ACCOMPLISHMENTS

DHCA Accomplishments for 2023

  • Diamond Heights Public Safety Meeting: Supervisor Mandelman hosted the virtual meeting on January 23rd at 6:30 pm with Capt. Derrick Lew, Ingleside SFPD Captain; and DA Brooke Jenkins. The DHCA announced and promoted the meeting.
  • George Christopher Playground Renaming: The DHCA enlisted the help of Evelyn Rose, Glen Park Neighborhoods History Project Founder and Director, to research Mayor George Christopher and establish whether his name should be removed from George Christopher Park. Evelyn’s extensive research refuted the allegations to remove George Christopher’s name.
  • DHCA Community Meeting April 19. A virtual meeting was held to receive input on needs in Diamond Heights. Supervisor Mandelman attended to hear the concerns.
  • Electrical Cable Repair (Turquoise, Amber and Cameo): The DHCA helped set up a meeting with residents, PG&E and the Supervisor’s office on March 23 to start the process for the Supervisor’s office to request that PG&E request a waiver to start the work without doing a 6-month curb cut study which is a city requirement. 100 families had been receiving power from 3 diesel fueled generators since early January.
  • Benches installed in Christopher Park. Supervisor Mandelman provided funding to the SF Rec and Park department to install a bench in front of the tennis court that was requested by the DHCA and for installation of 3 other benches in the park.
  • Update on Flashing Lights at DH Blvd and Duncan at Clipper and upper Berkeley Way: Both items were approved by the SFMTA Commission. There is no timeline for installation.
  • DH Holiday Party – Dec. 16, 3-5 pm at St. Aidan’s: The DHCA along with Resilient Diamond Heights and St. Aidan’s Church hosted the party that provided a buffet meal served by Scout Troup 15; caroling with Patricia Wilder and Scrumbly Koldewyn; holiday crafts; a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus; and an update from Nelson Barry – Urban Angels. Attendees donated over 60 toys for unhoused children for Urban Angels to distribute.

DHCA Accomplishments 2022

  • Successfully advocated for:
    • Diamond Heights’ existing boundaries to be retained in District 8 during the re-districting process.
    • $5,000 in plants were installed in Christopher Park for the Butterfly Garden and along the pathway next to the Little Red Hen Community Garden on November 12th. Supervisor Mandelman provided the funding.
    • Public Works repaired the city water pipe on median at South Entrance to the Shopping Center in June 2022.
    • The Arts Commission started restoration on The Diamond Heights Gateway Sculpture (Safety Wall) in Fall 2022. Supervisor Mandelman provided $65,000 in funding.
  • Received $4,000 in funding for benches in Christopher Park from Supervisor Mandelman to be installed in the future.
  • Maintained a strong relationship with Supervisor Mandelman through continuous updates and engagement regarding community issues e.g., Safety and Crime Prevention.

DHCA Accomplishments 2021

Community Improvements/Beautification Projects

  • The DHCA was delighted with the reopening of Christopher Park on April 28, 2021. The renovations are terrific. The DHCA was grateful that SF Rec and Park provided new fencing for the baseball diamond and lights and a resurfaced tennis court at the request of the DHCA.
  • Identified unmarked stairway streets for request to SFMTA to provide signs for the stairways.

DHCA Accomplishments 2020

Neighborhood Parks and Community Beautification

  • Supervisor Mandelman allocated $2,400 for funding for the Vincent Buchanan Summer Internship Program. The Median Project will raise $400.
  • Advocated for further Christopher Park improvements/funding, including tennis court resurfacing, new baseball field fence/backstop, and lighting around baseball meadow, pathways, and multiple stairways.
  • Advocated for new stairway signs that were installed in March 2021

Housing

  • Continued support for new affordable housing proposed by Habitat for Humanity at 36 Amber (8 2-3BR units for families with income of $61-$117k).

