Storm injuries, power outages, policing, and parking

Good afternoon! We have several updates from yesterday’s storm, and ongoing coverage of policing and parking concerns in the Mission.

At least two people were killed in San Francisco during yesterday’s storm, several were injured, and over 30,000 were without power. San Francisco Police Department Sergeant Kevin Brugaletta, the rangemaster at the Lake Merced police shooting range, was badly injured when a tree fell on his city vehicle. Brugaletta is currently in serious but stabile condition at the San Francisco General Hospital; we’ll update this story as we learn more.

Meanwhile, the General is still without power, though the hospital has a robust generator system. It remains open for all critical services, including Trauma, the Emergency Department, and urgent care, though some non-urgent appointments and procedures may be rescheduled. A researcher on the campus whose samples must be kept frozen said, “Just opening [the freezer] can mess things up, so you have to decide whether to wait it out and hope it doesn’t go too low, or find an alternative place to move it.” PG&E estimates that power will not be restored for several hours, and the labs are expecting a shipment of more dry ice this afternoon.

It was a close call on Valencia Street, where a falling tree narrowly missed the drivers of a car and a truck as high winds tore through the city. “People were scared, but some were trying to help the car and get the guy who was inside and make sure he was okay,” said Ben Bektursun, who works at Decamere Supermarket on Valencia Street near 21st Street. “And he was, thank God.” The driver of the truck got out, entered the market, and immediately bought lottery tickets, said employee Roman Antonian. “He said, ‘I’m going to buy two.’”

The night before, about 100 Mission residents and business owners spent much of a community meeting begging San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott for more attention to the neighborhood. Some attendees expressed concern about inviting more law enforcement, but most seemed supportive of increased police presence.

According to the SFPD’s Crime Dashboard, reported assaults in the Mission District are on par with this time last year, and robberies, thefts, and burglaries are all down this year. Nonetheless, meeting attendees clapped as dozens of people aired their grievances. Residents complained of sales of stolen goods at Mission and 24^th Street; a vender on the plaza said she was scared of armed people. Many said public alcohol and drug use made them uncomfortable; Ryen Motzek, who heads the Mission Merchants Association, accused city leaders of “misguided compassion” in allowing public drug use. Some residents said they’d been threatened or attacked with weapons over misunderstandings or neighborly disagreements. Many complained that police were not responsive when they needed help, and asked why small Mission stores did not get the same support as upscale businesses in Union Square.

Unhappy residents and business owners also called in to a virtual hearing on a new parking plan for the northeast Mission, arguing it would worsen a situation where it can already take half an hour or more to park. “I’m not trying to be hyperbolic here,” said Darrell Williams, the owner of a commercial photo studio and event space since 1994. “I think this plan is going to destroy my business.” The introduction of paid parking meters and time limits also drew criticism. The SFMTA will continue to take feedback and input, and may potentially tweak the plan.

Stay safe. We’ll have more soon,

Sara