressive leadership is critical to property, expanding urban ensuring that our city remains a agriculture, and prohibiting the place where all San Franciscans delivery of unwanted Yellow can afford to live and prosper. Pages. He’s increased funding for That’s why I urge you to vote for community arts, an issue close my friend, President of the Board to my heart as an artist. He has of Supervisors David Chiu, to championed language access represent San Francisco in the for our city’s immigrants, and California state Assembly. fought for the reunification of As president, David has LGBT immigrant families. demonstrated an inclusive, unify- Under his leadership, San ing leadership style that has had Francisco is the first city in the a transformative impact at City country to establish the right Hall. He really listens to every- to civil counsel for low-income one, and brings people together residents being denied basic to address our city’s most critical human rights such as housing, challenges. He combines rock as well as to give workers the solid progressive values with a right to request flexible and pre- fervent drive to do more than dictable working arrangements talk — to actually get the big to take care of their families. He Politics trumps police oversight stuff done. passed progressive business tax The proof is in the pudding: reform that will bring $300 mil- He’s passed more pieces of legisla- lion of new revenues over the tion than any other current super- next decade. EDITORIAL A proven advocate for ed pointed questions at police, for than ousting Chan. Instead, the visor in every major policy arena, When it comes down to it, we the public interest was removed example drilling down on the finer board majority was unwilling to and his colleagues have elected have two Assembly candidates, from the San Francisco Police details of officer-involved shootings. challenge the consolidated power him president three times. David Chiu and David Campos, Commission last week. Not only was Hwang, also a civil rights attor- of Lee and his well-connected David has delivered consis- who share the strongly held pro- this a missed opportunity for stron- ney, is qualified and respected, but allies, who conducted an antidem- tently on our city’s most critical gressive values of the Guardian’s ger civilian oversight at a time when he didn’t need to replace Chan. ocratic closed-door lobbying effort. issue: affordable housing. A tenant readers. I am a longtime supporter the San Francisco Police Department There’s another vacant seat on the Board President David Chiu, in San Francisco himself for the of the Guardian and have valued is under federal scrutiny, it raises commission — up to Mayor Ed Lee who is running for Assembly, stat- past 18 years, David has fought its endorsement in my previous disturbing implications about how to appoint — so this vote was never ed at the meeting that he’d asked to protect and expand affordable races. The difference lies in style things get done in City Hall. about Hwang’s qualifications versus Lee about appointing Hwang to the housing across the city, leading and effectiveness. The Board of Supervisors voted Chan’s. There was room for both. vacant seat, only to be told: “It is efforts to build more housing for I know how urgently San to oust Police Commissioner Angela This was about political not something that will happen.” homeless veterans, transitional Francisco needs a leader in the Chan, voting 7-4 to strike Chan’s patronage, pure and simple. It So Chiu was unwilling to ques- age youth, and seniors. Assembly who can bring people name from the appointment and was about getting rid of an inde- tion the mayor’s bizarre refusal to He supported rebuilding together to get significant things replace it with contender Victor pendent voice and replacing her appoint a candidate that Lee’s own dilapidated public housing done. The challenges and oppor- Hwang instead. City Hall insiders with the former chair of the “Run allies were furiously advocating projects that have been in total tunities our city faces demand it. privately explained that Chinatown Ed Run” committee, which urged for. Instead of pushing for stronger disrepair. He has supported the I know David Chiu can do this power broker Rose Pak, a friend Lee to break his pledge and run civilian oversight of police, Chiu strengthening of habitability because he has done it, over and of Mayor Ed Lee who wields great for mayor — a tradeoff that hurts and six other supervisors voted to standards in housing across over again, in five and a half political influence, pressured super- police accountability. oust a commissioner with a proven the board. He led the charge to remarkably effective years of pro- visors to vote for Hwang specifical- Having two civil rights attor- track record. create a 10-year moratorium on gressive leadership on the Board ly because she and her allies wanted neys on the Police Commission If elected officials are casting condo conversions and to priori- of Supervisors. Chan to be ousted. Supervisors who would have sent a strong signal that votes for personal advancement, or tize victims of Ellis Act evictions Please join me in supporting could not be relied upon to vote for the city is serious about addressing out of fear that they’ll be rendered for our city’s affordable housing David Chiu for state Assembly. 