Volume 170 01-2005 - Telegraph Hill Dwellers

PRESIDENT: Paul Scott,26 Darrell Pl., 981-5112,pdscott@sbcglobal.netVICE PRESIDENT: Marc Bruno,15 Nobles Alley, 434-1528,marcabruno@yahoo.comRECORDING SEC'Y: Mary Lipian,1304 Montgomery, 391-5652,lipianmw@aetna.comCORRESPONDING SEC'Y: KathleenDooley, 216 Filbert., #1, 433-6932info@columbinedesign.comTREASURER: Greg Chiampou345 Filbert, #3, 834-9338gchiampou@att.netFINANCIAL SEC'Y: Tom Noyes,432-A Vallejo, 981-8520,tom@noyesfamily.comHISTORIAN: Nancy Shanahan,224 Filbert, 986-7094,nshan@mindspring.comI SSUE #165 û A UTUMN 2003 • P AGE 2TELEGRAPH HILL DWELLERSVoice Mail/Hotline: 273-1004. Fax: 255-6499. Web Site: www.thd.orgP.O. Box 330159 • San Francisco, CA 94133THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2004-2005ARCHIVIST: Rozell Overmire,19 Alta, 989-3945,rozell@ureach.comIMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: GerryCrowley, 7 Fielding Place, 781-4201,gerrycrowley@aol.comSEMAPHORE STAFF:EDITOR: Art Peterson,101A Telegraph Hill, 956-7817,apeterson@writingproject.org .COPY EDITOR: Tony Long, 362-8363alittlechinmusic@yahoo.comBUSINESS MANAGER: Gail Switzer,341 Filbert, 788-8667,gail_switzer@yahoo.comTYPESETTING/DESIGN: ChrisCarlsson, Typesetting Etc., 626-2160ccarlsson@shapingsf.orgDIRECTORS 2004-2006Joe Butler, 1048 Union St. #19, 956-5307, fjosephbutler@hotmail.comPatsy Chan, 504 Greenwich, 391-1187, pvc@ac8.comVedica Puri, 111 Chestnut St., #601,391-5880,vpuri@pillsburylevinson.comStan Teng, 333 Greenwich St., #2,986-2626, stanarch@earthlink.netDIRECTORS 2004-2005Mikkel Aaland,543 Greenwich St., 392-7742,maaland@cyberbohemia.comJoseph Alioto, 26 Belair, 902-5346,jalioto@hotmail.comTony Long, 7 Reno Place, 362-8363,alittlechinmusic@yahoo.comBrad Willmore, 31 Alta St., 205-0259,willmore@earthlink.netINSIDE THIS ISSUEPresident’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Some Memories of My Dad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7TALES OF TELEGRAPH HILL: The Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8THD’s Battle with “Baisc Instinct” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9In Meorium: Richard Marshall, 1920-2004 . . . . . . . .11THD Looks to Summer for Traffic-Jam Free-UpTrial at Coit Tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Nominations for Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Should Events at Washington Square Park be Restricted?Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14No . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15Cover: These THD Presidents didn’t actually bake thiscake, but they enjoyed it with 200 others at THD’s 50thAnniversary Celebration, see page 16.Printed on Recycled paperYour Most Memorable Moment as THD President? . .16Supervisor Peskin Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Board of Directors: Motions Passed . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Telegraph Hill: The Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23The Ballad of THD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24The Semaphore: Back of the Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25THD Holiday Party full of kids, old and new! . . . . . . .26Parks and Trees Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Classified Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29New Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30THD Committees Need You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31THD Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32The Semaphore is a publication of the Telegraph Hill Dwellersfor its members. Articles, except for the summary of Board ofDirectors' Motions, do not necessarily reflect the official positionof the Association or its Officers, but are the opinions ofthe writers of the individual signed articles. The Associationcan take no responsibility for their content. This membershippublication is not to be reprinted or disseminated withoutwritten permission.

I SSUE #170 • WINTER 2005 PAGE 3THE PRESIDENT’S CORNERBy Paul ScottImagine for a momentthat most of the peoplein North Beach just disappeared.Add to that manyof our neighbors in RussianHill, the Marina, PolkGulch, and Fisherman’sWharf—all just gone.Would you be inclined tohelp those who were left?The scope and scale of the human sufferingin South East Asia is so staggering as to truly defycomprehension. But if any hope can be takenfrom an event filled with such despair, it is thetruly unprecedented international response tothe tragedy. Nation after nation is raising theante to help those who have survived this disaster.At last count, over $2 billion in aid had beenpromised by various countries around the world.Global corporations and individuals are contributingat an unprecedented rate. Telethons,concerts, cupcake sales, and the like are constantreminders of the outpouring of desire to help peopleon the other side of the planet.Compassion is a virtue demonstrated in modestamounts over the course of human history.Admirable or not, it is simply a fact of humanbehavior that we are more affected by the sufferingof those we know or to whom we can betterrelate. And as this disaster has so tragicallyreminded us, those bonds are stronger and morevivid today than ever before.The world has changed. In this modern worldof high tech communications and easy travel, theworld is not just a smaller place; it is a community.In our little corner of the community, almosteveryone has visited one of the places struck bythis disaster or knows someone who has. Thenews repeatedly brings us the harrowing stories ofour fellow countrymen and their narrow escapesor tragic loss of life. Sometimes the stories eveninvolve a friend or a relative just one step away.And it all adds up. While we are normallyreminded of the divisions across our world, thisevent reinforces more than ever that we are, infact, a global community. And with that proximitycomes a greater responsibility today than atany point in our past. Like neighbors on theFilbert Steps, we must do more than live together;we must thrive together, and be there whenthe other is in need. It all seems pretty plain. Onewould just hope that in the days and years tocome it does not take another catastrophe for thelesson to truly strike home.Fog Hill MarketHanna Chedyak415-781-8817 1300 KearnySan Francisco, CA 94133

