A Day In The Neighborhood

DOWNTOWN SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS TARGET INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES WITH SMEAR CAMPAIGNS

noreply@blogger.com (myrna) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:02:00 +0000

By Danny Lam

The campaign for Board of Supervisors in District 11 is turning out to be one of the dirtiest smear campaigns in San Francisco's history. Myrna Lim, a leading candidate in the race, has been the target of smear campaigns and rumors by supporters of her opponents Ahsha Safai,
Mayor Gavin Newsom's candidate and John Avalos, Supervisor Chris Daly's candidate. Both candidates enjoy hundreds of thousands of $ in independent expenditures by downtown special interest groups on top of the public financing they are receiving from the tax payers.

Ahsha Safai, Mayor Newsom's candidate is the beneficiary of large downtown monies: Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), owners of downtown skyscrapers; San Francisco Association of Realtors; San Francisco Chamber of Commerce; Committee on Jobs, large Wall Street firms currently being bailed out by the federal government using TRILLIONS of $ of tax payers monies; Coalition for Better Housing, largest apartment building owners in San Francisco; Coalition for Responsible Growth, a group of large developers and real estate speculators buying up foreclosed properties in District 11; Plan C a political action committee receiving hundreds of thousands of $ from a conglomerate of big real estate developers such as the Lennar Corporation, the chosen developer for the Bay View Hunters Point and Treasure Island.

John Avalos, the legislative aide of Supervisor Chris Daly enjoys the benefit of independent expenditures paid for by the Labor Council who is paying for his huge bill boards and numerous mailers.

A couple of years ago, the Board of Supervisors disallowed posting of signs and poles by limiting any signs to a letter size 8-1/2" by 11", 12 feet above ground. The monopoly groups of Clear Channel and Outdoor Signs who have contracts with the City of San Francisco are the sole providers of bill boards at a minimum cost of $1,500 each.

Meanwhile, well funded campaigns of political insiders such as Safai and Avalos are targeting campaigns for change which are threats to the status quo. The Coalition for Responsible Growth, a group of wealthy developers and land use speculators advertise an ad in the West of Twin Peaks Observer claiming that Lim has no opinion on decriminalizing prostitution even though she repeatedly informed them of her opposition to the initiative.

A rumor that has failed to catch any traction in D11 residents coming from the Avalos camp is the insinuation that Myrna Lim cannot run for Supervisor because of the Ethics Commission. Attached is a copy of Myrna Lim's lawsuit against the Ethics Commission for violating her civil rights and rights to due process.

"The political machines controlling San Francisco do not want independent candidates such as Lim. They will do anything and everything to try to prevent her from winning the election because she represents the people of San Francisco and her district. Lim is not beholden to any special interest group. The political machines of San Francisco do not like that."

HIDDEN TREASURES IN CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

noreply@blogger.com (myrna) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:05:00 +0000

"When I was in my early years (first through fifth grade) learning disabilities were an unknown entity. Those of us that had these problems were simply viewed as unintelligent, and from my perspective the greatest sadness was that we viewed ourselves the same way." Dr. Fred Epstein (pioneer in pediatric neurosurgery and patient-friendly facilities) [Copyright © 2004 ABC NEWS Internet Ventures.]

Robin Hansen and Rachel Norton, members of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Special Education for the San Francisco Unified School District know too well how to fight for hope. Robin is a parent of 3 children with disabilities – a dyslexic teenager, another teen with high functioning autism and an elementary child with ADHD. Rachel’s older daughter is autistic. Both women are passionate advocates for effective special education programs for children in SFUSD.

“We are not only supposed to advise the Board of Education about what is going on with special education in our district, we are also supposed to help educate parents on how to advocate for their children,” says Robin.

Robin teaches parents about courage, to believe in their children despite their disabilities and to remain resilient in their hope, just like Dr. Epstein who overcame severe learning disabilities marred by academic failures to his groundbreaking accomplishments as a surgeon.

According to the California Department of Education, the San Francisco Unified School District has 6,502 students in Special Education or 12% of its 55,000 students in School Year 2006-2007.

The students with disabilities range from under 1 year through 22 years are diagnosed with the following: Mental Retardation 445; Hard of Hearing 129; Deaf 19; Speech or Language Impairment 1,708; Visual Impairment 39; Emotional Disturbance 444; Orthopedic Impairment 72; Other Health Impairment 383; Specific Learning Disability 2,790; Deaf/Blindness 1; Multiple Disability 92; Autism 374 and Brain Injury 6.

African American students comprise 12.1% of all SFUSD students although they constitute 26.7% of all students receiving special education services in SFUSD. They also represent 54.65% of the SFUSD special education students labeled as “emotionally disturbed”.
21.3% of all SFUSD students are Latino-American but 28.21% of all students receiving special education services in SFUSD are Latino-American.
The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) members’ passion for advocacy is driven not only by love for children but also by apprehension. According to a 1988 U.S. Department of Justice study, 75 to 90% of juvenile offenders have learning disabilities; using a 12th-grade level as the standard, 75% of inmates are illiterate.

The special education parents’ tenacity of purpose and their desire to help other parents of disabled children has put them at odds with the San Francisco Unified School District administration. While the CAC is supposed to publish 2 newsletters a year to inform them of services available to students, they have not been able to publish their newsletter since August, 2007. Katy Franklin and Robin who wrote the censored article feel that:

“Basically, SFUSD has "removed" two pages of our newsletter. They are claiming such an action "is not censorship" but refuse to send out any newsletter from us unless its content is first approved by district lawyers. They are saying that is not censorship, it is "collaboration". The CAC will not agree to prior censorship, we will not agree to tell parents only what the district thinks they should know.

It is nothing more than a blatant attempt to keep parents from knowing the rights their children have to an appropriate education. The newsletter was specifically meant to help low-income and non-English speaking parents who do not have computers and who are not getting the basic advocacy information that is available on the internet.”

There is no doubt that the San Francisco Unified School District and the CAC will come to terms on how to best communicate with all special education parents. The school district, parents and students have a bigger battle, “to remain inspired despite all odds.”

The Great Schools Inc, a program of the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation published the “People with Learning Disabilities.”
Many successful and famous people grew up with learning disabilities (LD) and/or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) according to ‘Great Schools’:

Winston Churchill, the best British prime minister had a learning disability.
Walt Disney had a learning disability called dyslexia.

Thomas Edison couldn't read until he was twelve years old and had very difficult time writing even when he was older.

Albert Einstein, the great Mathematician and Physicist had a learning disability and did not speak until age of 3. He had great difficulty in doing math in school.

