The San Francisco Examiner Newspaper
2008-07-27 10:00:00.0
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SAN FRANCISCO -

A man was found guilty of attacking Elie Wiesel, and the Giants focused on a youth movement.

Justice is served

1| Man guilty of felony for assault on Holocaust survivor.

The details: A Superior Court jury Monday found 24-year-old Eric Hunt guilty of one felony count of false imprisonment as a result of a February 2007 incident in which he accosted Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel but acquitted him of other felony charges including attempted kidnapping. The young man should now be provided the mental-health treatment he needs.

Mayor takes action

2| Jailhouse visit gets city the password for its computer system.

The details: While we are still bothered by the lack of oversight that led to one city employee being able to take over much of The City’s computer system, Mayor Gavin Newsom deserves credit for taking direct action to solve the problem. While criminal charges against 43-year-old Terry Childs will wind through the system, fast action needed to be taken to regain access to the network, and Newsom’s jailhouse visit Monday gave The City the password needed to move forward.

You booze, you lose

3| Cabdriver’s DUI history costs him permit to operate.

The details: Veteran cabdriver Robert Friedman, who was found to have three convictions for driving under the influence, had his permit to operate a cab in The City revoked Wednesday. While none of the DUIs occurred when he was behind the wheel with passengers, that doesn’t mean such reckless behavior is acceptable.

Overdue hours

4| Seven library branches to be open an extra day.

The details: When San Francisco voters first approved the Library Preservation Fund in 1994, they sent a clear message that libraries were a city priority. The fight to get some of that funding to open more libraries on Sundays seemed to take longer than it should have. Now, finally, libraries are adding an extra day to seven branches.

On the market

5| President Bush expected to OK housing rescue bill.

The details: A housing bill that would bail out mortgage lenders but also help struggling homeowners is expected to help shore up the country’s struggling housing market. Although the White House had objected to a $4 billion provision in the bill for communities to buy foreclosed property, calling it a bailout for lenders and speculators, President Bush has signaled that he won’t veto the legislation.

Honoring vets

6| Local program provides help for homeless veterans.

The details: San Francisco’s successful Project Homeless Connect — which provides a one-stop event where people without homes and resources can get assistance — reached out this week to homeless veterans. With more than 2,000 former military members now without homes in The City, we say more of these steps need to be taken to undo this shameful injustice to those who have served our country.

Ferry on the move

7| Plans are afloat to construct new ferry launches.

The details: Last year, state lawmakers provided legislative support to create an expanded network of ferries in the Bay Area, and plans are now going through the approval process. New ferry launches are in the works for San Francisco’s waterfront, South San Francisco and Redwood City, among other locations. The transportation projects could ease congestion and enliven waterfront areas — but also provide needed access in the event of an emergency.

Dimming city lights

8| Environmentalists and bird lovers say turn off high-rise lights at night.

The details: The most recent argument made to turn out city high-rise lights at night is that it would be good for The City’s feathered friends, which get set off course during migration seasons. We still think the best argument for flipping the switch during the hours when no one is in the office is that it would save massive amounts of energy. We like city lights, but it’s time to look at what the environment can afford.

Giants go young

9| Durham traded; Vizquel’s time is reduced.

The details: Two personnel decisions showed the Giants are indeed committed to a youth movement. First, they traded 36-year-old second baseman Ray Durham to Milwaukee. Then, 41-year-old shortstop Omar Vizquel was told his playing time was going to be cut. Both were done to get young infielders more action.

Warrant warranted

10| San Mateo psychiatrist to stand trial.

The details: A San Mateo Superior Court judge upheld the validity of a search warrant that gave police access to patient files. The files helped investigators gather evidence leading to molestation charges against William Ayres, a prominent San Mateo child psychiatrist. Ayres, 76, is expected to stand trial next year. If the warrant had been thrown out, so might have the case.