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Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 7Some Memories of My Dadby Terry AnderliniElios Pacific (Andy) Anderlini(1908-2004)After my dad died a friend wrote, “Theroses were all crying at your father’s passing.”It seemed true. On the day he died,November 18, 2004. I took walk through hisfamous rose garden at 300 Filbert St. onTelegraph Hill. The roses drooped as if they knewhe was gone. They had lost their good friend anddaily caregiver. Even his lemon tree did not lookwell, feeling the loss of his loving and caring presence.If his death has been a great loss to theroses and lemons, it has been even more of one toall the others who he touched in life.My dad was 96 years old when he passedaway in his sleep without suffering. He and mymother, Virginia, had been happily married for 67years. He lived a wonderful adventurous life hisway. On his 90th birthday he told me that he wasready to go at any time because he had fulfilled allhis life long dreams.Andy was born in Kansas to poor Italianimmigrant parents who spoke no English. Hisfather worked for a coal mine company. Becauseof his language barrier, Andy struggled for hiseducation in grade school. His family decided tomove to San Francisco when he was 15. Living inNorth Beach, he attended Galileo High Schoolwhere he earned excellent grades, all the whileworking part time to contribute to the familyincome. He found time to become a cheerleaderbefore graduating from Galileo with honors. Hewent on to the University of California, Berkeleyfor two years, then was granted early admission toHastings Law School where he graduated as oneof the top students in his class.He started practicing law in North Beach in1935 and in 1937 married my mother Virginiawho had been born on the Telegraph Hill in a flatnext to the Speedy’s Market. She became hislegal secretary in his law office in the old RossiBuilding at the corner of Union and Stockton.In 1940, Andy and Virginia purchased the lotand built the house at 300 Filbert for the thenexorbitant price of $20,000 When the local milkmantold my mother that Mrs. Wiesgerber had aninterest in selling part of it, my mother, whoAndy Anderlinicontinued on page 21

P AGE 8 Issue #170 • Winter 2005TALES OF TELEGRAPH HILLThe Tankby Parker MadduxReturning from a year of postgraduate schoolin Europe in the fall of 1965, I had thoroughlyconsumed my savings; I had nochoice but to go to work. I found a job downtownfor a salary that wouldn’t get a garage for a monthon Telegraph Hill today, but at the time wasenough to rent an apartment on the Hill and evenfurnish it. I headed immediately for Speedy’s to seeif there was anything for rent. Walking upMontgomery Street. I came on an enormous grayapartment building at the corner of Montgomeryand Green with a “For Rent” sign in one of thewindows. I rang the bell, and met the owner, whomI’ll call “Angelica.” She was dressed entirely inblack. Her age was indeterminate (but somewhatnorth of 60), and she had a blaze of white and grayhair as her only adornment. She glared at me as ifI were from the IRS, but, with promises of goodbehavior, I managed to get her to show me theempty apartment. I took it immediately. The rentwas $125 per month, including utilities, and foranother $7.50 I got a garage in the building. Therewas even a view of sorts—by standing on my toesand craning my head to the right I could see to thecliff at the end of Green Street, and a slice ofTreasure Island and the East Bay.I quickly determined that I was the onlyrenter in the entire building (it had 12 or moreapartments). It took several weeks, but I finallygot acquainted sufficiently well with Angelica toask why I was the only tenant. She mumbledsomething non-responsive, but I later pieced theexplanation together — she was widowed, ornever married, and had inherited the building. Iguessed that since her expenses were apparentlyonly her taxes and food (she had no car, andseemed never to go out except to buy groceries),she had no need for more tenants, and havingmore would have just been a bother.So I passed a few months in the building,rarely even spotting Angelica except to pay therent and when she looked out her window to seewho had closed the front door. I rattled aroundthe apartment, but had no reason to take a lookat any of the other floors or apartment hallwaysin the building, since all were abandoned, darkand not very clean. But one day, moved by a spiritof exploration, I set out to walk down my hallwayto the stairs located in the middle of thebuilding, between two sets of six or so apartmentseach. As I rounded the last corner to the staircase,I came upon an astonishing sight. I was onthe middle floor, so the staircase led both upwardand downward from where I stood. At the topthere was a skylight or windows (I don’t rememberexactly now), and in the gloaming I couldmake out a huge, three story high, dark redwoodtank at least 10 feet in diameter smack in themiddle of the stairwell area and reaching from thetop of the building to the bottom. It was so incongruousto find the huge tank that my jaw musthave bounced off the floor. I couldn’t figure outwhat it might be, guessing that it may have heldwater to supply the building, or perhaps for emergencyuse in the event of a fire or earthquake. Atany rate, I was determined to get an explanationfrom Angelica somehow, notwithstanding herreticence about all things.A few days later I ran into Angelica outsideher apartment. I greeted her in a friendly manner,despite her scowl at the inconvenience ofencountering me, and I asked right out about thetank. She at first expressed a bit of anger that Icontinued on next page

Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 9IT COULD HAVE BEEN A MOVIE:THD’s Showdown with “Basic Instinct”By Rod-Freebarin SmithIn 1991, the production crew for the film“Basic Instinct” arrived in San Francisco. JoeEszterhaus had written a pointless, lusty andhighly marketable $3 Million script and themovie was to be shot in part, just below our houseat Vallejo and Kearny. Though no one in thescript seemed real, gays and lesbians thought itoffensive enough to deserve street protests. Thefilm crew, aided by Teamsters and SF off-dutyrent-a-cops set up camera and light towers, anticipatingfour all night sessions. Their subject:SUV’s in chase, knock down street signs, driveover staircases, knock over handrails and a streettree. (“We’ll plant you another, later...”)Fast forward to the neighborhood mobilization.THD was generously granted use of WhitneyTALES OF TELEGRAPH HILLWarren’s handsome Butter House at the top ofFilbert where a meeting was to be held with thefilmmakers over hors d’oeuvres and drinks to discussthe film’s shooting terms. The film’s stars, Mr.Michael Douglas and Miss Sharon Stone declinedthe invitation, as did Eszterhaus. But English producerAlan Marshall and his associate producerscame along.I said, “Not a frame more of this film will beshot on this Hill until a $50,000 check written toour children’s and seniors’ programs comes fromTri-Star, and clears the bank. Marhsall, a diplomat,knew we were underwhelmed with Hollywoodbravado, intimidation, and all-night shooting. Hehad a $43Million juggernaut rolling, and wasalready putting up with the daily chides from Herbcontinued on next pageTHE TANK continued from previous pagehad gone exploring without permission, but thenrelented. To my surprise, she waxed euphoric (forher), and told me the story. It seems that thebuilding had been built by one of her forebears,and during Prohibition the tank had beeninstalled in the middle of the building, out ofsight of all but the inhabitants. But the purposewas not to hold water. Rather, Angelica told me,the tank had held wine, and a lot of it. Since thebuilding was 100 or more feet higher in elevationthan the “restaurants” on Broadway directlybelow the building, distribution was solved byrunning a garden hose from the bottom of thetank down Montgomery Street and into the backof one or another of the establishments onBroadway. I never did get Angelica to tell me howthe wine got into the tank in the first place, butit must have been a big operation. But then againit all may just have been for sacramental ormedicinal purposes. Who am I to judge?Shortly after this adventure, Parker Madduxmarried his wife Sadie. The couple lived on the hillfrom 1965 to 1967. The Maddux’s continued to livein San Francisco for many years and now reside inHealdsburg, CAThis story is the first in what we anticipate will be anoccasional “Tales of Telegraph Hill” feature in theSemaphore. Those with tales to tell should send anecdotesof under 1000 words to apeterson@writingproject.orgor mail them to Semaphore Editor, 101ATelegraph Hill Blvd. SF 94133.

