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S.F. traffic noise risks health of 1 in 6
Noise from traffic is putting nearly 1 in 6 San Francisco residents at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and other stress-related illnesses, city public health officials have found.
Rachel Gordon, Chronicle Staff Writer Noise from traffic is putting nearly 1 in 6 San Francisco residents at risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and other stress-re... more -
Comments on Comments on Media, War and Finances
I finally got the point of who drives the news here at current.
1. There a part of the people that are students
2. There a part that are employees at Current
3. Then there are people that are really aware of what is going on and that is not that many
4. Then there are the kids...
5. And the other part is... well
Let see if you can guess, throw me a bone! Because I already figure that out. I finally got the point of who drives the news here at current. 1. There a part of the people that are students ... more -
Central District Newsletter-October 7, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
October 7, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Fall is officially here, it’s getting darker sooner and no doubt the rain will follow. Now is a good time to check windshield wiper blades and to be on the lookout for bicycles and pedestrians during commute hours. At the end of the month there will be masses out on the streets of San Francisco, free wheeling all over the place. Expect for lots of people and bikes out this October 31st. Not only will it be Halloween, but it will also coincide with Critical Mass, the all-out bicycle rodeo around town.
Beware of Fraudulent Travel Planners
This past week we had over 50 reports of hopeful travelers who have been bilked out of travel plans and thousands of dollars, and some even their passports. Victims from all over the City reported that they made travel plans with an agent on Stockton Street. When they found that their ‘tickets’ were not paid for, they responded to the office and discovered that it was now found vacant. Anyone who made plans through the agent is advised to contact the airline and to make a police report if irregularities are found.
Halloween Safety Tips:
1. Costumes should fit correctly so kids won't trip on them. Wear light-colored costumes so you can be seen easily at night.
2. Kids should not try to Trick or Treat by themselves. They should go with an adult and a group of friends.
3. Map out where you and your friends will be going. Visit only the well-lighted houses.
4. Trick or Treat while it is still light out; always bring a flashlight, it may get dark. Wear a reflective costume or stickers.
5. Pick well-lighted streets. Walk on the sidewalks. Do not take shortcuts or alleys!
6. Only accept candy at a person's front door. Do not go inside of a house or into someone's car.
7. Have a back-up plan in case you get separated from your group. Carry a cell phone or a walkie-talkie or money for a pay phone, and the number of a trusted adult. Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley October 7, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” Captain’s Comments ... more -
S.F. supe wants to toss Lasorda from parade
While I agree in spirit, this is a total waste of time. I would like Supervisor Alioto to send her next paycheck directly to me because I am demanding a refund on my taxes.
Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier wants organizers of the San Francisco Italian American parade to boot Tommy Lasorda as grand marshal.
He's the former manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who've had "an intense rivalry" with our hometown Giants for years and "nobody embodies that more than Tommy Lasorda," states the resolution.
The Giants aren't doing so great, it continues, and "Dodger fans are boastful and smug." Furthermore, there are "many other distinguished local Italian American athletes" like Giants pitcher Barry Zito "or even Joe Montana" who could do the important job of waving from a convertible.
The parade is scheduled for Oct. 12, so Alioto-Pier is trying to get the legislation passed at the board's next meeting, Oct. 7.
But is this really how the supervisors should be spending their time?
"We can't have Tommy Lasorda come to San Francisco for the Italian American parade!" Alioto-Pier said. "He's like enemy No. 1 right now. If you don't think this is important, you should move to L.A." While I agree in spirit, this is a total waste of time. I would like Supervisor Alioto to send her next paycheck directly to me becaus... more -
Central District Newsletter-September 23, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 23, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
I am just back from a quick trip to the Eastern Sierras. The sights were great at Mono Lake, Devil’s Postpile, Gem Lake, June Lake and Mammoth Mountain. I even ran into a bunch of tourists trying to figure out the Italian script on the back of their Caffe Roma t-shirts at the foot of Rainbow Falls. Familiar with the credo, I translated, Tony would be proud. While I was there I happened to pick up a local paper to see how crime took a vacation as well. The good news is that their worst report was a demolished and pilfered kitchen and pantry. The suspect was a four legged 350 pound local, covered in dark brown fur. I wonder how they manage Community Policing with those guys.
