Urban Acoustic Pollution
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A Better Way of Life
Tell me about it? It keeps replicating itself everyday here in my neighborhood.
Where is the Congress? Where is the Judiciary? Where is the Executive?
How do people got to be that way? Tell me about it? It keeps replicating itself everyday here in my neighborhood. ... more -
Central District Newsletter - July 29, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
July 29, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Come take part in National Night Out, August 5, 2008
A national event that brings neighbors together with the police to strengthen
community spirit & affirm our partnership for a SAFER & STRONGER Neighborhood!
When: Tuesday, August 5th, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: North Beach Club House, Bocce Ball Courts, Mason & Lombard
Sponsored by: SFPD Central Station, SAFE, Rec and Park and Tel-Hi
For more information or to help co-sponsor the event, contact Officer Fred Crisp at (415) 315-2423 or centralstation_permitofficer@sfgov.org
Salvage Thefts, Continued
We receive from time to time, alerts from other law enforcement jurisdictions, of cases and crime trends to be aware of. I spoke of opportunity thefts a few weeks ago from curbside recycling, copper wire, copper pipe and fixtures and even metal works of art that are dismantled and taken in for cash at recycle yards. Recently, there has been a trend on the peninsula and in the East Bay, of catalytic converter thefts. Thieves will drive around looking for parked vehicles and will use wrenches or even a ‘saws-all’ to rip the converter straight from the car’s undercarriage. Popular models seem to be older Toyota’s, especially the Forerunner’s because of the height. Apparently the raw materials bring in some cash, but not nearly what the cost is to repair and replace them. Recent reports include theft of manhole covers, park plaques and even cemeteries.
Broadway Corridor
Friday July 25, 2008: Saturday July 26, 2008:
Felony arrests made 1 Felony arrests 0
Misdemeanor arrests made 7 Misdemeanor arrests made 12
Drunk related arrests made 3 Drunk related arrests made 2
Moving citations 44 Moving citations 52
Parking citations issued 15 Parking citations issued 10
Towed vehicles 13 Towed vehicles 15
We had good support on both nights with help from the Traffic Company and several motorcycle officers handing out several citations and making traffic related arrests. A Sergeant and four officers from the Market Street beat assisted on Broadway from 10 PM until after closing time.
On 7/23/08 at 2AM, HQ called to report several males fighting with weapons on the 1000 block of Sansome. Officers found one 25 year old black male from Oakland with what appeared to be 4 or more stab wounds and cuts that his hand and back. The victim Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley July 29, 2008 Captain’s Comments ... more -
U.S. facing possible hearing loss epidemic
CHICAGO, July 28 (Reuters) - One of three U.S. adults already suffers from some degree of hearing loss and the use of personal stereos and an aging population may create a hearing impairment epidemic, researchers said on Monday.
A team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore estimated that 55 million Americans have hearing loss in one or both ears, with men, whites and the least-educated most affected.
One out of six, or 29 million adults, have some trouble discerning speech, more than previous estimates, they reported in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
"The prevalence of hearing loss in the United States is predicted to rise significantly because of an aging population and the growing use of personal listening devices. Indeed, there is concern that we may be facing an epidemic of hearing impairment," Dr. Yuri Agrawal of the Baltimore hospital wrote.
It is common for people to ignore or disavow hearing loss, the researchers said, leading to difficulty communicating that can result in productivity problems at work, depression, and less access to health care that ultimately raises the risk of sickness and death.
Hearing loss is common among people 70 and older, according to the report. But hearing loss also affected 8.5 percent of those in their 20s and 17 percent of people in their 30s. Exposure to workplace noise, firearms, and loud music were all risk factors.
Read the whole story here;
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN284987...
(Reporting by Andrew Stern; Editing by Maggie Fox and Eric Walsh) CHICAGO, July 28 (Reuters) - One of three U.S. adults already suffers from some degree of hearing loss and the use of personal stereos... more -
Police to target loud noise violators
The city of Leavenworth is actively working to cite persons who violate the city's noise ordinance by playing their car stereos too loudly or operating vehicles with loud mufflers.
"The community has spoken pretty loudly about car stereos and loud mufflers," Leavenworth Police Chief Pat Kitchens said. "We will be periodically conducting specific operations that are designed to identify and cite people who play music too loud from their car."
He said the Leavenworth Police Department is also targeting loud mufflers that are defective or a person who intentionally revs the engine to make a loud noise.
The Municipal Code of Ordinances prohibits individuals from playing stereos that are plainly audible from 50-feet away.
The same ordinance covers loud mufflers that "produce sound in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of neighborhood inhabitants."