2 Hwang were even reportedly cau- police misconduct at a time when ineffective as punishment for piss- opportunities. tioned that they shouldn’t be too SFPD officers are facing federal ing off the wrong people, then San After multiple failed attempts Debra Walker is an artist who vocal about their positions. charges for alleged civil rights viola- Franciscans have a big problem: by supervisors over two decades, serves on the Building Inspection A civil rights attorney who tions (see “Crooked cops,” March 4). Their local government is behold- he passed legislation to finally Commission, recently reappointed proved effective and independent as Supervisors should have called en to the whims of entrenched legalize in-law units, preserving to that seat by David Chiu. a commissioner, Chan often direct- upon Lee to appoint Hwang rather power. 2 6 SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN OPINION NEwS STREETS FOOD + DRINk ThE SELECTOR mUSIC ARTS + CULTURE FILm CLASSIFIEDS news By ReBecca Bowe Watching the police use of force were sustained in 2013, [email protected] while 167 were not sustained, out of a total of 208 complaints alleging NEWS Nearly two years ago, on July unnecessary use of force. 18, 2012, on-duty San Francisco police At the end of 2013, according to Officer Mary Godfrey fired her weapon the OCC report, the civilian over- twice, killing 32-year-old Oakland resi- Civilian oversight system underfunded and prone to political pressures sight board “continued to investigate dent Pralith Pralourng in an encounter three officer-involved shootings. at Washington and Davis streets. blistering letter dated September OCC investigation also remains open. Of those sustained cases, 91 per- Two of these shootings resulted in Following the incident, police said 11, 2013, President Martin Halloran The OCC’s annual report, cent resulted in corrective or dis- the death of the suspect. In 2013, Pralourng was mentally ill and had informed police commissioners of released March 12, was slated ciplinary action by the SFPD, the the OCC closed two 2011 officer lunged at Godfrey with a box cutter, the POA’s “extreme disappointment” for presentation at the Police report noted, ranging from a verbal involved shooting cases with no sus- prompting her to fire in defense of in the dissenting vote, also sending Commission on May 7. The 179- admonishment to a suspension. tained findings.” her own life. Just before it happened, a copy of the letter to Mayor Ed Lee. page report shines a light on the Of the 43 cases that were sus- Hicks noted that she faces Pralourng had slashed his coworker at “Officer Godfrey was extreme- allegations filed against police tained, 56 percent were for “neglect budgetary constraints that have Tcho chocolate factory and fled. ly upset when I met with her and officers, the process by which these of duty,” the majority of which was prevented her from hiring more Last September, the San immediately voiced her regret at complaints are investigated and issued for failure to collect traffic stop investigators, an ongoing problem Francisco Police Department hon- having to take the life of another addressed, and the rate at which data. That was followed by “unwar- at the OCC. “We still don’t have the ored Godfrey with a silver medal of human being,” Halloran wrote. “It is complaints are sustained and fol- ranted action” at 24 percent, “conduct best practices number of cases,” she valor for her conduct in that inci- every officer’s worst nightmare. The lowed up with disciplinary action. reflecting discredit represented” at 10 said, noting that the City Controller dent. The second-highest possible emotional and psychological trauma percent, “unnecessary force” at 7 per- had issued a 2007 audit stating that honor, silver medals are awarded in following an officer involved shooting cent, and “discourtesy” at 3 percent. investigators should be handling no cases where an officer exhibits “out- can be severe, and it is absolutely A synopsis of the “unnecessary more than 16 cases at once, while standing bravery in the performance essential that officers involved force” findings provides exam- “my investigators’ caseloads have of duty,” according to a definition on in these types of incidents ples, such as an incident never fallen below 21.” the SFPD website, and “risks his or receive positive reinforce- in which “a sergeant and Aside from its investigations into her life with full and unquestionable ment, as well as counseling, officers used unnecessary citizen complaints, the OCC also knowledge of the danger involved.” to reassure them that they force when without cause, makes policy recommendations. However, an internal affairs did nothing wrong.” they entered a residence, Following a number of officer-in- investigation into the officer-involved Counseling seems grabbed, detained, arrested volved shootings in 2012 involving shooting remained open at the time appropriate, but Halloran’s and removed an occupant mentally ill individuals, the OCC that the medal was awarded. In fact, blanket statement that offi- from the residence, and issued a set of recommendations on in a May 5 voicemail, police spokes- cers involved in deadly use took him to the ground." handling responses to individuals person Albie Esparza confirmed to the of force incidents should But according to the experiencing mental crisis — the Bay Guardian: “That case is still open, be reassured that “they