To submit photos for consideration in the Photos of the Month online gallery, send three jpegs to Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com by the 15th of the month. (If possible, send pictures resized to 150 dpi, 6″ wide.)
‘Photos of the Month’: May 2024
From a Reader: A First-Hand Account of a Record-Setting Swim to the Farallon Islands
Sarah Roberts describes Amy Gubser’s historic swim from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Farallon Islands, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of the journey. Battling fog, strong currents and cold water, Amy’s determination and support team led to a 17-hour, 3-minute victory, marking the first successful swim from the Golden Gate to the Farallon Islands.
From a Reader: Profile of Mikhail Berdichevsky, DDS
On May 16, Richmond District resident Dr. Mikhail Berdichevsky, D.D.S., will be celebrated for 30 years of steadfast service to thousands of San Francisco Bay Area residents. San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Walnut Creek Mayor Nancy Tragarz have both issued mayoral commendations for Dr. Berdichevsky’s lifetime of service, perseverance and leadership.
Commentary: Jen Nossokoff
We need to shift our focus from reactive measures, such as increased policing, to proactive solutions that address the root causes of traffic violence. By redesigning our streets, we can create an environment where safety is built into the infrastructure, rather than relying solely on individual behavior.
Letter to the Editor: Kopp’s Political Agenda
If (Quentin Kopp) is going to be allowed to push his right-wing agenda, however subtly, via your newspaper, maybe you could include a another point of view in your publication. Can you find another writer who could contribute meaningful insight into local (rather than national) politics?
Press Release: Richmond District Robbery, Traffic Collision, May 14
On May 14, at approximately 10:34 a.m., San Francisco Police officers from Richmond Station received a call of a robbery that occurred in the area of Balboa Street and 26th Avenue. During the robbery, the female victim was approached by two unknown males who forced her to the ground and stole her property.
Letter to the Editor: Direct Aid to the Homeless
Maybe my math is wrong, but if you take the $646 million currently spent yearly on this issue and divide it by the number of homeless in SF (7,745 – source SF Chronicle, Jan. 31, 2024) you get a figure of just over $83,000 per homeless person.
Commentary: Richie Greenberg
It has been 10 years since the passage of the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act. How could voters not have been in favor of it back then? Well, we can now blame the deceptive ballot measure name in hindsight, as it has ultimately led to upheaval in California’s criminal justice system.
‘Then and Now’: Irving Street between 40th and 41st Avenues
Comparison photos of Irving Street between 40th and 41st Avenues 73 years apart.
City Hall: Joel Engardio
San Francisco spends $646 million a year trying to address homelessness. The results have been less than desirable.
Mayor Breed Secures Agreement to Bring Giant Pandas Back to SF Zoo in 2025
Pandas are coming to the San Francisco Zoo as part of a Chinese practice called “panda diplomacy.” The SF Zoo has been selected to host the pandas which was proudly announced during SF Mayor London Breed’s week-long business trip to China last month.
Police Blotter: Sunset District
Recent police activity in the Sunset District.
Tragedy Leads to Advocacy for Safer Traffic Conditions at W. Portal
On April 18, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) released a plan to drastically limit cars on West Portal Avenue. This was done at the behest of Supervisor Myrna Melgar and SF Mayor London Breed.
Press Release: Three Free Programs to Help SF Food Service Businesses With Reusable Dishes
The San Francisco Environment Department has three free programs to assist food service businesses. These programs help restaurants and cafes switch from using disposable dishes to reusable ones.
Letter to the Editor: Help Us Make a Film About Stuttering
The film is about Jay Jordan and the struggle with his stutter through incarceration, solitary confinement and homelessness. Confronting systemic barriers by finding strength in his stutter, Jay launches a groundbreaking youth mentorship program, using his journey to advocate for criminal justice reform that leads to his own redemption.
Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon 