Meeting With Fire Chief: SFFD

       The Mayor had a meeting with San Francisco's Fire Chief, Joanne Hayes-White.  The 24 year veteran firefighter greeted the Mayor, welcoming him into her executive suite at 2nd St. and Townsend, 2nd flr.   The Chief was most cordial and recalled when she and the Mayor worked together many years ago in the same neighborhood.  Among other topics, we discussed the Asiana crash at SFO and the report of investigators released on Tuesday.
     We also discussed recent pension moves that were initiated by the passage of Prop C in November's election.  This had a brief line that essentially eliminated the COLA for all Tier 1 retirees.  This little known fact was slipped into the proposition that went before the voters after a concession by negotiators at Local 798, IAFF.   Many present retirees are not happy as this policy effectively says "No more cost of living raises in the future".  Inflation will erode your pension as sure as I'm standing here.
     We also had the opportunity to chat with the President of the Phoenix Society, that venerable civic organization that supports the department.   Both were presented with a copy of the "Firehouses of San Francisco, 1989, A Guide Book.  The Mayor autographed the copies, and photos were taken all around.

      Later that day, 28th, the Mayor met the director of the Salesian Boys and Girls Club in NOrth Beach, San Francisco.  We discussed opportunities to share information about summer programs in the City and in Tahoma.   With Sugar Pine Park a much in demand location for visitors, Randy was advised to get reservations for campers in early.   We also discussed the upcoming construction project at the club site on Filbert St. and how it will affect club operations during construction.  A target date for ground braking is June 1, 2014.   Russ G. will be managing the project for the board of directors and should be completed in 2 years.   A brief stop at Soracco's bakery completed the visit to the City by the Bay.