literally standing on here is ground that used to be here for vehicles, and now it's here for people, for people to walk, to sit, to enjoy. making those decisions are sometimes difficult. they're sometimes controversial. there are trade-offs involved. but we have a very strong board of directors at the mta that has been making these decisions to repurpose, to rethink our rights-of-way, to reorient them back towards pedestrians, to make it safer for pedestrians, to narrow streets so that the crossing distances are shorter, and to really focus on the safety aspects of improving our public rights-of-way. so, i'm happy to have one of my boss as a member of the mta board of directors, jerry lee. >> thank you, thank you. i know that when i speak on behalf of the board of directors, we're really encouraged of the efforts that we're involved with in terms of

being at the starting point of square one. this is a critical moment for our city in terms of the efforts of making the streets more attractive and safer for pedestrians. i also want to acknowledge the work of the sustainable street division who has helped in getting these speeds at the schools reduced. this strategy will help bolster their efforts in making the city streets a lot safer for pedestrians to walk in. thank you very much. >> thank you, director lee. one of our, one of our strong partnerships is with the police department. we kind of share responsibility for managing the public right-of-way and enforcement as you heard from mayor is absolutely a part of the strategy. so, it's a very important partnership for us and very glad to have the police department so ably represented

here, but more importantly, on the task force and working with us every day. so, very happy to have one of the great leaders of the police department, deputy chief denise chef. >> it's a very tall man. good morning, i'm denise smith and i don't know how to work microphones. thank you. the men and women of san francisco police department are absolutely commit today working with our partners to make the walking, cycling and motoring public safer in our city. we commit to it every day, and based on information that mta has provide and had that we have from our collision data, we've launched a program called focus on the five. and for each of district stations we've provided them their five intersections or areas where they have the highest incidents for pedestrians and motorists come in contact. and we are committed to reducing those numbers. * we've got to bring these incidents down. we want the public to be able to enjoy this beautiful city. and, so, what each of the

district station captains have been tasked with is developing targeted enforcement and education for their five areas of highest incidents. this means enforcing what we see as the five highest primary collision factors. red light violations, stop sign violations, pedestrian right-of-way violations, turning violations, and basic speed. we're asking the general public as we move -- as the captains move out with their education program, slow down, pay attention, and obey the rules of the road. those three things will save lives. and that's really what this is all about, is saving lives. and letting people enjoy the city. so, part of the job of the captains is develop enforcement plans. we're also looking at the major corridors throughout the city. market street corridor which has some of the highest intersection incidents, the van

ness avenue corridor, 19th avenue corridor, we've worked to identify what these hot spots are and put the officers in those spots to do enforcement. then we work in the schools and through the community groups and through the captains newsletters to talk to people about sensible driving and about paying attention as they're walking and moving through the city. if we could ask anything of the walking public, we're all in love with our little devices now. i'm addicted to mine. but as we walk, we need to be mindful of where we're walking and we need to be looking up and paying attention. our most -- we're most vulnerable when we are walking and we're not looking. so, please, i know it's a busy time of year. it's the holidays. we all have a lot of things on our minds and we're trying to keep ourselves on schedule. but look up and look around before you step off. take that extra minute. we ask the same thing of the driving public which is why we're out there making traffic stops every day, enforcing the texting driving laws, educating or citing as it seems fit. all of our activities are aimed

at bringing those numbers down and making this a safe holiday season and a safe city as we go forward. so, thank you very much. have a good day. (applause) >> thank you, chief. thank you, commander lee, for bringing the expertise and the resources we need to make the city safe. i also want to acknowledge lee melatilo our primary liaison with the police department, formerly from the police department, she also oversees sfmta enforcement, the parking and traffic control officers who are sometimes out there at the busiest intersections making sure people can get across safely. and i do want to reemphasize the point, reading that text message is not more important than your getting across the street safely. so, if there's one take away here, it's please, everybody needs to be alert of their surroundings. if you have a lot of different modes of transportation that come together in our dense little city, we need people to be alert and to pay attention.

the chief mentioned some of the data that's guiding the work of the police department. our city traffic engineer ricardo laya has developed some data that will help us target the resources where they can be most effective. but a great partner that's really brought a kind of higher level of data analysis into the picture is the mta's co-lead of the mayor's pedestrian safety task force, and that's the department of public health. so, we're happy to have thomas aragon here from dph. (applause) >> good morning. thank you for being here. one of the ways that i think about this is that pedestrian safety is an important public health issue. and the way i think about it is that i'm raising three children here in the city. i have a 16-year-old, a 15 year old, and a 12-year-old. and what we want -- we want the city to be safer than whether

