Tag Archives: Supervisor Rafael Mandelman

2025 Fall Gathering Recap – Neighbors Meet New Police Captain & Legislative Aide

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On a warm sunny Saturday, Dolores Heights neighbors socialized and then met Captain Sean Perdomo, the new head of SFPD Mission Station.  They discussed safety concerns – the disruptive and illegal dirt bikes in the Dolores area, the  loud after-hours parties at Dolores Park, and speeding on neighborhood streets.  The Captain took notes and on Monday, Oct. 6 responded with these actions [excerpts from his email of October 6]:  

  1. Dirt Bikes. The Department’s using technology to aid in the apprehension of dirt bikers. At the station we have followed up and obtained an arrest/search warrant for a dirt biker on a previous incident at Dolores Park using the technology. I am tasking my plainclothes officers with more arrest/search warrants for those dirt bikers we can identify. Please encourage your members to call 911 to report a gathering of dirt bikers so that we can coordinate the drone.
  2. Traffic. Dave Burke identified the trouble areas and the intersections have been added to the Traffic Unit’s (motorcycles) daily enforcement activities. Please let me know if you see them in the area  … they are short staffed and are tasked with many dignitary visits. Captain Peter Shields of the traffic unit was notified. If they aren’t in the area much, I can assign a traffic car when staffing allows.
  3. Dolores Park Noise. I contacted Chief Murphy to have him evaluate placing rangers in places where they are most visible. The current challenge is the shift change that occurs at 2200 hours when the park closes. I’ll keep you posted on further. 

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman also spoke and took questions from neighbors.  And he introduced Sophie Marie (sophie.marie@sfgov.org), his newest Legislative Aide and our contact when we need assistance getting City action on filed complaints or finding out “who to contact” for a specific issue.  

We held our annual raffle and Fiona, a young resident, drew the winning tickets.  Neighborhood merchants donated eleven gift cards and bottles of wine & liquor which made the raffle a “hot ticket.”   Please patronize these donating businesses and thank them for their support:  Absinthe Restaurant Group, Poesia Restaurant, Canela Bistro and Wine Bar, Hot Johnnies, Castro Coffee, 17th Street Market, and a kind neighbor who donated two bottles of premium wine and tequila. 

Another Successful DHIC Gathering!

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About 60 neighbors attended DHIC’s annual gathering at the top of the Sanchez Stairs.  Filling out name tags, they met each other while enjoying refreshments.  DHIC Board members provided information on our block safety groups, the Green Gardens folks who steward our green spaces, and the Dolores Heights fundraising for the Mission High School Scholarship fund. They also listened to and asked questions of Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and State Senator Scott Wiener.  Topics ranged from concerns about public safety, city efficiency, to upzoning and housing.  

Strong networks are the foundation of neighborhood, community, health, and safety.  Thanks to everyone for turning out and spending some of your Saturday with neighbors. Stay turned for information on our Fall event.  Questions?  Ideas? Comments?  Email info@doloresheights.org.

Meet Mayoral Candidates & Your Neighbors at the DHIC FallFest

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Saturday, September 28

DHIC’s Fallfest, our annual neighborhood block party, is happening on Saturday, September 28 from 11am to 1pm on Sanchez Street between 21st and Hill Streets.  Everyone is welcome!

The FallFest will feature two mayoral candidates: Mayor London Breed and President of the Board of Supervisors, Aaron Peskin.  Mayor Breed will join us at 11:30am for 30 minutes of talk and Q&A. Supervisor Peskin will do the same from 12:15-12:45 pm. 

Join us to meet your neighbors, learn about our activities, hear from our Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and the mayoral candidates, and participate in our great raffle.  

This is an-all volunteer event.  If you can help, email us at info@doloresheights.org

Here’s what’s on tap for you:

  • View the historic Dolores Heights photos
  • Join your neighborhood block safety group
  • Get safety and security handouts; talk with savvy neighbors about home safety
  • Learn about the proposed mural project at 20th and Noe Streets
  • Meet the people behind the Green Gardens monthly hillside clean-ups
  • Bring your kids to “Kids Korner” activities
  • Hear from our District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman

And enter the raffle to win gift cards to great area restaurants and other services! (Note the raffle drawing will occur at 12:45pm.  You must be present to win.) 

