My top concerns as District 5 Supervisor

The County Jail crisis

During the decade I spent as a volunteer in the maximum-security unit of San Francisco's juvenile hall, I acquired a profound insight into the workings of the system. Following a disturbance, my observation was, "Inmates do not riot because are being treated right." With the multitude of obstacles confronting San Francisco, it becomes imperative to address the urgent problems within our county jails. Keeping abreast of our growing crisis was brought to my attention by reading reports on Mission Local. It is a huge mistake by City Hall to ignore the crisis in our county jails.

Hospital Homeless

The person in the hospital bed is a friend of mine for over twenty years. UCSF saved his life when he was in need of “Emergency open heart surgery.” On the day I took this photo he was discharged to the streets of San Francisco through no fault of UCSF. (Long story) After his release, it took he and I six months to reconnect and he never left the city. There is a better way to deal with the release of homeless hospital patients.

Cleaner and clear sidewalks

I have a current ADA civil rights complaint filed with the federal government that addresses this issue. because I am not satisfied with current efforts. I intend to use the findings to force the city to clear our sidewalks of unnecessary obstacles.

D5 Business and Entertainment

When I find out about a new business opening in this area, I promise to spend a minimum of $100. (If a dress shop, do understand, I will not be buying a dress). San Francisco media inform the entire city well, but they could improve. We often see videos of thieves quickly taking over shops. Why aren't there reports on teaching these vulnerable owners to protect themselves better? City Hall should collaborate with media to report on more than just sensational negative videos. And I found out about the Fillmore Jazz Festival on the day of the event. What’s up with that? It should not be too hard to let people know what’s happening.

Juvenile justice reform.

From 1983 to 1993, I ministered to teenaged felon suspects held in the maximum-security unit of the San Francisco juvenile hall. On average, there were more than 100 youth held at the facility during my tenure. Today, on average there are less than 30 housed at the facility. The problem is that juvenile justice is turning troubled teenagers into adult criminals. Alarming SF Standard story on releasing young people who use guns too early.

Ban the film industry from filming gun scenes in the city and county.

If San Francisco starts such a trend, the film industry’s love affair with gun violence might start another trend.

Spearhead the creation of a museum to honor heroes of the world in San Francisco.

I originally conceived this idea in the year 2010 when I was engrossed in researching for a book that I was working on. During my research, I stumbled upon a remarkable story about a San Francisco resident who courageously saved the life of the President of the United States. Unfortunately, instead of receiving the recognition he deserved, he faced disgrace and torment, leading to his tragic demise due to alcoholism. This poignant narrative was vividly recounted in a Radiolab Podcast episode which has been shared on the online platform YouTube. As a proclaimed world-class city, San Francisco should address the injustice it played a part in and pay homage to this unsung hero by dedicating a museum in his honor - Oliver W. Sipple.

This museum should be placed in the center of tourist travel.

Better Low-income housing options.

There is more need for low-income options/programs in San Francisco. Newer buildings for low-income San Franciscans are needed in the Tenderloin due to the age of many of these buildings. Too many of these older buildings do not meet the needs of our senior and disabled residents. I have lived in a newer building (Less than 20 years old) that had problems with its one elevator. So, I can only imagine the headache a non-working elevator be for someone who uses a wheelchair. Supervisor Dean Preston blamed the problem of broken elevators in older buildings on Mayor Breed. This is disingenuous at best. Not enough attention is being paid to this issue even though money for repairs is available. Landlords must be penalized for their neglect.

Improve awareness of senior and disabled services.

You would be surprised how many senior and disabled people do not know of the great assistance programs in the city. For instance, there is a volunteer grocery shopping program for seniors.