P AGE 10 Issue #170 • Winter 2005BASIC INSTINCT continued from previous pageCaen and a variety of street protestors. He seemedto get it: we too were serious.Later that night at 4:00 a.m, Janet and I wereroused by a call from a cheeky Santa Monica studioattorney who suggested I could wind up in theBay if I stood on my threat. He sounded nervous.I reminded the attorney the replacement cost ofhis set, our set, a wonderfully deep set, compellinglyverite, able to be shot at any angle, was approximately$20 million. We pay for his set’s annualmaintenance costs and its property taxes. He waspaying City Hall $200 a day for the use of it.I called friends in Chinatown for a back-upreserve of fireworks to “assist with sound trackenhancements and colorful visuals” in the eventfilming got underway before the check cleared.All of a sudden the moguls were payingattention. Junior production assistants hungabout Kearny Street pulling fifty-dollar bills fromtheir tummy packs for anyone “inconvenienced.”For those who made even more noise about thisnuisance, the film people gave “a free over nightat the Fairmont if you just can’t sleep”.The next morning Tri-Star gave theTelegraph Hill Neighborhood Center $40,000and their check did clear in a day. I believe thiswas the largest single donation the organizationhad received, up to that time. And that night, welet a Michael Douglas stand-in drive his battered4-wheeler up the Kearny steps under the lights,without a single sign cut away or tree damaged.From “Birth of A Nation” to this day, big studioshooting schedules have proceeded with littleunderstanding of the costs inflicted on the neighborhoodsthey choose for their locations. Whatthese communities need to realize is that thesebusinesses have lots of cash. Some studios simplyhemorrhage money during production to stay onschedule .This is a fact worth remembering whenthe commissary trucks and rent-a-cops circle, andwhen THD is trying to fund important neighborhoodwork. I’m not in favor of dunning small independentand student films, but Eszterhaus had $43million to work with. Perhaps an even larger rentfor his “back lot” should have remained right here,to further beautify our photogenic Hill.Rod Freebarin-Smith was president of THD from1989-1991

Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 11In Memorium: Richard Marshall 1920-2004By Patricia CadyHe said he recalled just one incident of outrightconflict in his 84 years: A fist-fight over awoman with another Cal undergrad in the lobbyof Berkeley’s Hotel Durant; the boys stoppedwhen they got tired and ordered drinks at the bar.He appreciated a well-made Manhattan, and sawthe point in getting along with people-good traitsin an architect whose long career began in postwarParis where he used the G. I. Bill to study atEcoles des Beaux Arts.He headed a university’s architecture departmentin India, completed projects in Africa forUNESCO and came home to construct publicschools throughout California, for which he wonnumerous design awards. Following a stroke,Richard died last October, leaving friends toremember our kind and witty neighbor, championLetter to the Editorof the underdog who worked all his life for socialjustice. A loyal Democrat, had he lived to seeGeorge W. Bush assume another term in office,that alone might have killed him.A THD’er who had chaired the Planning andZoning Committee, Dick was an early, active supporterof Supervisor Aaron Peskin. Most morningshe could be found talking politics at theItalian French Bakery where he was friends withPetra, who has adopted his dog, Sandy, his goodand patient companion.Services were held at the Shrine of St.Francis of Assisi where he supported, since itbegan in 1998, their Music Program which givesfree public concerts on Sunday afternoons.Donations to continue the program can be madein Richard’s name c/o the Shrine at 610 VallejoStreet.As the New Year comes in, let's resolve to patronize the small businesses in our own neighborhood.The past few years haven't been a great time for them.Consider Speedy's. The owners have been heroically keeping a neighborhood mainstay alive, andwith style. Many evenings they could be seen behind their plate glass windows,scrubbing,painting andpolishing after hours. They provide catering as well as fresh produce,herbs and a deli, and have donatedfood and labor to Tel Hill Club events.They have good days and bad days. Remember how people turned out in droves when we thoughtwe were losing our corner store? Now let'ssustain it. There is always something deliciousand new at Speedy's,like their fabuloushomemade soups and freshly prepared foodsto go. Brian often bakes biscotti, carrot cakeand other desserts. Speedy's, like the othersmall businesses in our neighborhood, isdeserving of our support.—Deirdre English

P AGE 12 Issue #170 • Winter 2005THD Looks to Summer for Traffic-JamFree-Up Trial at Coit Towerby Bill SeelingerAs readers of the Semaphore know, for morethan two years the Telegraph HillDwellers’ Parking & Traffic Committeehas been working through possible solutions tothe egregious queues of up-to 50 cars winding—on weekends and holidays— from the Coit Towerparking lot, down Telegraph Hill Boulevard andsometimes even onto Lombard Street. Thesequeues, which have been with us for many years,serve as a blot on our city and its face to visitors.Further, the cars in these queues. spew air pollutionand impede legitimate access to the Tower byemergency vehicles. .Because of this congestion,it is impossible for the Telegraph Hill bus— the39 Coit—to maintain its schedule. As a result,ridership is far less than it could be.The lengthy line of cars would, in fact, bemuch longer if the drivers of many of these vehiclesdidn’t become discouraged and make dangerousturnarounds in the middle of Telegraph HillBlvd. How often does a driver get caught in atraffic jam any where else in the city that takes 20minutes to get through?After a community meeting open to the public,the committee developed— and publicly presented—a trial plan that advances the idea thatthe best way to eliminate the queues is to eliminatevisitor parking (except handicapped) during peakweekend and holiday periods. Visitors will havethe option of arriving via the 39 Coit bus, taxi orlimo. They may also be dropped off by privatevehicle, but the driver must then immediately exitthe lot. Walking is, of course, another option.Neighbors who live near the Tower lot regularlyuse it as a neighborhood parking lot during allhours of the day and night and throughout theweek. Representatives of these neighbors haverepeatedly resisted any change that might jeopardizetheir ability to park there. Many other peoplefeel that the setting at the base of Coit Tower is toosignificant to be used as an ordinary parking lot,which they view as an eyesore in this venue. Theyadvocate no parking there at all. Those who holdthis view would rather the space be given over to apiazza, garden or some other aesthetically appropriatesetting for the Tower. They reason that this is aspecial “public space” ’and should be used as such.However, the committee’s trial plan treats theelimination of visitor parking and the presence orabsence of neighbor parking as separate issues.Under the proposed plan, while visitor parking willbe restricted, neighbors will be allowed to parktheir cars in the present spaces. Neighborhoodvehicles represent a very small percentage of thevehicular comings and goings at the top of the hill.The neighbors don’t create the queues. However,neighbors who arrive when there is no free spaceavailable would be required to descend the hill andtry again later, rather than wait for a space as waitingin this way would impede all traffic. Based ondata the committee has collected measuringneighborhood usage, residents will normally beable to find a spot.Before this trial can proceed, the committeemust get an opinion from the city attorney on thelegality of allowing neighbors with red “A” stickersor other designations to park at the Tower lot tothe exclusion of others. There appear to be existingprecedents for this, but a final determinationhas not yet been made. Muni and the Departmentof Parking & Traffic have been working with thecommittee on this project. Easy-to use TelegraphHill transit and clear unpolluted streets will benefitboth these entities and our community.The committee hopes to mount the trial thiscoming summer when traffic is at its highestlevel.

Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 13NOMINATIONS FOR BOARDDo you know a Telegraph Hill Dweller whowould make an effective board memberfor our organization? If so, it’s time to forwardyour candidate’s name to the THDNominating Committee .Interviews for several board positions will beconducted by the Nominating Committee and aslate of new directors proposed to the generalmembership for election in April. The nominatingprocess is competitive and not all proposednominees would be interviewed.In thinking about someone you might nominate,remember that the ability to commit a minimumof five to six hours weekly to THD activitiesis essential. Board meetings are held monthly andusually last three hours. Board members are alsoexpected to participate in one of several committees(e.g. “Planning and Zoning,” “Park and Rec,”“Beautification,” “Parking and Traffic,” “GrantAvenue Revitalization”), and are also asked tovolunteer for special projects and activities. Theyare encouraged to attend social or program eventsso they can meet members in informal settings.Candidates to the Board should have aninterest in Telegraph Hill architecture and history,appreciate the neighborhood’s cultural diversity,be committed to protection of our parks andopen spaces and the advancement of our commercialareas.Candidate’s names must be received no laterthan February 20. Please include the Nominee’shome address and an e-mail or telephone contactwhere she or he can be reached. And if youbelieve you are the right person for the job,please feel free to nominate yourself.Send written recommendations to:Telegraph Hill DwellersNominating CommitteeP.O. 330159San Francisco, CA 94133Or email to:Nominating_Committee@THD.orgTHD 50th anniversary party at Coit Tower.

P AGE 14 Issue #170 • Winter 2005SHOULD EVENTS AT WASHINGTONFORMER THD PARKS AND TREES CHAIR,JULIE CHRISTIANSEN SAYS “YES”Two of the qualities most often mentionedin praise of our neighborhood are its intimatescale and its active public spaces. Soit’s no wonder that, when something occurs inthe public realm, neighbors tend to take a personalinterest. After almost a decade as Chair ofTelegraph Hill’s Parks & Trees Committee, I’veheard my share of pros and cons about the eventsin Washington Square. The ongoing challenge ishow to respect the wonderful treasure we’ve beengiven, enjoy it while we’re here, and leave it ingood or better condition for those who follow. Achallenge, indeed:Open spaceWe are the densest urban area outside ofNew York, with 55,000 people per square mile.We live in compact dwellings without yards. Ourdistrict has the least amount of public open spaceper capita in the City. Washington Square is ourcommunal yard: quintessential, essential.But the “passive recreation” for whichWashington Square is set aside is harder to defineand is seldom championed and protected likeorganized sports or more clearly dedicated facilities.Gentle pursuits like reading in the sun, orpicnicking, or letting a toddler roam free are easilydriven out by organized events, large andsmall – whether a boisterous concert, a screechingpreacher, or protesters with giant posters ofmutilated chickens.Perhaps the most passive use of all—lookingat the park—takes a hit from events. The park iseasily obscured by hulking delivery trucks andclattering metal barricades. The park perimeterbecomes an extended service area, with cables,tubs, racks, easels, and debris.continued on page 18

Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 15SQUARE BE LIMITED OR RESTRICTED?THD BOARD MEMBER JOE ALIOTO ARGUES “NO”The issue before us is really three-fold:whether Washington Square is an appropriatevenue for public events (absolutely,yes); whether THD should involve itself in regulatingthe types of events to be held in the park(unquestionably, no); and whether THD is wellsuitedto regulate the characteristics of suchevents, including whether alcohol may be served,the hours events take place, and whether theevent planners should be limited to certain noisevolumes (THD’s target for change should be thegovernment, not event planners).After 153 years, and thanks in no small part tothe activities of THD, Washington Square, thegathering place that, as Herb Caen noted, is aSquare that is not a square, located in a neighborhoodthat is not a beach, remains the oldest unalteredpublic park in San Francisco. At least on itssurface. In fact, the Square has welcomed change.Over the years this park has been the congregationpoint for Russians, Germans, Italians,Chinese, and, at one time milk cows. It was evenonce a cemetery. But Washington Square is farfrom dead. It embraces change. There is littlecommon about Little City’s common.In fact, if there is anything at all “regular”about Washington Square Park, it is its commitmentto its role as “American Town Square”—aplace where people of different backgroundsfreely share their political views with the world.But, the Town Square’s purpose is also to ensurecultural democracy. It highlights our diversity byinviting all manner of cultural expressionthrough art festivals, parties, music concerts, andother gatherings. Our national tradition hasalways been to foster cultural diversity throughpublic events in our nation’s Town Squares. Inthis regard, Washington Square is no different,and the freedom to celebrate our cultural differencesthrough public events in the park shouldalways be preserved.Should THD, then have a role in regulatingpublic events at Washington Square? The shortanswer is “no.” First, under no circumstancesshould THD’s efforts be aimed at squelching thetype of events held at the park or the type ofmusic played at such events. Allowing certaintypes of events and preventing others would leadto the appearance of favoritism or even censorship.Worse yet, it would be contrary to ourneighborhood’s rich history of inviting culturalexpression from all backgrounds.Some level of discomfort has to be toleratedto ensure free political expression. (I’m thinkingof a particular, noisily turbulent hotel lock-out.)The same is true for cultural expression. Music,for the most part, is better loud. Wine or beer festivalsinvolve, well, drinking. Culture learned ina library is subdued; culture lived is boisterous.Not everyone agrees, of course. During theseevents, noise levels increase, parking gets tighter,and unfortunately, there are occasions when irresponsiblecitizenry get a little too loose with thebooze.But, efforts by THD to prevent event plannersfrom playing music, serving alcohol, or stagingevents within certain hours are misguided. Inpart, that is because it gives the appearance ofmeddling (or censoring) certain types of events.But, it is also because legal mechanisms to dealwith these problems are already in place, and allevent planners must apply for and be awardedcontinued on page 19

