Police Blotter
        Neighbors Have Problems with V.A. 
          Research Center
          Once again politics is about to become 
          a contact sport in San Francisco as Richmond neighbors, angry over what 
          they say is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) willingness 
          to ignore public process requirements, will soon present the VA with 
          a list of demands. 
        Merchants Warned to be on 
          the Lookout for Extortionists
          With the kick-off of the 
          "Year of the Ram," the lunar new year, police and safety advocates 
          are warning about the possibility of extortion from gang associates 
          and urging merchants to report suspicious activity. 
        Programs, Staff on Rec. 
          and Park's Chopping Block
          Up against an $11 million budget 
          shortfall, officials at the SF Recreation and Park Department are asking 
          Richmond and Sunset district residents to help them make tough budget 
          decisions that could mean closing facilities and cutting staff positions. 
        
        Native Plants Flourishing at 
          HANC Recycling Center
          The Haight Ashbury Neighborhood 
          Council Recycling Center (HANC), located at Frederick Street and Arguello 
          Boulevard on the southern boundary of Golden Gate Park, has completed 
          an extensive expansion of its native plant garden. 
        Neighbors Say Golden Gate Park 
          Garage EIR Flawed
          In January dozens of Sunset and Richmond 
          district residents told the S.F. Planning Commission that the Environment 
          Impact Report (EIR) for a controversial plan to build a parking garage 
          beneath the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park is deeply flawed and 
          ignores problems that will negatively impact their neighborhoods. 
        New Food Pantry to Open
          A 
          new food pantry to serve hungry residents in the Richmond District is 
          opening on Geary Boulevard. 
        Community College Cutbacks
          Governor 
          Gray Davis has announced a new budget proposal that includes $217 million 
          in reductions for the state�s community colleges. The SF Community College 
          system stands to lose $13 million in funding over the next 18 months. 
        
        Cliff House to Remain Open 
          During Historic Renovation
          At the groundbreaking ceremony 
          Jan. 23, a new chapter began for the Cliff House as the historic restaurant 
          enters its fourth incarnation. 
        ChoiceCare Offers Options 
          for Live-in Seniors
          By the year 2030 the population of 
          people over the age of 65 will be about 69.4 million - one out of every 
          six people. 
        COLUMNS:
        Supervisor Jake McGoldrick: 
          Changes in the City, District 1
        Capt. Sandra Tong: Police 
          Beat
        John M. Lee: Real Estate 
          Economic Forecast
        Rev. John Anderson: 
          The Hunger Consequences of a War with Iraq
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