September 11

The Mayor visited San Francisco Saturday morning, at the crack of dawn of a fine late summer day. A slim tongue of fog hovered over the deck of the Bridge and reminded drivers of the oft changing conditions there. While waiting for the appointment time to arrive, a long delayed visit to the Christopher Columbus statue on Telegraph Hill was called for. A few locals were about, dog-walking, strolling, and clicking their cameras as the sun winked above the eastern Contra Costa hills.
We met in front of SFFD Station 28 on Stockton St. The 7am ceremony began promptly, and the crew read the names of the 343 New York City firefighters who died at the World Trade Center collapse. The twin spires of Saints Peter and Paul's were bathed in the early morning sun, reflecting the celestial light on the somber gathering. The guests thanked the men for their effort and an invitation was extended to all to join the crew inside the Station for coffee and-pizza! So Italian.
The chatter covered a variety of topics, including how the SFFD EMS division was changing rapidly, again. The operations model of the last 10 years is being scrapped for the old model of the pre 2000 period. The paramedic present expressed concern that this change is not an improvement, in his opinion.
As the oncoming crew took over duties, the Mayor and his entourage departed for a nice breakfast @ Pat's on Taylor St.(2330 Taylor). The able staff was very pleasant, and the food - comfortable and hearty. The Colonel, out of North Carolina, proclaimed the grits as good as any from the Tar heel State. Bravo Pat!

The Mayor enjoyed leading his group around the neighborhood, commenting on architecture, tree planting varieties, and the overall amenities found in the Lombard St vicinity. It was a good day in North Beach.