Keeping an eye out

The recent gang-related shootings in our community serve as a deadly reminder that the Mission remains a killing field for some of our misguided youth. The police continue to say they are doing everything in their power to make the neighborhood safe for merchants and residents, but what are they really doing to fulfill that promise? Yes, for a period of time they step-up their foot patrols and they have a few meetings with community leaders. On occasion, they bust a few gang leaders and their foot soldiers. They even lobbied for a civil gang injunction that restricts the movements of Norteños and Sureños and prevents them from wearing their colors. But the gangs are still thriving in our community with no end in sight. Sure things may have cooled down for a while, but the cool-down is always short-lived. Maybe an army of former gang members should be unleashed on the Norteños and Sureños to set them straight that la vida loca leads to nowhere. In fact, the killing of Aldo Troncoso, 24, that triggered the recent violence is pretty ironic. At the time of his shooting death, Aldo was a student at City College who seemed to be doing well in his classes. No doubt a solution to his problem is not an easy one. But one thing is certain – these senseless killings have got to stop. Maybe there is a need for a community summit to thrash out a clear mandate to City Hall on what is needed to address our gang problem. We can’t afford to lose another young life to a meaningless turf war that only brings grief.

Here’s a rather alarming news story… The New York Times recently reported that in Los Angeles a Mexican immigrant with failing kidneys was denied a transplant from his brother because his brother, a Mexican citizen, was not granted a visa to enter the U.S. Reportedly the U.S. State Department does not have a medical category visa, so a donor who lives outside the U.S. must apply for a tourist visa that can take months and even years to get. In fact, medical authorities have said that this situation has worsened since 9-11 and the adoption of tighter security measures. Doctors and immigrants are frustrated especially when donors are family members who are a perfect match therefore they can avoid being on a three-year-an-organ waiting list. What a travesty. Maybe immigrant rights groups should look into this matter and initiate a campaign to lobby Congress for a more just solution.

On the home front, some concerns are being raised surrounding the current Olmec exhibit at the de Young Museum. Apparently, some people are questioning some of the promotional shortcomings like the absence of hanging banners in the Mission and elsewhere in the City, as well as stronger emphasis on the free Friday night programs. There is also concern that the $25 entrance is a bit steep. In fact, low-income families should not be denied access to the exhibit, but they can be asked to at least make a donation. By the way, I am told that the last seven Friday nights to see the exhibit and get access to the entire museum will only cost $10. The concerns raised seem legitimate. It would seem that de Young officials would seize upon this opportunity to capture a new audience, especially one that is growing bigger and bigger throughout the state. So, you entice them with a fabulous Olmec exhibit and all the fanfare possible and you invite them to be members with literature in their primary language. I trust you would agree that this makes good business sense? Maybe it’s not too late for the de Young to reap the full benefits of the Olmec exhibit. At least I hope not.

Lastly, kudos to our dear friend Rebecca Mauleon who was recently appointed as Director of Education for SFJAZZ that hosts a series of jazz concerts from Feb. 24 to June 25. Rebecca is a composer, author and pianist who performed on several occasions at our Encuentro del Canto Popular. She is also a tenured faculty member in the Music Department at City College of San Francisco. This appointment is well deserved, Rebecca. You certainly make all of us proud of your accomplishments.