Gavin Newsom gets point across
Some say Mayor Newsom's slip-up earlier this year (in respect to an affair with an employee under him) showed how "green" he was.
After all - politicians like JFK often exercised their libido regularly (and at whim) - but were crafty enough not to get caught.
Notwithstanding, most agree that Newsom should be seasoned enough to recognize the need for discretion, about his "internal" affairs.
Recently, the emphasis was on Newsom - the "Green" Mayor - who is responsible for "Project Connect" and the city-backed initiative to "green" the streets of San Francisco with an abundance of life-sustaining trees.
Liz Lerma (Acting Director of the Bureau of Forestry) noted in an impromptu talk with me at a Press Conference that the Mayor made a commitment to plant approximately 5,000 trees a year with an expansion ongoing in coming years.
To kick off the endeavor, the Mayor was on-hand to soil his hands for the good cause (the ceremonious planting of the first tree) and to hand over a bushel-full to be rooted as part of a Market Street beautification project.
For years, Market - a main thoroughfare - was quite an eyesore.
In the past - when I hit the city by the Bay - I generally avoided the strip from Castro to the Embarcadero like the plague. A stroll down it often meant being subjected to scary sights, nose-turning odors, and jarring sounds.
A prettier thoroughfare beckons tourists today.
The Mayor confessed at the podium today - that just a few scant years ago - the Press Conference for "Green Connect" would never have been held in that vicinity of town because of the rawness of the environs.
Now - that there are a handful of Municipal Codes in place and the United Nations Plaza has been upgraded - the prediction is that the Market Street sector shall fast become a thriving dynamic heartbeat at the core of the San Francisco scene.
In a brochure that the volunteers handed out at the tree blessing - if you will - Municipal Police Codes that are now in effect were outlined.
A quick perusal of the strict guidelines bears witness as to why San Francisco has become known as a "Destination" city with the moniker:
"Clean, Green, and Beautiful"
For instance, Municipal Police Code 33 stipulates that littering is a crime, punishable by fine; therefore, pedestrians are inclined to find a trash bin to throw their refuse into, unlike yesteryear. And, they do not have to search far for a receptacle, since Police Code Section 173B requires that shopkeepers keep trash bins in front of their respective establishments daily.
And, praise the Lord - or the City Fathers, at least - because there will not be any trails of stale nasty old cigarette butts to contend with in 2008, either. After all, Police Code Section 173C maps out the mandatory placement of ashtrays in front of all business establishments (which must be cleaned regularly).
The days of gingerly stepping over trash in the street are over, too, since Code Section 35A prohibits dumping in the streets.
Indeed, since my last sojourn to San Francisco months ago, there is a noticeable, welcome difference in the landscape; it is now a joyful experience to take a stroll in the Historic streets of this great city.
At the news conference at United Nations Plaza, Mr. Newsom stressed the need for "civic participation", though. In particular, he urged citizens to get involved and take action through the Department of Works (DWP) or Project Connect - the umbrella organization for - Homeless Connect, Young Families Connect, Green Connect, et al.
You know, after I arrived at the site of the planned press opportunity, I half-expected the Mayor to cruise up with a lot of fanfare in an armed motorcade with lights and sirens flashing.
When it appeared there would a no-show, or late arrival, I walked over to a stall to grab a cup of java provided by the organizers.
At this point, I spied Mr. Newsom idly standing by - chatting up volunteers, tourists, and local citizens - who trekked down to the plaza to support his efforts.
Just a regular guy, eh?
Yes, Newsom was low-key - casually dressed, for instance - in mid-length black trench coat, a pristine white dress shirt open at the collar, and dark blue pants (which were a bit long in the leg and scraping the pavement, by the way, Mr. Mayor). (
The Fashion Police will getcha, watch out!
But, when Gavin stood up to address the crowd - he was warm and engaging - gesturing a lot with his hands to get his points across.
I expect the turn-out by the locals was not so great because some are still nursing hard feelings over the cancellation of Halloween this past year which has caused some to label the Mayor a big meanie.
In spite of this hiccup in the public opinion polls, Mr. Newsom urged the citizenry to "step up and step in" to resolve the problems of the city.
"Be part of the solution," he waxed eloquently.
A handful of volunteers showed up to sign on to the program and got crackin' at the task on the heels of the Mayor's speech and his subsequent departure.
Ms. Ferma noted,
"All the groups - DWP and Project Connect, for instance - are well-organized and work together closely. We're like an army; when called upon, we move swiftly into action to resolve the issues."
As I turned to go, and after a curt nod from Judge Newsom (Gavin's father), I noticed a quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt inscribed on the United Nations' monument which read,
"The structure of world peace can not be the mark of one man, one party or one nation. It must be a peace that rests on the co-operative effort of the whole world"
Likewise, the "greening" project.
Mayor Newsom took a giant step today - and in doing so - embarked on an admirable effort to reduce the carbon footprints of San Franciscans.
Hats off to him!
