Mission Mission

(file photo)
Last Friday the San Francisco Guardian Angels did their first night patrol in The Mission. It was led by the New Generation of angels, who are still in their teens. As their chapter leader says “their code names speak for themselves”:
1. Scorpion, 2nd In Command
2. Apache, Sergeant
3. NEMO, Corporal
4. Matador
5. Sonic
6. Puma
7. Robo Cop
8. Breaker
9. Maverick

Read the details of how the youth-led patrol went and check out the pictures on their blog.

Reader Janet C. forwards us this shite piece of news:

Per a posting on a list I’m a member of:

This weekend on the Bernal Hill was to be the Soap Box Derby. I have
just been informed that the event is illegal and SFPD with RPD Park
Patrol will force the cancellation of the event.Please be advised and
spread the word.

Thanks,
Sabrina
Safety Network Organizer
Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center
(415)206-2140 ext 155

Sucks.

Not sure where Janet starts and Sabrina ends, but, shit. Can anybody confirm? Is there a plan to resist? Should I bring my Kevlar? Link.

Update: Todd assures us: “Totally NOT CANCELLED.”

On Friday, Animal posted this shot of a mobile guard tower currently deployed in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. By applying the Panopticon principle (thanks, Alex) to sketchy neighborhood intersections, the NYPD hopes to curtail rising crime rates. Got us thinking. The other day, Mitch (Mission resident since 1991) delivered the following rant about about one of our own sketchy intersections:

what about 16th & Mission? How the hell is that blight allowed to exist? [...] crackheads and prostitutes. out in the open, plain as day, 24/7. in what reality is that shit OK? and who WOULDN’T want that shit gone? and why isnt it gone?

Now, I guarantee that Mitch doesn’t support Orwellian shit of any kind — and nor does anyone we’d dare associate with — so what’s the real solution? And hypothetically, were the SFPD to install a collapsible privacy-invasion turret in the heart of the Mission, what would happen?

Previously on Mission Mission:

Cops Cruise Right Up Onto the Sidewalk

Mission Wackos vs. Pier 39 Fanny Packs: Open Letter to SFPD