"The best recommendation to avoid a citation is to turn your radios down and keep your windows up if you like music a little louder," Kitchens said.
http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/articles/2008/07/25/new... The city of Leavenworth is actively working to cite persons who violate the city's noise ordinance by playing their car stereos t... more -
Loud-music complaint leads to box-cutter cuts
A Vineland girl was charged with aggravated assault after she allegedly used a box-cutter to cut a woman who had asked her and her friends to turn down their music around 4 am Thursday.
The incident occurred on Devonshire Place, where police initially were dispatched for a loud-music complaint at 3:55 am.
By Sean C McCullen
http://www.nj.com/bridgeton/stories/index.ssf?/base/new... A Vineland girl was charged with aggravated assault after she allegedly used a box-cutter to cut a woman who had asked her and her fri... more -
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 -
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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Police: Driver Tried To Hit Officers On Bicycles
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A man was arrested early Thursday after police said he tried to run over two officers on bicycles.
Two officers were patrolling near East 18th Avenue and High Street, near the Ohio State campus, at 2 a.m. when they approached a driver who was playing loud music, 10TV's Tino Ramos reported.
The driver fled and the officers attempted to follow him on their bicycles. When they cornered him, the driver turned his vehicle toward the officers.
SLIDESHOW: Images From Scene;
http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2008/07/...
"He actually at one point tried to run over one of the bicycle officers," said Columbus police Sgt. Steve Livingston. "In the process of attempting to run down one of the officers, he bounced off the wall while trying to get away." COLUMBUS, Ohio — A man was arrested early Thursday after police said he tried to run over two officers on bicycles. ... more -
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 Pollution Radio Report - Part One
This is my response to "Mods on Scooters"
http://current.com/items/87006341_mods_on_scooters
First let me express here that I have nothing against people gathering in a club for dancing and having fun. What I do not agree it is with the false ideology where people lose their sight of their surroundings and community when they are traveling with these machines. Maybe in the future we will have better and environmentally friendly machines that won't pollute or make excessive noise. Until that time, Please cool down!
I do not want people to be falsely "sorry" about this issue! I want them to learn and understand that it is my rights of quietness that counts and NOT their desire to pollute the environment or disrupt my daily living with an act of acoustic trespassing.
One little scooter riding up hill it is already an acoustic problem. Now imagine a group of them blasting their pollution. It is like a bomb! This is my response to "Mods on Scooters" http://current.com/items/87006341_mods_on_scooters ... more -
Loud Muffler lands driver in jail on 2 felony charges
After being stopped last night for having a noisy muffler, Kilbert "Flaco" Rijos ran from deputies, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, before finally being caught.
About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies pulled Rijos over because he had a modified muffler on his black Honda Civic, according to the sheriff's report.
This is what happened, according to the report: Rijos, 20, of 2104 Coco Court, told a deputy that his license was suspended. The deputy also learned that Rijos was a habitual driving violator. When deputies attempted to transfer Rijos from his Honda to the prisoner transport vehicle, he ran off.
He was caught about 200 yards way.
Rijos, who is listed as a mechanic at Levs Auto Shop in jail records, is being charged with escape from police custody and driving with a revoked license — habitual offender, both felonies.
He is being held at Orient Road Jail without bond, according to jail records.
AMERICA DEUPREE
News Channel 8
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/09/loud-muffler-la... After being stopped last night for having a noisy muffler, Kilbert "Flaco" Rijos ran from deputies, according to the Hillsbo... more -
Elkhart Noise Ordinance Gets Stiffer
A stiffer city ordinance in Elkhart may be "music" to some people's ears.
Monday night the Elkhart city council passed a tougher noise ordinance. Police will now be able to write tickets with stiffer fines and if they hear a loud noise within 35 feet unlike 50 feet in the past. Mayor Moore says it is part of a pledge he made when he first took office to make the city cleaner and quieter.
"If you are half a block away and you can hear it.. then that's further than 50 or 35 feet.. that's when you usually stop them," Corporal Frank Owens from the Elkhart Police Department. "We've written more tickets for noise the first 6 months of this year than we did all of last year. We kind of dropped the ball on it and it's time to get it taken care of," says Mayor Dick Moore of Elkhart.
The Elkhart police officer in charge of the noise ordinance was once part of the I.C.E. unit or county drug task force. But the city no longer participates in the unit. So the officer has been re-assigned.
Fines start at 250-dollars and go up to 25-hundred dollars.
The ordinance goes into effect once the mayor signs it.
Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/24081324.html A stiffer city ordinance in Elkhart may be "music" to some people's ears. ... more -
Loud Pipes Do What?