did report, “By far the most exact sort of situation that led to so there is no more information that nothing wrong” seems to frequent finding in all alle- Pralourng’s death in 2012. we are going to release at this time.” discount the city’s process for gations was ‘not sustained,’” Samara Marion, an attorney More than eight months have determining whether or not an reflecting the outcome of 61 with the OCC, noted that one passed since Godfrey was honored officer’s action was justified. percent of allegations in OCC recommendation pertains to how — and yet the shooting is still under The SFPOA president went complaints. the Firearm Discharge Review investigation. on to note that his organization The determination “not sus- Board, which evaluates whether a The San Francisco Police has long complained that “officers tained” isn’t the same as finding that shooting was justified, performs Commission voted to approve are left hanging for months, and in an officer acted appropriately, nor its analysis. Rather than merely Godfrey’s silver medal, along with some cases years, before being rec- does it mean a complainant made relying on the internal affairs and a list of other medal of valor recip- ognized for their heroic acts, some- false allegations. Instead, the finding homicide reports, Marion said, the ients, at its June 26, 2013 meeting. times making them feel more inse- is issued when “there is not a prepon- OCC recommendation is to “have But it was Commissioner Angela cure and raising more self-doubts derance of evidence to prove or dis- the training division do an analysis Chan, who was recently denied reap- about their actions.” Being a police officer isn’t prove,” the allegation, OCC Executive that’s point by point,” so that the pointment to her post in a 7-4 vote The SFPOA’s overt condemna- easy, and can be very dangerous — Director Joyce Hicks told us. determination is made taking into by the Board of Supervisors, who tion of Chan for her dissent suggests even costing officers their lives in Put more simply: An officer account “all of the decision-making cast the lone dissenting vote (See that the police commissioner faced extreme circumstances. The OCC responds to a complainant with a and tactical steps leading up to the “SFBG Wrap” in this issue). strong opposition from a politically report notes that 75 percent of San contradictory account, and since officer-involved shooting.” Chan was later quoted in press powerful entity when she came up Francisco police officers did not there isn’t enough evidence to prove That work is expected to reports as saying she believed that for reappointment. have any complaints filed against otherwise, the case is closed. continue, but as far as the Police awarding Godfrey with a medal of More importantly, it suggests that them in 2013. But of the remaining “Officers were found to have Commission is concerned, it will valor before the formal investigative the SFPOA won’t hesitate to exert 25 percent, the report noted that engaged in proper conduct in 25 have to go forward without input process had concluded seemed to pressure on police commissioners who 131 officers had been named in two percent of the allegations,” the break- from Chan, who had planned to undermine that process. Internal question the department’s actions — or more complaints, while another down continued. “Complainants’ take a close look at officer-involved affairs investigations are part of the and raises questions about why top 405 officers had each been flagged allegations were ‘unfounded,’ or not shootings in her next term. city’s formal process to ensure police brass would ignore an open investiga- in a single complaint. true, in 2 percent of the allegations.” “It was shameful and outrageous accountability. San Francisco also has tion that had yet to establish whether If the OCC determines that a A chart of “findings closed” in what happened, because I was tar- an independent city department, the Godfrey “did nothing wrong.” complaint about officer miscon- 2013 (a separate measure from com- geted for doing what I believe in,” Office of Citizen Complaints, which Internal Affairs investigators duct is valid, then it is counted as plaints) showed that out of 2,183 Chan said later. But she said political provides civilian oversight by making weren’t the only ones looking into “sustained.” findings, just 72 — or 3 percent — pressures thwarted that goal. determinations about citizen com- this fatal shooting of Pralourng. The In 2013, according to the report, were sustained. The vast majority, “What happened was not really plaints alleging officer misconduct. OCC, the civilian police oversight the OCC received 727 complaints, 1,337 were “not sustained.” about me,” she continued. “It was Chan’s dissenting vote prompted board, was also investigating the and closed 722 complaints. Of A breakdown showing the about whether something as import- a backlash from the San Francisco incident when Godfrey was honored. the 722 that were closed, 43 — or nature of complaints filed reveals ant as a civilian police oversight Police Officers Association. In a Almost two years after the fact, the about 6 percent — were sustained. that five allegations of unnecessary body should be politicized.” 