Yesterday was officially the first day of Fall and our event calendar fills up quickly. In October we have the 10/10 Parade and Festival in Chinatown on 10/04/08 and of course, Fleet Week at Fisherman’s Wharf on 10/9-10/12. At the end of the month we expect revelers of all ages and costume to come into the district for Halloween on Friday 10/31/08.
Broadway and the area has been active. See below for statistics. We have had help with new Central Lieutenant Harry Pierson and Night Captain Dave Lazar directing troops from Central Station, the Market Street Beat, the Traffic Violence Reduction squad and others. The SF Sheriff continues to be a great ally with a bus on Broadway every weekend to assist in booking prisoners. They were very busy Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Broadway Corridor
Friday September 19, 2008: Saturday September 20, 2008:
Felony arrests made 3 Felony arrests 2
Misdemeanor arrests made 6 Misdemeanor arrests made 5
Drunk related arrests made 1 Drunk related arrests made 10
Moving citations 69 Moving citations 62
Parking citations issued 8 Parking citations issued 10
Towed vehicles 14 Towed vehicles 10
The Traffic Company Violence Reduction Unit assistance was very helpful indeed, with a reported 41 citations issued, 5 vehicles towed, 6 reports made and 7 arrests made. The best arrest of the night occurred when Solo Motorcycle Officer Jim Riordan was told by a motorist that a group of 4 Latin males and a black male robbed him at Sansome and Broadway on 9/20/08 at 1:40 AM. The officer and back up located the suspects on Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 23, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” Captain’s Comments ... more -
Central District Newsletter-September 16, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 16, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Two fatal incidents occurred this week, both within hours of each on 9/11/08. Just after midnight, officers were alerted to a call of a suspect breaking into vehicles on the unit block of Alta, near Coit Tower. At one point, the suspect ran from one of the victim vehicles and attempted to flee, vaulting a wall at the end of the street. The suspect did not survive the fall of over 150 feet to the foot of the hill at Sansome and Filbert Streets.
Later that afternoon, officers were called to an apartment building at Taylor and Geary to our only homicide of the year. Without being able to provide any specific details, I can only commend Officers Steve Wonder and Nick Rainsford for outstanding investigation and follow up that led to the arrest of the suspect within 48 hours of the report.
September is STILL National Preparedness Month, 2008
In San Francisco we have several ways to get ready. Check out www.sfgov.org and backslash police or fire for good tips. You can also check out www.sfsafe.org or www.72hours.org for more information. Be a NERT! Check out the SFFD web page for information on how/when and where you can join the free Neighborhood Emergency Response Team. For more information, citizens may also visit www.ready.gov and www.citizencorps.gov.
Last week, I met with Chief Fong and Cindy Brandon, the executive director of SAFE, Safety Awareness For Everyone, and a representative from the Metropolitan Club regarding a talk on crime awareness for the individual. It occurred to me that the tenants of crime awareness should be on everyone’s mind. Here are just a few tips to help keep you from being a victim.
• Be Mindful. Have situational awareness of your surroundings. That can mean several things, but besides being mindful in the moments when going to and from your home, school or office, it also means doing some homework yourself. Do you know the crime trends in your area? Do you take personal precautions? Do you own something that is a hot commodity? Things like laptops, Ipods, GPS systems in vehicles are top items stolen from people and unoccupied vehicles.
• Use a Lock. On your home, your car, your bike, your work-out locker at the gym. Some thieves are strictly opportunists. They will not force a lock or door, but they are always open to unattended items. Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 16, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” Captain’s Comments ... more -
Central District Newsletter - September 3, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 2, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Despite being a bit superstitious….
To date, we have had no vehicle related accident fatalities in the district.
Also to date, we have had no, zero homicides in the district for the year 2008.
In our fight against auto burglary, one property manager who oversees a garage on Fisherman’s Wharf reports that they have had only one auto boost over the past 3 months since installing several large signs warning patrons to secure valuables out of sight in their parked and unattended vehicles.
