San Francisco supervisors introduce resolutions
on red lights, 49ers, power plant closure

By Lara Moscrip, Bay City News Service

January 24, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - The San Francisco Board of Supervisors yesterday introduced resolutions on a wide array of topics spanning bicyclists, the future of the 49ers within city limits and the closure of the Potrero power plant.

Supervisor Bevan Dufty introduced a resolution that would ask the city attorney to look into the circumstances that led to a hit-and-run accident on Monday that sent a bicyclist to the hospital. A woman biking to work during Monday's morning commute was hit by a pickup truck when the driver made a right turn on a red light at the intersection of Market and Octavia streets.

"These types of incidents will happen again," Dufty said, referring to the busy intersection that funnels cars to a four-lane freeway connector.

Supervisor Bevan Dufty. File photo.
Photo(s) by Luke Thomas

Dufty wants the city attorney to explore taking photographs of drivers who make right turns against the light at the intersection and possibly hit them with big fines. He says the issue will be taken up Thursday when the Bike Advisory Committee meets. According to Dufty, rules regulating traffic at the intersection need to be meaningful.

"Right now, it's just not safe," Dufty said.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, along with supervisors Sophie Maxwell and Dufty introduced a resolution asking the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency to work with the city to amend its exclusive negotiations agreement with Lennar/BVHP Partners to provide for a redevelopment project on Candlestick Point and the shipyard. According to the supervisors, the proposal includes the possibility of a new state-of-the-art stadium and parking for the San Francisco 49ers that would provide the area with parks and open space, jobs and affordable housing, among other benefits.

Maxwell introduced a resolution for the closure of the Potrero power plant, asking the Mirant Corporation to abandon its efforts to operate the plant and divest itself of ownership of the site. According to Maxwell, the plant should close as soon as feasible so that the area can replaced with surroundings "more in harmony with ... sound public and environmental health."

Suprvisor Sophie Maxwell

Committee assignments were also announced at the meeting. The Budget and Finance committee will be chaired by Supervisor Chris Daly, vice-chair Supervisor Tom Ammiano and Dufty.

Supervisor Chris Daly reappointed to head the all powerful Budget and Finance Committee.

The committee of City Operations and Neighborhood Services will be chaired by Supervisor Jake McGoldrick, vice-chair Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier and Supervisor Ed Jew.

Supervisor Jake McGoldrick

The committee of Government Audit and Oversight will be chaired by Supervisor Sean Elsbernd, vice-chair Alioto-Pier and Daly.

Supervisor Sean Elsbernd

The committee of Land Use and Economic Development will be chaired by Maxwell, vice chair Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval and McGoldrick.

The Rules committee will be chaired by Ammiano, vice-chair Elsbernd and Peskin. The committee of City and School District will be chaired by Dufty, vice-chair Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi and Maxwell.

Supervisor Tom Ammiano

Lastly, the committee of Public Safety will be chaired by Mirkarimi, vice-chair Maxwell and Dufty.

Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi

Copyright © 2007 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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