DHCA Accomplishments 2019

Neighborhood Parks and Community Beautification

  • Secured funding for Christopher Playground renovations from Supervisor Mandelman.
    • $210,000: The DHCA Board voted for this funding as our first priority on 5-9-19. The funding is needed to retain the 3 historic playground structures.
    • $7,000: Keep in renovation bid package – fence requested by the NVNS to safeguard space from feces and other debris left by homeless people and others between the NVNS building and wall next to the Shopping Center.
  • Explored possibility of trail on Topaz Open Space from DH Blvd. to Topaz Way
  • Trimmed tall bushes at Addison across from DH Fire Station
  • Diamond Heights Gateway Sculpture
    • Ensured that the draft MOU between Public Works and the Arts Commission adequately safeguards the structure from changes without public input.
    • Advocated for funding for lighting and installation of a commemorative plaque by the Arts Commission.
  • Continued efforts to reduce littering in DH and created a committee to organize efforts.
    • Find way to stop trash from blowing up on the Topaz Open Space and adjacent property on DH Blvd.
  • Advocated to trim tall bushes at Addison across from DH Fire Station
  • Advocated for Recology drivers to pick up trash that escapes bins during pickup.

Disaster Resilience

  • Followed up with RPD on improved placement of three current signs entitled: “Fire Pits Not for Public Use. No Fires allowed Park Code 3.02 in Glen Canyon Park
  • Requested that RPD provide a list of fires in Billy Goat Hill, Upper Douglas Park, Walter Haas Park, Christopher Park for five years with details (a list of fires in Glen Canyon Park only was provided 4-19)
  • Continued to support the efforts of Resilient Diamond Heights to prepare for emergencies and disasters including creating evacuation plans for Diamond Heights. 

DHCA Accomplishments 2018

Neighborhood Parks

  • Rec and Park (RPD) Funding of an additional $419,00 for Christopher Park Improvements was due to advocacy from the DHCA, Friends of Christopher Park (FOCP) and former Supervisor Jeff Sheehy. The funding will provide for pathway replacement from Duncan Street and DH Blvd. to the Rec Center.
  • Both bathrooms at Christopher Park will remain open after renovations. The Rec and Park Dept. planned to close the bathroom used by the Noe Valley Nursery School to the public at all times. DHCA, FOCP and Supervisor Mandelman were responsible for getting RPD to rescind this decision.
  • Walter Haas Dog Play Area Renovations Competed July 2018: DHCA and Friends of Walter Haas Park advocated with former supervisors Scott Wiener and Jeff Sheehy to provide RPD funding for artificial turf, new fence cloth, new irrigation and new drinking fountains.
  • Where in the World is Christopher Park Festival? October 13: DHCA participated in the FOCP event that drew 1400 plus people to our neighborhood.

Pedestrian, Driver and Bicyclist Safety

  • All Way Stop signs at upper Diamond and DH Blvd. were installed in February 2018. DHCA requested the Stop signs that were funded with assistance by Jeff Sheehy.
  • The crosswalk midblock to the Shopping Center opened in February 2018 due to DHCA advocacy and funding made possible by Senator Scott Wiener when he was District 8 Supervisor.
  • Pilot Study for one lane of traffic in front of Shopping Center withdrawn by MTA: After contacting at least 30 stakeholders and groups for comments, the DHCA said no to the pilot study because of the traffic congestion the lane changes would have created.
  • Public Works painted the metal guardrail on DH Blvd. between Berkeley Way and Arbor Street at the request of the DHCA. 

Community Improvement/Beautification Projects

  • Water Pipe Replacement: The SF Public Utility Commission announced on Feb. 6, that water pipes will be replaced on Gold Mine Drive, Topaz Way and Ora Way in 2019 now delayed until 2024. A major advocacy effort by the DHCA for years has been to replace all water pipes in DH that were installed incorrectly in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
  • Diamond Heights Gateway Safety Wall/Redwood Sculpture: Due to DHCA advocacy, the Arts Commission agreed to maintain and do conservation work on the sculpture. Public Works agreed to maintain the ground around the sculpture and removed the large tree adjacent to the artwork. A Memorandum of Understanding between the two City Departments is being reviewed by Supervisor Mandelman.
  • Diamond Heights Blvd. Median Project: Water pipes that supply water to the median islands on the 5200 block of DH Blvd. were fixed by Public Works so that the Median Project can proceed with installing an irrigation system and plants on the 5200 and 5300 blocks. Supervisor Mandelman assisted with getting Public Works to complete the work.
  • Trash and Litter Mitigation: Due to a DHCA request, Supervisor Mandelman arranged for Public Works to pick up trash on the west hillside on DH Blvd in the 5300 block. This is a major improvement to the appearance of the neighborhood.
  • DHCA Candidates Forum April 28: 7 of the 8 candidates for Mayor and the two main candidates for District 8 Supervisor for the June 5 election, presented at the meeting.

