A BIG warm hug to our dear friend, Rupert Garcia, the internationally known artist, who has been commissioned to produce an installation for the lobby entrance of the San Francisco General Hospital new Acute Care Unit. Rupert will be the lead artist for the project approved by the San Francisco Arts Commission. The project is expected to be completed in 2011. In the early days of El Tecolote, Rupert contributed illustrations for stories published in the newspaper. His most notable works have been political silkscreen posters focused on liberation struggles, human rights leaders, and civil rights movements. Congratulations, Rupert! This is a well-deserved honor.

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Speaking of art … a new public artwork will soon grace the Mission Playground Clubhouse at 19th and Linda streets. Accomplished printmaker Michael Bartalos recently got the green light to develop a design for the project that is part of the overall renovation plans for the playground, according to news reports. The sculptor/graphic designer is credited for a 42-cent Latin Jazz stamp issued in 2008 by the U.S. You can meet Michael and hear more about the proposed installation on March 10, at 6:30 p.m., in the clubhouse. See you there!

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Continuing on the local front … by now most of you have heard about the $11.7 million renovation plans for Dolores Park that called for closing the park for some 16 months. But the backlash from residents has forced park officials to rethink the matter, so now they are considering undertaking the renovations in stages in order to keep the park as accessible as possible. It would have been a travesty to close down the park that is an oasis for so many to lounge in the sun, picnic on the green grass, stage public events, and sit on hillside to gaze at the downtown landscape. There’s no question the 13.7-acre park sorely needs some upgrading. The work, according to news reports, includes, repairing the tennis courts, upgrading the irrigation system, renovating the bathroom, restoring fields and clubhouse, and making the pathways more wheelchair accessible. Meanwhile, renovation of the children’s playground will begin later this year for completion in Spring 2011. It’s about time we’re seeing some BIG bucks pouring into the neighborhood, but, no doubt, more is needed to meet other concerns around social services, jobs, public safety…

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Speaking of public safety … did you hear about the Jan. 16 sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl in the bathroom of Garfield Park at 26th and Harrison streets? Well, it seems the incident, according to news reports, has alarmed a lot of folks to the point that city park officials are now looking into keeping certain city parks and playgrounds staffed on weekends and evenings. In the meantime, the San Francisco Police Department has reportedly agreed to step up weekend and evening patrols at Garfield Park. By the way, one suspect was arrested for the alleged assault. I urge community leaders to keep the pressure on park officials to enact measures that will ensure the safety of anyone who uses our neighborhood parks.

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Lastly, did any of you see the television news reports about the annual Valentines Day pillow fights on the Embarcadero? Can you envision this being an alternative to the current gang violence in our neighborhood? Just imagine the Norteños and Sureños gathering at Dolores Park armed with huge fluffy pillows and pounding away at each other in order to settle a dispute. Talk about a lot of energy being spent and a lot of pent up frustration being released. Maybe I’m a dreamer, but if it saves the life a youth…