2 opiNioN NEWS StrEEtS Food + driNk thE SElEctor muSic artS + culturE Film claSSiFiEdS may 7 - 13, 2014 / SFBG.com 7 news brieFs for the extended versions of these articles, visit sFbg.com/politics Genentech, Apple, and a handful Enrique Pearce and his Left Coast would extend the Public Education of private transportation providers. Communications firm, which has a Enrichment Fund (PEEF), another It alleges the tech shuttle pilot proj- history of dirty tricks campaigning source of funding for youth programs. ect is in violation of the California on behalf of Mayor Ed Lee and other Avalos has strong support on Vehicle Code, which prohibits any establishment politicians. Hansen the Board of Supervisors, but the vehicle — except common carriers notes that the flyers appeared right Mayor’s Office has reportedly been (public buses) — to pull into red after the registration of a new cam- pressuring supervisors not to sup- zones that are designated as bus paign committee, San Franciscans port Avalos’ measure. stops. It also alleges the city abused for Effective Government to Support “We’re experiencing growth and its discretion and violated the CEQA David Chiu. Although the group speculation that is lifting many boats, by exempting the shuttle project hasn’t reported any fundraising yet, but not lifting all boats,” Avalos noted from environmental review. (Joe its contact phone number goes to April 30. “And some of the people Fitzgerald Rodriguez) Left Coast Communications and who are not doing so well are chil- Pearce, who hasn’t yet returned our dren and families.” (Rebecca Bowe) calls on the issue. ethics complaint The anti-Campos mailers include some nasty and misleading rise up targets anti- charges, labeling Campos “City Hall’s Hypocrite” by falsely claiming campos Flyers THURSDAY 8 Campos ignored rising evictions 12TH AnnUAl HUmAn RigHTS AwARDS until he decided to run for the Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon, SF. www.human- Several San Francisco neighborhoods Assembly and that he was concerned rightsaward.org. 6-8:30pm, $115. Each year, the power play Supervisor John Avalos suggest- over the last week have been targeted about Google buses but wanted to Human Rights Awards honors the inspiring individuals and organizations who create radical change and real ed the Board of Supervisors make a with illegal campaign flyers against charge them less than $1 per stop. democracy. This year, they are honoring the 50 year unseats sF police motion to request the mayor appoint Assembly candidate David Campos “This is a secretly funded shadow anniversary of the Freedom Schools, anti-GMO activist Hwang himself, allowing for both — breaking both state election laws organization aligned with David Chiu, María Estela Barco Huerta, and the Cuban Five, Cuban commissioner intelligence agents arrested in the United States while Chan and Hwang to be appointed. requiring the group and its funding committing a desperate move that is infiltrating anti-Castro organizations openly plotting But Board of Supervisors source to be identified and local laws as illegal as it is false in its claims,” attacks against the Cuban people. The evening will fea- ture dining, dancing, and a presentation of the awards. Police Commissioner Angela Chan President David Chiu said he’d asked against placing political flyers on Campos told us, saying he hopes the wiSe lATinAS: wRiTeRS fought the federal government as it Mayor Lee that very question to no utility poles and other surfaces. FPPC is able to stop and punish those on HigHeR eDUcATion unjustly tried to deport undocument- avail. “It is not the practice of the Former Ethics Commission involved. (Steven T. Jones) Modern Times Bookstore, 2919 24th St., SF. www. ed San Franciscans who were guilty mayor to solve difficult decisions of Eileen Hansen this week filed a com- moderntimesbookstore.com. 7-9pm, free. For some Latinas, college, where they are vastly underrepre- of no crimes, and won. She fought to the board,” he said. “It’s up to us.” plaint about the guerilla campaign- call For increased sented, is the first time they are immersed in American arm the SFPD with de-escalation tac- Sups. Mark Farrell, Scott Wiener, ing with the California Fair Political culture outside their homes — and where the values tics instead of Tasers, and won again. Malia Cohen, London Breed, Jane Practices Commission, which has of two cultures often clash. Wise Latinas: Writers on youth Funding Higher Education is an anthology exploring this experi- But at the April 30 Board of Kim, Tang and Chiu voted to strike jurisdiction over state races. ence. This event will feature four Bay Area based con- Supervisors meeting, Chan lost. The Chan’s name from the appoint- “I am asking for the intervention tributors to anthology — Blanca Torres, Ingrid Rojas Contreras, Erika Martinez and Yalitza Ferreras. Attend board denied her reappointment to ment, and to vote to appoint Hwang of your office into what appears to José-Luis Mejia says he’s seen a little to hear more about the anthology and a discussion. the Police Commission, and seven instead. (Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez) be a blatant and arrogant violation bit of everything in his work with FRiDAY 9 supervisors voted to appoint her of campaign finance reporting and transitional-age youth. DiRTY eneRgY, cleAn SolUTionS: opponent, Victor Hwang, instead. disclosure laws in California’s 17th A few have died suddenly; oth- climATe conFeRence 2014 lawsuit to halt The decision came after heated Assembly District