DHCA Accomplishments 2017

DHCA continued to nurture our relationship with State Senator Scott Wiener and Supervisor Jeff Sheehy and gained their support for the projects that we implemented in 2017:

  • With the support of Parks and Recreation Department, the “Where in the World is Christopher Park Festival of which were a sponsor, was a huge success that was attended by 800 people.
  • Parks and Recreation resurfaced the walkway around the Christopher ark baseball diamond.
  • DHCA secured funding from the city for 2018 to install artificial turf in the Walter Hass dog play are and to fix drainage issues.
  • DHCA worked actively for the installation of a sidewalk on the east side of the upper portion of Diamond Heights Blvd. It was completed in 2018, and now one can walk the entire length of Diamond Heights Blvd.  on both sides of the street.
  • The SFMTA approved installation of all-way stop signs at the dangerous intersection of upper Diamond Street and Diamond Heights Blvd. They will be installed early this year.
  • SFMTA constructed a midblock crosswalk at the shopping center to improve pedestrian safety.
  • The Diamond Heights Median Improvement Project continued and repair of water supply pipes for irrigation will allow the completion of the landscaping.
  • DHCA has advocated for the preservation and restoration of the redwood Gateway Sculpture at the entrance to Diamond Heights at Clipper and Portola. The Historic Preservation Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors designate it as a landmark, and the Arts Commission completed an assessment of the needs to restore and preserve the sculpture.
  • Volunteers continued to pick up litter in the neighborhoods, but much more needs to be done. We will be working with the city and others to make our neighborhood cleaner.

DHCA Accomplishments 2016

Parks – Recreation and Park Department

  • Due to advocacy RPD agreed to repair the walkways around ¾ of the baseball diamond. Work to be done in March 2017.

Driver and Pedestrian Safety – SFMTA

  • An application was submitted to MTA to request a study on DH Blvd. from Clipper Street to Duncan at St. Nicholas Church. The SFMTA will let the DHCA know in March if the study is approved.

Irrigation Pipes – DPW

  • Due to advocacy with the Diamond Heights Blvd. Median Project, DPW agreed to fix water pipes that supply water to the median islands on 5200 and 5300 blocks of DH Blvd.

Trees – DPW Bureau of Urban Forestry

  • The DHCA provided an information meeting concerning Proposition E that was passed on Nov. 8. Maintenance of trees in sidewalks will again be the responsibility of DPW as if July 1, 2017.

Beautification Projects

  • Litter Reduction Campaign. Two DHCA meetings discussed why litter collects and provided potential solutions to reduce litter. Rob Hanke from Recology spoke at a meeting. Volunteers who regularly pick up litter were identified.

 

DHCA Accomplishments 2015

The DHCA advocated for the following improvements to our neighborhood in 2015.  We are grateful to Supervisor Scott Wiener for his support to make funding available for the listed projects. In addition, we thank Mohammed Nuru, Director of the Dept. of Public Works and the staff of the DPW, SFMTA, and SFPUC for their approvals.

New Sidewalks Completed

  • West side of Topaz Way from 44 Topaz Way to existing sidewalk. Completed Dec. 2015.
  • 257 to 281 Gold Mine Drive east side. Completed Dec. 2015.
  • Northwest side of DH Blvd from Diamond Street up to Diamond Ridge Condominiums. Completed April 2015.
  • Concrete sidewalks on Beacon Street replaced asphalt sidewalks between Billy Goat Hill and Walter Haas Park and a new sidewalk was constructed up the west side of the street to the existing sidewalk. Almost completed as of 1-12-16.

New Sidewalks Approved for Construction in 2016 in Conjunction with Repaving DH Blvd.

  • North side of DH Blvd from 5143 DH Blvd to the bus stop near Clipper Street.
  • DH Blvd from Berkeley Way down Elk on west side of street bordering Glen Park Canyon.
  • DH Blvd at Berkeley Way uphill along west side of DH Blvd to existing sidewalk.
  • North side of Gold Mine Drive up hill from DH Blvd at Addison St.

Crosswalk Approved by SFMTA

  • Crosswalk approved mid-block of the 5200 block of DH Blvd connecting residents to the Diamond Heights Shopping Center.

