receives 4 thousand cases of domestic violence annually, to date we have zero domestic violence homicides. that's something to celebrate. (applause) * >> 10 years ago we were looking at 10 or 12 domestic violence homicides a year. and today, knock on wood, we still have zero. it's really a testament to the community-based agencies, to the $3 million investment led by the mayor's office in direct services to our domestic violence direct services. and what the past year has taught us is that there are many misconceptions about domestic violence in our community, and i want to set the record straight. for the record, number one, domestic violence hits all demographics, regardless of income, regardless of education levels, it hits white, black, asian, latino, straight, gay, lesbian, transgender, young and

old. number two, domestic abuse, whether physical, verbal, or economic is a crime. number three, there are dozens of resources to help those experiencing domestic violence represented by the folks behind us. the city invests $3 million to provide crisis lines, emergency shelters, transitional housing, counseling and other vital services in dozens of languages. we're expanding these services substantially with this grant from the department of justice. and i just want to acknowledge maria and tara and paul henderson from the mayor's office for their work on this. (applause) >> language should never be a barrier to receive services or to report a crime. that's what domestic violence is, a crime. like what giants' pitcher romo did to the detroit slugger at the bottom of the 10th inning last night, let's strikeout domestic violence.

together we are a world champion team just like the giants to end domestic violence in san francisco. lights out. game over. (applause) >> does anyone have any questions for any of us? >> [inaudible] [speaker not understood]. >> let's set the record straight. this is a grant and we applied for it a long time ago. and we just got the grant award, number one. number two, my office has been holding the seminar for domestic violence awareness month for several years. so, the grant and this event has nothing to do with anyone. the other thing that i want to make really clear is that i think we need to -- and i'm

going to use a metaphor here. we need to keep our aye on the ball. when it comes to domestic violence, the ball is not ross mirkarimi, it's not george gascone. it's the hundreds and thousands of victims and their families impacted every day. women's are suffering in silence. and there has been unfortunately in the last few months in this city, a setback because of the way that one individual has elected to handle his own personal shortcomings. let's be really clear here. there is only one person that committed a crime here, it's ross mirkarimi. george gascone did not abuse his wife. ed lee did not abuse his wife. ross mirkarimi did. we have a really horrible situation here. we have a high position, law

enforcement officer, who committed a crime. then denied that a crime had been committed. then tried to mitigate his actions. then tried to blame others. and then put together a whole campaign to go after anybody that called it what it was, a crime. so, what is not being talked about here is the victims. the mayor indicated [speaker not understood]. we have had a surge in reports of domestic violence-related incidents. we've got women every day that are suffering in silence. we know how difficult it is for women to come forward. the reality is the majority never come forward. because they're afraid. and we're making it more difficult by playing games. so long as the district attorney in this county, i'm not going to play any game. this is not about politics. this is about public safety. and we're going to do the right thing. the mayor will do the right thing. and i'm going to let the mayor say a few words as well. (applause) >> if i may.

thank you. thank you, george. the other thing, it's been talked about in the political context. let me say this, because i've had numerous meetings with community-based leaders. there's a difference between what some people want to do as move on with the issue and what i think everybody wants to do that's involved here, is to move forward. the way you move forward is you really have to take care of business. and as a nonpolitician in this city, again, i emphasize to you, i think the only way to move forward is to make sure that the cases are handled adequately because the sheriff's department really critically is a key partner in this. you can't just move on and forget. you have to move forward with everybody making sure those cases are properly supervised, all the programs are properly supervised, and you've got to continue working with the victims and advocates.

and when there's doubt, the only way to overcome that doubt is not to dismiss it, but to work with them more directly and even more intensely because that's what it commands. and, so, i think that d.a. gascone, mayor's office, we are all about moving forward on this and that's why we had to document the kind of level of standards that we have to work in. not dismissing things that happen in the past, because the only way you can change it and move forward is to account for them and then take care of that business. that's what we're doing. >> when you say move forward, you have to work with the sheriff also [speaker not understood]. >> well, again, it's not about day taunt. we have set the standards. if you read the letter that i've issued, it is very much aligned with the letter that the d.a. issued that we're still waiting for a specific detailed response to. and that's what we're trying to do, we're trying to set the standard for everybody in the city to work under because of what has occurred, and in our

opinion, the lowering of the standards that the city will not tolerate. >> just because it's son through the process already, why will you not sit down and talk to [speaker not understood] about it? >> because it's political in that way. i don't want anything misinterpreted. i think by putting it in writing and also aligning ourselves with the law enforcement entities that also similarly have done that, i believe wendy still from probation will similarly do that as well. we're all trying to set the right standards because there's been a pause in all these programs because of what happened. and we want to go forward saying, we have to all work more intensely to really recover from that pause and get all the programs in line so that nothing is dismissed as unimportant. >> do you have any evidence or knowledge of any particular instance that has not been handled correctly as a result of mirkarimi being back on the job? or is this more a concern going