George Washington, our first president, had a learning disability. He could barely write and had very poor grammar skills.

Mackenzie Thorpe, world-famous painter, urges people at an exhibit of his work to "stop looking with your eyes and see with your feelings."

John E. Morgan, PGA champion, was bullied as a kid because of his learning disabilities.

Charles Schwab is the founder, chairperson, and CEO of the Charles Schwab Corporation, the largest brokerage firm in the U.S. He also has dyslexia.

Valli Kugler, Miss Tennessee 2002, who set up a summer camp for children with learning disabilities (LD) when she was a student at the University of Tennessee, used the pageant as a platform to increase understanding of LD.

Danny Glover, acclaimed actor of theatre and film, has used his celebrity status to advance many community programs and worthy causes, such as AIDS awareness in South Africa and the advancement of minority youth. (Source: On a Roll a Talk Radio about Life and Disability, October 29, 1999)

Brian Grazer, successful producer of movies such as A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13 recalls his personal struggle with dyslexia. (Source: Christian Science Monitor, January 4, 2002.)

Lindsay Wagner, most famous for her title role on the hit 1970s TV series Bionic Woman, has dedicated much of her time to raising awareness about learning difficulties.

James Carville, is one of America’s most famous political consultants and he lives with AD/HD. Carville is also an author, restaurateur, and co-host of radio and television shows. Today he concentrates on international political and corporate consulting.

Delos Cosgrove, M.D., is a cardiothoracic surgeon, inventor of several medical devices, and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic. He says, “I didn't know I was dyslexic until I was 33 years old. I went all the way through medical school without knowing it.”

Harry Belafonte is a famous African American singer, actor, entertainer and political activist who, even into his seventies, use his position as a celebrity to promote human rights worldwide.

Phillip Manuell, one of the country’s leading jazz vocalists, was diagnosed with AD/HD in 2000 and says only then did his life journey begin to make sense to him.

Don Johnston, CEO of Don Johnston, Inc. His mission is to support diverse learners with proven instructional models, effective literacy strategies, and innovative technologies to help them reach grade-level performance.

Patricia Polacco, prolific children’s author and illustrator, didn’t learn to read until she was 14.

Art Rodriguez is a California author who documents his challenging childhood in children and young and young adult books.

“There are and were a number of famous people with learning disabilities who had problem in learning, but they turned out to be the greatest of men and proved that disability or handicap is not a curse. The famous people with learning disabilities proved themselves better than other able persons.” Great Schools, Inc.

GET RICH QUICK: JOIN CITY HALL

noreply@blogger.com (myrna) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:04:00 +0000

The day of economic reckoning is here. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned “Recently, incoming information has suggested that the baseline outlook for real activity in 2008 has worsened.” To the average Mr. and Ms. American, this cryptic message means “Sorry… we now have to tell you the truth, the economy has tanked not today, but way back in years 2005-2006.

All Presidential candidates now consider the economy a top priority equal to the Iraq war in the minds of most Americans. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan blamed the “intolerable increases and the out of control government spending.” One would think the city of San Francisco will get a clue. Yet, the continually increasing freewheeling spending spree at City Hall belies that fact.

In year 2003 before Mayor Gavin Newsom took office, there were only 2,693 employees making over $100,000 per year.

In year 2007, the Controllers Office reported a staggering 8,185 employees or 28% of the 28,788 personnel making over $100,000 per year not counting benefits, expense accounts, and low interest rate for housing loans. There are also over 1,300 employees making more than $150,000 per year.

The total pay for city hall employees making over $100,000 per year is $1.039 Billion or 17% of the total 2007 annual $6.4 Billion Budget. The top wage earners received $859 Million in regular pay, $107 Million in overtime and another $74 Million in “other pay”, as in bonuses.

Members of the “Club $100,000+” include police officers generating $239 Million, firefighters generating #170 Million, Public Health-Community Health Network employees in neighborhoods generating $132 Million and Municipal Transportation Authority employees overseeing Muni, Parking and Traffic, winning $87 Million in pay.

The artistry in padding ones salary seems to be a combination of regular pay, overtime and other pay like bonuses. County jail nurse Christian Kitchin continues to be at the top of the list of highest wage earners for years. Last year he earned $350,323, which includes $117,262 regular pay. He earned $216,276 in overtime. He also earned “other pay” for $27,452. Kitchin’s boss, Joe Goldenson, Director/Medical Director for Daily Services, explained that Kitchen works in a “as needed” city position and does not get benefits. He is filler for regular staff, doesn’t have set hours and works in different county jails.

Nathaniel Ford of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority which oversees parking, traffic, and Muni (the killing machine) made $325,451, which does not include benefits, car, expense account, low interest loans, and free Muni fast pass for each of his family members.

Edward Arce of the Fire Department earned $270,170 having a $78,949 regular pay, $80,708 in overtime, and $110,511 other pay.

Michael Gaynor of the Police Department made $265,214 a regular pay $108,226; overtime $124,713, and other pay $32,275.

Amy Hart of Administrative Services made a grand total of $280,195, a $264,524 regular pay and $15,670 other pay.

Chief Heather Fong made $256,616, with $11,456 other pay on top of her $245,160 regular pay.

Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White made $252,638, with $16,548 other pay on top of her $236,090 regular pay.

Stuart Sunshine, the mayor’s chief then deputy chief of staff made $216,613. Part of his salary was paid out of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority budget.

Trent Rhorer of the Human Services Department, which oversees the homeless programs, earned $235,171, with a $233,171 regular pay and a $2,000 other pay.

Since Newsom became mayor, the number of city personnel steadily increased from 26,659 employees in year 2004 to 28,788 employees in year 2007 -- an increase of 2,000 city employees while San Francisco’s population continues to decline as the middle class flee for the less hostile urban areas. The Controllers Department “Survey of Citywide Services for Year 2007” shows an overall grade of C+ for all services –- not a very good showing for the extra Billions of Dollars in increased annual spending.

Meanwhile, San Franciscans have to brace themselves to pay for new and increased fees and taxes after the mayor announced a $229 Million deficit for the fiscal year 2008. Some of the increases are listed below:

Department of Public Health, patient rates and other services including In-Patient care i.e. Intensive care, trauma, coronary, chest-pulmonary, pediatrics, medical surgical

Fire Department services and permits and inspections for new fire alarm systems, new sprinkler systems, new gaseous suppression systems, etc.

