Editor:

In response to Drew Min’s Commentary: “Who We are: Richmond Dragon League,” I was happy to read he was blessed to have been born and raised in the outer Richmond District. He is very lucky.   

However, I was concerned his remarks seemed negative and inflammatory. Mr. Min calls for “action” against a recent increase in neighborhood crime. And the organization’s name, DRAGON, which stands for “Defending Richmond and Galvanizing Our Neighborhood,” is also concerning. 

It is true our current supervisor, as chair of the Board of Supervisors Budget Committee, uncovered that the overtime increase that was approved for the Police Department was mainly spent on a safe-shopper program for downtown tourists instead of increasing beat patrols in our neighborhoods. But instead of action which sounds like vigilantism, let’s take positive action and join her in demanding a more equitable distribution of police department resources. Data shows our district experienced a 27% decrease in crime the past year, but we need our share of police officers and ambassador patrols to safeguard our residents and merchants.

I am grateful to live in the Richmond District. Each day I am reminded of what makes the Richmond District that “special place.” Our district has changed over the years, and while some things may not be as good as they were, much is better. As a senior, I know first hand that change is sometimes hard.  But life cannot remain static. A national travel magazine recently reported survey results that our “neighborhood is a microcosm of what makes San Francisco so special:  natural beauty, rich culture and incredible cuisine from every corner of the world”. 

But they forgot to list what’s most important – the fact that our Richmond District neighbors are caring and always look out for one another. 

I call on Mr. Min and his fellow DRAGONS to reject the angry and inflammatory language that could lead to innocent people being hurt. In answer to his statement “Who We Are,” I say I am a Richmond District resident who works to create a community based on compassion and mutual respect, not fear.

Jean Barish, Esq.