-- stowe lake motels. it says the forces of this delta that have gripped the quarters -- the seemingly object to a series of improvements that will transform the boat house and are clinging to a concept of the past, and then, he cites the forces that were opposed to the academy of science. as a regular walker are around stowe lake, i can tell you that i regularly take tourists who are looking for the deyoung down to it and express my cry -- pride in that explicit building, and i take them also to the academy of science and express my pride in that. they were earthquake damage and had to be taken down. there is no earthquake damage

that has been associated with a still lake that i'm aware of with the boat house. it appears that we are into a very definite money situation here, obviously, and i'm wondering if the ortega family with the effort to make this happen -- it has been said that is a beautiful park, a beautiful lake, and i concur absolutely that there will be huge problems with parking and the additional traffic that is brought in. and we have had a number of people, and apparently they lip service -- apparently pay lip service to our concerns, but i do not feel we have been listened to. commissioner, i hope that you would do the right thing because your wife is going to be after

you. commissioner buell: she is always after me. thank you. >> before we have our next speaker, i need to ask everyone to take exceeded your name has not been called. if your name has not been called, please take a seat. okay, next speaker please. >> commissioners, my wife and i oppose the or take a proposal for the stowe lake but has concession -- the ortega proposal. we observe many groups of children, seniors, joggers, and we often stop by for a snack like a coffee and hot dog. we visited the ortega a concession, and we were surprised to find that 3/4 of

the space was devoted to souvenirs. 1/4 of the space was a cafe that had a counter and four small tables. the menu consisted of $8 sale which is in salads and $2 coffee. the park is a large tourist attraction and it brings people in cars and buses. the ortega family's primary business is indian artifacts and jewelry, as in their original store in santa fe. they enlarged to include other souvenirs, and later, sarah wilson joined them to operate a cafe. wilson saw the work with the national park service, so wilson and ortega were able to get concessions in the national monuments. the ortega's main business is

souvenirs' with small cafe, and they have never run in full concession. stowe lake now serves mostly local people. we do not need a large souvenir concession that they would need to recoup their $250,000 concession. the small lake and limited parking is too small. if they gain the concession, the character still lake would change to concession. they would discourage voters, walkers, and joggers. they would replace the quiet beauty and nature. commissioner buell: thank you. >> [reading names] >> i am in san francisco

resident, and i'm here today to support the upgrade act stowe lake. -- upgrade at stowe lake. i represent a four-year-old and two-year-old. just food and the environment in general, and i am also representing ron lang, who will not be speaking in front of you because the giants are playing in 20 minutes. he, too, would like to see the upgrade in the park. thank you very much. >> thank you, commissioners. my wife and i move from michigan a few years ago with a 1-year- old, and we had our son when we moved here. r i rode -- i have not rode to

hawaii, but i have written quite a few times. we have eaten the pink popcorn. what struck me stowe lake stowe lake is beautiful -- what struck me was that stowe lake was beautiful, but what struck me was that the boat house seemed dark and avoid of energy. a man who works here who testified previously spoke about how we need to see the kids -- it would be neat to watch the kids see the boat getting fixed, but i was never under the impression that that was an activity my kids could see. i am from detroit, and there is a fine line between installed and being number. this is an amazing place that could use a lot of love and attention -- there is a fine line between nostalgia and being dumpy. if a similar provision comes up about fixing the cavan's it can

mazer, i will be back. thank you very much. -- fixing the cabins at camp mazer. >> commissioners, back again. before i let my friends speak here, i just have one question -- finally, after the sunshine ordinance being served, they are reaching out to the public, but what good is it if it is already a done deal? i get the feeling it does not matter what we say. i hope i'm wrong. i do not want to get my ankle, so that is why i'm going to have someone else speak -- i do not want to get my anger up. ♪ running their dominion with little regard for public opinion -- -- we ask for transparency and they