Primary Election,” ers wound up incarcerated. Then Unitarian Universalist Church, 1187 Franklin, SF. www.350bayarea.org. 7-9:30pm, $30 or $23 for stu- backdoor politicking by Chinatown Hansen wrote in the April 30 letter. there are those who beat the odds by tech shuttle pilot dents. Friday night will be the kick-off event for a three- political leader Rose Pak, insiders “As you well know, the political attending top-level universities, open- day interactive conference that will feature activists told us. Politicians involved would climate in San Francisco is quite sen- ing up their own businesses, or dedi- and leading scientists addressing technical and politi- cal climate topics in the Bay Area and beyond. Topics to only speak on background, for fear of The road to regulating Google buses sitive, and nerves are raw. If this vio- cating themselves to public service. be addressed include fracking, fossil fuels, and clean reprisal from Pak, yet indicated that has a new pothole: a lawsuit. lation is allowed to continue, it will As associate director of energy solutions, plus workshops and training sessions on how to live green. Expert scientists and activists will Pak felt Chan did not consult often A lawsuit filed in San Francisco have a chilling effect on the entire Transitional Age Youth San present cutting-edge information that will significantly enough with Chinatown interests Superior Court May 1 demands election and further alienate voters, Francisco, Mejia was part of a grass- raise our effectiveness as climate activists. and focused too broadly on issues of the San Francisco Municipal and potential voters.” roots coalition that has been work- SATURDAY 10 concern to other communities. Transportation Agency’s commuter The race between Campos and ing for about two years on crafting a PUBlic UPDATe AnD oPen HoUSe Chan gained national recog- shuttle pilot program be put on hold David Chiu has indeed gotten more measure that aims to increase fund- on oceAn BeAcH PRoJecTS County Fair Building, 1199 Ninth Ave., SF. www. nition for her work against Secure while a full environmental review heated in recent weeks, but Chiu cam- ing for youth programs. spur.org. 9am-12pm, free. The Ocean Beach Master Communities, challenging a provi- is conducted under the California paign manager Nicole Derse denies It culminated with the April Plan, a vision for San Francisco’s western coast, rec- sion that allows U.S. Immigration and Environmental Quality Act. that the campaign has any knowledge 30 introduction at the Board of ommends ways to improve coastal access, restore ecological function, and protect critical infrastruc- Customs Enforcement to call for ille- “We know that these buses are or involvement with the illegal cam- Supervisors of a suite of new proposals ture in the face of chronic erosion and sea level rise. gal holds of undocumented persons having devastating impacts on our paigning: “We think everyone in this to support youth programs, including Three projects — addressing coastal management, transportation, and open space — are currently they’d later like to deport. Pak came neighborhoods, driving up rents and race should be transparent.” a pair of charter amendments that underway to carry those recommendations forward. out swinging against Chan in the evictions of long-time San Francisco In her letter, Hansen casts doubt will appear on the November ballot. The project teams will be on hand to discuss their wake of those battles, we were told. residents,” said Sara Shortt, execu- on the Chiu campaign’s claims of An amendment sponsored by work and get your ideas and feedback. TUeSDAY 13 “It’s a sad day for the immigrant tive director of the Housing Rights innocence: “The wide distribution, Sup. John Avalos would renew the rights movement when a strong Committee of San Francisco and one professional design, and overnight existing Children’s Fund, renaming exAmining RAciAl eqUiTY in SF eDUcATion California Historical Society, 678 Mission, SF. leader cannot be reappointed,” Sup. of the lawsuit petitioners. “We’ve appearance in distant locations it the Children and Youth Fund, and brownvboardat60.eventbrite.com. 5-8pm, free. Join Eric Mar said just before the vote. protested in the streets and taken strongly suggest that these flyers have increasing the property-tax set-aside the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, the After Sup. Katy Tang introduced our plea to City Hall to no avail. We been produced and distributed by a that supports it from three cents per Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, the University of San Francisco School of Education and Coleman the motion to strike Chan’s name hope to finally receive justice in a funded political organization aligned $100 of assessed valuation to five Advocates for Children and Youth for a conversation from the appointment, and replace it court of law.” with Assembly candidate David Chiu, cents. Funding would be designated honoring the 60th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education court decision. The event will focus on with Hwang’s, other supervisors noted The suit was filed against the whose aim is to attack and discredit for programs set up to aid “discon- the continuing legacy of Brown v. Board of Education the obvious elephant in the room — City and County of San Francisco, Chiu’s opponent David Campos.” nected transitional-aged youth,” and the successes and continued challenges of there was not only one vacant seat on Mayor Ed Lee, the Board of And she even identifies a leading including homeless or disabled achieving racial equity in the San Francisco schools. The evening will include historical context, student the police commission, but two. Supervisors, the SFMTA, Google, suspect in this illegal campaigning: youth. A second charter amendment reflections, and an interactive panel discussion. 