March 16 Community Meeting Summary and Updates

Dear Neighbors,

If we saw you at the meeting last week, thank you for your participation. Captain Lew and Supervisor Mandelman were happy to see you and to hear directly from our neighborhood. Here is a brief summary of that meeting and an update on what is happening in and around Upper Noe.

I now serve as president of UNN. Olga Milan-Howells remains on the UNN Board as our past president. Tony Harris, previously a director at large, stepped up to be our vice president. Erin Zielinski and Bryan Klofas offered to serve another year as treasurer and secretary respectively. Andy Levine continues as a director at large chairing the Land Use Committee. Thank you all for your continued service. It is an honor to be at the helm of this distinguished group.

UNN is moving ahead on our 2022 Neighborhood Goals. Your input and participation is welcome. See https://uppernoeneighbors.com/issues/neighborhood-goals/ <https://uppernoeneighbors.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=827946d26faa70b62addf9112&id=3a2e5b4036&e=1017df4ca4> for updates.

Jackie Prager is the newest legislative aide in Supervisor Mandelman’s office. She is the former executive director for the SF Democratic Party. A resident of Upper Noe herself, Jackie will act as the Noe Valley point person for District 8. Contact her at jackie.prager@sfgov.org . Jacob Bintliff will continue to assist us on housing and transportation issues. Supervisor Mandelman informs us that his office has started the Add Back process that provides funds for neighborhood projects. He asks that we submit our requests.

Captain Derrick Lew assumed command of Ingleside Station at the end of January and joined us for the first time. He reported that crime is down significantly across the board in the past year with the exceptions that assault and vehicle theft are up slightly. He addressed the shooting incident between cars on the 200 block of Valley Street. He assures us that this battle originated elsewhere and then moved through our neighborhood; it has no connection with anyone, any residence or activity in Noe Valley. The Captain also mentioned that SFPD is short about 300 to 500 officers. While some services such as foot patrols will feel the cuts, he is confident Ingleside officers will always have the ability to respond appropriately to Priority A in-process crimes and ensure personal safety. Learn more through the Ingleside Station Newsletters and the Captain’s monthly community meetings. Visit https://www.sanfranciscopolice.org/stations/ingleside-station .

Waymo spokesperson, Noelle Duong, updated us on what is happening with driverless cars in San Francisco. She assured us that stories about driverless cars frequenting a dead end street were overblown and old news. It was just a minor issue with navigating around a slow street, which they respect and avoid using. Click here to see her short presentation .

Phillip Kobernick shared with us his expertise on Home Electrification. He urged everyone to choose electric over gas when replacing appliances. This not only can save money but also reduces pollution in the home and for the overall environment. San Francisco’s Green Power energy program makes electric even more attractive. Click here to see his presentation .