Recreation and Park, wedding fees, fees for golf courses, softball field fees, football field fees, lacrosse field fees, etc
Parking Garage Fees

Medical Examiner death fee, cremation fees, storage of remains fees, etc.

The Municipal Transportation Authority is also looking at another round of parking ticket and parking meter increases to raise an additional $26 Million to shore up Muni’s performance? In year 2007, the Municipal Transportation Authority collected $90 Million for parking ticket citations and $30.5 Million for parking meters. There are now 120 types of parking ticket citations, ranging from $50 for removing chalk from vehicle wheels for the first time to $250 for stopping at a bus zone.

While the whole country seems to feel the angst of a recession, the same cannot be said of the golden dome, San Francisco’s city hall. After all, city hall politicians know there are more monies where they came from. So what if the poor San Franciscans have to pay their last dime for the latest regressive taxing scheme, the so called “fight child obesity” taxes on sodas?

Whose San Francisco is this anyway?

noreply@blogger.com (myrna) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:02:00 +0000

“Small business is the backbone of the San Francisco economy and we need to do everything we can to help the small business.”

Rob Black, Chamber of Commerce

San Francisco has 24,965 small businesses employing 1 to 20 workers each. Companies with fewer than 50 employees employ 43% of all San Francisco workers. One out of every 4 jobs is created by small business. Small businesses represent 85% of the city’s businesses.

“So, why do politicians want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg with excessive restrictions, regulations, fees and fines,” asks Walter Franko who has operated Ricca’s Café on Mission Street for 38 years. Walter just shook his head in exasperation when reminded of the new regulations proposed by the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor.

Conditional Use Permit for Discount “Dollar Stores”

Joshua Sabatini of the San Francisco Examiner reported that Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval thinks that Discount “Dollar Stores” along Mission Street in the Excelsior neighborhood is “creating a blight.” He requested the City Attorney to draft regulations that would require conditional use approval before any dollar store can open in any of the City’s Neighborhood Commercial Districts.

What does a conditional use permit application mean?

Today, the operator of a Discount “Dollar Store” can go to the Planning Department, obtain a permit over the counter and open his store.

If a conditional use permit is required, the business operator has to appear at a hearing before the Planning Commission for approval. Planning Commission hearings are backlogged for months.

Under a conditional use application, the operator has to affirmatively show the Planning Commission the following: that the use of the property as a discount store is necessary and compatible with the neighborhood and other businesses in the area; that the use of the property is not detrimental to the health, safety, convenience or welfare of the public; there is adequate parking and loading for the intended use; the use must not be injurious to property; and that the proposed use must meet traffic, height and elevation requirements provided in the Planning Code.

A conditional use permit process is lengthy and costly – it may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, or more. An operator may have to start paying rent of up $3,500 per month for a small retail space while going through the process.

The decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors adding more time and expenses – all of these hurdles including land use attorneys fees to sell $1.00 or $2.00 shirts?

Requiring that Discount “Dollar Stores” obtain conditional use permit effectively bans these businesses from the neighborhood commercial districts.

Calvin Louie, President of the Chinese-American Democratic Club (CADC) said, "Sandoval's policy seems to run counter-intuitive to the American way. Most of the people who establish the "dollar stores" do it in an effort to achieve the American Dream. Many of these stores are "mom-and-pop" operations where the parents are trying to help their families and put their kids through school ... Also for many low-income people, the "dollar stores" are the only businesses they can patronize.

Sandoval added that these “dollar stores” generally sell “cheap plastic wares” and do not offer “any quality shopping experience.”

Cristina Jaochico and Mary Gonzales, both from the Excelsior neighborhood, like shopping in these stores because they can afford the price. Gonzalez likes shopping at Ping’s Gift Shop because “they have a lot of stuff and they are cheap.”

“I don't know why Sandoval is proposing this restriction. Ultimately these stores do help the consumers. Instead of discount stores, would anyone prefer to dot the Mission with high end retails such as Gucci and other brand names?” asks Wilma Pang, former Mayor candidate.

Banning Formula Retail Stores

Judith Berkowitz, President of the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods, is concerned with Supervisor Tom Ammiano’s proposed ordinance to ban Formula Retail in large sections of the Mission neighborhoods. She said: “There should be a study before such a draconian measure is proposed. Any changes should be tied to the Eastern Neighborhoods Area Plan -- Mission Area Plan -- not developed separate from it. This goes against the City's "transit corridor" policy.’’

Judith Berkowitz

A formula retail store is defined as an establishment that has 11 or more retail outlets located anywhere in the United States. It meets 2 or more of the following criteria: standardized array of merchandise, standardized façade, standardized design or color scheme, uniform apparel of employee, standardized signage, trademark or service mark.

Berkowitz’ concern is shared by the East Improvement Association, a neighborhood association in the Mission. “In Year 2006, San Francisco passed Prop G. The conditional use permit required of these chain stores is sufficient and no extra special restrictions should be invoked.”

The East Improvement Association recalls “the negative impact to the Mission when Sears Department Stores and Hale’s Department Stores left. These historically strong chains anchored the Mission. When they left, there was no longer a magnet store to pull customers in to the area and the smaller stores suffered.”

"Without the prospect to attract these larger, more stable players, it has been problematic to find adaptive re-use for many key buildings that were previously utilized as movie theaters, furniture stores, factories and warehouses on important corridors of the Mission. Without the appropriate retail mix of larger and smaller retailers for shopping areas, they cannot remain vibrant.”

This ban punishes successful local businesses like the San Francisco Soup Company, which has several outlets all over the city.

Prohibition of New On and Off Sale Liquor Establishments

Recently, Gerardo Sandoval and Aaron Peskin jointly sponsored an ordinance amending the Planning Code creating a special Excelsior Alcohol Restricted Use District and the North Beach Alcohol Resticted Use District.

The proposed ordinance will prohibit new on and off sale liquor establishments barring new or expanding bars and restaurants from selling wine and liquor in the North Beach Area. This ban will also prohibit new grocery stores from selling wine and liquor in the Excelsior neighborhood.

Community Benefit Districts = Double Taxation of Small Businesses

While individual members of the Board of Supervisors are busy restricting the activities of small businesses, Mayor Gavin Newsom is pushing for the creation of a Community Benefit District in the Excelsior and Ingleside neighborhoods, which will create a new tax assessment district. In exchange for the extra tax, the Community Benefit District is supposed to provide extra services that will benefit the merchants.

Most merchants see these “Community Business Districts” as double taxation. Walter Franko complains about the “city government’s efforts to nickel and dime small businesses without giving anything in return.”