2 8 SAn FRAnciSco BAY gUARDiAn oPinion newS STReeTS FooD + DRink THe SelecToR mUSic ARTS + cUlTURe Film clASSiFieDS StreetS Bike to work day iS may 8. guardian photo by tim daw; illustrations by patrick sean gibson By Steven t. JoneS ballot measure,” Rachel Gordon, a [email protected] spokesperson for the Department of Public Works, told us. “We don’t have STREETS When the first Bike to Work enough money in our general fund Day was held in San Francisco 20 to do these projects and we hear loud years ago, cyclists had little support and clear the streets need to be safer in City Hall. But on May 8, almost for bicyclists and pedestrians.” every one of the city’s top political leaders will take part in Bike to LiTTLE pRojEcT, big gain Work Day, pledging their support to The new bikes lanes on Polk are only an increasingly popular and import- a few blocks, but it is those kinds of ant transportation option. small but critical connections that In fact, Bike to Work Day has determine whether cycling in the become such an anticipated event city is safe or scary. in San Francisco that city officials “I want to know that I can bike and cycling advocates in recent safety going north and south on years have used it as the deadline Polk Street, which is why I strongly, to unveil the latest high-profile bike strongly support our protected bike project to demonstrate the city’s lanes on Polk Street, so this is super cycling to city hall commitment to cycling. exciting. As a beginning cyclist, This year, it’s the new contra- these are the kinds of routes I need flow bike lanes on lower Polk Street, to see to get out of my car and onto an important connection from a bike, so I’m really excited this is Market Street to City Hall that helps the direction our city is moving in,” cyclists avoid dangerous, car-centric Sup. Jane Kim said at the event. Van Ness Avenue or Larkin Street — Bike to Work Day’s 20th anniversary shows how far we’ve come, Reiskin noted how awkward without having to illegally cut up and unsafe it has been to get from but funding shortfalls show how far we have to go to create safe streets the one-way section of Polk. Market Street to City Hall or up When that $2.5 million bike and Polk Street: “Physically, it’s a pretty pedestrian project — with its attrac- TimES havE changEd cials so far unwilling to pay for the which the Board of Supervisors will small project, but it’s so critically tive landscaping, pedestrian bulb- Twenty years ago, California Bicycle projects that would allow the city to consider later this month. important for those of us who do get outs, pretty green lanes, and trio of Coalition Director Dave Snyder was meet its official goal of 20 percent of “Do you guys like what you see around by bike.” special bike-only signal lights — was the head of SFBC, and he was able all vehicle trips being by bike by the here?” SFMTA Director Ed Reiskin Cyclist Shannon Dodge also officially opened on May 2, bike to persuade only one member of the year 2020, Snyder said, “We haven’t told the crowd, eliciting a rousing spoke at the event, describing her activists kept circling the new lanes Board of Supervisors to participate accomplished that second goal yet.” response. “Would you like to see previously awkward commute to work as if they were doing victory laps. in that first Bike to Work Day. “We hear them all talk about more of this kind of work all over from the Mission District to Russian “I cannot think of a better way “I should give a shout-out to investing money in bike infrastruc- San Francisco?” Hill: “It might look like a tiny stretch to kick off Bike Month in the Bay Tom Ammiano because he was the ture,” Shahum told us, “but now the Then Reiskin connected that of bike lanes to most people, but to Area and the 20th anniversary of first supervisor to care enough to decision makers need to do it.” goal to the fall ballot measures, the me and lots of other people it will Bike to Work Day, coming up May ride on Bike to Work Day, back when A report released in December by lion’s share of which will go to Muni make a huge difference. It means 8, than to celebrate what I think the Board of Supervisors didn’t really the Budget and Legislative Analyst’s improvements. we can turn now directly onto Polk is the most beautiful, functional, care about cycling,” Snyder told us. Office shows that San Francisco “With the funds we have, there’s Street and we can do it safely.” well-designed, and what is proba- “These days, it’s not uncommon for spends less per capita on bike infra- only so much of this we can do and She also compared cycling in bly going to be the best used piece supervisors to ride for transporta- structure, at just over $9 annually, we know the need is so great to make San Francisco today to the days just of bike infrastructure in our city,” tion, but back then none did.” than other bike-friendly US cities biking and walking a safer and more before Bike to Work