Residents press SFPD for action on Broadway noise, valet safety and Potrero Hill drug activity

At the March 25, 2009 meeting of the San Francisco Police Commission, multiple residents urged the department to address persistent quality-of-life problems in North Beach’s Broadway corridor and on Potrero Hill.

Frank Terry told the commission that repeated complaints about loud motorcycles, reckless valet drivers and other chronic violations have not produced sustained enforcement. "Can I please rely on Chief Fong's office to set up this meeting, please?" he asked, requesting a special meeting within seven days with Chief Heather Fong’s office, Commander Cashman, Captain Dudley and night sergeants to discuss implementation of local solutions.

Deputy Chief Cashman and Commander Murphy responded that they were present and would meet with Terry outside the meeting to set a date. The commission cautioned that because the matter was not agendized, they could not discuss specifics in open session but asked residents to return to the commission if promised follow-up did not occur.

Diana Greer of Potrero Hill asked how to add a future agenda item about a drug dealer operating in front of her apartment building and said prior meetings with Captain John Loftus had produced intermittent improvements. The commission advised meeting with district command staff (identified in the discussion as Captain Loftus) and noted that the commission’s role is policymaking rather than direct enforcement of individual complaints.

The public comment period also included a request from Barbara Gross that the department consider issuing shields or similar protective gear for officers in light of recent officer fatalities in Oakland.

The commission recorded the public comments and instructed staff and command officers to meet with residents; it closed the public comment period and proceeded with the scheduled agenda.