P AGE 16 Issue #170 • Winter 2005Your Most Memorable MDr. Bob Major (1958-1959) Not shownThe time I told the board, “This outfitshould be for something, not just against”Jerry Cauthen (1968-1970)Blocking the well-financed InternationalMarket Center, a mega-complexthat would have badly scared thewaterfrontAnswered by former THD Presidents aJane Winslow (198Establishing a 40-the North Beach businAnne Halsted (1977-1979)The meeting we had to protestthe Pier 39 development; we lost thebattle, but the organization cametogether as never beforeJerry Petruzzelli (1982-1983)Working to maintain the scale ofthe neighborhoodJeanne Milligan (1985-1987)Getting Planning and Zoningreestablished as a core committeeIf there are special gods looking out for the welfare of Telegraph Hill, they were very much onCelebration at Pioneer Park. The day was balmy and the winds that often sweep over the hienjoyed good food, drink and music, while listening to a few mercifully short speeches paypainting and jaunty commemorative berets for sale and tours of the normally inacce

Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 17oment as THD President?t THD’s 50th Anniversary Celebration-1985)foot height limit iness districtAaron Peskin (1999-2000)Blocking the Rite Aid store at Washington Squareand the eventual land marking of the squareRod Freebarin-Smith (1989-1991)Extracting $40.000 for the TelegraphHill Neighborhood Center from a film companyworking on the Hill (See story, page 9)Gerry Crowley (1997-1999, 2000-2003)Having the superior court award a large bequest from aformer member—Jack Early; also the work we did to honorour history, implementing the Oral History Program andformalizing and permanently relocating our archivesduty September 26, 2004, the day of the Telegraph Hill Dwellers 50th Anniversaryl on summer afternoons were nowhere to be found. Over two hundred celebrantsing tribute to THD’s resilience and accomplishments over 50 years. There was facessible areas of the Coit Tower murals. All in all, an experience not to be forgotten.Paul Scott (2003- )The Board of Supervisorsvote to give theneighborhood the trianglepark

P AGE 18 Issue #170 • Winter 2005RESTRICT WASHINGTON SQUARE? CHRISTIANSEN SAYS ‘YES’ cont’d from page 14Escalating UseThere are more and more events beingscheduled for the park, and events are gettinglarger and more complex. The City Attorney hastaken the position that free speech issues forceRecPark to allow the preachers and protestors.Art groups proliferate and each one wants moretime in the park. New promoters with sympatheticaffiliations, espousing good intentions,lobby to be added to the existing queue.All event planners will tell you that their primarygoal is to put on a great party, see peoplegather and have fun. But these events are enormouslyexpensive to put on, and those costs mustbe recouped. Even “non-profit” events typicallychannel salaries to organizing groups or individuals.All this fuels the push for larger, multiple-day,and paid-admittance events, and for alcohol sales.DamageThe typical components of many events—delivery trucks; stages, tents, scaffolding andother structures that must be braced or tieddown; cooking fires that produce fumes, smoke,grease; portable toilets and dumpsters; eventworkers and guests that rut around in great numbersand/or for extended periods – seem tailormadefor destruction of the comparably fragilenatural elements. It can take as long as 3 to 6months for Washington Square to recover from alarge event. But events occur at much quickerintervals and damage becomes compounded.SpilloverMany neighbors choose to attend events inthe park, and enjoy them. But those who prefernot to participate often have no choice, as soundamplification, debris, and congestion don’trespect the park boundaries. Amplification ofsound over the allowed decibels has been a particulararea of complaint. Music, bouncing offbuildings and traveling 3 or 4 or 6 blocks away,becomes cacophony.FairnessThe fees for use of the park are far belowthose for the rental of equivalent buildings andhalls. Because many promoters can claim nonprofitstatus, fees are lowered substantially orwaived altogether. What fees are collected gointo the Recreation & Park Department’sGeneral Fund, not to the park of origin. Penaltiesmay be levied for the repair of damaged areas, butthey do not result in extra manpower. Eventnecessitatedrepairs and scheduled maintenancevie for limited resources.How best to balance the desires of promoters,celebrants, and neighbors while acting as goodstewards of Washington Square? I believe theanswer lies, unglamorously, in policy.There is enormous room for improvement inevery step of event planning and permitting. Usepolicies – who can rent the park, for how long,and how often - should be consistent and fair – tothe park, neighbors, merchants, RecPark staff,and to promoters. Use guidelines should be clear,forceful, and readily available in advance of eventplanning and permit applications. Applicationsshould be required well in advance to allow forproper reviews, notifications, and acknowledgments.Penalties should be levied consistentlyand reliably, with promoters clearly responsiblefor all subcontractors. Neighbors and staff havemuch to contribute in the crafting of strongerpolicies. We encourage RecPark to incorporatetheir input and make the needed changes.

Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 19RESTRICT WASHINGTON SQUARE? ALIOTO SAYS ‘NO’ cont’d from page 15proper permits by The City. If music rises to thelevel of legal nuisance, police have the authorityto shut it down. If irresponsible party-goersremove alcohol from designated areas or becomeoverly intoxicated within them, police can andshould intervene. If an event remains active outsideits permitted hours, it can be stopped. Ifthese types of problems persist, THD’s remedy isnot with event-planners, it is with the police forbetter enforcement of existing laws.THD’s role is, and always has been, to protectthe historical traditions of Telegraph Hill.Protecting our own Town Square is not just aboutpreserving its physical appearance, but rather itstraditional symbol as a place rich with unfetteredcultural expression.

