January 2015

Edward II Recent Incident

On New Year's eve, the SFPD was called to EdII to quell a disturbance, and in doing so, three EdII residents assaulted the police officers, one very violently, requiring his hospitalization, and the three residents were arrested.

The Cow Hollow Association was immediately notified of the incident by an EdII neighbor. CHA's  Liaison to EdII, David Greenthal, promptly contacted the SFPD, the owner of EdII (Community Housing Partnership - CHP) and its operator (Larkin Street Youth Service - LSYS) about the incident.  

Cow Hollow Association President Lori Brooke then telephone conferenced with principals from both LSYS and CHP and set up a meeting with them, CHA Board member David Bancroft, Supervisor Farrell's office and Captain McEachern of Northern Police Station with two goals: (1) to learn the result of its investigation, and (2) to determine what measures EdII had taken or would now take to prevent such incidents. 

The following is a summary of the highlights of that meeting:

1. The New Year's eve incident grew out of a loud music disturbance between residents and reported threats of physical violence, which some understood as a death threat made to one of the residents and to EdII personnel. The police were called by the resident who felt threatened, and the three other residents then threatened the police officers, resisted arrest, including one of the residents punching an officer in the face, seriously injuring him. The suspects had to be handcuffed and forcibly taken out of the building to waiting police cars, then to jail. Two are still in custody, the third released on strict conditions.
    
2. The corrective and preventive actions taken and to be taken by LSYS and CHP:

• After repeated apologies for their not having contacted CHA immediately about the incident, they have now set up a contact phone tree with us in case there are any other incidents of possible concern.
   
• Once the SFPD report is received, they will move to evict the resident who punched the police officer in the face. The two others will be served with Cure or Quit orders to sign (if they cause a further disturbance, they will be evicted) and their guest privileges are now suspended. A guest who had registered on entry and was present at the altercation but who left, refusing to identify themselves to police, will be barred from EdII for 30 days.
   
• SFPD Lt. Jackson will now serve as a liaison to EdII, and give talks to the residents about conflict resolution and the proper interface with the SFPD.  

Zoning in CHA

Cow Hollow has one of the most active neighborhood associations in the city. Our Zoning Committee is charged with keeping a watchful eye over additions, renovations, and new construction in an effort to maintain Cow Hollow's existing beauty and architectural character. 

When plans are in the works, we are invited to preliminary meetings with the property owner, architect, and nearby neighbors. Occasionally, we are asked to negotiate and/or mediate among them. We weigh in with the Cow Hollow Neighborhood Design Guidelines, which were adopted in 2001 and which are used by the City Planning Department in plan review.

We work to ensure that the Cow How Neighborhood maintains the open rear yard green spaces, uniform heights, and collective shared architectural beauty we have all grown to cherish. Whether you are a property owner planning a building project (major) addition, or a nearby neighbor, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Block Captain Meeting - February 26 

CHA Block Captains - Save the Date! 

We're having a Block Captain meeting on Thursday evening, February 26, 2015. Come meet your fellow Cow Hollow Block Captains, share your experiences as a Block Captain and meet Lt. Escobar, from the Northern Station.

If you are not a Block Captain, but would like to learn more about the program, please email sherry.archer88@gmail.com and she will forward you more information about the Block Captain program and meeting details. Look forward to seeing you!