All other things being equal, a loud motorcycle probably gets more attention than a quiet one, but at what cost? Is this good attention or bad attention? Let's think about this.
Ignoring the fact that many aftermarket pipes are illegal, motorcyclists who defer to the wisdom, "loud pipes save lives" are sadly misinformed. Riders who believe that an ear-shattering exhaust note actually increases safety are either kidding themselves or rationalizing self-indulgent behavior. Fact is, loud pipes do more to hurt motorcyclists than help them, the attention they draw to a rider is not worth the negative public image they create.
It's rooted in physics. Unlike an earthquake, which emits waves in a sphere away from its epicenter, sound waves can be directed. (A good example of this a megaphone: if sound waves were not directionally sensitive, megaphone users would all be deaf.) The pressure wave emitted from an exhaust pipe is pointed away from and behind the motorcycle. To hear it from anywhere other than directly behind the bike, you rely on the resonance of the pipes and reflection of the sound waves off of other objects, like cars, signs, buildings, etc.
In other words, the only time the loud pipes draw attention to a motorcycle in traffic is when the bike is facing away from the motorist. In most cases, facing away from the motorist means riding away from the motorist: increasing the separation of bike and potential hazard. The only possible situation in which a car can to pose an external threat to a motorcyclist when the bike is facing away from the car is if the motorist is backing up or (following) behind the rider. The threat exists, but only marginally: the Hurt Study found that a whopping three percent of accident hazards come directly from the rear (or the "six o'clock" direction).
by Pat Hahn
http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/safety/safety40.htm All other things being equal, a loud motorcycle probably gets more attention than a quiet one, but at what cost? Is this good attentio... more -
Inducing Children Into the Noise Culture
How Far Can You Go for Money?
Whirly-Wind Leaf Blower
In the spirit of fun and safe play, John Deere licensed its brand to a toy company to produce leaf blowers for children. It actually blows air.
Safety and Health Concerns
Leaf blowers are not merely an ear-sore, they blow particulate matter consisting of pesticides, fertilizers, spores, molds, dust, insects and fecal matter into the air. Gas powered leaf blowers burn a mixed combination of gas and oil fuel that create a tremendous amount of toxic exhaust.
Young children are at risk because their immune system is not yet fully developed and they are more susceptible to asthma. Elderly people exposed to airborne contaminants can experience severe lung and respiratory problems. Ironically, leaf blower operators are putting themselves at greater risk because of the direct exposure to airborne pollutants.
Gas powered landscaping equipment account for 5% of air pollution overall in the United States. An inefficient 3.5-horsepower gas mower emits the same amount of hydrocarbons in one hour as does an automobile driven over 300 miles. A chainsaw operated for two hours produces enough hydrocarbons equivalent to an automobile driven 3,000 miles.
http://www.noiseoff.org/landscaping.shtml How Far Can You Go for Money? Whirly-Wind Leaf Blower ... more -
Central District Newsletter - July 8, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
July 8, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Safety Tips from SAFE:
Pedestrian Safety
The days are longer and lighter, and many outdoor activities are taking place throughout the City. Please be aware of pedestrians while you are driving; or if you are the pedestrian, be aware of automobiles, buses and bicyclists. Here are some safety tips:
Limit cell phone use while driving or walking - Cell phones distract you from paying attention to your surroundings.
Be watchful at all times - Expect the unexpected. Pedestrians can suddenly appear from between parked cars, especially children and the elderly.
Remember that a red light or arrow prohibits moving forward or turning - while walking, driving or riding a bike.
Yield to pedestrians - Be especially aware when at a stop or when turning at an intersection; pedestrians may be in the crosswalk.
Not all crosswalks are designated with painted lines - A pedestrian is considered in a crosswalk at all corners whether or not lines are painted on the street.
Safety Tips for Visitors and Tourists
Do you have friends coming in to the City for the July 4th Holiday? Even in times of celebration and festivities, ensure your guests practice proper safety techniques:
Do not leave valuables or anything visible inside your vehicle; always keep doors and trunk locked.
Walk in well-lit and well-populated areas, preferably with another person; do not take short-cuts through dark alleyways.
Limit your valuables (ID and money) by carrying only what you need for the day.
If taking public transportation, have your money or Fast Pass ready. Do not fumble with your wallet; you might draw attention to a pickpocket.
Keep your cell phone charged; and in case of an emergency dial 9-1-1.
Are you going on Vacation? - Here are some reminders to help prevent your home from being burglarized:
Keep all doors and windows locked.
Let a trusted neighbor know you will be out of town.
Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
Keep a light on.