Dolores Hill Bomb Non-Violent This Year – with help from SFPD

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In late June, the nameless Hill Bombers posted on Instagram that the Dolores Hill Bomb is set for Saturday, July 6 at 7pm.  On July 1, SFPD Chief Scott and Supervsor Mandelman convened a meeting to hear from community members about the Hill Bomb in our neighborhood.   They sat and listened.  DHIC talked to them.  Carolyn Kenady, Chair of DHIC, specifically urged them to cancel this year’s Hill Bomb.  “It used to be a fun event … for the past six years, it’s been increasingly dangerous and violent – with too many injuries.”    She compared it to the recent Pride events in Dolores Park where thousands celebrated peacefully.  

DHIC asked the City to:

  • Stop the violent acts – no more assaults with projectiles, broken bottles, fireworks
  • Stop the vandalism – stop the destruction of City and private property.
  • Prevent arrests – especially bystanders and minors.
  • Stop this illegal event – stay away:  skateboarders, spectators, and those who vandalize and foment violence. 

On Saturday, July 6, the skateboarders and the police were both at Dolores Hill.  The boarders ended up riding down Church Street.  This year’s event was subdued.  DHIC asked Chief Scott and Supv. Mandelman to seek out skateboard community leaders who will organize a permitted event at a venue that can be safe and fun for all next year

DHIC Fallfest 2023 – a great neighborhood block party!

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On the bright and sunny Saturday, October 14, over 80 neighbors turned out  from throughout Dolores Heights.  They looked at great photos of Dolores Heights … from the earthquake era to today.  They talked with leaders of DHIC’s key priorities – Safety, Cleaning & greening our Green Spaces, and Planning and Land Use – and learned about how they can help support them.  Supervisor Rafael Mandelman recapped his key priorities and issues in the City.  And Dave Burke described his role as D8 Public Safety Liaison in the SFPD.  To top it off, we held the Great Raffle – with over ten prizes including gift cards to top restaurants in the Castro/SF.  

The photos give a glimpse of what went on.  We hope you were there and left with a better understanding of DHIC’s role in ensuring that Dolores Heights is great place to live and that our interests are represented at City Hall and with our elected supervisor and state legislators!  If you have questions or want to help, we want to hear from you!  Email us at info@doloresheights.org

What’s Up with the Flying Car?

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Thanks to all neighbors who responded to the carjacked Lincoln that crashed through the barrier and landed upside down on 19th Street on Saturday, July 22 (see minute 1:25 on linked YouTube video.)  Many shared video and photos of the incident with SFPD.  That evidence helped SFPD to arrest the two ringleaders in this carjacking/reckless driving incident on July 26  

Unfortunately, the two individuals arrested are not being charged owing to lack of sufficient evidence to bring a strong case.  Specifically, the owner of the carjacked vehicle is unwilling to serve as a witness.  Sergeant Wren of Mission Station is investigating the crime.  It is still an open case.  As of September 2 he’s awaiting lab results on a piece of evidence that’s key to any further action.

DHIC has asked Supervisor Mandelman’s office to help us obtain a vehicle safety strategy and “calming” plan from SFMTA.  

Good news:  earlier in August, DPW workers replaced the broken metal railings on the top and bottom of the staircase.  

What you can do:

  • Continue to be vigilant when you are out in the neighborhood including when entering/exiting a car
  • Join us on Sat. Oct. 14 between 11am – 1pm at the 800 block of Sanchez (at 21st Street) when we host the DHIC Fallfest with info on safety, green gardens, and other DHIC-sponsored activities.  

(Surveillance camera footage of the crash. Start watching at 1:25.)

Community News

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Pride month update –  

On Saturday June 24 the Dyke March assembles at 18th & Dolores for 5pm kick-off.   Community leaders are asking SF officials to ensure sufficient porta-potties at the Park.

Sunday, June 25 at 10:30am – SFPride49 parade heads up Market Street to the Civic Center.  Do you want to celebrate Pride with Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and other gay city supervisors who are marching together?  Sign up here 

Mission Station SFPD – monthly community meeting at 5pm on Tuesday, June 27 at Mission Police Station, 630 Valencia Street (at 17th Street.)  Captain Tom Harvey hosts the monthly community meeting at 5pm on the last Tuesday of the month at the Mission Police Station.  For more info, check the SFPD calendar 

Clean-ups in addition to DHIC’s monthly Green Gardens –

Clean Up The City is spearheaded by Vincent Yuen and Manny Yekutiel as part of the Civic Joy Fund (SF Chronicle, SF Examiner, SF Standard).  Devon Proctor (devon.proctor@gmail.com), a DH neighbor, organizes a weekly cleanup on Saturdays at 10am.   Hosted by Sisters Coffee Shop (20th and Valencia), you show up, spend an hour cleaning up the streets in the neighborhood, and then come back and enjoy a free brunch (along with some benefits from other local businesses.)