The community benefits district is similar to a business improvement district where the money is raised through property taxes. There are different methods to calculate the additional tax -- typically $970 a year for a standard 2,500-square-foot shop -- will be collected on the December property tax bill and disbursed in January.

Property owners and small businesses now pay for graffiti removal. If they fail to have the graffiti removed in a timely manner, they get ticketed and fined. “It’s punishing the victim”, says Franko.

Most recently, the city removed garbage cans from the streets without notifying the merchants. “The city is forcing the merchants to shoulder the costs of garbage removal services that the city should be responsible for,” complains Franko.

The city is sending out inspectors to cite property owners for cracked sidewalks.

The merchants are now responsible for cleaning their sidewalks and maintaining trees.

Under the Community Benefits District, the city will continue its street-cleaning services in these neighborhoods, a service most residents find dismally performed. In a 2005 city survey, only 43 percent of residents said they were pleased with the cleanliness of the streets, a drop of 5 percent from the previous year. Only 23 percent said they were happy with the condition of the city's pavement.

Another argument against the creation of Community Benefits Districts is that the city should be providing those services because they are already paid for.

All fees and permits payable by small businesses have been tripled or quadrupled in the last few years.

Nickel and Diming Working Families

Fines Ad Nauseam

Gerardo Sandoval plans to introduce regulations that would empower Planning Department inspectors to hand out or mail citations for violations of zoning regulations, specifically targeting property owners who pave their own front yards without the city’s permission.

If the ordinance passes, the Planning Department would be able to fine a property owner up to $500 in what is called a director’s hearing. Sandoval fears, “We are in danger of becoming a concrete city.” …The problem is most of the properties have been paved by previous property owners.

Increased Costs of Parking Meters/Parking Tickets

The newly super sized Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), empowered by the recently passed Proposition A in the last election, is looking at yet another increase in parking meter rates. There is no doubt that the MTA will be looking at increasing the costs of parking tickets again. After all, Proposition A promised MTA $26 million in additional revenues.

Phil and Violeta Varelas of Chick N Coop have operated their business in the Excelsior for 30 years. The couple are well known and well liked not only in the Excelsior but also all over the Bay Area. “We are not rich. We manage financially. We start work at 4:30 am and work till night. We love our customers. We consider them family. We are happy when we see our customers enjoy our food. This restaurant allows us to help our family in Greece and here in San Francisco. Our family sustains us.”

If allowed to continue, the city’s regressive tax policies will nickel and dime folks like Phil and Violeta Varelas all the way to the poor house.

VOTE NO ON PARKING TICKET SCAM! VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION A

noreply@blogger.com (myrna) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:02:00 +0000

Two weeks ago my daughter called me crying. Her car got booted – the cost, $950.00, her entire two week paycheck, plus a loan from her Dad. I have been giving her lunch money ever since that day to help her out.

Today in the Mission District, it’s my turn. I was shocked when I got out of the restaurant to see my car was booted. I called the number on the notice. Nobody can help me unless I go to the newly furnished office of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) which oversees Department of Parking and Traffic on Van Ness and Mission. It was already 4:00 pm. Luckily, 3 elderly Latinas gave me a ride. God bless their heart.

At the MTA Office, there was a room full of people, worried and upset. Suddenly, the monies they thought they had to pay their regular household bills were gone. They now have to pay their other bills later in order to retrieve their cars, without which they cannot work. The room is set up like a theater. People were waiting for their numbers to come up. On stage, is a line of city employees paid by the tax payers, comfortably nestled in their chairs behind bullet proof windows.

I was no different from the others. I argued that I should not have been booted because I have challenged tickets which are under review. The clerk asked me for the proof. I said well, “the proof you are asking for is in the trunk of my car which is sitting where it was booted.” So I asked, “What do I need to do to get my car?” She said, “For $650.00 you can have your car back.” I asked, “Can I write a check?”… Oh, they only take cash, visa, MasterCard, or debit card. They don’t take checks. I told them “I only have checks and $20.00 in my pocket book. I had not planned to get robbed by the Department of Parking and Traffic today.”

"VOTE FOR PROP A, SAVE THE WORLD"

It was already 4:45 pm and my bank was 20 minutes away. Department of Parking and Traffic closes at 5:00 pm. So I asked, “What about my car?” She said, “It’s okay, you have 72 hours to retrieve your car.” “72 hours?” I asked. “How about if my car gets broken into sitting out there in the open?” She just looked at me cold like I was wasting her time.

I forgot. This bureaucrat’s sole mission is to part me from my hard earned money.

Then, I called Aaron Peskin’s office to see if they could help. I spoke to his aide. Though sympathetic, she told me that when she had a problem, she had to pay by credit card. I called Wade Crowfoot of the Mayor’s Office, who did not return my phone call.

Why did I call these people?

I guess I just wanted to know why having the MTA control parking tickets, fines, and parking issues and have them raise the fines to any amount they want without any oversight is a good thing. The MTA plans to raise an additional $150 Million per year. Where would these additional monies come from? …More parking tickets, higher parking ticket fines, higher meter rates, higher parking fees, etc.

The Mayor and Supervisor Peskin are pushing hard to win Proposition A – Proposition A is supposed to fix all our problems from global warming to making Muni better; to making our traffic problems go away. No, Proposition A is about control and money – more money from the tax payers.

So while we San Franciscans have to dodge bullets and be on the look out for street muggers, we have to be prepared to meet the biggest mugger of them all – the MTA.

Mayor, how does it feel being driven around by a limo without having to park at all? Supervisor Peskin, how does it feel not to worry about getting ticketed? So Mayor Newsom, Supervisor Peskin, please remind me again why we should vote for Proposition A?

IS THERE JUSTICE IN CLEAR LAKE, LAKE COUNTY?

noreply@blogger.com (myrna) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:00:00 +0000

“Is this trial about protecting the drug dealer or is it about justice?” Stuart Hanlon, Defense Counsel, Motion Hearing on October 11, 2007

"If Shannon Edmonds invokes the 5^th amendment during trial, his entire testimony, should be stricken and there should be a mistrial, Stuart Hanlon challenges the court."

On the night of December 7, 2005, Christian Foster and Renato Hughes went to visit their old friend Rashad Williams who was living in Clearlake with his grandmother. Christian has not seen Rashad for a long time before that night. Rashad's grandmother last remembers seeing the boys watching videos before she went to bed. That's the last time she saw Christian and Rashad alive. Rashad's mother thinks the boys must have decided to buy some weed before going to the casino. Now, Renato is on trial for his life before Judge William McKinstry.