SFPUC will replace segments of water pipes along Diamond Heights Blvd.

  • Pipes will be replaced from Clipper St. to Duncan St. and from Addison St. to Berkeley Way

Disabled Curb Cuts Approved

  • Southeast and southwest corners of DH Blvd at Addison St.
  • Projects Supported by the DHCA in 2015:
  • The Diamond Heights Blvd. Median Project: DHCA Board members Jeanette Oliver and Betsy Eddy served on the Steering Committee with Paul Matalucci, Project Lead. In 2015, median islands from Addison St. to Diamond St. received new plants. The median islands on the 5200 and 5300 blocks of Diamond Heights Blvd were cleared of debris and old shrubs so that new low growing, drought tolerant plants can be planted in 2016.
  • Renovations to George Christopher Playground: The 2012 Park Bond provided $2.8 M for renovations to the playground area. The Recreation and Park Department conducted community meetings to input receive on playground designs attended by representatives of the DHCA. Construction is scheduled in 2017 with completion in Sept. 2018.
  • Friends of Christopher Park: The DHCA supported the creation of this group initiated by the Alice Stroud, Parent, and Susan Edwards, Director, Noe Valley Nursery School.
  • Resilient Diamond Heights: The DHCA Board supported the Building a Stronger Future in Diamond Heights Workshop on Oct. 8th and the Diamond Heights Holiday Party on Dec. 12th.

The DHCA advocated for the following improvements to our neighborhood in 2015.  We are grateful to Supervisor Scott Wiener for his support to make funding available for the listed projects. In addition, we thank Mohammed Nuru, Director of the Dept. of Public Works and the staff of the DPW, SFMTA, and SFPUC for their approvals.

New Sidewalks Completed

  • West side of Topaz Way from 44 Topaz Way to existing sidewalk. Completed Dec. 2015.
  • 257 to 281 Gold Mine Drive east side. Completed Dec. 2015.
  • Northwest side of DH Blvd from Diamond Street up to Diamond Ridge Condominiums. Completed April 2015.
  • Concrete sidewalks on Beacon Street replaced asphalt sidewalks between Billy Goat Hill and Walter Haas Park and a new sidewalk was constructed up the west side of the street to the existing sidewalk. Almost completed as of 1-12-16.

New Sidewalks Approved for Construction in 2016-2017 in Conjunction with Repaving DH Blvd.

  • North side of DH Blvd from 5143 DH Blvd to the bus stop near Clipper Street.
  • DH Blvd from Berkeley Way down Elk on west side of street bordering Glen Park Canyon.
  • DH Blvd at Berkeley Way uphill along west side of DH Blvd to existing sidewalk.
  • North side of Gold Mine Drive up hill from DH Blvd at Addison St.

Crosswalk Approved by SFMTA

  • Crosswalk approved mid-block of the 5200 block of DH Blvd connecting residents to the Diamond Heights Shopping Center.

SFPUC will replace segments of water pipes along Diamond Heights Blvd.

  • Pipes will be replaced from Clipper St. to Duncan St. and from Addison St. to Berkeley Way

Disabled Curb Cuts Approved

  • Southeast and southwest corners of DH Blvd at Addison St.

Projects Supported by the DHCA in 2015

  • The Diamond Heights Blvd. Median Project:  DHCA Board members Jeanette Oliver and Betsy Eddy served on the Steering Committee with Paul Matalucci, Project Lead. In 2015, median islands from Addison St. to Diamond St. received new plants. The median islands on the 5200 and 5300 blocks of Diamond Heights Blvd were cleared of debris and old shrubs so that new low growing, drought tolerant plants can be planted in 2016.
  • Renovations to George Christopher Playground: The 2012 Park Bond provided $2.8 M for renovations to the playground area. The Recreation and Park Department conducted community meetings to input receive on playground designs attended by representatives of the DHCA.  Construction is scheduled in 2017 with completion in Dec. 2018.
  • Friends of Christopher Park:  The DHCA supported the creation of this group initiated by the Alice Stroud, Parent, and Susan Edwards, Former Director, Noe Valley Nursery School.
  • Resilient Diamond Heights: The DHCA Board supported the Building a Stronger Future in Diamond Heights Workshop on Oct. 8th and the Diamond Heights Holiday Party on Dec. 12, 2015.