forward and a perception that the public might have because of what transpired? >> well, certainly we have both received reports -- there's a lot of concern with the community-based agencies that where working with today and the concerns continue to be will people be treated fairly. * we are once people have a question in their minds, anything that happens in the future can be cause for them to suggest that they don't have faith in the system. and i think that's what we're trying to deal with, set the right foundation so that everything that we do do with the sheriff's office, with the leadership of that office, is undoubtably one that is not to be questioned. and this is, i think, what we're trying to do, is set that standard so there won't be any doubt in going forward. >> you believe the only way that can really be done is for him to recuse himself of any [speaker not understood] at any level or any way of anything that has [speaker not understood]? >> well, i think that the doubt

is because that person is currently under probation and must be reporting to probation officers for domestic violence. this is where we have that doubt. we're constraining ourselves to that period of time while the probation exists. >> here is the problem that we have. we have a leader with a law enforcement organization that has committed a crime. that is pretty unusual, especially given the fact he is continuing to be a leader of an organization. he is on probation for having committed a crime. how can we expect that there will be faith in the system with the individual that is running many of the programs that will address the problem of people that are coming into the jail for the same problem is going to do the right things? the reality is that this person [speaker not understood] common sense. >> [speaker not understood]?

is this a perception problem, [speaker not understood] confidence, or do you actually believe that he could give slack to -- cut slack to people who [speaker not understood] domestic violence [speaker not understood]? >> i believe it is really unimportant. the reality is that he's on probation for domestic violence incident. his jail oversees programs where people have been found guilty of similar conduct are coming in. he can now with a straight face lead a rehabilitative process. he cannot with a straight face hold people accountable. internally or externally, by the way, we are currently prosecuting a member of his organization for dealing with domestic violence. once we finish the prosecution, there will be an administrative process. how can someone that is on probation for domestic violence provide discipline for someone that committed a similar event?

we just recently referred another case to his office, but we do not have sufficient evidence to prosecute criminally, but we know that it requires administrative attention. the reality is that under the current set of circumstances, if the sheriff is too harsh, he will open up the city for liability and criticism because some people may say he's overcompensating for his dee advertising is. -- deficiency. if he is perceived to be too lenient, he will be criticized because he's being too lenient. if he releases someone at the wrong time and there is additional violence, there will be additional liability to the city because it will be perceived as being a release that took place because of his own personal problems. it doesn't matter how you slice it, and that's why i sent him a letter and asked him to voluntarily recuse himself

while he's on probation. that was a very, very narrowly crafted letter. it was very reasonable. and he has refused to do so. he sent me a response basically saying, i have consulted with my attorney. i have talked to my staff. i do not see a conflict. but if there is a conflict, i'll take care of it. trust me, my response to that is that i'm asking the city attorney now to draw a local ordinance that would prohibit the sheriff from supervising [speaker not understood] during the time he's on probation and hopefully the board of supervisors will sign that. it is obvious to me that we cannot trust the sheriff to do the right things, so we're going to have to make sure that the right thing is taken care of. and again, let's go back to when we started. this is about the victims. this is not about -- this is not about ross. this is about every one of those women that has been assaulted over and over again

and whether they're going to call for help. >> [speaker not understood]. >> one of the city attorneys has crafted as an ordinance that would basically prohibit any top law enforcement official in the city from overseeing programs any in the area where they have been convicted of a crime during the period which they are closely associated with that. >> i just want to add, i want to remind folks ross mirkarimi is [speaker not understood] in a 52-week batter prevention program. he is in treatment. can we expect someone who is in treatment to -- i just want to remind everyone that ross mirkarimi pled guilty. he's been sentenced to 52 weeks of batterers intervention program. he is currently in treatment. is it reasonable for anyone in treatment to be expected to step up and oversee these programs? that's one of the concerns that the commission on status of women has through our justice

and [speaker not understood] panel. can we expect someone who is currently in treatment to fulfill their duty? >> [speaker not understood]. >> i've been trained appropriately never to comment on legislation unless it's in front of me. [laughter] >> we're involved in crafting it. i mean, we're going to take a look at it because we do think, and i've agreed with the d.a., that there is a conflict that we have to deal with. and again, though, i'm going to listen to a lot of the community-based organizations because really it is -- it's a crisis of confidence that we have to have with the survivors. and if they feel more confident the city is going to take care of business with this legislation, then we're going to involve everybody as well. but again, it's premature for me to say the draft we seen yet is there. i know what d.a. gascone is trying to do and we're going to have a conversation with thev board of supervisors. >> [speaker not understood]. [multiple voices]

>> [speaker not understood]. >> [speaker not understood]. the sheriff's department had nothing to do with the draft of the ordinance. [multiple voices] >> thank you, everybody. ... >> hello. welcome to "culturewire." we are here today with bay area artist jody chanel, and we are here to see the plaza where your piece has just been

installed. >> i have been doing large-scale paintings in the galleries and museums, and the idea that in the future, i could do something that would hang out a little bit longer than the duration of the installation the kind of appeal to me. i quickly found out about the san francisco arts commission school and realized there was a pre-qualified school you had to apply to, so i applied to the. >> how long did it take you to develop this work for the plaza? >> this was a fast track project. design development was about a month. >> let's look at the beautiful mural. i have never seen a mural created on asphalt. >> the heat of the asphalt, a new layer of asphalt. then, these wire rope templates

