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Presidio Fire Department faces further service cuts
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SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - A Board of Supervisors committee will explore the impact of service cuts at the historic Presidio Fire Department today after federal officials revealed that the Presidio would rely on The City in case of a large fire.
The Government Audit and Oversight Committee hearing was called by Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier to examine the costs of assisting the Presidio fire station and whether the move will affect coverage in surrounding neighborhoods, such as Pacific Heights and the Marina.
At least seven positions have been cut from the Presidio Fire Department’s budget, which is funded primarily by the Presidio Trust and a 25 percent contribution from the National Park Service.
The 65-foot aerial ladder truck based at Presidio Station 1 was taken out of commission in April because there were no longer enough firefighters to operate it. The Presidio fire station still operates a fire engine and an ambulance.
In an e-mail written to Golden Gate National Recreational Area employees, park Superintendent Brian O’Neill said Presidio firefighters would rely on the park’s mutual aid agreement with the San Francisco Fire Department when a ladder truck or further assistance is needed.
“Given the park’s limited funds, and in order to best address concerns for personnel safety, we believe these changes provide the best approach for the interim,” the e-mail said.
In a letter to O’Neill and several local and national leaders, International Association of Fire Fighters President Harold Schaitberger threatened legal action because “the present level of staffing of firefighters could be inadequate to conduct emergency scene operations.”
The Presidio Fire Department was created in 1917 after a Presidio fire killed four members of Gen. John Pershing’s family.
Comments from Examiner Readers
10:45 AM MST on Tue., Jul. 15, 2008 re: "Public given voice for 45 more days"
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1:49 PM MST on Sat., Jun. 14, 2008
re: "Museum plan for Presidio getting heat"
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11:19 AM MST on Tue., Jun. 10, 2008
re: "Plans paint new picture for art museum"
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8:25 PM MST on Mon., May. 5, 2008
re: "Presidio plans spark outcry for resistance"
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4:39 PM MST on Mon., May. 5, 2008
re: "Presidio plans spark outcry for resistance"
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11:22 AM MST on Mon., May. 5, 2008
re: "Presidio plans spark outcry for resistance"
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6:24 PM MST on Wed., Apr. 16, 2008
re: "Museum plan for Presidio getting heat"
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10:06 AM MST on Wed., Apr. 16, 2008
re: "Museum plan for Presidio getting heat"
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1:16 PM MST on Tue., Feb. 26, 2008
re: "Lake needs cleanup, warnings, supe says"
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Examiner Reader said:
How does this museum/hotel project fit into the current or historical tone of the Presidio? Simply put, it does not.
1 agree | 1 disagree
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parkpal said:
The fact is that the "preferred alternative" for the large art museum and hotel still chooses the awful location right next to the Spanish era presidio wall and the flagpole of a 200 year old National HIstoric Site. Why? Because Mr. Fisher says that he will take his marbles and play somewhere else if he cannot get that exact central location, where his huge white museum overwhelms the historic character to the Presidio. The Presidio is not some vacant lot to be played with by wealthy developers. It is sacred ground in the history of California and our nation. Save it from desecration.
4 agree | 2 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
If Sam Singer is speaking for someone, you know that they are up to no good. When will the dung stuck to Singers' expensive shoes after stepping in it for his clients over and again stick to Singer?
2 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
How much city staff time and resources will go into this revived group? I am concerned that the city's minimal resources will be unnecessarily used to support neighborhood groups who are well organized and will surely submit comments to the Presidio Trust on their own anyway. I'm supportive of these groups sending the Trust their comments, but why does the city need to foot the bill?
4 agree | 2 disagree
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marian price said:
So Sam Singer says the Fishers have received overwhelming support for the idea. Are there any who are not employees or cronies of the Fishers who believe the majority of Park users will laud the replacement of open space and bowling alley for this purpose. Borrowing a word from an outspoken British critic of out-of-context architectural extravaganzas, it will be a carbuncle of the face of the Presidio.
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Once again, everyone, including Supervisor Alioto-Pier, should consider the concept of moving the bloody mess to Shorenstein's Pier 29-31 development where Donald Fisher could walk to visit his MGM Grand collection. Don't even have to alter the architect's drawings. I think it would be a great save for the Main Parade Ground!
3 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
For two hundred years the parade ground area in the Presidio has been and historic landmark for San Francisco Residents. It is hard to understand the Presidio Trust allowing a hotel/theatre complex and now a modern monolithic art museum to desecrate this lovely site. I applaude the Service's decision. However, the Park Service has shown itself subject to political pressure in the past. Let us hope that it will continue its opposition to this ill conceived project. There are other areas of the Presidio, such as the area near Baker Beach, which have lovely views and easy access for these projects if they must be built. I really don't see the need for another hotel, there are several being built in SF, nor a movie complex in the Presidio. It is difficult to get there and more mutilation will be needed for traffic/parking. My wifes' and my family have lived here for well over a hundred years-we are dedicated to this unique city and its historic richness. Please restrain the P
9 agree | 4 disagree
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parkpal said:
It is about time that the Park Service asserted itself to protect the Presidio from development. It is a National Park, after all, and belongs to you and me, not a bunch of Bush political appointees who run the Presidio Trust like a business park. Go! Park Service!
6 agree | 3 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I grew up near the lake. It is very dirty and the homeless wash themselves there.
44 agree | 35 disagree
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