Judge William McKinstry ruled on October 11, 2007 that if Shannon Edmonds, the admitted murderer of Rashad Williams and Christian Foster invokes the 5^th amendment (the right against self incrimination), his entire testimony will be disallowed. This could result in a mistrial. Then, Renato Hughes will be free after serving 2 years in a Lake County jail for the murder of his boyhood friends – a crime everyone knows he did not commit. If only justice could be this swift...

How about the killer? Will he pay the price for taking 2 young lives and attempting to destroy a third? Or will he continue to walk around a free man?

WHO IS SHANNON EDMONDS?

Shannon Edmonds is the star witness of the prosecution, District Attorney (DA) Jon Hopkins.

Edmonds shot Christian Foster 5 times and Rashad Williams 2 times in the back while both boys were fleeing for their lives out in the street. He was not in imminent danger when he killed them. On the contrary, he hunted them down.

Edmonds, according to “police records”, is a known marijuana grower and drug dealer. He recruits kids and his step sons to sell his marijuana to other kids. Rashad Williams has been to Edmond’s house to buy marijuana from him – a claim Edmonds denies. After all, selling drugs to kids is a crime of moral turpitude, contributing to the delinquency of minors.

Edmonds is a batterer. Edmonds reported to the police that he and his wife tried to commit suicide. His wife, however, filed a restraining order against him. She said, “He tried to kill me, threatened to beat me up if I didn’t take the pills and won’t let me go or use the phone.”

Edmonds has a history of violence. His wife’s statement to the police “I am afraid of him because I saw him shoot his brother.” “Edmonds start punching the wall and broke the coffee table. He shot his brother and took his dope.” She also said “He would find another way to kill her.”

Despite the wife’s claim of attempted murder, no charges were filed by the District Attorney against Edmonds. There was no investigation. There was evidence showing that the District Attorney was called to the scene and got involved.

When asked why the case was not treated as a domestic violence case, the District Attorney’s reply was simplistic, “She was not threatened. Edmonds took both of them to the hospital.” Hanlon argued, “In any other place in California or the country, this would be treated as domestic violence.”

Police reports show Edmonds takes various drugs: Lexapro is used to treat major depressive disorder. Side effects may include impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, and aggressiveness. If the patient is bipolar, he may not use Lexapro. Edmonds takes Neurontin for seizures. The side effects for neurontin may be hostility, depression, or emotional lability. Lability is commonly observed after brain injury or degeneration. Edmonds also used marijuana the night of the murder. Edmonds also takes Triazadon, a treatment for bipolar disorders. People with bipolar disorders may be stable one minute and raving and hitting people the next. Edmonds did not take Triazadon the night of the murder according to the police report.

Edmonds lies. In Mendocino, Edmond’s brother hit him in the head with a vacuum cleaner. Edmonds claims he does not remember. He does not remember his brother being shot. His wife contends he shot his brother and tried to kill him. In the Lake County Mental Health report, Edmonds said “it was his girlfriend’s idea to commit suicide making him overdose.”

ARMED HOME INVASION, DRUG DEAL GONE BAD, OR ALTERCATION/MURDER?

There is no question that Shannon killed both Williams and Foster. Unless he can justify the homicide, he is liable for double murder.

Edmonds alleged that William, Foster and Hughes invaded his home using deadly weapons to rob him of his marijuana. According to the police report, after killing Williams and Foster, Shannon ran down the street yelling at anyone who could hear to call the police. Within minutes, the police arrived.

The police officer dispatched to the crime scene reported the following: “There were 3 black males who had just broken into a residence. As I was en route to the call, dispatch gave information via radio that there were shots fired.”

Edmonds gave conflicting statements to the police as to what happened the night of the murder. Some of his statements indicate a free for all fight or altercation rather than an armed home invasion as noted below:

· Edmonds was yelling at one, Kyle Tacket “There he is that mother f&*^*r that started all of this mess! He was inside the house when this happened!”

· He opened his eyes to see a couple of black kids and two shot guns. One had a mask over part of his face. He could tell that they were black because of their hands and their forehead. One of them jumped on his wife. One or both kept yelling, “where’s the weed mother f*^%r?”

· They entered armed with a baseball bat and a shot gun.

· 5 people broke into the house with hammer and shotgun.

· “They started down the hall. Don’t know if I fired at them. Got to the living room just 2 guys.”

RUSH TO JUDGMENT

On December 9, 2005, 2 days after the crime, DA Jon Hopkins filed a case against Renato Hughes under the provocative act murder theory for the double murder of his friends, perpetrated in the course of committing a felony, an armed home invasion, with special circumstance punishable by death, if convicted.

The DA did not pursue any other theory even though there was evidence to the contrary:

Instead of a “break in”, there may have been an argument over marijuana sales resulting in the altercation. There were at least 2 other boys at the scene according to reports – they smoked marijuana with Edmonds before and dealt with his 2 stepsons. They had altercations with Edmond’s stepsons the day before the crime. Williams had bought marijuana from Edmonds and had also dealt with the 2 stepsons.

The only gun found linked to the crime belongs to Edmonds -- a 9mm semiautomatic Browning without a serial number and is not registered.

Six to seven weeks after the crime, a shotgun allegedly used in the home invasion was found in a pathway frequented by the public. It was covered with light rust, can’t date and no DNA was found; a generic shotgun. The DA failed to connect the gun with the crime and the 3 men. Edmonds claimed conflicting stories about the guns –“1 or 2 or a rifle sticking out of the boys’ hands.”

Hughes “did not go to the direction where the gun was found”.

Did the dogs miss it? The gun did not test.

Edmond’s young daughter said “either her brother or dad had the baseball bat used to bash the head of her step brother resulting in brain damage.”

There was no positive identification of Rashad Williams, Renato Hughes and Christian Foster during the line up. Edmonds said of Williams, “he looks familiar”, as he should since Williams bought marijuana from him before.

Evidence obtained by the DA was provided by the killer himself as they were moving items out of the residence, 3 days after his house was thoroughly searched by investigators. Shannon found a hammer and a white and black bandanna on their bedroom floor.

TRIAL BY PUBLIC OPINION

The rush to judgment by the DA provoked trial and conviction by public opinion of Williams, Foster and Hughes. The DA, police, judge, local media and the public bought in on the home invasion theory.

The FreeRepublic, a website, had the following comments:

“I don’t care if he shot them inside the house or outside the house; these SOB’s deserved what they got!”

“I love a happy ending.”

“I guess the trio picked the wrong “mall” to shop at, this gives new importance to “Authorized Personnel Only”.