Day began. San Francisco Bicycle Coalition Shahum remembers it as well, such as Portland, Minneapolis, and attractive means of getting around “Twenty-one years ago this Director Leah Shahum said at the back before the SFBC was one of the Seattle. And it found the city would the city. If we want to do more of month, I moved to San Francisco ribbon-cutting ceremony. city’s largest member-based political need to spend about $580 million to this, we’re going to need more sup- from the East Coast. I came in a van She and the others who spoke at advocacy organizations. reach its official goal of 20 percent port in November,” Reiskin said. with three friends, so I didn’t bring the event praised the city officials “Twenty years ago, Bike to Work bike mode-share by 2020. The city has make significant a lot of possessions. But I did bring who moved quickly to complete Day was a fun but sort of lonely Even meeting the SFMTA’s more progress on new bike infrastructure in my bike and I’ve been biking in San this project, calling it a testament to event,” Shahum told us, noting moderate Strategic Plan Scenario — recent years, after a legal challenge of Francisco ever since,” Dodge said. the growing political will to make how the number of cyclists on the which aims to reach 8-10 percent the city’s Bicycle Plan stalled projects Back then, in her younger days, streets safer and more welcoming road has exploded in recent years. mode-share by 2018 by creating 12 for four years. Ben Jose, a spokesper- she didn’t mind battling for space for cyclists. “Riding on a regular Thursday miles of new bike lanes and upgrading son for the SFMTA, told us the Polk on the streets of San Francisco. “I will be honest, we put a lot of during rush hour feels like Bike to 50 existing miles and 50 intersections project is the 52nd of 60 bike improve- “When I first moved here, just out pressure on to get this done by Bike Work Day used to feel 20 years ago.” — would require $191 million. That’s ment projects from the Bike Plan. of college, safety was not that import- to Work Day,” Shahum said. “We But Snyder and Shahum said the $142 million more than the SFMTA “And those that are left are signa- ant to me. I kind of enjoyed the adren- really wanted to make sure you all universal statements of support for has budgeted for the work. ture projects like this one,” Jose said aline rush of being out on a bike in and the folks throughout this city cycling that emanate from City Hall at the event, referring to high-pro- traffic,” she said. “But now I’m a mom. could, this year, for the first time these days are only half the battle. Funding piTch file bike lanes along Bayshore and I have a 3-year-old son, and my hus- in San Francisco’s history, make a “It’s a good idea to promote At the May 2 event on Polk Street, Masonic boulevards, on upper Polk band and I bike our son to and from safe and comfortable and direct link bicycling as a mainstream activity, city officials used the new project Street, and along Second Street that his preschool everyday. And on the from Market Street...to City Hall.” and we won that battle,” Snyder said. to call on voters to approve a pair are among the bike projects now in weekends we explore the city, which Building high-profile, separated “Now, we have to get them to put of transportation funding measures the pipeline. But the city hasn’t yet usually means he’s on one of our two cycletracks to the steps of City Hall their money where their mouth is.” proposed by Mayor Ed Lee for the devoted the resources to completing bikes. Pretty soon, he’ll be riding his seems to symbolically mark the With cycling projects receiving November ballot — an increase in the city’s bike network. own bike out of San Francisco streets. arrival of cyclists into the political less than 1 percent of the city’s the vehicle license fee and a $500 “We want to do more projects So safety is incredibly important to mainstream. transportation funding, and city offi- million general obligation bond — like this with money from the fall me, as it is to all families.” 2 opinion nEwS STREETS Food + dRink ThE SELEcToR muSic aRTS + cuLTuRE FiLm cLaSSiFiEdS may 7 - 13, 2014 / SFbg.com 9 streets street figHt professor Jason Henderson’s Bicycle geograpHies class explores How to make san francisco more Bike-friendly. By Jason Henderson Carmageddon cometh cle planning in the city. [email protected] Taking multiple bicycle field trips over the past few months, STREET FIGHT San Francisco — we surveyed the opportunities for already overwhelmed with private making safe routes to campus and automobiles — faces a grim future envisioned what it would take to San Francisco needs to radically rethink its transportation system to avoid gridlock of gridlock unless there is a radi- increase cycling to 20 percent of cal change in how we think about trips to and from SF State. Starting city streets, parking, and regional drivers and everyone around. No Out at San Francisco State It will be decades and cost with the Balboa Park station, transportation. one will be happy University, where I teach a new hundreds of millions to improve which is next to a deplorable tan- The facts are clear. Every day This does not have to be. The Bicycle Geographies course that the M-line, only now in the plan- gle of freeway ramps, we ask what there are 1.7 million private car city’s transportation agency hopes aims to increase