A. Installation of all missing traffic signals on Lake, California, Clement, Geary, Balboa, and Fulton.
B. Removal of graffiti, trash and other items off sidewalks within 24 hours
C. Repair and replacement of streets and roads
2. The killing happened in 15th and Cabrillo really shocked residents of the neighborhood. How will you enforce the public safety including Golden Gate Park homeless issue?
I do not know if anything could have prevented the above-mentioned incident. However, I do not believe that we need additional laws, but aggressive enforcement of the laws already on the books. We already have laws regarding living in the park- they only need to be enforced.
3. There are a lot of small business along Geary Boulevard and Clement Street. How will you help them especially in this bad economy environment?
The best thing that government can do to assist small business merchants is to provide safe streets which include, well maintained roads and traffic signaled intersections to move traffic safely and efficiently. This also provides a level of safety to pedestrians and bicyclists. An efficient cost effective means of transit- Modified BRT (see website: www.dsilva2008.com) will allow people from outside the district to visit and shop. The addition of Public Parking Garages will allow businesses to compete with other areas of the city with more parking. Fast efficient removal of debris, trash and discarded items form sidewalks adds a sense of cleanliness to the neighborhood, which is important to many shoppers. The city should also remove graffiti from private buildings free of charge (with owner approval) and city property (traffic signs, medians, utility boxes etc) within 24 hours. Lastly the green areas on Geary need to be maintained and trees and grass added to other streets without any additional cost to property owners. These improvements collectively add to the overall experience of the neighborhood making it a more inviting place to visit, shop and spend ones money.
4. How will you create more playgrounds or public facilities in the district?
With limited undeveloped space in the neighborhood this may be difficult. I would instead first focus on making the open space areas we currently have the best in the city. This involves not only replacing structures and facilities but also setting aside money each year to replace those items on a 10-year interval as well as allocating money to maintain the sites on a yearly basis.
In addition, every so often a large parcel of land does become available. In such circumstances a completive bid should be made to acquire the land for use as public open space.
5. Street parking is relatively tight in Richmond neighborhood. Any suggestion?
The solution to this problem is the construction of garages within shopping areas. When the Richmond Playground and the Recreation Center were rebuilt at least four levels of underground parking could have easily been added to the site. When parks, schools, and other city owned property is renovated or replaced the addition of underground parking must be incorporated into the project if the Richmond District is to compete with other business shopping areas.