“I love to start out a day with good news – don’t you?”

The “felony” murder rule. Sometimes ya just gotta stand back and admire this little piece of criminal law Americana.”

“Two out of three is not bad.”

The prevalent negative publicity perpetuated by the DA could have seriously poisoned the jury pool which prompted the Defense’s efforts to change venue which was denied.

WHY IS EDMONDS PROTECTED?

Some websites in the alternative media refer to Clearlake as the “meth” capital of California with a population of 14,877. The city government was created in 1980. The budget is $8.9 million. It has 8 cops.

The mystery: Is DA Hopkins protecting Edmonds by pinning the crime on Renato Hughes? Is he protecting a drug dealer or seeking justice?

Jon Hopkins said, “We’re proceeding on a provocative-act murder theory”, “If you do something that can provoke a lethal response, “you’re liable for the crime partner’s death.”

DA Hopkins is using a convoluted and archaic theory to try to avoid prosecuting the real killer in this case. Provocative-Act murder is only available while you are in danger. It is rarely used because it is subject to abuse. It begs the question: Is there a relationship between the District Attorney and Shannon Edmonds?

“He should be treated as a drug dealer. He took 2 boys’ lives and now he wants to take the 3^rd one. Where is justice in that? That doesn’t make any sense. They were fleeing the scene. They were murdered! This is a case of “double murder, double standard,” exclaimed Kenneth Block, ‘Coach Ken’, at Balboa High School.

“These are great kids who volunteered at Lick Wilmerding High School during the summer,” says Coach Ken who knew the boys personally. “The public should know that these boys are kind loving boys who have everything going for them.”

RASHAD WILLIAMS

“Rashad had a beautiful smile, reminisces his former track coach, Coach Ken at Balboa High School. He is a good kid.”

Ken coaches City Track Club for James Denham Middle School and works as security at Balboa High School. He is also a board member for the U.S.A. Track and Field, Junior Olympics. “Rashad ran track for me.”

Ken coached Rashad at the City Track Club based at City College of San Francisco and Riordan High School. “The City Track Club is for 6-18 years old. They train cross-country. Rashad ran for 3 years. He was part of the team when the Columbine incident happened. Here was a black boy reaching out to a white boy. Rashad was 7^th in the nation in track and field by the time he was 14 years old. He became a celebrity and used his celebrity status to raise money for Riordan High School.”

“He was upset with Riordan when he flunked 2 classes, but was not given a way to work around it by remedial classes, etc. After that, he made some bad choices but I can understand. Where is his second chance?” continues Coach Ken. “To shoot the people in the back while they are running away, this is “not justice. Why didn’t the District Attorney want to prosecute Edmonds on seemingly any case?” ask Coach Ken.

CHRISTIAN FOSTER

His mother describe Christian Foster as “a loving, caring son with a heart of gold”. He was loved by everyone and had a smile that could “light up a room.”

“The DA has impounded Christian’s car since December 7, 2005 and won’t give it back, even though he will not be using it as evidence for the trial. The family has continued paying the note on the car since then.”

“They let my son bleed to death. Why was there no dying declaration? Why didn’t they ask my son what happened?” They planted the drug dealer’s wallet and keys in my son’s pants pocket. The bandana the dealer found in his bedroom was in the trunk of Christian’s car. Christian has never been to Clearlake. Renato just asked him for a ride to Clearlake. He was on a winter break while attending college. He wanted to become a youth guidance counselor for under privileged and under represented adolescents when he graduated.

Christian’s parents, Sherrill and Howard Foster have been married for 29 years. Christian went to A.P Giannini, then Thurgood Marshall. He was attending Notre Dame De Namur in Belmont when he was killed. His brother is an ex-San Francisco police officer who was injured in the line of duty and his sister is a high school honor student. His father works for the U.S. Postal Service and his mother works for an insurance company.

RENATO HUGHES

Judy Hughes, Renato’s mother is a teacher for the San Francisco Unified School District. Judy has 3 kids. The oldest girl is also a teacher in San Francisco schools studying for her PhD. Just like his mom and his sister, Renato teaches grades K to 8 children at the Freedom School. Renato is studying Business at San Jose State University. He wants to own his own business.

Judy carries around Renato’s awards. “Renato is kind hearted. He won awards. He played the cello. He has a 2 year old baby. He played cello with the Golden Gate Philharmonic Orchestra. He went to Sunday School teaching at San Francisco Christian Center, involved in football, basketball, baseball, track and field.”

FAMILY TOGETHER: KEEPING DREAMS ALIVE

The 3 boys were classmates when they went to FellowshipAcademy.

Sheila Burton wishes every day that “this is a just a bad dream… I’ll wake up and my son will be here.”

Meanwhile, the families’ friends are working hard to free Renato and keep the memory of Christian and Rashad alive. Sheila is defiant about the way her son Rashad has been painted in the media. “My son has been killed, now they are slandering his name!” Christian’s sister has put up a website in My Space. If only DA Hopkins knew these boys, he wouldn’t paint them as “hardened arm robbers” only to save a murderer from justice.

“Hopkins is totally wrong on the law. The provocative act does not change the law regarding murder. Murder- homicide – felony - the foundation of the law has not changed. Either it is self defense or murder. There was no provocation,” argued Stuart Hanlon, Defense Counsel.

This weekend, October 26-28, the NAACP National Convention in Los Angeles, California will dedicate its early morning General Session to address the injustice that has been committed against Christian, Rashad and Renato. Alice Huffman, the State President will preside at the convention.

LOSING SONS TO THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO

noreply@blogger.com (myrna) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:59:00 +0000

Fathers step up to the plate. These boys need you in their rites of passage from boyhood to manhood. George Jurand, founder, Healing Circle

The feeling was eerie as hundreds of African American and Latin American mothers, sisters, grandmothers, and aunts, marched a silent dirge then quietly took their seats in mahogany candle lit Paradise Church.

One by one, the heart wrenching sight of tears and sounds of muffled cries, shrieks of pains from broken hearts, the women recounted the death of their young sons from violence in the streets. No, this is not a survivor’s camp in war torn Afghanistan.

These women are desperately trying to find peace, the strength, and the will to keep on living for their remaining children. These women are the faces and remnants of grim statistics, the record-breaking homicide in the streets of San Francisco. These women are the "Healing Circle".

At the urging of mothers whose young children are killed, as young as 9 months, George Jurand founded the Healing Circle 3 years ago.

One hundred fifty eight families participate in the Healing Circle. They seek prayers for lost loved ones and for themselves to sooth their souls.

