Hayes Valley Freeway Commemoration Project

Flying Low Under the Radar A project to commemorate the removal of the Central Freeway has for the most part flown under the radar. We have been prompted of shenanigans pertaining to the process, selection of committee and panel members, and several conflicts of interests. Resources We have a chock-full of information on our blog and podcasts that shed light on what has transpired to date. For a walk through on the history of the freeway removal listen to the …

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HVSafe Meets with IDEO

IDEO is an AGENCY that is preparing a proposal for the Hayes Valley Freeway Commemoration Project. We met with them to give background on the both the history and current state of the neighborhood. We feel their team has a solid handle on the key dynamics of the past and present Hayes Valley. To date we have not been contacted by the other design team which is also working on a proposal for this project. Update August 10th: : HVSafe …

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Inquiries Received Re: Wires Installed on Business Corridor

We’ve received several inquiries about wire installations seen overhead along Hayes and Gough Street. Workers informed those inquiring that Lloyd Silverstein has them under contract. We’re drilling down on the matter. Highlights of the tree issues via images Communication with Llloyd Silverstein and Urban Forestry

An Open Letter Re: Encampment Fire on Octavia

Dear San Francisco Agencies: RE: Encampment Sets Fire on Octavia We’re bypassing the step of sending in another email or letter to describe our outrage; it’s apparent that emails don’t yield any response or action these days. Worth noting, our Co-Founder Richard Johnson sent this text regarding the fire: Supervisor Preston, Captain Yep & Kyle this fire happened today around 4pm today on Octavia Blvd between Hickory & Fell on east side of blvd. In looking at the scene Ana, …

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San Francisco’s Approach to Addiction Recovery is Unequipped

Our friend and top addiction recovery advocate Tom Wolf hit the nail on the head with his recent post in Hope Street Coalition. Please take a read and pass along. The more attention and advocacy we get on this subject the better. San Francisco is trying to address its addiction crisis with more street outreach, safe sleeping sites, and street-crisis response. However, these efforts often result in addicts remaining on the streets because volunteers and outreach workers have nowhere to …

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Encampment Sets Fire on Octavia

Neighbors in the late afternoon were alarmed by a tent fire which started due to a burning candle by a camper on Octavia Boulevard. Richard Johnson has reached out to Supervisor Preston and Captain Yep’s office. We’ll report back with more details and an update. You can check out our open letter here to City Agencies and please show your support if you live in the neighborhood! Update June 10th: HVSafe attended the SFPD Northern Station Meeting on Tuesday June …

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Trees on Octavia Being Destroyed

There is an un-housed man making deep cuts into the bark of the remaining trees on Octavia Boulevard. He is camped on the East sidewalk between Haight and Page Street. He is harmless but has been observed with a hunting knife in hand. This matter has been ongoing for approximately 4 weeks. He has been approached and neighbors have cited that he claims he is saving the trees from disease. This destruction of trees needs to cease. Police have been …

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Asian Woman Attacked in front of Live Fit Gym

HVSafe and neighbors are very troubled by a recent attack on an Asian woman by a (presumed) unhoused man (see photo); the incident occurred in broad daylight in front of Live Fit Gym on Gough Street. Witnesses include owners and employees of local businesses, who helped on the scene. We’re currently reaching out for more info. If you have any information please contact us. Accountability is paramount to public safety. As citizen’s of San Francisco we have to ask, “why …

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Koshland Park Assault

We’re deeply anxious after hearing about our neighbor Elke’s recent experience and assault at Koshland Park earlier this week (recently posted on NextDoor). We neighbors are increasingly feeling heightened levels of fear with the current conditions on our streets. If you have insight on the person who harmed Elke – please connect with her on NextDoor – or feel free to drop a note to our volunteer group whose focus is on public safety in the neighborhood. We’re also in …

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The Only Way to House ALL People Living on the Street

(Today, Tomorrow, & Forever) Opinion by George P. Denny Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HVSafe. You’ll meet all kinds of people if you live in San Francisco long enough, but it may take a lifetime to find someone who actually supports our strategy to lift the local homeless population out of untenable circumstances. It will certainly require some effort to find a …

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