P AGE 20 Issue #170 • Winter 2005From the Desk of Supervisor PeskinIhope you all had a peacefuland enjoyable holiday season.After the hubbub of a busyelection year, the calm of theDecember holidays provided anopportunity to reflect on events ofrecent months.I, of course, have spent considerabletime during these monthscampaigning for my reelection.Throughout my campaign, I listened to votersacross District 3 stress the importance of having aCity Hall that answers the phone and returns messages.Citizens impressed on me the necessity of agovernment that works harder and leaner in thesetough budget years.I am committed to improving the level ofservice that government provides to SanFranciscans while recognizing that our currentbudgetary constraints require further belt-tightening.It is essential that government, like smallbusinesses, operate under the realities of fiscalconstraints.These fiscal and quality of life issues havecome to the forefront recently on our NortheastWaterfront. The Port of San Francisco has a highlycapable new director, Monique Moyer, who hasproven a commitment to cleaning up mismanagementin that agency and increasing outreachto surrounding communities that are impacted bynew developments on Port property.In response to a slew of new development proposalson the Northeast Waterfront, I recentlyrequested a comprehensive traffic impact study forthe entire area. At present, the city has not analyzedthe cumulative impact on surrounding communitiesand traffic flow along the Embarcaderothat unbridled development will bring.The California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) requires study and reviewof perceived impacts of individualprojects on the surrounding neighborhoods,including any increase intraffic generated by a new development.However, state law doesn’trequire the city to engage in planningrelative to the entire communityon the Northeast Waterfrontand how it will be affected byplanned and proposed developments.I am excited that the San Francisco CountyTransportation Authority has chosen to approvethis important study and we expect data to bereported over the next few months. The fall ofthe Embarcadero Freeway provided SanFrancisco with an unprecedented opportunity torevitalize an entire portion of the City’s storiedurban waterfront.I am proud of the work that has already beenaccomplished to bring new business and architecturalexcellence to this community, and I amcommitted to working with neighborhood representativesand local businesses to ensure a balancedapproach to future development. TheNortheast Waterfront is a crown jewel of SanFrancisco neighborhoods and we will continue towork hard to guarantee appropriate developmentsalong the Embarcadero.As always, our office is available for any questionsor concerns you may have about City operation,neighborhood issues, or new ideas for makingthe City operate more effectively. Don’t hesitate tocontact me or my staff, Rose Chung and DavidOwen, at (415) 554-7451 or Aaron.Peskin@sfgov.org. See you around the waterfront.EDITOR’S NOTE: On January 8, SupervisorPeskin was unanimously chosen by his colleagues toserve as President of the Board of Supervisors.

Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 21Some Memories of My Dad continued from page 7owned the property, went after it. She had teawith the woman for months before Mrs.Wiesgerber would agree to sell to the Anderlinis.Meanwhile Andy was busy with his law practice.Several of his cases had an only-in-NorthBeach quality. After the World War II started, theItalian North Beach Crab Fishermen were notallowed to go out the Golden Gate Bridge tocatch crab because the Navy had put a large submarinenet across the entrance of the baybetween Fort Point and the Marin shoreline infear of a Japanese submarine attack. Andy representedthe crab fisherman and he negotiated anagreement with the Navy to allow the crab fishermento be escorted out and back through theNavy nets under the Golden Gate Bridge so theycould maintain their livelihood.Andy then decided to join the Army todefend our country. He became a second lieutenantin the military police and a language specialist.He was first stationed in Florence, Arizonato guard Italian P.O.W.’s. After the war ended hewas transferred to Seoul, Korea to help set uptheir democratic government . Returning to hisNorth Beach law practice, he represented manyneighborhood Italians and small business owners,and became recognized as a civic leader in theNorth Beach community. When he retired at 55,he started to really enjoy life, traveling aroundthe world and dabbling in his various art projects.During the late 40’s through the 50’s,Telegraph Hill was a colony for artists, musicians,writers and poets. All of them seemed to knoweach other and each other’s kids. If a new familymoved in people would immediately go over totheir home to welcome them with some food or abottle of wine. Andy and Virginia were part of thisHill welcoming committee. It was a great way tomeet t the neighbors. Notices of what was happeningon the Hill were always posted on a bulletinboard set up in the window of Speedy’s Market.With my father as one of the ringleaders, the residentswould organize potluck street parties withgreat live music, good spirits and plenty of food.During his life Andy was a true Renaissanceman. He was a successful lawyer, a military officer,a scholar, a community leader, a world traveler, anartist, a poet, a children’s storyteller and writer, ahandyman, a fisherman, a gardener, a rosarian,and a sports enthusiast with a fanatical interest inthe 49er’s. He was also a loving and devoted husbandto Virginia.Andy, once known to some residents as “TheKing of the Hill,” loved to meet people while heworked in his garden. Always promoting thevirtues of San Francisco and Telegraph Hill, hewould talk to them about the roses or anythingelse they were interested in discussing. He was adaily tourist guide for out-of-towners who werehiking to and from Coit Tower.With Andy now gone, Virginia intends tostay in her home on the Hill and continue tomaintain their rose garden as best she can. Hercherished memories of Andy working in their gardenand talking to the neighbors and the touristsas they walked up and down the Filbert St. stepswill always be one of her fondest memories.The outpouring of sympathy and offers ofsupport to Virginia from all the locals who knewAndy have been greatly appreciated. On behalfof the Anderlini family we thank you all from thebottom of our hearts.

P AGE 22 Issue #170 • Winter 2005THD Board Motions FOR THE MONTHS OF AUGUST THROUGH NOVEMBER 2004August, 2004 MotionsMOTION: THD accepts an invitation to be asponsor of an educational forum on Ellis ActEvictions on September 9, 2004, at the Shrineof St. Francis of Assisi.The Motion passed.MOTION: The Board unanimously approvedauthorizing the Treasurer on behalf of theTHD Board to subscribe to D&O, GeneralLiability and Volunteer Medical insurance coveragewith CIMA/Hartford in 2004/05 (as outlinedin the August Board packet).MOTION: A motion to approve the expenditureof up to $200.00 for use with Russian HillNeighbors and other organizations to publish aballot argument in favor of a $60 million bondmeasure on the November, 2004 Ballot.The Motion passed.September, 2004 MOTIONSMOTION: A motion was made by the Board toapprove the proposed budget.The Motion passed.October, 2004 MOTIONSNo Board Meeting took place this month due tothe Port Commission Hearing.November, 2004 MOTIONSMOTION: A motion was made for the Board toapprove Jennifer Morer as Co-Chair of Parksand Trees.The Motion passed.Breakfast &Lunch7 days a week7:30-3:30

Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 23Telegraph Hill: The SongAt THDs 50th Anniversary Celebration,Carol Peters introduced this song she hadwritten to honor the Hill Dwellers. Payinghomage to THDs 1950s origins, Carol’s compostionwas performed in the doo-op style of the era andcontains fashion references familiar to any devoteeof American Bandstand, as well as references tobusinesses some long gone, some still with us.TELEGRAPH HILLMy saddles were needingA cleaning and a shine.I went to Galletis,Where I didn’t wait in line.Put on my neck scarf,For a big important date.Walked down Montgomery.Not to be late.We ate at the shadows,In a booth just meant for two,Then walked to BroadwayTo hear a little blues.I’m here on Telegraph Hill,surrounded by the bay,with all my friends and neighbors.would I have it any other way?I was having a party;Needed some red wine.Went to Coit Liquor,Where there’s always something fine.Stopped in at Rossi’s,For olives and some meat.Wanted something special,So I walked to Union Street.And there at Mario’s,With no cigar in hand,Got some sandwiches,The finest in the land.I’m here on Telegraph Hill,living where I want to be.there’s no place in the city,where my heart is meant to be.Needed some french bread,In the worst kind of way.Walked Grant to Union,For the freshest in the bay.Stopped in at Trieste,For an opera song.Drank strong espressoTo make the night last long.Picked up some friends,At the old Basque Hotel.Hurried home to Chestnut,Before the night time fell.I’m here on Telegraph Hill,living where I want to be.there’s no group in the city,like good old THD.There’s no group in the citylike good old THD.Carol Peters sings hernew song “TelegraphHill” at the 50thAnniversary Celebration.

P AGE 24 Issue #170 • Winter 2005THE BALLAD OF THDArt Peterson recited the piece of doggerel below at the Telegraph Hill Dwellers 50th BirthdayCelebration. In introducing the work he commented that while many “many great poets havewalked our neighborhood, this particular work owes more to the inspiration of Robert Servicethan to that of Robert Creely or Robert (Bob) Kaufman.”It was a gloomy day in ‘54When the people got the word;The 39 would soon be gone,But the neighbors had not heard.When the neighbors got the message;They let out an angry cry,Our little bus still runs today,Its end no longer nigh.Thus the Dwellers were created,A moment not too soon,As folks who held high places,Advanced the freeway boom.The so-called city fathersDevised a crazy plan,A road that hacked our hill awayFlatter than a flan.Our heroes joined the battle,Armed but with facts and nerve,Convinced the politicians,That a freeway was absurd.But there would be no rest, alas,As other monsters loomed;The word was “tall is better.”Our bay views would be doomed.We mobilized our dwellers,Stormed into city hall,Our message plain and simple:Forty feet—that would be all.The mayor began to listen.The supes they fell in line.Our resolve soon convinced themForty feet would be just fine.Still the Dwellers had their problems,And in more than just one case,Their greatest need turned out to beA ready parking place.But the city had an answer,A solution it thought fair,A hunky-dory parking garageBeneath our civic square.The dwellers they were outraged“Not what we mean,” they said,“The park should be our living room;Its green grass stay our bed.”The pols again they listened;As the Dwellers made their case,Parking spots they come and go,But a park you can’t replace.Then the Dwellers next learnedIf you have enough dough,You can build a hotel,Where bay waters should flow.But the Dwellers said “No,We like things as they are,Why should a colossusOur waterfront mar?”******So The Dwellers stood foursquareFor a hill packed with beauty.To challenge the ugly,They saw as their duty.Billboards and heliportsHave taken their lumps.We’ve learned of our battlesWe face them in clumps.A few of our tacticsGive some folks offense.“What are you for,And not merely against?”What we’re for are our neighborsWho must have a sayWhen choices ariseFor an aye or a nay.What we’re for is friendshipThat blooms at its best,When planning with neighborsAt Café Trieste.For fifty years we’ve been around,A fact worth celebrating;But the challenges we face todayShow no signs of abating.So here’s to fifty more good yearsOf friendship and of glory.The years so far are nothing butA chapter in our story.—Art Peterson, 2004

Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 25Order your copy ofSan Francisco’s Telegraph HillAs almost everyone who has lived onTelegraph Hill for long knows, SanFrancisco’s Telegraph Hill by David Myrickis a collector’s item. The out-of-print firstedition of this book, lovingly detailing thecolorful history of the Hill, sells for $200these days.In 2002, David agreed to make revisionsto the original, and THD agreed tosponsor the second edition of the Myrickbook. The new volume includes 32 newpages and 50 more photographs.To order your book, please fill out theorder form below.To order San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill 2nd edition___ number of copies at $41.48 per copy. This price includes Calif. sales tax.SHIPPING INFORMATIONPlease provide the address(es) where shipment should be made.Name ______________________________________________________________________Address ____________________________________________________________________City, State, Zip _______________________________________________________________Telephone ___________________________________________________________________Please mail this form and a check in the appropriate amount payable to Telegraph Hill Dwellers to:Telegraph Hill Dwellers -- Book Orders / P.O. Box 330159, San Francisco, CA 94133If you have any questions, please write Telegraph Hill Dwellers or call (415) 255-6799.

P AGE 26 Issue #170 • Winter 2005THD Holiday Party full of kids,old and new!PHOTOS BY CAROL ZISSON

Issue #170 • Winter 2005 P AGE 27Parks & Trees ReportSubmitted by Jennifer MoererAs the new Parks & Trees Co-Chair, I havebeen acquainting myself with the responsibilitiesof the position via Julie Christensenand Mikkel Aaland. I am excited to take an activerole in Telegraph Hill Dwellers and encourage anyideas for the position you wish to share.North Beach/Joe DiMaggio PlaygroundHoliday Party: Friends of Joe DiMaggioPlayground celebrated the holidays December 7at the South Beach Yacht Club. Coordinated byLiz Diaz, the organization hosted approximately60 playground supporters and raised approximately$1,100 through a silent auction.Pool: As the North Beach Pool nears completion,plans are in the works for a “Pool Party”to celebrate the completion and to recognizethose who have played key roles in thee pool’sdevelopment. Julie Christensen and others planto meet mid-January to coordinate this event.Washington Square ParkElsewhere in this issue of the Semaphore, JulieChristensen and Joe Alioto debate issues relatedto the uses of Washington Square. Julie wishes toadd this comment: “I cannot write a piece onWashington Square without acknowledging theSquare’s RecPark gardener, Tom O’Connor.There is much that Tom is capable of, and loftyoffers have come his way, but he lovesWashington Square and chooses to remain. If youhaven’t said hello to Tom, stop by and do so. Lethim know how much he is appreciated. We areextraordinarily fortunate to have him, and thepark’s ability to withstand so much activity istotally due to his loving dedication”.And for those who may not be aware, there isan organization specifically devoted to the preservationand improvement of the Square: TheFriends of Washington Square addresses theneeds of the park and acts as a forum for parkrelatedissues. The group has been instrumentalin improving lighting in the park, repairing theMarini triangle pond, and lobbying for other parkrepairs and improvements. The Friends meet at8:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of every othermonth. Persons interested in participating shouldcontact Herb Kosovitz at hkosovitz@aol.com, or398-0757. Contributions to park improvementsare, of course, quite welcomePark Alert.Sad time for parks: There are 22 parks in ourdistrict, but budget cuts and reallocation of personnelhas left us with only 5 gardeners. Thenumbers become even more daunting when yourealize that the 22 parks include heavily-used andtourist-attracting spots like Pioneer Park,Portsmouth Square, Justin Herman Plaza, andHuntington Park, as well as Washington Square.Here is Julie’s parting shot on the subject: “Werefuse to tax ourselves at a rate commensuratewith our expectations for city services. Emergencyservices departments (police, fire, health) lobbyforcefully against budget cuts. That leaves vulnerable“soft” departments like RecPark to take thecuts.”SHOP LOCALLY!Show our merchants we need them!