give us transparent mendacity what about sunshine ordinance i guess it ain't worth two since and read my stowe lake beat stowe boathouse is unique is a simple renovation that we seek we love the place the way it is is not just a hunk of real estate to be bartered is the san francisco way of life that is about to be martyred a local family-run business for over 60 years but the law says, or so it appears our heartfelt concerns fall on deaf ears so please, commissioners, support our petitioners from three generations to ensure the preservation of a landmark dear to our history dear to our heart in line i had my say the line now i'm walking to the bay to recruit my brothers they are not much into public comment they are into civil

disobedience i leave it to you to tell what for and take their plan and " them, "never more." [applause] commissioner buell: thank you. >> [reading names] >> good afternoon, commissioners. i am director of san francisco animal care and control, and i was asked to weigh in on the issue of the wildlife by stowe lake, and i must admit that i am not an expert on blue herons, so i did call some people with authority, and the audubon international weighed in already, but i will say that my understanding is that the major concern has to do with the potential new vendor's espresso machine and the noise -- how it

would affect the blue heron colony. i do not believe the noise from the espresso machine would have any greater effect than the patrons or gardeners from rec and park or the traffic going by or anything else. however, i would recommend that some plan be in effect if an issue arises that affects the colony where we can get together and discuss any issues that may come up. i'm happy to be involved in that in whatever way i can. our bigger concern has to do with the affect on wildlife in terms of feeding, and i'm pleased to see that the proposal includes a waste factor in the so that the wildlife there do not ingest food that could affect them adversely. that is my piece on that. thank you. >> [reading names]

>> hello, commissioners. my husband and i represent effect of the proposal was submitted, in partnership with the current concessionaire. mr. mcclellan's family has operated the stow lake motel since its inception when his grandfather built it 67 years ago. i watched a show replay where historic book value it has been in the same family for hundreds of years. he has painted the boat house six times and replaced any boats when the need arose and provided a safe and enjoyable experience for the thousands of residents and tourists who visit stow lake every year, but he has been on a month-to-month lease for

several time because the city has -- for a long time because the city refuses to give him more. who among us would say thousands of dollars that we did not know from month-to-month it for all our time, work, energy, and labors of love would be taken ultimately from us? however, when we wrote our proposal, he agreed to every single item that the rec and park put forth. he agreed to buy a whole new fleet of boats, a beautiful state of the art electric boat's as well as the highest quality paddle and rowboats. i am partnership, a partner and i, having 25 years in the restaurant industry, 18 of those years put forth a proposal to exactly match the wishes of the rec and park department. we would continue to offer the stow lake pink popcorn and hot dogs, but we would also offer a small cafe in the boat house

where customers could eat a sandwich or salad when they thought eating indoors would make it more pleasant dining experience. although there would be more seating, we agreed not to change the footprint of the boat house and made everything as per the city's request. we have been providing healthy and sustainable food much longer than it has been considered socially responsible to do so. i will skip the part about how we had an extensive recycling plant and so on, but in partnership with mr. mcclellan, who has had a proven track records of operating a boat concession all these years without one accident or mishap, and the seasoned experience of my husband and i as local restaurant owners, we feel we are a very strong team to enhance the new operations of the boat house. it is disappointing to me that we, the longtime sun said residents who have the proven ability, wherewithal, and desire to bring to the boat house fresh new appeal while maintaining the historic aspects in partnership with the current and excellent concession there with all his

knowledge and expertise, lost out to a large corporation. do not be misled by the name ortega family -- >> thank you. we have a two-minute limit, and i have given you at least another minute. it is not fair to the rest of the people. we do get the point of your message. >> [reading names] >> commissioners, thank you for hearing me. i do not think any of us can disagree that one of the most pressing issues we're facing today is the health of our children, food-related disorders. in particular, diabetes, and heart disease. because of that food is because nobody is really taking care to look at what we're feeding our folks in public spaces, weather

is schools, parks, or on the street, so i applaud the commission making this a priority, and support the ortega family. we spent three years creating an rfp for the cafe with high standards focused on healthy food. there were many applicants in the cafe, and the ortega family one, but not merely did they get the concession, but since then, they have exceeded the expectations of the park. the quality of food, the commitment to local, sustainable, and healthy, and moreover delicious, is not just a commitment, but it is a proven fact. you can taste the difference. it is a beacon for the food that should be served in all of our parks, where the city, state, or federal, and it is time that san francisco parks had a beacon in its own property where these values are not just talk about but actually executed.

