Just received the following anonymous tip via our Tumblr ask box:
Cold Beer, Cold Water was at the courthouse this morning in the jury duty line. Just thought you might like to know.
Hopefully he avoided a jury and made it quickly back to the park where he belongs.
[The following essay was submitted anonymously via email.]
Reflections on our community response to a serial rapist
As a survivor of rape, I wanted to share some of my reflections about the recent
arrest of Frederick Dozier in connection to several sexual assaults occurring in the
Mission over the past six months. I was compelled to do so personally not because
I’m particularly qualified in any way, but simply given the lack of closure I’ve felt
regarding these horrific incidents.
Let me start by saying that I’m relieved, if not overjoyed, that he’s in custody, and
that there is no such thing as justice for the women who suffered these violent
attacks. I must say as well that I’ve been quite disappointed to see how our
community has responded to this news. Let me explain how things went down, and
where I think we have an obligation—and opportunity—to do better.
Dolores Park Works reports that the playground renovations are 85% complete and it may open as soon as March. Planning is in progress for the opening party. I’m a little sad to see the Dolores Park pool go, but I think this will be a safer place for kiddos to observe adults engaging in casual drug use and public alcohol consumption.
The new Helen Diller Playground will feature a super slide, a natural climbing stone, and a “sound garden” (an anonymous donation from Chris Cornell?). It will also have designated areas for age groups 2-5 and 5-12. In fact, there will be a boat for younger kids, and a separate shipwrecked boat for the older ones–no doubt a metaphor for their soon-to-be broken hopes and dreams.
Agism? Maybe. I’ll never forget the first time I approached by a kid in a playground and told, “you’re too old to be playing here!” I was heartbroken, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it during the entire drive back to my apartment.
[photo and scoop via Dolores Park Works]
SFist just published the complete schedule:
[Photo by Bhautik Joshi]
There finally appears to be a battle for neighborhood domination brewing that will settle the score once and for all, and it’s taking place at a local high school this Saturday. I have a feeling that “the Border Patrol” is going to get his ass kicked by either Hijo de la Parka or Hijo del Misterioso, and that’s only if El Mariachi doesn’t get to him first. Of course, you can probably count on the Notorious Famous B to bring his A game (or in this case, B game) to the ring as well.
I’m still trying to figure out which side Kafu is on though.
(Thanks Anthony!)
It was a drunken bash, and the photos, by our own Lizzy Courtois, look appropriately drunken as well. Thanks for coming, everybody! And a major thanks to Dear Mom for having us!
View the whole album here.
So now you can’t sit on the edge of it when there’s a street fair happening and people-watch. Bummer.
Allan Hough (7858)
Brittany Janis & Katie Cruz (104)