that were fabricated for the line work get laid down and literally stamped into the asphalt, and then everything was hand-painted. >> maybe you could talk about some of the symbolism, maybe starting in the middle and working out. >> [inaudible] the flower of industry. >> it is like a compass. there's an arrow pointing north. >> within the great bear consolation, there are two pointed stars here. they typically lead one to the northstar, otherwise known as polaris. so i thought it has a layer of theme. >> let's talk about some of the other elements in the peace. we are walking along, and there is a weather vane. there's a sweet little bird hanging on the side. what kind of bird is that? >> [inaudible]

the smallest of the gulf species, and it lives around the bay area. >> you want to talk about the types of flour patterns that you send? >> [inaudible] around 1926 or so by the dahlia society. >> what is this bird here? >> that is the california quail. >> coming up here, we had a little blustery theme. what is this area here? >> this is supposed to be the side view, the expense of the golden gate bridge. >> there it is. >> there are really beautiful elements of architecture still around, i would say that it gives that feeling over to the work.

>> what are your hopes for it? >> that in a way it just becomes part of the area. i think it is starting to have that feeling. people utilize it. they sit and, and have their lunch and play on -- they sit and, and have their lunch and play on that -- they sit and come and have their lunch and play on it. just for it to be part of the neighborhood. that is my hope. >> is such a beautiful addition to our public art in san francisco. thank you for joining us. it was nice to meet you. and thank you for telling us about your beautiful mural. thanks for watching "culturewire."

>> hello, i am with the san francisco parks department serious we are featuring some wonderful locations in your and very own backyard. this is your chance to find your heart in san francisco with someone special. we are here at the lovely and historic palace of fine arts, located in the bustling marina district. originally built for the 1950's exposition, the palace is situated along san francisco's waterfront. it is ada accessible and is reached by the 28, 30, and 91

bus lines. with its rotunda, columns, uncut the reflecting waters against the eucalyptus trees, it is one of the most romantic settings for special dates, and memorable proposals. it is also a perfect spot where you can relax with that special someone while listening to the water and fountain in the lagoon. beautiful to view from many locations, and inside is an ideal place to walk around with your loved ones. the palace is the most popular wedding location in the city park system. reservations for weddings and other events are available at strecpark.org. shakespeares' guard and refers -- has plants referred to in shakespeare's plays and poems.

located near the museum and the california academy of sciences, shakespeares garden was designed in 1928 by the california spring blossom association. flowers and plants played an important part in shakespeares literary masterpieces. here is an enchanting and tranquil garden tucked away along a path behind a charming gate. this garden is the spot to woo your date. appreciate the beauty of its unique setting. the cherry tree, the brick walkways, the enchanting stones, the rustic sundial. chaired the bards'w ro -- share the bard's words.

the garden is a gem to share with someone special. pack a picnic, find a bench, enjoy the sunshine and let the whimsical words of william shakespeare float you and your loved one away. this is one of the most popular wedding locations and is available for reservations. shakespeares garden is 8ada accessible. this park is located at the bottom of a hill. it is a secret garden with an infinite and captivating appeal. carefully tucked away, one block from the bottom of lombard street, it makes the top of our list for the most intimate picnic settings. avoid all tourist cars and parking hassles by hopping on the cable car. or the 30, 45, 41, or 91 bus.

this garden was designed by a the landscape architect thomas church in 19 to -- 1957. grow old with me, the best is yet to be is inscribed at this gem of a park. a lush oasis anchored by gazebosanchoreddekcs, -- gazebos, anchored by decks. this is the place to tell your family the love you share. reservations are available for this hidden gem. i am jamie hopper. until next time, don't forget to get out and play. for more information about reserving one of these romantic locations, or any other

location, call 831-5500. this number is best for special events, weddings, picnics, and the county fair building. for any athletic fields and neighborhood parks, 831-5510. you can also write us. 501 san francisco, calif. 94117. or just walk in and say hello. and of course you can find more information and reach us at sfrecpark.org.

. >> good evening, good evening. thank you. my name is joe an low and i'm the interim vice chancellor for academic affairs at city college. >> my name is min what you han and i'm the dean of the north

chinatown campus. >> we'd like to welcome and thank you for joining us in celebrating the opening of the new chinatown north beach campus. >> thank you for all to come tonight. >> we'd like to start by introducing our guests. trustee john miso, president of our board of trustees, trustee anita greer, vice president, board of trustees, trustee natalie burke, trustee chris jackson, trustee steve no, trustee rodrigo santos, trustee lawrence wong, student trustee

william walker, we'd also like to introduce former trustees rodel rodis, allen wong, and i think peter finnican was also going to join us this evening. introduce our interim chancellor, dr. pamela fisher, our former chancellor, dr. don griffin, former chancellor dr. phillip day, and mr. mendehem,

president of the citizen's bond foundation committee. >> (inaudible) mr. walker newman, and miss jacqueline liu and city of san francisco would like to recognize the honorable mayor of san francisco, the honorable david chiu, chairman of the board of supervisors. >> he's also our district 3 supervisor. >> the honorable menea cohen, the honorable ciel