Occasionally we experience crimes series of different sorts. We attempt to identify them through police reports or by officers who notice trends in their sectors or on their beats. Information communication is key when it comes to solving a series. That means we need to hear from the community when they notice something unusual or when they experience a crime. Sometimes I am told about crimes that occurred, but the witness or victim did not report them. It is important to track crime trends and statistics by documenting occurrences as much as possible. Sometimes patrols and staffing decisions can be made by the number of calls for service or number of incidents reported in an area during specific times.
Recycling Thefts
We continue to see thefts of opportunity and theft of precious metals such as copper and bronze. Please see the attached SAFE Flier at the end of this newsletter for additional tips and information.
Broadway Corridor
Friday August 29, 2008: Saturday August 30, 2008:
Felony arrests made 1 Felony arrests 5*
Misdemeanor arrests made 1 Misdemeanor arrests made 4
Drunk related arrests made 0 Drunk related arrests made 2
Moving citations 52 Moving citations 43
Parking citations issued 20 Parking citations issued 11
Towed vehicles 12 Towed vehicles 14
8/24/08 stats: 1 misdemeanor arrest, 1 drunk arrest, 12 vehicle tows, 159 citations issued.
8/25/08: 5 Misdemeanor arrests, 34 citations issued, 4 towed vehicles.
8/30/08 Traffic Stats: 3 arrests, 3 towed vehicles and 43 moving citations issued. Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 2, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” Captain’s Comments ... more -
If Animals Rejects It, Imagine What It Is Doing to Us
The Animals can tell us a lot!
Initially this movie was about how to secure the path of a machine. However I end up to pick up something interesting that is related to humans, acoustic issues and excessive noise. The Animals can tell us a lot! ... more -
Central District Newsletter - August 19, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
August 19, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Captain Dudley is on vacation, he will return 8/25. The following is submitted by Officer Fred Crisp.
Mark your calendar.
Entertainment Commission Meeting
Tuesday August 19th, 5:00PM Room 406 City Hall
.
Representatives of 383 Broadway will be in attendance.
Review of activities at 443 Broadway.
Public is invited to comment on items related to permitted activities
Central Station/Community Meeting.
Thursday August 21, 2008, 6PM 660 Lombard Tel-Hi Auditorium
Topic of concern is the gunfire on Francisco Street on 8/14/08.
Representatives of 383 Broadway will be in attendance.
Broadway Corridor
Friday August 15, 2008: Saturday August 16, 2008:
Felony arrests made 0 Felony arrests 0
Misdemeanor arrests made 5 Misdemeanor arrests made 2
Drunk related arrests made 0 Drunk related arrests made 1
Moving citations 75 Moving citations 26
Parking citations issued 19 Parking citations issued 15
Towed vehicles 4 Towed vehicles 11
You may recall Captain Dudley’s thanks to all who participated in “National Night Out” at Joe DiMaggio Playground on 08/05/08. Everyone in attendance voiced the opinion that such an enjoyable event should happen more than once a year. Neighbor Lee Goodin heard those comments and took action. Lee has reserved the Bocce’ Ball courts on Thursday September 4th from 6PM-7:30PM for another get together. Tel-Hi, Central Station and neighbors will be in attendance. E-mail lgoodin1@mindspring.com for further info and what is needed for the barbeque. Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley August 19, 2008 Captain’s Comments ... more -
Disaster Drill in San Francisco Scheduled for August 16th
Apparently, rehearsing for disaster is common practice in major cities. Such drills were in place on September 11th in New York City and on July 7th in London. San Francisco city officials are pleading with residents not to flee the city, which may cause traffic problems on the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges. Apparently, rehearsing for disaster is common practice in major cities. Such drills were in place on September 11th in New York City a... more
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Central District Newsletter - July 22, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
July 22, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Good things are happening here in the district. We are 2 for 2 at City Commissions this week. On Tuesday July 15, 2008 the Entertainment Commission turned down an entertainment permit for the first time in my three year tenure here. Reason cited were lack of management experience, past incidents at the location on the 400 block of Broadway and a lack of a good security plan.
