Editor:
I was pleased to read about mass-transit plans for the Geary Boulevard corridor in the October 2005 issue. Transit, as we all know, is a key part of how San Francisco functions, and is essential for Richmond District residents.

But I was distressed about the concerns from local merchants, who object to parts of the plan because it would disrupt their businesses.

While I encourage planners, residents and readers of this neighborhood newspaper to take such views into account, what must not be lost is that the status quo for transit along Geary Boulevard is not adequate or acceptable.

I wonder whether business owners such as David Heller or Jack Rhiel have suffered 40-minute waits on cold nights for a 38 Geary coach, only to be packed against other passengers for blocks and blocks. I wonder whether their views are fully informed about Muni and its service problems and cutbacks. I wonder whether they understand the degree to which riders put up with the inconveniences and indignities of inefficient public transit in San Francisco.

In addition, all the indicators show that more cars are taking more trips, worsening traffic and delays for an already struggling Muni. Doing nothing is not a viable course of action. Change is often disruptive and difficult, but it is imperative for Geary Boulevard and its congestion, as well as long overdue for visitors and residents.
Anthony Lazarus

Editor:
In a recent Richmond Review (October 2005), it was reported that Bruce Balshone, the chair of the Geary Citizens Advisory Committee (GCAC), suggested that the demographics of the Geary corridor are changing and "some small merchants should consider relocating to shopping malls."

This very unfortunate statement does not reflect the positions held by other GCAC members; nor is it in any way proposed by Authority staff or sanctioned by Authority management, or the Authority Board.

An important goal of Geary BRT is to revitalize the corridor so that businesses will thrive rather than being driven away. The Authority will not waiver in its efforts to reach out to the community to forge partnerships based on trust, accurate information, and open and civil debate, which are crucial to the success of the study.
Tilly Chang
Deputy Director for Planning, SF County Transportation Authority

Editor:
I may not know you by name, but I bet I know your dog's name! That is the realization at the Mountain Lake Dog Park - it's enough to keep us coming back for more.

Located at the far east side of Mountain Lake Park, our neighborhood dog park is a consistent conglomerate of young and mature dogs and yes, young and mature owners. It's a great place to let your dogs roam and for you to get to know your neighbors.

It's no surprise, then, that on Nov. 5, the Mountain Lake Dog Park clean-up day was a huge success, pulling in more than 50 volunteers. We had plenty of friends to help clear debris and trim and cut away overgrown bushes and trees. The Rec. and Park Department supplied us with plenty of equipment and three professional gardeners while the picnic table was full of tasty treats donated by different people. And thanks to Carol Lane, Judy Tiktinsky and Elizabeth from Friends of Mountain Lake Park.

As a daily user at the dog park, my dog Henna and I appreciate the eclectic mix of people and dogs we encounter. We look forward to the next clean-up day, in the spring, so we can pitch in to help keep our social hot spot a beautiful and safe place to visit.
Julie Reber

Editor:
I am compelled to write about a fabulous K-8 program that I was fortunate to discover through a friend, The Laurel School.

My son struggled with academics and felt worthless in the absence of any programs to teach children with learning difficulties. Luckily, we discovered the Laurel School. My son graduated from Laurel after transferring there in sixth grade.

Today, he is a high school senior who still struggles, but earns As and Bs. The Laurel School is the only elementary school in San Francisco with a program exclusively for children who have average or above average intelligence and also have learning disabilities. The school is one of San Francisco's best kept secrets.
Trudy Drypolcher