cycling to the cam- ning phase. We can lay down it would look like if fully-sepa- trips to, from, or within the city, to reduce car trips from 1.7 to 1.6 pus, there is tremendous opportuni- cycletracks much more quickly. rated cycletracks were built on according to the city’s transpor- million by 2018, a modest goal but ty to shift these kinds of short trips Bicycling is also among the most Geneva or Ocean avenues. These tation plan. Coupled with almost barely holding the line. Reducing to bicycling. For students, faculty, equitable forms of urban trans- could connect City College and 10,000 vehicles registered per existing car trips by 100,000 while and staff, bicycling is compatible portation because it is affordable the Excelsior, and by way of a square mile, San Francisco today also adding thousands upon thou- with rapid transit, particularly for and accessible to almost everyone. westward and southward jog, to has one of the densest concentra- sands of housing units and jobs, the “last mile” segments, such as This is obviously relevant to work- a bicycle boulevard on Holloway tions of cars on the planet, more most coming with more parking, between BART and SF State. ing-class students at SF State. Avenue, enabling a safe and con- than any peer city in the United will quickly undo this humble SF State has a memorandum venient, 1.7-mile, 15-minute bike States. In the business-as-usual ambition. The city can do more of understanding with the city ride to SF State. Expanding the scenario, the streets are forecast and the data show us that there By 2040 that obliges the university to nascent Bay Area Bike Share to to absorb another half-million are many opportunities. reduce drive-alone automobile connect SF State and Balboa Park tHere will Be car trips. By 2040 there will be Consider that 68 percent of car trips to campus, and the campus BART would create even more 2.2 million car trips on the exact trips within San Francisco are less will not build any more car park- opportunity for cycling. 2.2 million same street grid we have today. than three miles. That’s 650,000 ing. With 4 percent of commute To the south of SF State, Daly This is madness and it is dys- car trips per day that are generally car trips on trips to SF State by bicycle (and City BART is a 1.4-mile, 10-minute functional for everyone. If you pretty short — with a bicycle it’s only 2 percent among faculty) bike ride that is daunting and poorly think Muni is unreliable now, it less than a half-hour ride on even tHe exact same there is potential to increase the signed. It could be made safe and will be useless in 2040 as it stalls terrain. If the city were able to get mode-share of bicycling as a path inviting with bicycle boulevards in the morass of 2.2 million car half of those car trips to switch to street grid to reducing greenhouse gas emis- on streets parallel to traffic-clogged trips jammed onto city streets. bicycle trips, it would be well on its sions and auto trips. 19th Avenue and Junipero Serra. we Have today. Pedestrian injuries and deaths will way to averting carmageddon. The spatial proximity to Daly Borrowing from signature bicycle rise with another 160 cars hitting A more ambitious goal, increas- City and Balboa Park BART sta- and pedestrian bridges in Pleasant pedestrians annually, simply due ing cycling to 20 percent of all trips, tions, as well as the Excelsior and Hill and Berkeley, perhaps there is to oversaturation of automobiles. is the official city policy adopted Bicycling is also a way to Sunset, all under three miles from an opportunity to build a bridge Cyclists might be able to weave by the Board of Supervisors. That’s relieve local bus and light rail tran- campus, means that the bicycle across Brotherhood Way toward the around the stalled traffic, but it 500,000-600,000 trips by bicycle sit crowding — the 28 bus line on is well-suited to be a substitute BART station, leveling an otherwise will be an ugly scene that fouls every day, most of which can take 19th Avenue, for example, is often for many short-range automobile steep climb that discourages cycling. the air. Motorists will be stuck place within that three-mile range, jam packed and the city has only trips and help the campus meet its To the north of campus, in their own gridlock, evermore especially if cleverly arranged “wig- modest goals to improve that key goals. Yet what my students have describing the designated 20th impatient, distracted, honking, gles” (level routes circumventing line. Unlike transit or highways, found this semester is that it is all Avenue bicycle route as “a bit of a lurching through blocked inter- steeper hills) are laid out on the bicycles do not require costly, long- but impossible to bike safely to challenge” is an understatement. sections, sneaking through yellow most logical corridors. But to carry term capital investment or operat- and from SF State, and the south- Cyclists must thread a cluttered lights, blocking crosswalks, double that many cyclists, real space has to ing funds and so can be deployed western quadrant of San Francisco shopping mall parking lot and parking, and irritated with fellow be allocated for them. much more quickly. is largely left out of current bicy- overbuilt wide streets, and then 10 SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN OpINION NEwS STREETS FOOD + DRINk THE SElECTOR mUSIC ARTS + CUlTURE FIlm ClASSIFIEDS