On July 16, 2008 the Board of Permit Appeals upheld a notice of violation and cease and desist order on a business operating as an illegal encounter studio, also on the 400 block of Broadway. The place in question was investigated twice for acts of prostitution and in one case, robbery of a tourist from Israel. Women employees were arrested related to all three accusations. The location also operated after 2 AM, also in violation of the Planning Code, and enlisted barkers and scantily clad women approaching men on the street.
We are encouraged by these actions and hope to see them as the beginning of follow up support for the Central Station Night Watch officers who have sustained efforts on Broadway over the past three years.
The Economics of Crime
Crime often rises and falls with the economy. We have seen a steady rise in crimes of theft and opportunity throughout the district. Petty thefts, shoplift, and ‘dine and dash’ type crimes seem to be on the rise.
Two glaring examples of this occurred last week. On the 500 block of Jefferson, suspects disconnected and stole several dozen feet of active copper plumbing to crab pots at one location. Copper pipe thefts along with recyclable items have been targets of theft throughout the Bay Area. On 7/16/08 at 5 PM, a woman riding aboard MUNI was robbed of a bag of groceries at Stockton and Broadway.
Laptop Grants for At Risk Youth
This program provides free refurbished laptops to selected college bound foster care youth and other youth under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court system. This program is a partnership between City Youth Now www.cityyouthnow.org, Redemtech www.redemtech.com, TechConnect Digital Inclusion Initiative www.sfgov.org/digital_inclusion and Independent Living Skills Program www.sfhsa.org . This program is made possible through a generous grant from the John Burton Foundation and contributions from Microsoft Corporation.
City Youth Now is currently accepting grant applications through mid-August and will make approximately 50 grants. Applications must be submitted on behalf of the youth by a social Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley July 22, 2008 Captain’s Comments ... more -
The Real News - Monday July 21, 2008
The Best News Cast For Monday July 21, 2008
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Green Bay ordinance to combat loud mufflers moves forward
If you hear a loud muffler in Green Bay, you'll soon be able to turn the driver in to police.
A loud muffler ordinance needs one more reading before the city council before it can be published and take effect.
The ordinance allows Green Bay residents to fill out a form on the loud vehicle and send it to police, who will investigate and determine if the vehicle owner should be cited.
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=8685614 If you hear a loud muffler in Green Bay, you'll soon be able to turn the driver in to police. ... more -
Comments on Comments - Hybrids Noise and Range
This is the second part about Hybrid, noise, range and driving.
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Comments on Comments - Jan For Gore on Al Gore Speech
We live in a such fast pace environment and we need to develop something better than a Culture of Distraction. Many parts of The World is burning right now, figuratively speaking and people are not learning or getting to the point as it should. Maybe we should all slow down and start to talk about the issues that matters thoroughly and with more depth. We live in a such fast pace environment and we need to develop something better than a Culture of Distraction. Many parts of The World... more
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Comments on Comments - Should Hybrids Make Noise 1
Current Comments on Comments about Making Hybrids Noisy. In addition in the end you will have my Thanks to those that are participating in this discussion. Current Comments on Comments about Making Hybrids Noisy. In addition in the end you will have my Thanks to those that are participatin... more
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Making Hybrids Noisy
The federal government is considering legislation to set noise levels for hybrid cars. If passed, automakers will be mandated to add external speakers on all hybrid vehicles.
Maryland
Making Hybrids Noisy
A proposed law, HR 5734, mandates noise making generators on quiet vehicles.
The National Federation for the Blind has been lobbying congress for noise making generators on hybrid-electric cars, claiming that the noise will allow their members to better hear them. If passed, automakers will be mandated to add external speakers on all hybrid vehicles.
You can read more about the issue from this article published by AP / ABC News. NoiseOFF was cited in the article:
"To further expose millions of people to excessive noise pollution by making vehicles artificially loud is neither logical nor practical nor in the public interest," said Richard Tur, founder of NoiseOFF, a group that raises awareness of noise pollution.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) held a public meeting to bring together government policymakers, industry representatives and public interest groups on the issue of noise making generators on quiet cars including hybrids, all-electric vehicles and quiet internal combustion engine vehicles.