Enable your alarm if you have one. Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley July 8, 2008 Captain’s Comments Safety Tips from SAFE: Pedestrian Safety ... more -
Central District Newsletter - July 01, 2008
Captain’s Comments
As July 4th approaches, please remember a few things:
∑ Fireworks are illegal in San Francisco. Every year the SFFD responds to fires caused by illegal fireworks. Bottle rockets and fireworks that propel an object into the air cause fires to rooftops or flammable things likes like fields or other structures. Even seemingly innocuous items like sparklers can cause severe burns to small hands. Of course, the emergency rooms are frequented by those who didn’t quite throw the fireworks fast enough, or by those unfortunate to be near the ‘landing zone.’
∑ Every year we also hear gunshots along with the fireworks. Needless to say, shooting a firearm in San Francisco is also illegal. The old adage, “What goes up must come down” certainly applies to bullets. Some geniuses think shooting a gun into the air, but over the years, we have responded to calls of those injured by the bullets that cannot escape gravity.
∑ Along with this years public fireworks display in the Bay, it also happens to be a Friday night in San Francisco. Activities span from Aquatic Park to Pier 39 and beyond, into the Southern District. Entertainment will begin at 2 PM and fireworks will begin at 9:30 PM at the end of Muni Pier and from a barge at the end of Piers 39 and 45. There will surely be traffic jams along the bay so please take public transportation or walk to any events in the area. Have a Safe and Sane 4th!
(Editor’s note- On Saturday afternoon at 2:30 PM, Sgt. Ed Garcia was on foot patrol walking through Portsmouth Square when he spied three juveniles sitting on a bench in the park. At one end of the bench sat a canvas bag full of illegal fireworks, including 16 Roman Candles, 600 missiles, forty four “M-80’s” and 2 “m-100’s”. These are pretty serious illegal fireworks that fall into the high explosives territory. Due to the nature and volume of the collection, the SFPD Bomb Disposal Unit was summoned to take charge of the property for destruction).
Last week, Sgt. Mark Hernandez broke up a fireworks sales ring under the Bush Street arch at Grant. On 6/28/08 at 8 PM Officer Jonathan Tong cited a 19 year old for discharging and selling fireworks on the 900 block of Grant Ave. On 6/29/08 at 6:45 PM, Officer Tong made another arrest for sales on Waverly Alley. That amount too, called for disposal by our Bomb Squad. Captain’s Comments As July 4th approaches, please remember a few things: ... more -
Black military helicopters continue to fly in Denver performing "exercises...
Since Monday black military helicopters carrying special operations commandos have been performing "exercises" in downtown Denver.
It is said that these operations have nothing to do with the upcoming Democratic National Convention.
You decide.
Does anyone else have black military helicopters performing exercises in their city?
Click above link to see newer video.
Other links to topic:
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jun/17/copte...
http://cbs4denver.com/local/terror.exercise.denver.2.75...
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jun/16/chopp... Since Monday black military helicopters carrying special operations commandos have been performing "exercises" in downtown D... more -
Central District Newsletter - June 17, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 17, 2008
Captain’s Comments
The North Beach Festival weekend was a good one. On Saturday, the weather and crowds were both good. Sunday was more subdued with cooler weather.
Central Station Officers often receive awards. Recently Sgt. Arlin Vanderbilt and his crew of Officers who work on Prostitution Abatement along our western border of Larkin and Polk received recognition from the Mid-Polk Neighbors. Supervisor Aaron Peskin also awarded certificates to Sgt. Vanderbilt and Officers Rene Nielsen, Matt Sullivan, Jeff Smetherst, Chris Anderson, Martin Garay, Chris Olson, Milan Kangrga and Monica Macdonald.
A week ago, Officer Kevin Richins was awarded the SFPD Bronze Medal of Valor for outstanding efforts last year in disarming a knife wielding suspect. The suspect was confronting a police Inspector who had drawn his hand gun on the suspect, with little deterrence. Officer Richins saw that a large crowd was gathering and that he had a momentary surprise advantage. With little regard for his own safety, Officer Richins took a run at the suspect and tackled him in the street, dislodging him from his knife.
On June 10, 2008 I attended the SFPD Softball League annual awards banquet. I was proud to see three of our Central Station members receive awards. Recent retiree Mike Norman and current Day Watch Sergeant Edmund Garcia received the “Most Inspirational Player” awards. Despite a large field of very talented players, it was our own player/coach Kevin Worrell of our Night Watch who walked away with the League MVP Award. I salute them all.
The Budget Hearings
You’ve read about it in the papers, you’ve seen it on tv and heard it on the radio. See the Board of Supervisors discuss the budget live and in person on Thursday June 19, 2008 at Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley June 17, 2008 Captain’s Comments ... more
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