Rudy Corpuz, founder of the United Playaz, points to pictures of young homicide victims on his wall in his office at Balboa High School. Corpuz, a father of 2 young boys and a former gang leader, devoted himself to saving children from the allure and devastation of drugs, gangs and violence.

“We have a death culture”, says Corpuz. “Some kids do not expect to live past 21 years old. They start preparing their funerals at 18 years old. They are from poor backgrounds -- they have no self esteem or hope for the future. They get recruited to sell drugs. They kill or they die because someone messes with their livelihood.”

If we are at war, it sure feels like we are losing it.

A lot of young homicide victims live in neighborhoods where there are juvenile problems -- Bayview Hunters Point, Outer Mission including Visitacion Valley, OMI and Western Addition.

A yearly average of more than 3,000 youths, mostly minorities and boys are referred to the San Francisco Juvenile Prevention by law enforcement. There are 53% blacks, 21% Latinos, 15% Asians and 9% whites. The ages range from 11 to 18 years old. Most juveniles are between 15 and 18 years of age.

In Year 2005, San Francisco Juvenile Hall booked 1,838 youths – 1,063 Blacks, 410 Latinos, 93 Chinese, 25 Filipinos, 10 Cambodians, 27 Vietnamese, 53 Samoans, and 120 Whites.

The alleged crimes were 312 robbery cases, 228 assault cases, 46 burglary cases, 37 theft cases, 49 motor vehicle theft cases, 108 narcotics cases, and 63 cases involving weapons. There were 28 cases of prostitution.

733 of the kids booked in Juvenile Hall in year 2005 were from 11 to 15 years old.

“These boys should grow old and die of old age. Their grandmothers or their single mothers are raising them. These women do their best, but when these boys become teenagers they need male guidance. Both parents have to be held accountable,” pleads Jurand.

If there is a lesson to be learned, the story of young Cornelius Williams needs to be told. Cynthia Carter, a Muni driver, a beautiful young grandmother at 44 years old, proudly shows pictures of her grand kids – two babies left by Cornelius, killed execution style in Potrero Hills when he was 19 years old three years ago.

When Cornelius was 2 years old, Cynthia, a single mother to 3 young children asked her mother to take care of him in Elk, Grove, California. She brought him back to San Francisco when he turned 13 years old, a decision that has since haunted her.

“Cornelius was short and skinny for his age. He was being taunted and beaten up. He would come home and ask me, momma why are they being so mean to me? I fought for him as hard as I could.

Then, he went to Thurgood Marshall. There were gang activities. He was getting jumped in school. The bad kids would ask him where he was from and he would say, “I live with my mother.” One day he just snapped and brought a gun to school – he went to jail for 2 weeks. We lived in the Sunnydale at that time.”

By the time Cornelius was murdered, newspaper accounts of him reported arrests for drug possession and allegations of gang activities.

Now, Cynthia keeps a tight rein on her younger son. “Cornelius’ little brother does independent study at home. He only goes to school one hour a week. He likes it. He doesn’t want to get involved with bad influences.”

As a society, we hear of children who endure life’s challenges and prevail. Examples prevail in movies and newspapers yet, real examples like Micah Allen walk among us in San Francisco unnoted. With a sense of indomitable strength of character, he works at UCSF researching cure for diabetes. He brings his 4-year-old nephew with him wherever he goes.

Angela McClure, Micah Allen, and David Wong.

Micah remembers his childhood without a tinge of bitterness. “I did not meet my father till I was 12 years old. He stayed with me for 2 weeks and then he was gone.”

“There is no question my life would have been more positive if I had a male role model when I was growing up. When I was a teenager, I just hang out with friends after school. Usually, we just talked about girls. If I had a father around, we would have gone to baseball and football games.”

Lonnie Holmes, a father of 3 young boys, is a community leader who has devoted his life guiding at-risk kids into more productive lives. He believes that communities should be involved in providing youth with the necessary tools they need to succeed.

Family man Lonnie Holmes with his exuberant wife Paris and their budding sons.
Courtesy of Luke Thomas, fogcityjournal.com

“Job training, vocational and trade schools should be put in place,” says Holmes.

So, what is the answer to this pervasive dilemma? In a recent meeting with the I.T. Bookman Center in the Ingleside, the new Superintendent of the San Francisco Unified District, Carlos Garcia, spoke about developing vocational schools as one of his top priorities. “Our vocational schools will teach kids woodwork, machinist training, plumbing, etc.”

“Crime is a symptom of poverty. So long as people cannot afford to feed themselves or have no vocational prospects, crime is going to occur. The city should focus efforts on the development of new jobs that will help reduce an unemployment rate that is 46% in some areas,” said Holmes.

“In the last 3-1/2 years we have had 350 people killed and 500 people wounded by gun shot at a cost of $1 Billion dollars. To date, we have over 90 homicides. We have 75% recidivism rate in juveniles. Crime is a man made problem that can be solved if the political will is there.” Holmes planned the first Bay View Hunters Point Conference on Crime.

David Wong, the President of the Deputy Sheriff Association developed programs for at-risk youth with various trade unions. He wants to expand these programs.

Rudy Corpuz believes “Everything starts at the home. We have a misled generation. Kids are not being raised right. The media glorifies violence, sex and drugs. Kids are being raised by televisions and radios – a 5 year old can sing the E40 rapper.”

“Artists need to tell the kids the truth and the repercussions of violence. They have a major responsibility because kids emulate them.”

“United Playaz stresses family. Kids like boundaries. In the south of market area, we worked with Captain O’Leary on youth led programs building life and leadership skills. We use recreational sports, football, basketball and talent shows to reach out to the kids.”

“Working with Principal Patricia Gray, Balboa High School is now a model school. We started United Playaz in 1994 after a big racial riot outside Balboa High School between blacks and Filipinos – we transformed that riot into a collaborative effort to stop the violence.” sums up Corpuz.

Youth advocates are lobbying the City of San Francisco to use facilities like the vacant former Hidden Valley Ranch facility in San Mateo to house at-risk kids away from their environment.

“The government is not doing anything to mend social and economic disparities”, complains Jurand. “A young person in the day trade means economic support. We need more job trainings and after school programs for teens”.

“Senseless destruction of young lives permeates our society. Isn’t this generation worth saving?” asks Holmes.

“In order for us to survive, it will take our own people to save us,” says Corpuz. We have to find the will.