P AGE 28 Issue #170 • Winter 2005

I SSUE #170 • WINTER 2005 PAGE 29CLASSIFED ADSLooking for a tennis partner, a way to sell your Persiancarpet, or a public place to wish your boy friend a happybirthday? Take advantage of this new Semaphore feature,our classified ad section.The price? $3.00 for each 40 character line.The next deadline for these classified ad will be April 1.Send copy and a check made out to THD to: SemaphoreEditor, 101A Telegraph Hill, SF 94133. Be a contributor to thiscommunity bulletin board!MISSING1971 Ed. Myrick’s Telegraph Hill w/ dedication by authorto Maggie Bayliss. Double sentimental value. Pis contact JulieChristensen, 26 Child St. 552-7774.FOR SALE:Set bath accessories. Chrome Trad. Style. 2 towel bars,Matching shelf, tp holder $35 Contact Julie @ 552-77741902 Oak Ice Box. 34W x 21D x 41H. Beauti-ful hardware.Great for wine, liquor, dish storage. $380 Contact Julie@ 552-7774Antique hardwood desk, six drawers, leather top, needslight refinishing; Best offer 956-7817Antique filigree chair with needle point seat. Good condition.$100; 956-7817SERVICESCustom songs written for all occasions; Call Carol Peters956-7817

P AGE 30 ISSUE #170 • WINTER 2005THD Welcomes New MembersAugust 2004 to October 2004Faye Bernstein, Hallie Brignall, Bryan & Jamie Cantwell, Ellen D. Chan, Roger& Anne Forbes, Fran Bunch & James Garrick, Michael & Karen Gemmill, DidiGoodman, Robert Katz, Maria Jeanne Knight, Karen Ebsworth & ChrisLawrence, William & Kathryn Lazzaretti, Daniel & Maria Levin, Robby Lewis,Dan Macchiarini, Kathy & Gerry MacClelland, Jeanette & George Miller,Sarah Jewel & Stephen Newman, Teresa Landivar & Daniel Parks, Tony Petz,Jon Ritt Designs, George Shieman, Julia Johnson & lan Vose, and CarlosWillingham & Valerie York.For a Voice in Your Neighborhood Join Telegraph Hill Dwellers.NEW MEMBER INFORMATIONSign Up or Sign a Friend Up as a member of Telegraph Hill Dwellers. Complete and mail to THD, PO Box 330159, SF, CA 94133NAME:ADDRESS:CITY:STATE:PHONEZIP:EMAIL:CHECK ENCLOSED FOR 1-YEAR MEMBERSHIPIndividual $25 ____ Household $40 ____ Senior (age 65 and over) $15 ____

I SSUE #170 • WINTER 2005 PAGE 31THD COMMITTEES NEED YOUYou can make a difference! Join one of THD's committees, meet and work with your fellowHill Dwellers to improve life on the Hill.STANDINGCOMMITTEESSPECIAL COMMITTEESAND PROJECTSLIAISONS WITH OTHERORGANIZATIONSParking and Transportation. Chair,Bill Seelinger, 392-8450billseel@aol.com. Promotes efforts toease congestion, optimize whitezones, upgrade public transportation.Works with Department of Parkingand Traffic.Planning and Zoning. Chair, JeannieMilligan, Jeanne_M@pacbell.net.Monitors and reviews proposeddevelopment projects for consistencywith applicable City ordinances.Works with Planning Departmentstaff and represents THD before theLandmarks Board, PlanningCommission, Zoning Administratorand other regulating bodies to protecthistoric resources and maintainneighborhood character. Assistsmembers to learn more about andparticipate in planning and zoningissues.Semaphore. Editor, Art Peterson 956-7817; artpeterson@writingproject.org.The editor and staff produce a quarterlymagazine for THD members.Parks and Trees. Chair, JenniferMoerer, 5 Edith St. 265-0317,jmoerer@gmacl.com. Informationand projects concerning local parks,green spaces and street trees.Oral History Project Chair,Audrey Tomaselli, 391-1792;tmsli@earthlink.net. Taped interviewsprovide historical documentationof living and workingin the neighborhood.THD Web Site. Webmaster, TomNoyes, 981-8520;webmaster@thd.org.Shared information about meetings,local concerns and events.Coalition for San FranciscoNeighborhoods. Representative,Gerry Crowley, 781-4201; gerrycrowley@aol.com.City-wide organizationinteracts with other neighborhoods todiscuss common problems.North Beach NeighborhoodCoalition. Representative, GerryCrowley. 781-4201;gerrycrowley@aol.com. Tel-Hi-sponsoredgroup of residents, merchantsand government agencies workingtogether to address neighborhoodissues.N.E.R.T. June Fraps, 392-1187; junefraps@juno.com.Energizes membersto take emergency disaster responsetraining program sponsored by theCity.Program. Chair, Maxine Schulman,981-4042; BigMaxSF@aol.com.Arranges social events, includingquarterly membership meetings andget-acquainted social functions.Budget. Greg Chiampou, 834-9338;gchiampou@att.net. As prescribed inbylaws for Treasurer.Membership. Chair, Tom Noyes,981-8520; tom@noyesfamily.com. Asprescribed in Bylaws for FinancialSecretary.WEB SITE = www.thd.orgWhether you want to catch up on THD’s Oral Histories, see what theTHD is up to, or submit old photos of the Hill, www.thd.org is theplace to go. Use the Web site to discover or email information aboutupcoming meetings in the neighborhood and at City agencies, and ideasand concerns you want the rest of us to know about betweenSemaphores.

sem.a.phoreDEFINITION: To convey information using visual signals, such as flags, lights and mechanical arms.In the 19th century, Telegraph Hill was a lookout spot. A man stood at the top and watchedfor ships arriving through the Golden Gate. He used semaphore signals to spell out ships’names to the people below who were waiting for goods and mail. Neighbors who formedTelegraph Hill Dwellers in 1954 named their newsletter to salute this early use of the Hill.TELEGRAPH HILL DWELLERSP. O. B OX 330159SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133THD CALENDARSecond Saturday stair and garden work parties at PioneerPark: February 12, March 12. For more information call 552-7774.January31—Cocktails 6-8 at newDivine Restaurant, Unionand StocktonDates and locations subject to change.PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDSAN FRANCISCO, CAPERMIT NO. 6781Schedules of Committee MeetingsPLANNING & ZONING: First Thursdays. Call for time and location.986-7070.For more information, log on tohttp://www.thd.org