Representatives from the National Federation for the Blind testified for mandating noise. They also provided grant money to a start-up company to design and build external speakers on hybrid automobiles.
Millions of people who live near busy roadways, thoroughfares, intersections and parking lots are adversely affected by vehicle noise at all hours of the day and night.
Hybrids reduce ambient street and highway noise. The reason why people purchase hybrids, among other reasons, is because they are quiet vehicles.
There are other viable solutions, including wireless audible receivers that can alert blind pedestrians to oncoming vehicle traffic.
Written comments may be submitted to NHTSA and must be received no later than August 1, 2008.
NHTSA Headquarters
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
West Building
Washington, DC 20590
The Federal Register Docket is: NHTSA-2008-0108. The federal government is considering legislation to set noise levels for hybrid cars. If passed, automakers will be mandated to add e... more -
SFMTA Donate Free Noise Pollution!
Ding! Ding! Get your FREE bike bell this Wednesday
Get a free bike bell when you pedal your bike by the fabulous SFBC Streetside Outreach Team at Fox Plaza (Market near 9th) this Wednesday from 5-7pm. (Thanks to the SFMTA for donating 800 bells!)
SFMTA= San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Ding! Ding! Get your FREE bike bell this Wednesday ... more -
Central District Newsletter - July 15, 2008
Captain’s Comments
On Wednesday July 9 at 11 AM, I was at the Cable Car turn around at Bay and Taylor Streets when I saw an elderly woman with a cane across the intersection attempting to step up onto the curb when she obviously began to lose her balance. Just as she went backwards, arms and legs akimbo, Sanford Cipinko, “Attorney at Law” swept in. Mr. Cipinko reached out with his right arm and cradled the falling woman, meanwhile balancing a cup of coffee in his free hand. The woman was propped up onto the curb and was helped to regain her balance and composure. I asked the woman if she was ok and congratulated Mr. Cipinko for the catch and no-spill feat. He gave me his card and said, “we prevent injuries as well.” There can’t be any money in that.
After seeing this act, I thought about the past two newsletters and our themes about ‘being our brother’s (and sister’s) keepers, and also about pedestrian safety. On the same day I received our 6 months stats from the Traffic Bureau on traffic collisions and injuries and fatalities. To date, we have had 127 accidents involving injury. Thankfully we have had no, (knock wood), repeat, no traffic related fatalities. Keep up the good work and remember to look both ways.
Broadway Corridor
Friday July 11, 2008: Saturday July 12, 2008:
Felony arrests made 0 Felony arrests 0
Misdemeanor arrests made 0 Misdemeanor arrests made 4
Drunk related arrests made 0 Drunk related arrests made 1
Moving citations 30 Moving citations 20
Parking citations issued 23 Parking citations issued 16
Towed vehicles 9 Towed vehicles 6
7/12/08- 1 AM, fight reported at a bar on the 400 block of Broadway, patron struck in head with bottle.
7/12/08- 1:40 AM, Sgt. Ed Anzore observed two Hispanic males shouting at each other and challenging each to a fight on the 400 block of Broadway. The men began fighting and hurled themselves into a window twice before the Sergeant and Officers could seperate them. Both were detained and cited for fighting in public. One of the two suffered a laceration above his eye. The men were from Suisun and Castro Valley, Ca.
Prostitution
7/8/08 at 10 PM- Geary and Hyde Streets- A white female from SF was arrested by Officer Milan Kangrga and Rene Nielsen for groping an officer and soliciting acts of prostitution. Captain’s Comments ... more -
Scooters Acoustically Violating Rights of SF Citizens
Mods on Scooters
http://current.com/items/87006341_mods_on_scooters
Under Current Cyber CourtTV house arrest.
Looks like this issue popped back again but this time with an attempt to spoof the Cyber CourtTV case of pollution!
I have been called by one of Current Stuff to respond to this case again.
This is a Human Health and Environmental Case.
So here is the situation now.
A Current Staff is being paid to learn about acoustic and air pollution!
I think Al Gore should check this out! Mods on Scooters http://current.com/items/87006341_mods_on_scooters Under Current Cyber CourtTV house arrest. ... more
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