United Playaz

TALK TO TEENS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

noreply@blogger.com (myrna) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:58:00 +0000

“Listen to your kids, guide them, show them love, understanding and patience. Let them know that you will always be there for them no matter what.” - Clara Tempongko

It has been seven years since Clara Tempongko lost her daughter to domestic violence. She finds closure knowing that her daughter’s killer is in jail. Now she spends her time working two jobs, taking care of her grandkids and being a tireless advocate for victim’s rights and preventing domestic violence.

The month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Claire Tempongko’s tragedy has become the catalyst for San Francisco’s heightened awareness of domestic violence. According to the San Francisco Police Department, there are about 4,500 reports of domestic violence per year in San Francisco, 4,305 in 2006 and 4,445 in 2005. Approximately 25% of these reports result in arrests. An unknown number of domestic violence incidents go unreported and it is believed that there are more incidents that go unreported than incidents that are reported.

While these numbers are staggering, they do not reveal the little-known secret that there are now widespread incidents of teen dating violence as teenagers engage in intimate and sexual relations earlier. Some people are calling the problem an “epidemic”, yet, only 4% of teens report abuse to an adult.

Most teens are afraid and ashamed to tell adults for fear of being judged or punished. Known incidents of physical abuse among friends are talked about in whispers on the cell phone away from prying adult eyes. Once in a while a teen blurts, “She is so stupid”, and then says in a hurry “I’ll call you back”, when an adult approaches.

The San Francisco Unified School District published in the year 2003 the “Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey; Percentage of Middle School Students Who Had Engaged in Sexual Intercourse.” The findings are mind boggling: 4.9% of Grade 6 students had engaged in sexual intercourse while 9% of Grade 7 students and 11% of Grade 8 students had engaged in sexual intercourse -- 26% of the students have had sexual intercourse by the time they are 14 years old and 2.8% of the students in middle school had their first sexual intercourse before they are 11 years old.

When asked why this is happening, Dr. Dee O’Brien, Psychology Professor at U.C. Santa Cruz explains “Girls and boys are socialized early to be sexual. Girls are developing physically earlier and we do not know what to do with it. They look grown but inside they are just children.”

Dr. O’Brien developed a focus group of 150 girls from 11-14 years old and found “Girls want to be prettier and more popular. They want the boys’ approval and without a boy she is less than... There is an increase status to be in a relationship. There is a pressure for kids to grow up fast and they are not emotionally or mentally ready for it. Let us not forget about the boys perpetrating the violence...”

The Harvard School of Public Health conducted the first large scale study of the extent of physical and sexual violence by dating partners against teenage girls. At least one in five girls will experience some form of dating violence. Current or former partners abused 32% of pregnant teens. Twenty six percent of new mothers between 13 and 17 years old experienced intimate partner violence in the 3 months after the birth of their child.

Abuse in relationships exists among all classes, races and cultural groups, although women between ages 16-24 experience the highest rate of victimization.

Roxanne Hoegger Alejandre, a staff attorney representing domestic violence victims at the Bay Area Legal Aid in the San Francisco Regional Office says “It is time to take a hard look at romantic relationships between young people and the violence that often occurs in these relationships.”

Blesilda Ocampo

Voted Woman Warrior by the Filipino Women's Network

Actor, Vagina Monologue

Blesilda Ocampo, a victim of domestic violence at 19 years old shares her own experiences with teens and encourages them to believe in themselves, “There is no shame in being a victim,” she tells them. “Just like you, I met my first boyfriend full of promises and hope. I ran away from home and an abusive family. I thought I found the answer to my longing for love and acceptance. It felt like a wonderful dream at first. Then the dream turned into a nightmare. He was a substance abuser. He physically beat me several times during our 2-year relationship. I lived with him until my daughter was about a year old. I finally left him at the urging of a concerned co-worker who saw the cuts and bruises on my neck when he tried to choke me the night before.

I ended up in a shelter for battered women which changed my life. The intervention of my co-worker probably saved my life and my baby.”

In 2005, 155 murders were the result of intimate partner violence in California. In 2005, husbands, ex-husbands or boyfriends killed 125 women in California and wives, ex-wives or girlfriends killed 27 men. (California Department of Justice, Criminal Justice Statistics Center).

These numbers have been increasing in recent years. What is tragic about these deaths is that much of them could have been prevented.

Ocampo advocates education as the key to prevention. “Get the kids before they become victims and batterers. Knowing the difficulty of breaking away from abusive relationships, it is not enough to tell victims violence is not about love, it is about power and control -- especially for young people.”

www.loveisnotabuse.com

A model curriculum developed by Liz Claiborne Inc. and the Education Development Center, “Love Is Not Abuse” educates kids about preventing dating violence and how to seek help. So far, the curriculum has been distributed to over 1,000 schools all over the country. In San Francisco, Love Is Not Abuse has been introduced in the 9th grade at the Downtown High School, Mission High School and the Willie L. Brown Junior Academy College Preparatory School.

“Education sets the foundation for identifying and stopping teen dating abuse… In order to break the cycle of teen dating abuse, we must continue to bring this issue to the forefront.” says Jane Randel, Vice President, Corporate Communications, Liz Claiborne Inc. Liz Claiborne Inc. is promoting September 25 as “It’s Time to Talk Day”, for teenagers.

There is no mandatory curriculum in California schools that would educate kids about forming healthy relationships -- there is a burning need. There should be a coordinated and comprehensive effort to educate boys and girls about healthy relationships. “And to be effective, we must involve all sectors of society – government, civil society, the private sector, media and teens,” says Randel.

Roxanne Hoegger Alejandre agrees that a mandatory curriculum is an important step towards eliminating teen dating violence. The curriculum maybe a component of the Sex Education program now mandated in schools or be a component of a Psychology or Health curriculum. According to empirical studies, the curriculum should start at Grade 6.

There is also a need for intervention and support groups for domestic violence survivors and families of victims, similar to the 12-step groups, such as Alcoholic Anonymous.

The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence, a coalition of 150 California domestic violence shelters, organizations and advocates working to end domestic violence at local, state and national levels held their Annual Meeting – Embracing Diversity Celebrating Community from September 9 -11 in Sacramento. The 3-day strategy meeting rallied 300 women and men to become an even stronger force in eradicating domestic violence through legislation, policy development and delivery of services, etc.

Rocio Watson, an advocate, summed up everyone’s sentiment “If we want to have a good society, we have to invest in our youth. They are our future generation.”

So “Listen to your kids, guide them, show them love, understanding and patience. Let them know that you will always be there for them no matter what.” Take the time to have a dialogue with them to let them know you are not judgmental. Gain their trust. Talk to your kids about domestic violence and become part of the solution.