so please, go on with the great work. accept more commons, but i urge you to taste the difference and recognize the importance of giving our children healthy and affordable food -- accept more comments. >> if i have called your name, please come forward. i'm going to call a few more names. [reading names] >> hello. together with my wife kathleen, we submitted a proposal for the food concessions at the stow lake but house with bruce mclellan. \ -- bruce mcclellan. formerly, we own it famous, not officially designated san francisco landmark for 20 years. it is true the ortega corporation proposal the swamp

the other tibia proposals, but in effect, with their food, be any better, any more nutritional than ours? with their boats rental system and boats be any better than the stow lake corporation is now? i think not. the continuing mentioned argument of present condition of the boat house regarding improvements does not mention the fact that there was a lease agreement even if improvements were made. for example, let's assume i'm a landlord. i request you upgrade-from kitchen the bathroom, kitchen, paint the place, and renovate the backyard with no guarantee that i might not evict you in the next month. would you do that?

that is a question, and i will leave it at that. thank you. commissioner buell: thank you. >> next speaker please. >> good afternoon. i'm a resident of the sunset and father of two girls, and we jog around stow lake and when i get to the top because i'm tired, i look for a place that i can relax. sometimes my wife wants to either breast feed or change diapers, and there is not really a facility for something like that. other parents i know have talked about that, and i think anything we can do to help improve the family-friendliness of a place like this, that will be an improvement is just something that we could go for. this is a different angle. i'm not that concerned about the preservation of the building. although i am. i think the main thing is that people are more important than

the building, and we want to have the nutritional food. i'm not going to feed my kids pink popcorn. i'd rather have something organic and sustainable. that is just the angle i want to put here. i'm in support of the proposition. >> good afternoon. i'm representing the san francisco convention and visitors bureau. i'm here in place of our president and ceo. he apologized for not being able to be here, but he did send a letter i would like to submit, and i would like to briefly review this letter. "dear president buell, the visitors bureau is in full support for a renewed stow lake. they have found a great partner and plan -- a plan to renovate the boat house concession stand will make it much more attractive decoration for visitors to golden gate park. the wooden boat house has undergone few innovations says it was built in 1946.

it is in need of a paint job. mold is growing on the windowsills and awnings and the building so, ruth windows, walls, and doors are compromise allowing the building interior to become damage. moreover, the 60-year-old pope spoke of safety measures. entering at the building is adequately restore will require a new lease see who has ample experience renovating historic buildings in culturally sensitive areas. moreover, it is an ideal partner if they comply with all the secretary of interior's standards for preservation. it is clear from the proposal that ortega family enterprises has a thoughtful plan that stands stow lake to benefit stow visitors for you to come -- stands to benefit all stow lake visitors for years to come. we hope that you will approve this proposal and ensure that stow lake is once more an attractive destination. thank you. >> thank you. >> next speaker please. >> i am a parent of three young

children, ages 9, 6, and 3. i have a letter here that pretty much summarizes my thoughts, which i would like to place into the record. i'm here to speak in favor of the stow lake renovation. i think that the benefits are really twofold. one small picture and one is fairly big picture. small picture is that, obviously, the building needs some work, and it would be fantastic for it to have local, organic food options for families. i think that kind of speaks for itself, maintaining the activities that are at the lake that will be there, but just having other healthy food options for families i think is plainly obvious. i think the bigger picture is thinking about family friendliness in san francisco. we all know people have children that are ready to go to school,