they're biking, walking, going to school. and so that when we invest in pedestrian safety, we're really investing in the future of our city in our children. and, so, from our perspective, pedestrian safety is a public health issue and it's really important for us to invest in making sure that it's safe. the other thing to think about when we think about pedestrian safety is that there's really a multiplier effect. when we have walkable communities, when people are able to walk, not only is it healthy for them -- not only is it healthy for them, but we also have less people that are driving. it helps to protect the environment. so, it really helps to protect everybody. and that's really very important for us. one of the major roles the health department is having is analyzing the data. for example, we now have a geo database that's bringing in

data from demographics, the way people drive, the density of people that are walking through different corridors of the city, and we're able to see by looking at that type of data that more than 50% of the fatal and severe injuries, pedestrian injuries occur in about 5% of the streets in san francisco. and you'll be hearing more about -- those will be the areas that will be more focused. , and so, i want to just thank you for your time. (applause) >> thanks, tomas. the public health lands that dph has brought to roadway safety has really, i think, made us all much better and it's going to make our programs a lot more effective. * lenz it's we're in the final stage of development. we're grateful to have them on board. having a strategy is good, but it's only good if we actually

execute on it. and the people of san francisco are lucky to have a very strong and tenacious voice to not only help us develop the strategy, but then to make sure we're doing what we need to be doing. walk sf has been a very constructive, but very strong arc advocate for making walking in san francisco not just more enjoyable, but safer. * so, we're very pleased to have with us executive director of walk sf, elizabeth smith. (applause) >> thank you, ed. walk san francisco and its members look forward to a strong and effective pedestrian strategy to fix what director aragon mentioned are the 50 miles that have been identified as san francisco's most dangerous streets. the city will actually need to fix five miles a year to meet

the mayor's impressive goal of reducing injury and reducing death which in four years and ultimately within a decade significantly. and that's going to prevent hundreds of injuries and deaths from happening. it's really important, and these are all crashes that can be prevented. this will mean calming traffic on wide fast arterials like geary, and it it will also mean widening sidewalks and adding greening with innovative projects like the powell promenade. strategic police enforcement, as we heard, is also critical, using data to prevent traffic crimes just as we use data to prevent other crimes. and targeting the most dangerous behaviors in the most dangerous locations. last year almost 900 people were hit by cars in san francisco, and this year hundreds more people have been

hit and 18 people have been killed. the need for action is clear. new york and chicago have both released pedestrian action plans. san francisco has led the state with creating new 15 mile an hour speed zones around all 181 schools city-wide, which is really exciting. it's a really important first step. and now san francisco can lead the way with a strong and effective pedestrian strategy. to make the most sustainable form of transportation, walking, also the most safe and comfortable for everyone. thank you. (applause) >> thank you, elizabeth. there's a lot of different city staff and other members of the city family that work every day to try to make san francisco safer. you've heard some of it, the 15 mile an hour zones. we're enhancing crosswalks around the city.

we're bolding out sidewalks to make crossing distances smaller. we're using automated -- we're using red lighten forcement, photo red lighten forcement. a lot of things that many of the planners and engineers at the mta are doing to try to make the city safer, and will be the ones in whose hands a lot of the execution of the pedestrian strategy lies. so, i do want to acknowledge tim popandreo who leads our long range planning who is leading the development of the strategy. bridget smith who leads our -- a group we call livable streets. and these are the planners and the engineers that actually do the planning and design work to put this stuff in the ground. and they operate under the leadership of vaughan yee, a legend in the public rights-of-way in san francisco who leads our sustainable streets division. i want to acknowledge all of their great work. i want to thank all of our partners from the mayor to the city family to the advocacy

community. if we're all working together, we can absolutely achieve the ambitious goals that the mayor has set for us that everybody can enjoy this great city the way we want to. so, thank you all for coming. please be safe. happy holidays. (applause) (applause) ... [horns honking] [siren wails]

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brought to you by the u.s. department of health and human services. >> hello, i am with the recreation and parks department. we are featuring the romantic park location in your backyard.

this is your chance to find your heart in santa and cisco with someone special. -- san francisco with someone special. our first look out is here at buena vista park, a favorite with couples and dog walkers. both have a significant force. a refreshing retreat from urban life. the romantic past that meander up and down the park under pines and eucalyptus. hang out in this environment and you might see butterflies it, fennel, and then the lines. -- dandelions.

is ada accessible. public transit is plentiful. we have conquered the steps, we have watched the dogs, and we have enjoyed a beautiful view. this is a place to take someone special on a romantic stroll and enjoyed a beautiful look out. welcome to corona heights located in the heart of this district. it offers a view of the downtown skyline, the bay bridge, and the east bay. it is one of the best kept secrets in the city. it is hardly ever crowded. on any given day, you will run into a few locals. , bought a 37 bus to get there without any parking worries. for legged friends can run

freely. there is also a patch of grass for the small box. >> it is a great place. it is a wonderful place to have these kinds of parks. that dog owners appreciate it. >> take time to notice of the wildfires that are on the grassland and keep your head out on the lookout for hawks and other bird life. be sure to take your camera and be prepared to take a view of the city will not forget. it has a beautiful red rock formations. you could watch the sunrise over the bay. this is another one of our great lookouts. we are at mount davidson. 928 feet. this is the place for you to bring someone special. to not forget that dogs and

enjoy all of the pathways and greenery that surrounds you. it provides a peaceful oasis of open space and great hiking trails. the spectacular view offers a perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset with someone you love. >> it is a good place to get away from the hectic life of the city. come up here and listen to nature, i get some fresh air. that view is fantastic. >> where sturdy shoes. hikers get the feeling of being in a rain forest. mount davidson is also a great place to escape the noise and the bustle of the city. take the 36 bus and it will drop you at the entrance. it is quite a hike to the top but the view is worth every

step. this is the place to bring that someone special. golden gate park's largest body of water is an enchanting place. is a popular spot for paddling around in boats, which can be rented. created in 1893, it was designed for these your boating -- for leisure boating. it is named for the wild strawberries that once flourished. there is also a waterfall, two bridges, and trails the climb to the summit, the highest point at more than four hundred feet.

you can catch glimpses of the western side of the city that make this hilltop a romantic look out. for public transit, i take the n train. the lad the ad -- lake is ada accessible. watch many ducks, swans, and siegel's. -- seagulls. it is a great place to stroll and sail away. many couples come here to take a ride around a lake, going under the bridges, passing the chinese pavilion and the waterfall. for a quiet getaway, making for a memorable and magical experience. located on 19th avenue, this

growth is the place to where you're hiking boots, bring the family and the dog because it has so much to offer you and your loved ones. it is a truly hidden gem in the city. the park is rich with eucalyptus trees. long paths allow you to meander, perfect for a dog walking in a wooded environment. >> i enjoy the history. the diversity of nature that exists in such an urban city, concrete streets, cars, we have this oasis of the natural environment. it reminds us of what the history was. >> there is a section for dogs and plenty of parking. transit is available on the 28 bus to get you very easily.

the part is ada -- park is ada accessible. it is also a natural lake. this is your chance to stroll around the lake and let the kids run free. it also has many birds to watch. it is a place to find and appreciate what you -- a wonderful breath of fresh air. come and experience in this park and enjoy the people, picnics, and sunshine. this is a lovely place to take a stroll with your loved ones. in the middle of pacific heights, on top of these hills, it offers a great square, a peaceful beauty, large trees and grass and greenery. it features tables and benches,

a playground, restaurants, and tennis courts. there are plenty of areas for football and picnics. it is very much a couple's park. there are many activities you can experience together. stroll on the pathways, bring your dog, or just picnic at one of the many tables and enjoy all that it has to offer together. many couples find this is a perfect park to throw down a blanket and soak up the sun. it is a majestic place that you can share with someone you chairs. lafayette park is also easily accessed from the 47, 49, and 90 buses. it is ada accessible. we are here at the historic

palace of fine art in the marina district. originally built for the 1950's exposition, the palace is situated on san francisco's number waterfront. it is ada accessible and is reached by the 28, 30, and 91 bus lines. set against the reflecting waters of the lagoon and eucalyptus trees, the palace is one of san francisco post most -- san francisco's most romantic spots to relax with that special someone while listening to the water and gazing at the swans. a beautiful to view from many locations along the mattoon, an ideal place to -- all -- lagoon,

an ideal place to walk with a loved one. reservations for weddings are available at sfrecpark.org. discarding contains plants referred to by william shakespeare's plays and poems. welcome to the shakespeare garden here in the famous golden gate park. located near the museum and the california academy of sciences, the garden was designed by the california spring blossom and wildfilower association. here is a truly enchanting and tranquil garden along a path behind a charming gate. this garden is the spot to woo

your date. stroll around and appreciate its unique setting. the gorgeous brick walkway and a brick wall, the stone benches, the rustic sundial. chaired the part -- share the bard's word hundred famous verses from a shakespearean plays. this is a gem to share with someone special. pack a picnic, find a bench, and enjoy the sunshine, and let the whimsical words of william shakespeare and floats you and your loved one away. this is one of the most popular wedding locations and is available for reservations. take a bus and have no parking worries. shakespeares' garden is ada accessible. located at the bottom of this

hill, it is a secret garden with an infinite in captivating appeal. carefully tucked away, it makes the top of our list for most intimate pyknic setting. avoid all taurus cars and hassles by taking a cable car. or the 30, 45, or 91 bus. the garden was designed by thomas church in 1957. gr old with me, the best is yet to be is inscribed on a sundial. it is anchored by twin white gazebos and flowers that bloom year-round. this is the place to tell someone special or the place to

declare the commitment you two share. weddings and the event reservations are available for this adorable hidden gem. we know there are many other romantic parks in san francisco. we hope you have enjoyed this torre of lookouts, picnics, and strolls that are available every day. until next time, do not 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 buildings. or for any athletic field, call 831-5510. you can write us at --