and they leave the city. i think having a strong san francisco unified school district and a strong reconed parks department together really makes the city so much more attractive -- strong wreck and parks department -- strong rec and parks department. after-school programs would have to be cut, and any way to make sure there is additional revenues so that families can stay in the city and prosper here -- it might not always be the prettiest option, but it is the world we live in. i think this is something that needs to be down for all those reasons. thank you for your time. commissioner buell: thank you. >> next speaker. >> i'm here to support the current operators. i have a job and walked around the lake and rode on the lake

and enjoyed many happy hours of outdoor recreation there, and i am here to give my personal comment. i am a registered dietitian and an adult weight management specialist, so i'm also concerned about health, and it is my belief that the recreation and park committee should support the expansion and preservation of opportunities for outdoor recreation in san francisco, rather than turning our beautiful natural environment, which is limited -- a limited resources, into yet another place to sit down and eat. commissioner buell: thank you. >> commissioners, i would like to thank you for your

consideration as well as the input from all the other speakers here today. i am the president of the stow lake corporation. our firm and family has been the concessionaire for the past 67 years since my grandfather reintroduced the boats. i urge you to reconsider staff's pending recommendation. over the years, we have responded to numerous bids. in each case, the process was competitive, but the evaluation criteria was known. that is not the case here necessarily. following a three of my concerns. throughout the process, the preservation of the boat house was in keeping. the boat house was designed to support the rental operations on the lake, not the cafe gift shop. we included the indoor seating that staff wanted, preserved the repair facility, thereby preserving the visual as well as functional historical character of the boat house, converting the boat house to a cafe gift shop, even with a nautical

theme is a departure from the historical use. second, this is a voting venue, not with food offered as an additional amenity. the big you are creating creates a food give shop operation with boating as an amenity. we proposed 85 new boats, practical caring capacity for the lake and size of the current fleet. the staff has recommended a proposed fleet of 50 books, which would not be sufficient to meet the public need. even if the concessionaire were to increase the fleet, which they can do at their option is my understanding, there's not enough room to service these boats in the basement area, which is roughly 1/3 the size of the shop we're using. 3, the staff right up does not include any kind of financial comparative analysis for the competing bids and potential benefits of the city. how can a decision be made regarding the 20-year contract without looking at the financial benefits to the department? that is a big missing piece of

the component. by the one -- by the way, i would like to -- i have a petition for the preservation of the historical nature of the boat house that we want entered into the record. thank you for your consideration. commissioner buell: thanks very much. [applause] >> next speaker please. >> good afternoon, commissioners. i would like to read a letter on behalf of the executive director of quasa. "dear commissioners, and writing in full support of the department's mission for a department's stow lake erie we urge you to approve the recommendation for a new concessionaire. -- full support of the department's recommendation for a new stow lake the. the ortega family has previous experience working in historical buildings, making them a

qualified -- uniquely qualified to restore the deteriorating conditions of the boat house that has seen few changes since 1946. in addition to the more attractive and safer facility, parcourse, bikers, other visitors will have access to a variety of local and organic foods while also being able to purchase favorites like pink popcorn. we expect it will be able to attract a new, wider range of customers, and by using predominantly new use of proteins from sources less than 40 miles away, they will also be stimulating economic growth throughout the entire san francisco area. we hope that you will

>> i am here on behalf of local 261. we support the concession. we support all efforts to benefit san francisco and the people the trouble here from all over the world. we support the efforts to revitalize and approve our system. we believe these efforts will also support the stuff that have worked in the recreational parks department. we welcome this plan. >> thank you.

>> good day, i am one of the three members of the cooperative partnership. we are the people who did in the last round of the rf be. at the time, we were told the mcnaught and he accepted because we did not have the combined experience of voting and concession management within our partnership. the reason why this was provided was the hopes that someone like this could be accepted in the first round. several of the ideas were incorporated into the proposal language about where